Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Castelo Branco
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Castelo Branco
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Castelo Branco
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Castelo Branco
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.
Castelo Branco, a charming city in central Portugal, offers a wealth of historical sites and scenic landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and nearby attractions without the constraints of bus schedules or train routes.
Explore Serra da Estrela. A rental car allows you to easily access the stunning Serra da Estrela mountain range, offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
Visit Historical Villages. Drive to picturesque historical villages like Monsanto and Idanha-a-Velha, which are not easily accessible by public transport.
Flexibility and Convenience. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to visit local wineries, olive groves, and traditional restaurants at your own convenience.
Before booking a rental car in Castelo Branco, ensure you meet the necessary requirements and understand the rental terms. This includes age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance policies, and potential extra fees. Familiarise yourself with local driving regulations for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
1,438 square kilometres (555 square miles)
Population
Approximately 34,000 residents
Time Zone
WET (UTC±00:00)
Ideal for
Countryside exploration
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours, 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Castelo Branco is typically 21. However, some companies may have restrictions or additional fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence, while non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers. One-way rentals may also incur extra charges.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £40 / $50 / €46 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €29 per day
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €26 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists.
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts and better availability.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Castelo Branco is simple. By following these steps, you can secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience. Remember to compare offers, choose the right car, and review all rental terms before finalising your booking.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental vehicle.
Castelo Branco offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Exploring the region by car is ideal, but it's helpful to know about local traffic rules, parking options, and fuel availability.
As a significant city in central Portugal, Castelo Branco provides easy access to many attractions. Driving allows you to explore at your own pace. Although the city centre is manageable, venturing into the surrounding areas requires an understanding of local driving conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Castelo de Castelo Branco
A historic castle offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Jardim do Paço Episcopal
A beautifully landscaped garden with baroque fountains and statues.
Museu de Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior
A museum showcasing local art and historical artefacts.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the city centre for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but check time limits and payment requirements.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Castelo Branco
Major Brands
Galp, Repsol, and BP stations are available in and around Castelo Branco.
Location
Fuel stations are easily accessible along major roads and highways.
Payment
Most stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Castelo Branco
Plan for Siesta
Many businesses close for siesta during the afternoon.
Local Cuisine
Try local dishes like cabrito assado (roasted goat) and queijo de Castelo Branco (local cheese).
Traffic Awareness
Be aware of narrow streets and one-way systems in the old town.
Driving Safely
Drive cautiously, especially on rural roads, and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.
Major Bus Stations
Castelo Branco Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal provides connections to various cities and towns in Portugal.
Railway Stations
Castelo Branco Railway Station
Offers train services to major cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Airports
Lisbon Airport (LIS)
The nearest international airport, located approximately 230 kilometres (143 miles) from Castelo Branco. Rental car options are available at the airport.
Renting a car in Portugal is a straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before getting behind the wheel.
A valid driver's licence is required. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in a Latin-based alphabet.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra for drivers under 25.
A credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies also accept debit cards.
A passport or other form of photo identification is required for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Castelo Branco 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.
Loved exploring Castelo Branco! Having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems. Definitely exceeded expectations.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 18.06.2025
Castelo Branco was a delightful surprise! So glad I rented a car; it made getting around so easy. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Stunning scenery, perfect summer getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Scenic drive, charming town. Worth the trip!
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Castelo Branco was a great base; exploring the coast afterwards was wonderfully relaxing. Car rental was perfect!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Okay, kinda bland. Renting a car was easy, though.
Olivia Miller
Reviewed: 08.07.2025
Charming town, easy to explore by car. Loved it!
Amelia Davis
Reviewed: 12.05.2025
Such a lovely weekend getaway! Castelo Branco was charming, and having a car made getting around so effortless. Highly recommend!
Isabelle Wilson
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Quick business trip, but Castelo Branco was lovely. Getting around with a rental car was a breeze.
Anya Sharma
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Meeting friends in Castelo Branco was fun. Renting a car made everything easy, although the local cafe selection was limited.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 10.01.2025
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 07.01.2025