How to Rent a Car in Porto, Portugal in 2024

While it’s easy enough to get around inside the city of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia by foot or taxi, there’s a lot to see outside of town. Renting a car in Porto can be a great way to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Don’t worry, it’s fairly easy to rent a car in Porto, but you’ll want to be aware of the documentation needed, as well as type of cars you’ll rent in Porto, so you’re ready for your adventure.

It’s important to note that if you’re planning to stay in Porto for just a couple of days and won’t be venturing outside the city, renting a car is not necessary. Porto has a well-connected public transportation system, and many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, to take day trips, renting a car can be a convenient and cost-effective option.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of renting a car in Porto, Portugal, so you can have a stress-free experience. We’ll cover everything you need to know when renting a car in Porto, including where to rent a car, what documentation you’ll need, and what to look out for when signing a rental agreement.

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently rent a car in Porto and hit the road to explore all that this beautiful city has to offer.

» Preparing to visit Porto? You might also want to read our top things to do in Porto and where to eat and drink in Porto. Maybe head up to the Douro Valley for some wine tasting. Read our guide about renting a car in Porto.

Renting a Car in Porto

There are several car rental companies in Porto, Portugal, that offer a wide range of vehicles to choose from. Some of the most popular rental car companies in Porto include Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Avis. You can compare prices and book your rental car online through various price aggregator websites.

We personally recommend DiscoverCars.com because they collect prices and deals from all the major companies. Be sure to check their website, and others for comparison, far advance of your trip so you can get the best rates.

Where to Rent From

The best place to rent a car is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport when you land. Several international rental agencies have desks, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and Budget. This allows you to pick up your vehicle as soon as you land and drop it off right before you leave.

If you’re already in the city and decide you need a car, many of the same companies also have branches in the city center. This could be more convenient if you are staying in the city and don’t want to travel back to the airport. Avis, Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar all have rental locations in the city.

If you’re taking the train to Porto, it might be most convenient to pick up a rental car at one of the train stations, such as Campanhã or São Bento. The car rental counters are right in the terminal at Campanhã.

Rental Prices

The cost of renting a car in Porto, Portugal, depends on various factors, including the type of car you choose, the duration of your rental, and the time of year you plan to visit. In general, rental prices are higher during peak tourist season, which is typically from June to September.

On DiscoverCars.com, I did a search for a car from the airport in Porto for a week in July and the price was about $150 USD for the whole week. That’s a fantastic deal.

Car Rental Requirements

Requirements for renting a car in Portugal include: 

• Renters must have had a valid driver’s license for at least one year. 
• During pickup, you must present two valid credit cards as well as a return ticket to the country of origin. 
• The minimum age to rent a car in Portugal is 18 years old. The maximum rental age is 80 years old. Please see age policy details below.
• A young drivers fee of around 10 EUR per day will be added. If you’re 18-24, car rental companies also have restrictions on the type of vehicle you can rent.
• No International Driving Permit is required to hire a car in Portugal.

Choose the Right Credit Card

Before you book your rental car, it’s important to make sure you have the right credit card. Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, which can save you money, since you won’t have to purchase it from the rental car company. Discover, Chase, and Bank of America all have credit cards that offers rental car insurance as a benefit, but be sure to check with your credit card company to see if your card is eligible for this benefit.

If you do have this benefit, be sure to book the car rental with that card and decline the extra insurance from the rental car company. If you do buy the insurance, your credit card insurance will be invalid.

Tips for Driving in Porto

• Porto has a well-developed road network, but the city’s narrow streets and steep hills can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. It’s best to rent a small or mid-sized car if you plan to drive in the city center. When we’re there we mostly take a rental car up into the Douro Valley, which is a very steep, winding road, often with no guardrails. A smaller car is always a better idea.
• It’s typically permissible to overtake other vehicles only in the leftmost or the middle lanes. Any attempts at overtaking from the right are not allowed and could result in significant penalties.
• Portuguese highway entrances tend to be noticeably shorter compared to those in the US. Becasue of this, you sometimes have to stop entirely before successfully integrating into the highway traffic, if it’s particularly congested.
• Certain gas stations and toll gates might not accept card payments, so it’s advisable to carry some cash to pay the tolls.
• In Portugal, there are many roundabouts, and most of them have two to three lanes. The right lane is strictly for drivers taking the first exit. If your desired exit is beyond the first, it’s better to remain in the left lane until you approach your exit.

