Car rental providers available through the comparison search

Car Hire in Portugal: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Portuguese speed limits, motorway tolls, Via Verde, Lisbon's low-emission zone, parking, licence requirements and the road rules that matter on a trip through Portugal.

Airport and city locations
Search collection points across Portugal
Clear offer details
Price, fuel, mileage, deposit and rental terms
Flexible cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up

Before you leave the rental car park

Portugal has modern motorways, busy urban roads, mountain routes and narrow streets in historic towns. A few checks before departure can prevent problems later.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electricity or another fuel.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Check safety equipment: make sure the reflective vest and warning triangle are present.
  • Ask about tolls: confirm whether the vehicle has an electronic toll device or registration-based payment arrangement.
  • Lisbon journey: check whether any central low-emission or access restriction is relevant to the vehicle.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right in Portugal and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

  • Keep right: return to the right after overtaking when it is safe.
  • Visitors used to left-hand traffic: take extra care after turns and when leaving service stations.
  • Motorways: do not remain unnecessarily in the middle or left lane.
  • Historic towns: expect narrow streets, pedestrians and parked vehicles.
  • Roundabouts: vehicles already circulating normally have priority.

Speed limits in Portugal

For an ordinary passenger car without a trailer, the general maximum limits are:

  • Built-up areas: 50 km/h.
  • Ordinary roads outside built-up areas: 90 km/h.
  • Roads reserved for motor vehicles: 100 km/h.
  • Motorways: 120 km/h.

Individual roads can have lower posted limits, so always follow the sign in front of you.

Watch priority rules at junctions

Unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise, vehicles approaching from the right can have priority at intersections.

  • Look for stop and give-way signs before entering a junction.
  • Do not assume that the wider road automatically has priority.
  • Slow down at unfamiliar junctions in towns and villages.
  • Road signs and markings override the general priority rule.

Use the correct lane at roundabouts

Vehicles already on a Portuguese roundabout normally have priority. Lane choice is important, particularly on larger multi-lane roundabouts.

  • Use the right lane when taking the first exit where appropriate.
  • For later exits, follow the lane markings and move outward safely before leaving.
  • Signal before exiting.
  • Watch for motorcycles and vehicles changing lane.
  • Follow any local signs or directional lane arrows.

Many Portuguese motorways still charge tolls

Portugal uses both conventional toll plazas and electronic toll collection. The system used depends on the motorway.

  • Conventional toll roads: collect a ticket where required and pay at the exit.
  • Electronic toll roads: gantries record the vehicle electronically without a traditional toll booth.
  • Via Verde: allows compatible vehicles to pass without stopping.
  • Payment methods and charges vary according to the road and vehicle class.
  • With a rental car, always ask how tolls are handled before making a separate payment.

Several former toll roads are now toll-free

Portugal removed toll charges from a number of former tolled motorway sections from 2025, with the current consolidated law also reflecting a further change to the A25 from 2026.

  • A22: Algarve.
  • A23: Beira Interior.
  • A24: Interior Norte.
  • A4: Transmontana and Túnel do Marão.
  • A13 and A13-1: Pinhal Interior.
  • A25: Costa da Prata and Beiras Litoral e Alta, across the extent covered by the current law.
  • A28: the sections between Esposende and Antas and between Neiva and Darque.

Other Portuguese motorways remain tolled, so do not assume that all former electronic-toll routes are now free.

Check the rental car's Via Verde arrangement

Via Verde is Portugal's nationwide electronic toll-payment system. Many rental vehicles are supplied with a toll-payment arrangement.

  • Ask whether the vehicle has a Via Verde device or another registration-based toll service.
  • Confirm whether toll charges are automatically added to your rental account.
  • Check whether the rental company charges an administration or device fee.
  • Do not open a separate toll account for the same rental vehicle unless instructed to do so.
  • Keep the rental agreement until all toll charges have been settled.

Some toll roads have no payment booth

On roads using exclusively electronic toll collection, overhead gantries detect the vehicle as it passes.

