How do I rent a car in Portugal?

There are car rental offices in all major Portuguese airports and cities but don’t wait until you get here to find a car to rent – that will always cost more than booking ahead. You can get some fantastic deals on car rentals in Portugal if you book well ahead. The later you leave it, especially at peak holiday periods, the higher the cost will be.

To be able to legally drive a car in Portugal, you need either your home country’s license (most countries are accepted) or an international driver’s license. 

There are many companies to rent a car from, so you shouldn’t have much trouble with finding a car. Just remember that most streets in Portugal are quite narrow, so it’s better to book a small car, you will also save on gas that way. 

Another thing to keep in mind before booking a car: you have to be 21 years old or older and you have to have a debit or a credit card as car rental companies tend to place a hold on a certain sum of money on your card. 

Portuguese speed limits: 50 km/h inside towns, for main roads with only one lane it's 90 km/h and on highways you can drive up to 120 km/h. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Usually it’s allowed to drive the car you rented in Portugal to other European countries (but it’s always better to consult with your company beforehand), but make sure to drop it off back in Portugal to avoid extra fees.

Here you can find out more about driving in Portugal.