Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Porto
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Porto
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Porto
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Porto
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.
Porto, with its stunning riverside views, historic centre, and vibrant culture, offers a unique travel experience. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. Discover charming towns like Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, or the stunning Douro Valley with its picturesque vineyards. A rental car makes these destinations easily accessible.
Convenience and Flexibility. Travelling with family or a group? A rental car offers the comfort and space you need, allowing you to travel on your schedule and avoid the constraints of public transport timetables.
Access to Remote Beaches. Porto's coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore these coastal treasures, some of which are difficult to reach by public transport.
Before booking a rental car in Porto, be aware of the common rental terms. These include age requirements, documentation, insurance, and potential extra fees. Understanding these terms ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
41.42 square kilometres (16 square miles)
Population
Approximately 237,591 residents
Time Zone
WET (Western European Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the Douro Valley
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM –10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Porto require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. If your licence is not in a European language, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage. A security deposit will be held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy to avoid extra charges. Full-to-full fuel policies are common, meaning you should return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts
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 Porto is easy. Compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or a larger car for exploring the Douro Valley.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is known for its port wine, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Exploring Porto and its surroundings is best done with an understanding of local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access.
Porto is a captivating city blending historical charm with modern attractions. While the city centre is easily walkable, renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore the Douro Valley or nearby coastal towns. Driving in Porto requires awareness of narrow streets, one-way systems, and limited parking. Before you start your journey, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, petrol station locations, and parking options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Ribeira District
A UNESCO World Heritage site with colourful buildings and lively waterfront.
Dom Luís I Bridge
An iconic double-deck metal arch bridge offering stunning city views.
Livraria Lello
One of the world's most beautiful bookstores, inspiring J.K. Rowling.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Empark for secure parking options in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but can be limited and expensive, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Leave your car outside the city centre and use the metro to access central Porto.
Petrol Stations in Porto
Galp
A major fuel brand with stations throughout Porto and the surrounding areas.
Prio
Another common fuel chain offering various fuel types.
Repsol
A well-known brand, you find it on main routes.
Useful Tips for Visiting Porto
Use Contactless Payment
Most places accept contactless payment methods for convenient transactions.
Be Aware of Pedestrians
Porto has many pedestrians, especially in the city centre, so drive cautiously.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your trips accordingly.
Major Bus Stations
Garagem Atlântico
One of the main bus stations in Porto, serving both national and international routes.
Railway Stations
Porto - Campanhã
The main railway station in Porto, connecting to various destinations in Portugal and beyond.
Porto - São Bento
A historical railway station in the city centre, known for its stunning tile panels.
Airports
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)
Located approximately 11 kilometres (7 miles) north of Porto, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Renting a car in Portugal is generally straightforward, but there are a few essential requirements to keep in mind. Here's what you need to rent a car in Porto.
A valid driver’s licence is required. If you are not from the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have higher age requirements or charge extra for younger drivers.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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 Porto 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.
Porto was stunning; coastal drives were perfect.
Alice Johnson
Reviewed: 22.05.2025
Renting a car made exploring Porto so easy. Beautiful city, though the Ribeira district felt a bit touristy.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 31.07.2025
Pretty good, really
David Lee
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Fantastic short trip to Porto! Meeting friends was so easy with the car; exploring the Douro Valley was breathtaking.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 25.11.2024
Exploring Porto by car was effortless; relaxing coastal drives were a highlight. Loved it!
James Wilson
Reviewed: 04.03.2025
Loved my Porto trip! Getting around with a car was super convenient, and catching up with friends was effortless. Beautiful city!
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 20.08.2025
Porto lived up to the hype! So much to see, though the port wine cellars were a bit touristy.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Meh. Food was bland.
Kevin Davis
Reviewed: 30.09.2024
Absolutely loved my spontaneous weekend in Porto! Having a car made exploring the Douro Valley so easy and picturesque. Highly recommend!
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 28.06.2025
Okay, but overpriced.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 12.05.2025
Porto was great, catching up with friends was easy. The port wine tasting was a bit rushed, though.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 21.08.2024