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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Portugal
Portugal
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Portugal
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Portugal
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Portugal
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Portugal?
Portugal, with its stunning coastline, historic cities, and picturesque countryside, is a destination best explored at your own pace. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to discover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories. Here’s why booking a car is the ideal way to experience Portugal.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Public transport schedules can be restrictive. A rental car allows you to explore Portugal on your terms, whether you want to chase sunsets along the Algarve coast or discover the Douro Valley's vineyards.
Access to Remote Locations. Some of Portugal's most breathtaking sites are off the beaten path. With a car, you can easily reach charming villages, secluded beaches, and stunning natural parks inaccessible by public transport.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with luggage on public transport can be a hassle. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially for families or those with lots of luggage.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than buying individual train or bus tickets. Plus, splitting fuel costs makes road trips even more affordable.
Driving in Portugal: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Portuguese
Average petrol price
£1.85 per litre or £7.00 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90-120 km/h or 56-75 mph
Currency
Euro
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
8.9/10
Dialling Code
+351
Driving in Portugal is generally a pleasant experience, but it's important to be aware of local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether you're planning a scenic road trip or exploring the cities, here's what you need to know before you get behind the wheel.
1. N2 Road Considered one of the longest roads in Europe, this route traverses Portugal from north to south, showcasing the country's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
- Distance: 739 km – Duration: 3 to 5 days
- Route: Starts in Chaves – Ends in Faro
2. Douro Valley Wine Route Winding through the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, this route offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to sample world-class wines.
- Distance: Approximately 100 km – Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Route: Pinhão and Vila Nova de Gaia
3. The Algarve Coastal Drive This scenic drive follows the stunning Algarve coastline, passing through charming towns, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful beaches.
- Distance: Approximately 200 km – Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Route: Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António
4. Serra da Estrela Road Trip Exploring mainland Portugal's highest mountain range, featuring dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages, and unique local culture.
- Distance: Approximately 150 km – Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Route: Circular route starting and ending in Seia
5. Lisbon to Porto Coastal Road Experience the beauty of the Portuguese coastline, journeying between Portugal's two largest cities, Lisbon and Porto.
- Distance: 315 km – Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Route: Starts in Lisbon – Ends in Porto
Top drives in Portugal:
Portugal is a country that offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Alentejo to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve.
With a car, you can easily explore the country's hidden gems and create unforgettable memories. Car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice.
Car Rental Prices in Portugal – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Portugal
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £48 / $61 / €58 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £28 / $35 / €34 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Portugal
Renting a car in Portugal allows you to explore the country's diverse landscapes and attractions at your own pace. However, it's important to be mindful of costs to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some practical tips to help you save money on your car rental in Portugal.
1. Book in Advance.: Booking your rental car well in advance can often secure you better rates, as rental companies tend to increase prices closer to the pick-up date. Aim to book several weeks or even months ahead, especially if you're travelling during peak season.
2. Compare Prices.: Use online comparison websites to compare prices from different rental companies. This will give you a clear overview of available options and help you identify the most competitive deals.
3. Opt for a Smaller Car.: Smaller cars generally have lower rental rates and consume less fuel. If you're travelling solo or with a small group, consider renting an economy or compact car to save on both rental and fuel costs.
4. Decline Optional Extras.: Carefully review the optional extras offered by the rental company, such as GPS navigation, child seats, and additional insurance coverage. If you don't need these extras or already have your own, decline them to avoid unnecessary charges.
5. Refuel Before Returning.: Rental companies often charge exorbitant rates for refuelling if you return the car with less fuel than when you picked it up. Fill up the tank at a local gas station before returning the car to avoid these extra fees.
6. Check for Discounts.: Enquire about potential discounts for members of automobile associations, frequent flyer programs, or credit card holders. These discounts can sometimes lead to significant savings.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Portugal?
Renting a car in Portugal is a straightforward process, but it's important to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the required criteria. Here's a list of essential items you'll need to rent a car in Portugal.
Valid Driver's Licence. You'll need a valid driver's licence from your country of residence. If your licence is not in Portuguese or English, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Passport or ID Card. You'll need to present a valid passport or ID card as proof of identity. Make sure the name on your passport or ID card matches the name on your driver's licence and credit card.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. The rental company will block a certain amount on your credit card to cover any potential damages or additional charges.
Minimum Age. Most car rental companies in Portugal require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may have higher age requirements for certain car categories or charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Portugal as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Portugal was amazing! A last-minute weekend trip, and having a car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 17.04.2025
Meh. Food was bland.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Oliver King
Reviewed: 07.09.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
So peaceful, really.
Liam Johnson
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Fantastic weekend in Portugal! Renting a car was a breeze, but the beaches were surprisingly crowded. Highly recommend!
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 18.09.2024
Whizzed through Portugal on a quick business trip, but managed to soak in the beauty! Driving was easy, and the scenery was breathtaking.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 07.09.2024