One-Way Car Rental

If you plan to travel to other cities or regions in Portugal, you can opt for a one-way car rental. This allows you to pick up your rental car in Porto and drop it off at another rental car agency in a different city or region. However, most rental car companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals, which can vary depending on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations.

Choosing the Right Car Model

When renting a car in Porto, you need to choose the right car model that suits your needs. The type of car you choose will depend on several factors such as the number of passengers, the amount of luggage, and your budget. Here are some of the car models that you can choose from:

I’ve already mentioned that a smaller car is better for the roads in Porto and surrounding areas. Get the smallest car you can that will fit your needs. Remember that parking is tight and spaces are small.

Another thing to remember is that Porto has most manual cars. If you’re not comfortable with a manual – and I mean really comfortable with hills and tight parking spots – then you’ll want to rent an automatic. It will likely be more expensive and less available, so book early.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Portugal?

If you plan to rent a car in Porto, Portugal, you will need to have certain documents with you. Here is a list of the documents you will need to provide to rent a car in Portugal:

• Your valid passport or national identity card
• Your valid driver’s license, which you’ve held for at least 1 year
• Your credit card, which will be used to pay for the rental and any additional charges or fees. A debit card is often NOT accepted.
• An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is recommended but not required.

It is important to note that the legal driving age in Portugal is 18 years old. However, most rental car companies in Portugal require you to be at least 21 years of age to rent a car. Some companies may require you to be 25 years old or older, depending on the type of car you want to rent.

When you pick up your rental car, the rental company will ask to see your documents. They will make a copy of your passport or national identity card, driver’s license, and credit card. They may also ask to see your IDP if you have one.

Make sure to bring all the required documents with you when you pick up your rental car. If you forget any of the documents, the rental company may refuse to rent you a car.

Tips for Dealing with Car Rental Companies

• Book in advance: It’s always a good idea to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak tourist season. This will give you more options to choose from and may also save you some money.
• Compare prices: Don’t just settle for the first car rental company you come across. Instead, compare prices from different companies to find the best deal. You can use websites like Discovercars.com to compare prices from different companies.
• Read the terms and conditions: Before signing any rental agreement, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully. This will help you understand what you’re getting into and avoid any surprises later on.
• Inspect the car: Before driving off with the rental car, inspect it thoroughly for any damages or scratches. Make sure to take note of any damages in the rental agreement and take pictures as evidence.
• Check the fuel policy: Different car rental companies have different fuel policies. Some require you to return the car with a full tank of gas while others charge you for a full tank of gas upfront. Make sure you understand the fuel policy before renting the car.
• Check for hidden fees: Some car rental companies may add hidden fees to your rental agreement, such as insurance fees, airport surcharges, or additional driver fees. Make sure you understand all the fees before signing the agreement.
• Return the car on time: Returning the rental car late may result in additional charges. Make sure to return the car on time to avoid any extra fees.

Navigating Traffic and Toll Roads

Driving in Porto can be a bit challenging, especially if you are not used to the traffic and road system. Here are some tips to help you navigate the traffic and toll roads in Porto:

Traffic

Porto is a busy city with a lot of traffic, especially during rush hour. The A20 and A1 are the main highways that connect Porto to other cities in Portugal. The A41 is a ring road that connects the airport and the western part of the city to the A20. The Via de Cintura Interna (VCI) is a circular highway system that connects the different parts of the city.

The A20 is a coastal highway that runs from Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, Matosinhos, and Póvoa de Varzim. The A1 is an inland highway that runs from Porto to Lisbon and other cities in central and southern Portugal.

Toll Roads

There are several toll roads in Portugal, including some that you may encounter when driving in Porto. The tolls are usually paid electronically using the Via Verde system, which is a transponder that is attached to the windshield of your car. If you don’t have a Via Verde transponder, you can still pay the tolls using cash or a credit card at the toll booth.

Via Verde

If you plan to drive on toll roads in Portugal frequently, it may be worth getting a Via Verde transponder. With a Via Verde transponder, you can drive through the tolls without stopping, and the tolls are automatically deducted from your account. You can get a Via Verde transponder at most car rental companies, or you can buy one at a Via Verde store.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Laura Lynch

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.