  • Do not stop underneath an electronic toll gantry.
  • A compatible Via Verde arrangement handles the payment automatically.
  • Foreign-registered private vehicles can use visitor toll-payment services such as Via Verde Go Toll.
  • Rental cars with Portuguese registrations may use arrangements set up by the rental company.
  • Ask the rental provider before attempting to pay independently.

Driving in Lisbon

  • Expect congestion during commuter periods.
  • Watch for trams, buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Historic neighbourhoods can have very narrow streets.
  • Some central areas have restricted vehicle access.
  • For central sightseeing, parking once and continuing on foot or public transport can be simpler.

Lisbon street parking

EMEL manages much of Lisbon's regulated street parking using different tariff zones.

  • Check the sign beside the parking space for operating hours.
  • Tariffs vary according to the colour and location of the zone.
  • Payment is available through parking machines and approved mobile-payment services.
  • Some spaces are reserved for residents or specific uses.
  • For a longer stay, an off-street car park can be simpler than street parking.

Lisbon has a low-emission zone

Lisbon's Zona de Emissões Reduzidas (ZER) restricts older vehicles in central parts of the city on working days.

  • Restrictions normally apply on working days from 07:00 to 21:00.
  • Zone 1: generally requires vehicles meeting at least Euro 3, broadly corresponding to light vehicles from 2000 onwards.
  • Zone 2: generally requires at least Euro 2, broadly corresponding to light vehicles from 1996 onwards.
  • Exceptions and special authorisations can apply.
  • Modern Portuguese rental cars will usually be much newer than these minimum standards, but check if you are unsure.

Driving in Porto

  • Central streets can be steep and narrow.
  • Watch for bus lanes, tram infrastructure and pedestrians.
  • Allow extra time during commuter periods.
  • Parking restrictions vary by street and area.
  • For the historic centre, a public car park can be easier than searching for street parking.

Driving in the Algarve

The Algarve is one of Portugal's most popular car-hire regions. Since the removal of the A22 toll, east-west motorway travel across the Algarve no longer carries the former A22 toll charge.

  • Traffic can be much heavier during the summer tourist season.
  • Allow extra time around Faro Airport during busy periods.
  • Coastal towns can have narrow streets and limited parking.
  • Rural roads can include sharp bends and limited visibility.
  • Take extra care around cyclists and pedestrians in resort areas.

Motorway driving

  • Keep to the right except when overtaking.
  • The general motorway maximum for an ordinary car is 120 km/h.
  • Follow lower temporary or permanent signed limits.
  • Leave extra distance in rain or poor visibility.
  • Never reverse or turn around after entering the wrong toll lane or motorway exit.

Rain can make Portuguese roads slippery

Long dry periods can leave oil and dust on the road surface, so the first heavy rain can make roads particularly slippery.

  • Reduce speed during heavy rainfall.
  • Increase following distance.
  • Watch for standing water on motorways.
  • Coastal areas can experience strong winds.
  • Mountain roads can have fog and rapidly changing visibility.

Wildfires can close roads in summer

Portugal has an increased wildfire risk during hot, dry periods, particularly from spring into autumn.

  • Follow police, civil-protection and local-authority instructions.
  • Do not attempt to drive through a road closure.
  • Smoke can reduce visibility well before you reach a fire.
  • Be prepared to change your route if conditions deteriorate.
  • Call 112 if you encounter an immediate emergency.

Mountain roads

  • Roads in areas such as Serra da Estrela can be steep and winding.
  • Reduce speed before blind bends.
  • Use an appropriate gear on long descents.
  • Winter weather can affect higher routes.
  • Check conditions before travelling during snow or severe weather.

Rural roads

  • Expect agricultural vehicles and slower local traffic.
  • Some roads are narrower than their speed limit might suggest.
  • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Reduce speed where visibility around bends is restricted.

Reflective vest and warning triangle

Portuguese road rules require specified emergency equipment to be carried in vehicles.

  • Check that a reflective high-visibility vest is supplied.
  • Check that the warning triangle is present.
  • Keep the vest accessible rather than underneath luggage.
  • If the vehicle breaks down, follow the rental provider's instructions and move occupants to a safe location where possible.

Drink-driving limits

For most experienced drivers, the maximum permitted blood-alcohol concentration is 0.5 g/L.

