Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Portimao
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Portimao
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Portimao
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Portimao
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Portimao 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.
Pretty chill, really
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.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall
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.
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.
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.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 31.03.2025
Stunning Algarve coast! Summer holiday perfection.
Amelia Lopez
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
Portimao was a dream! Exploring the coastline with our rental car was so liberating and fun.
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.
Benjamin Martinez
Reviewed: 18.10.2024
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Exploring Portimao by car was amazing! Such stunning scenery and hidden coves.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 25.11.2024