Car rental in Portugal
Atlantic coast, easy distances
Portugal is small enough to see a lot in a week and varied enough to reward a month - golden beaches, terraced river valleys, walled towns and two of Europe's most likeable cities. Whether you rent for an Algarve break or lease for a slow tour, it's relaxed, scenic country to drive.
Where you can go
- The Algarve - the southern coast, from cliffs and coves to the Spanish border
- Lisbon & the coast - Sintra's palaces, Cascais and the surf beaches west
- The Douro Valley - terraced vineyards and the river road east of Porto
- Porto & the north - the port-wine city and the green Minho beyond
- The Alentejo - cork oaks, whitewashed hill towns and empty roads
- The Silver Coast - Óbidos, Nazaré and the beaches between Lisbon and Porto
Driving in Portugal
Roads are good and the main motorways fast. One thing catches visitors out: some motorways are electronic-toll only (marked Via Verde / electronic tolls) with no toll booths - there's nothing to pay at a barrier, so the charge is handled through the vehicle. Ask about the toll arrangement when you collect the car so there are no surprises.
Lisbon and Porto have steep, narrow old quarters best left to trams and walking; park on the flat and explore on foot. Elsewhere the driving is calm and the scenery constant.
Good to know
Spain is right next door, so Portugal pairs naturally with a wider Iberian trip. Pick a city below to see its pickup points and check live prices for your dates.