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Car rental in Portimao - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Portimao

Portimao

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Portimao

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Portimao

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Portimao

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Portimao?

Portimao is a stunning coastal city in the Algarve region of Portugal, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant marina, and rich history. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.

Explore the Algarve Coast. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby beaches like Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau, and Alvor, each offering unique landscapes and activities.

Discover Hidden Gems. Drive to charming towns and villages like Lagos, Silves, and Sagres, immersing yourself in the local culture and history.

Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. A rental car allows you to travel on your schedule, without being restricted by bus or train timetables.

Cost-Effective for Families. If you are travelling with family or a group, renting a car can be more economical than relying on taxis or public transportation.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Portimao

Before booking a rental car in Portimao, ensure you understand the terms and conditions. Key aspects include age requirements, licence regulations, insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies.

Area

182.06 square kilometres (70.3 square miles)

Population

Approximately 60,000 residents

Time Zone

WET (UTC±0) & WEST (UTC+1) during summer time

Ideal for

Coastal and countryside exploration

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Portimao is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.

2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence. 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 like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW. A security deposit is required, usually held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable. Fuel policies vary, with 'full-to-full' (returning the car with a full tank) being the most common.

5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.

Car Rental Prices in Portimao – How Much Does It Cost?

The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Portimao is around £20-£30. Prices fluctuate based on seasonality and demand.

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £35 / $44 / €40 per day

Classic:

from £25 / $31 / €28 per day

Executive:

from £50 / $63 / €58 per day

7 Seater:

from £60 / $75 / €70 per day

Automatic:

from £30 / $38 / €35 per day

SUV:

from £35 / $44 / €40 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.

Low season (November to March): Often comes with discounts and lower rates.

Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Portimao?

Booking a car in Portimao involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card to collect the vehicle.

General Information About Portimao

Portimao, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, offers a blend of beautiful beaches, a lively marina, and historical sites.

Driving in Portimao is generally straightforward, but being aware of local traffic regulations and parking rules is essential. The city centre can get busy, especially during peak season.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Praia da Rocha

    A famous beach known for its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Portimao Marina

    A modern marina with restaurants, bars, and shops.

  • Fort of Santa Catarina

    A historic fort offering panoramic views of the coastline.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several parking garages are available in the city centre and near popular attractions.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered on-street parking is available, but it can be limited during peak hours.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city to avoid traffic congestion.

Gas Stations in Portimao

  • Major Brands Available

    You can find fuel stations from major brands like Galp, Repsol, and BP.

  • Easy Access

    Gas stations are generally easy to find along main roads and highways.

  • Refuelling Tips

    Ensure you refuel before returning the car to avoid extra charges.

Useful Tips for Visiting Portimao

  • Be Aware of Rush Hour

    Avoid driving during peak hours (8 AM - 10 AM and 5 PM - 7 PM) to avoid traffic congestion.

  • Use GPS Navigation

    Utilise a GPS device or smartphone app to navigate the city and surrounding areas.

  • Check Speed Limits

    Adhere to the local speed limits to avoid fines.

  • Watch for Pedestrians

    Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in tourist areas.

Key Transportation Hubs in Portimao

Major Bus Stations

Portimao Bus Station

Serves regional and national bus routes.

Railway Stations

Portimao Train Station

Located on the Algarve Line, connecting to other towns in the region.

Airports

Faro Airport (FAO)

The nearest international airport, located approximately 70 km (43 miles) from Portimao.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Portimao?

Renting a car in Portimao requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

  • You need a valid driver's licence. Non-EU citizens may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or national ID card is required for identification purposes.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Portimao as

4.3

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.

Exploring Portimao by car was amazing! Such stunning scenery and hidden coves.

OB

Oliver Brown

Reviewed: 25.11.2024

Pretty chill, really

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 05.02.2025

Portimao was fantastic! Exploring the Algarve with my family was so easy having a car. Beautiful beaches and charming towns.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 12.02.2025

Pretty relaxed, overall

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 24.07.2025

Loved Portimao; so glad I rented a car. The beaches were stunning, though the town itself felt a bit touristy.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 28.03.2025

Portimao was great, met friends there. Having a car was useful. The marina area felt a bit touristy though.

ED

Emily Davis

Reviewed: 27.11.2024

Portimao was efficient for my business trip; having a car made things easy. The hotel breakfast was a bit underwhelming, though.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 31.03.2025

Stunning Algarve coast! Summer holiday perfection.

AL

Amelia Lopez

Reviewed: 01.12.2024

Portimao was a dream! Exploring the coastline with our rental car was so liberating and fun.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 02.07.2025

Back in Portimao after years, it's even better! Having a car made getting around so easy, and the beaches were breathtaking.

BM

Benjamin Martinez

Reviewed: 18.10.2024

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