  • Novice drivers: a lower limit of 0.2 g/L applies.
  • Professional drivers: a lower limit of 0.2 g/L applies.
  • Police carry out roadside alcohol enforcement.
  • Penalties increase substantially at higher alcohol levels.
  • Do not treat the statutory threshold as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is zero alcohol before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not hold or operate a mobile phone while driving.
  • A proper hands-free system can be used where permitted.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make substantial route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Seat belts must be worn in fitted seating positions.
  • Children under 12 years old and shorter than 135 cm generally require an approved child restraint appropriate to their size and weight.
  • Children should normally travel in the rear seats where required.
  • Arrange any child seat when booking the rental car.
  • Check that the restraint is fitted correctly before departure.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Licence requirements depend on the country that issued your driving licence.

  • EU and EEA licences: valid licences can be used in Portugal for the duration of their normal validity.
  • Irish licence: a valid Irish driving licence is an EU licence and can be used in Portugal.
  • Other foreign licences: recognition depends on the issuing country and applicable international agreements.
  • An International Driving Permit may be required in some circumstances.
  • Rental providers can impose their own minimum-age, licence-holding and documentation requirements.

Check the rental terms before driving into Spain

Portugal and Spain share an open Schengen land border, but the rental company's permission and conditions still matter.

  • Confirm that cross-border travel to Spain is permitted.
  • Check whether an additional cross-border fee applies.
  • Confirm that insurance and roadside assistance remain valid.
  • Spain has different toll, parking and low-emission-zone rules.
  • Keep any rental-company authorisation required for international travel.

Portuguese trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Algarve

A car provides flexibility for beaches, coastal towns and inland villages from Lagos and Portimão to Tavira and the Spanish border.

Douro Valley

Driving makes it easier to reach viewpoints, vineyards and smaller towns beyond the main railway corridor.

Alentejo

A rental car is particularly useful for combining Évora, fortified towns, rural landscapes and smaller destinations.

Central Portugal

A car gives flexibility for Coimbra, Serra da Estrela, historic villages and inland destinations.

Atlantic coast

Driving allows you to combine destinations such as Nazaré, Peniche, Óbidos and smaller beaches at your own pace.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Put on the reflective vest before leaving the vehicle where appropriate.
  • Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
  • Call 112 if emergency assistance is required.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver, vehicle and insurance information.
  • Photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.

Emergency number in Portugal

  • European emergency number: 112

The 112 service can be used for ambulance, fire and police emergencies and calls are free.

For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service specified in the rental agreement.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow additional time for traffic around Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
  • Confirm how any outstanding toll charges will be billed.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel or battery level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

About Car Hire Trawler

Car Hire Trawler is an independent car hire comparison website. The search and booking journey is powered by CarTrawler, with vehicles supplied by the rental provider selected when booking.

Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Portugal

Which side of the road do you drive on in Portugal?

Traffic drives on the right and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

What are the speed limits in Portugal?

For an ordinary passenger car without a trailer, the general limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on ordinary roads, 100 km/h on roads reserved for motor vehicles and 120 km/h on motorways. Posted limits can be lower.

Are Portuguese motorways tolled?

Many are, using either conventional toll plazas or electronic collection. However, tolls have been removed from several former tolled routes including the A22 Algarve, A23, A24, A4 Transmontana and Marão Tunnel, A13/A13-1, the relevant A25 network and specified A28 sections.

How do motorway tolls work with a rental car?

Many rental companies provide an electronic toll-payment arrangement. Ask how tolls are recorded and billed before departure and avoid setting up or making a separate payment that could result in the same journey being charged twice.

Does Lisbon have a low-emission zone?

Yes. Lisbon operates a Zona de Emissões Reduzidas covering parts of the city centre. It mainly restricts older vehicles on working days. Modern rental cars will normally meet the required emission standards, but current local rules should be checked.

Can I drive in Portugal with an Irish driving licence?

Yes. A valid Irish driving licence is an EU licence and can be used in Portugal, subject to its normal validity and vehicle category conditions.

Official and reliable driving information for Portugal

Speed limits, motorway toll arrangements, Lisbon restrictions and parking rules can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.