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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental car prices from leading companies in Porto with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Search deals at Porto Airport (OPO), in the city center and near São Bento or Campanhã stations, then drive to the Douro Valley, Braga or the Atlantic coast via highways. To keep costs down, consider a city pick-up to avoid the airport surcharge and add a Via Verde toll tag for easy tolls.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Porto Airport (OPO) |
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| Porto City Center |
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| Porto Train Stations |
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| Gaia (south bank) |
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On average, car rentals in Porto cost around €47 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €6 per day.
Compare pickup locations: City center or near Campanhã/Casa da Música often beats the airport by the €15-30 airport surcharge. Check both to see which wins for your dates.
Rent only when needed: Use Porto’s metro/buses in the city and pick up the car the day you head to Douro, Braga or the coast. Saves the daily rate plus typical hotel parking of €15-25/night.
Pick the right car: Economy manual is cheapest. Automatics add 30-50% and sell out faster. Smaller cars are also easier in Porto’s narrow, hilly streets and tight garages.
Book timing, not just early: For July–August and Easter, book earlier to lock inventory. In shoulder or off-peak, keep comparing and rebook if prices drop.
Mind tolls and routes: The A28 north to Viana do Castelo is toll-free. If you’ll use A1/A3/A4 a lot, the Via Verde transponder (~€1.5-2/day) can be worth it. Otherwise pay as you go.
Check rate structures and fees: Compare weekly vs daily pricing, as 5-6 days at a weekly rate can be cheaper. Also compare same-location return vs one-way to see if the fee makes sense, and aim for pickups/returns within office hours to avoid after-hours charges.
| Area | Parking Options | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Historic Center | Limited street parking Public garages |
Paid street spaces in designated zones Garages charge daily rates |
Avoid driving in Ribeira district (narrow streets). Use Silo Auto, Palácio da Justiça or Trindade garages. |
| Porto Suburbs | More street options Shopping center parking lots |
Often free in some areas or low-cost paid zones | Areas like Boavista and Antas have better options. Some free street spaces outside the center. |
| Douro Valley Towns | Small public lots Street spaces |
Often free Some paid in centers |
Pinhão and Peso da Régua have limited spaces. Arrive early (before 10 AM) in summer. |
| Coastal Towns | Beach parking lots Street spaces |
Mostly free Some paid in summer |
Vila do Conde and Espinho have beachfront spots that fill quickly in summer. |
| Braga & Guimarães | Central garages Peripheral lots |
Paid in central areas Often free outside the center |
Park outside historic centers and walk in. Follow signs to "estacionamento" (parking lots). |
Local Driving Rules:
Enforcement Notes: Enforcement is active in central Porto, especially in blue zones (marked by blue lines). Always check nearby meters for time limits and payment requirements. Towing is possible for obstructive parking or in reserved zones. Some streets have resident-only spaces (indicated by signs saying "residentes").
Get a car to drive to:
Douro Valley – Peso da Régua, N222, Pinhão
Braga – Bom Jesus do Monte
Guimarães
Peneda-Gerês National Park – trails, waterfalls
Is Porto city center suitable for driving? Porto's historic center has very narrow, steep streets and not much parking. We suggest you park in a garage on the edge of the city and explore the center on foot or by public transport.
What's the best day trip from Porto by car? The Douro Valley is the most popular and rewarding day trip. You can take the A4 to Peso da Régua, then the scenic N222 to Pinhão. This route gives you spectacular vineyard views and chances for wine tasting.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle for northern Portugal? No, a standard car is fine for all paved roads. You might find a small SUV more comfortable on country roads, but you don't need one. You should only think about a 4x4 if you plan to drive on unpaved routes in the Gerês area. Please remember you are not allowed to drive off-road inside the national park.
How difficult is parking in Porto compared to other Portuguese cities? You'll find parking in Porto is harder than in many other Portuguese cities because its streets are hilly and narrow. Using public garages is your best bet, even though they cost more than parking on the street.
Can I park overnight on Porto streets? Yes, you can park in areas that don't have restrictions. However, many central areas have time limits or are for residents only. For safety, it's better to use your hotel's parking lot or a public garage, which usually cost €15-20 a night.
Is it worth having a car if I'm only staying in Porto city? No, if you're just staying in Porto city, you'll find it easier to use public transport like the metro, bus and tram or to walk. You should only rent a car if you plan to take day trips to nearby areas.
What's the driving time from Porto Airport to the city center? It takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and where you're going. You might find the metro is faster during rush hour, taking around 30 minutes.
Are there any driving restrictions in Porto city center? Yes, you'll find access restrictions in parts of the historic center. Some streets are only for residents, public transport and authorized vehicles. You should look out for signs that say "Acesso Automóvel Condicionado."
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