Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Vila Nova de Gaia
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Vila Nova de Gaia
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Vila Nova de Gaia
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Vila Nova de Gaia
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.
Vila Nova de Gaia, located just across the Douro River from Porto, is a city brimming with history, culture, and stunning landscapes. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the region at your own pace, unlocking hidden gems and creating unforgettable experiences.
Explore Port Wine Cellars. Vila Nova de Gaia is famous for its Port wine cellars. With a car, you can easily hop between different cellars, enjoying tastings and learning about the production process without worrying about transportation logistics.
Discover Coastal Beauty. The Atlantic coast is just a short drive away, offering picturesque beaches, charming fishing villages, and breathtaking views. A rental car allows you to explore the coastline at your leisure, stopping at scenic viewpoints and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Venture into the Douro Valley. Take a day trip to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced vineyards and stunning natural beauty. With a car, you can navigate the winding roads and discover hidden wineries and traditional villages.
Before booking a rental car in Vila Nova de Gaia, it's important to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are some essential aspects to consider
Area
14.22 square kilometres (5.49 square miles)
Population
Approximately 186,502 residents
Time Zone
WET (Western European Time)
Ideal for
Day trips to Douro Valley
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Vila Nova de Gaia require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories, and young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter's credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car rental prices in Vila Nova de Gaia can vary depending on the season, car type, and rental company.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come 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 Vila Nova de Gaia is a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can find the best deals and ensure a smooth rental experience.
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 vehicle 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 license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Vila Nova de Gaia, situated along the Douro River, offers a unique blend of culture and stunning landscapes, perfect for exploration by car.
As part of the Porto Metropolitan Area, Vila Nova de Gaia is a treasure trove of experiences, from its famous port wine cellars to its stunning coastal views. While easily accessible, renting a car enhances exploration beyond city limits, offering freedom to roam to hidden gems. Driving in Vila Nova de Gaia requires awareness of traffic regulations, parking, and fuel access. Before embarking, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, fuel availability, and parking regulations for a seamless visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Port Wine Cellars
Explore the historic cellars where Port wine is aged and enjoy tastings.
Caves Cálem
Discover the history and production of Port wine through interactive exhibits and tours.
Gaia Biological Park
A natural reserve offering hiking trails and diverse flora and fauna.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise services like Empark for secure parking options throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Leave your car at designated areas and use public transport to access central Vila Nova de Gaia.
Gas Stations in Vila Nova de Gaia
Major Brands Available
Find Galp, Prio, Repsol, and BP along main roads.
Availability
Stations are readily available along major roads and highways.
Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps and Waze help locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Vila Nova de Gaia
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for tolls and parking with contactless cards for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians
Stay alert, especially in pedestrian zones.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (8 AM – 10 AM / 5 PM – 7 PM) for smoother travel.
Major Bus Stations
Vila Nova de Gaia Bus Terminal
Serves regional and local bus routes, connecting Vila Nova de Gaia with surrounding areas.
Railway Stations
Gaia-Devesas Station
Provides access to regional and intercity train services.
Coimbrões Station
A local train station connecting various parts of Vila Nova de Gaia and Greater Porto.
Airports
Porto Airport (OPO)
Located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Vila Nova de Gaia, it is the primary airport serving the region.
Renting a car in Portugal is a straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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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 Vila Nova de Gaia 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.
Family trip to Vila Nova de Gaia was fantastic! Having a car made sightseeing so convenient; we saw everything.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Wonderful weekend in Vila Nova de Gaia! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze; highly recommend.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 26.04.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 27.11.2024
Okay, kinda pricey.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 07.09.2024
Back in Gaia after years, and it's even better! Having a car made exploring so effortless. Beautiful.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
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Gorgeous summer holiday in Vila Nova de Gaia! Having a car made exploring so easy. The views were breathtaking.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 28.01.2025