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Finding a car rental in Portugal is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in Europe with no booking fees. Pick up at Lisbon, Porto or Faro airports, or across the Algarve, Madeira and the Azores and compare economy, SUV and automatic car rentals. Filter for one-way rentals, insurance coverage and a Via Verde toll transponder for stress-free driving.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Lisbon Airport (LIS) |
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| Lisbon City |
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| Porto Airport (OPO) |
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| Faro Airport (FAO) |
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| Algarve Resort Towns |
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| Madeira Airport (FNC) |
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| Azores (Ponta Delgada) |
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On average, car rentals in Portugal cost around €47 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €5 per day.
Compare pickup spots: In Lisbon, a city pickup avoids the €15-30 airport surcharge if you don’t need a car on day one. Porto Airport (OPO) is often cheaper thanks to competition. In Algarve, compare Faro Airport (FAO) with nearby resort-town offices that skip airport fees but have fewer automatics.
Time it to the season: For July–August, Easter, Azores, Madeira, book 3–6 months ahead. In Nov–Mar, prices are low and last-minute deals are common, so keep comparing.
Pick the right car: Manual is typically 30–50% cheaper than automatic. Choose the smallest class that fits your bags to save on daily rate and fuel.
Trim add-ons: Limit extra drivers to avoid €3–7/day. If under 25, compare brands since young driver fees vary (€5–10/day).
Fuel strategy: Decline prepaid fuel and return the car full to dodge pump markups.
Check routing costs: If flexible, compare round-trip vs one-way in both directions. One-way fees run €30–100 and can flip which route is cheaper.
| Location | Parking Options | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | Street parking (zones) Underground garages |
Varies | Colored zones show time limits. Use parking apps (ePark). Parque Eduardo VII and Martim Moniz garages are central. |
| Porto | Limited street parking Public garages |
Varies | Historic center has very limited parking. Use Saba Ribeira or Trindade garages. Casa da Música has good park & ride. |
| Algarve Beaches | Beach parking lots Street parking |
Often free; some paid | Arrive before 10am in summer for popular beaches like Marinha or Dona Ana. Many beach lots fill by mid-morning. |
| Algarve Towns | Municipal lots Street parking |
Varies | Albufeira has multi-level parking near old town. Lagos has parking lots by marina. Vilamoura has free spaces around marina (fills in peak). |
| Madeira | Street parking in towns Levada walk parking |
Often metered; trailhead parking free | Funchal has several municipal garages. Mountain roads have small parking areas at viewpoints. |
Local Driving Rules:
Enforcement: Parking enforcement is strict in major cities. Yellow lines or zigzags mean no parking. Blue zones require payment at meters. City centers may have resident-only zones. Speed cameras are common, especially near cities and on A1/A2 highways.
Book a rental car so you can visit:
Douro Valley – N222, Peso da Régua, Pinhão, vineyards
Algarve Coast – Marinha Beach, Dona Ana Beach, Sagres
Alentejo – wineries
Peneda-Gerês National Park – trails
Madeira Island – Santana, Porto Moniz, Calheta
São Miguel, Azores – Sete Cidades, Furnas, Nordeste
Is my foreign driver's license valid in Portugal? You can use your driver's license from the EU, US, UK, Canada and Australia. We recommend you get an International Driving Permit if your non-EU license isn't in the Roman alphabet.
How do I handle electronic toll roads? Ask your rental company for a Via Verde transponder, which costs about €1.50-2 a day. If you don't get one, you'll have to pay at a post office or Payshop in the next 5 days. This can be a hassle for tourists.
What's the minimum rental age? You usually need to be 21 years old, but some companies let people aged 18–19 rent a car. They will charge you extra if you're under 25. Some companies also have a maximum age limit or ask for extra paperwork from drivers over 70.
Can I take my rental car to Spain? Most rental companies will let you drive to Spain, but you have to tell them first. Many will charge a cross-border fee (€20–60) or make you get extra insurance.
What happens if I get a traffic fine? The rental company will charge your credit card for the fine and an administrative fee (€25-50). Portugal has a lot of speed cameras, so make sure you follow the speed limits.
Is it worth getting full insurance coverage? Yes, it's a good idea if you want to relax and avoid having a large security deposit held on your card. Another option is to use third-party deductible insurance, but you'll need to have enough room on your credit card for the deposit.
Can I rent a car in one Portuguese city and return it in another? Yes, but the rental company will charge a one-way fee. This is usually between €30 and €100, depending on how far apart the cities are. You'll pay much higher fees if you drop the car off in another country like Spain.
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