Portugal Car hire Guide

Compare cheap car hire in Portugal with CarRentals.co.uk and let us find you loads of great quotes at great prices. Car rental in Portugal makes transport simple and affordable. With your own vehicle, you can explore the marvellous Algarve coast. Without the restrictions of public transportation, such as schedules and routes, you can access remote villages and travel at your own pace through the beautiful countryside. Wildlife enthusiasts can drive through the Peneda-GeresNational Park or along the coastal roads of the Algarve, while the Monchique Mountains offer breathtaking scenery. Atlas and Economy car hire in Portugal are both popular choices by UK tourists.

Booking a hire car in Portugal online is convenient and allows you to compare car rental options before going on holiday. There is something to suit everyone, including business travellers and families. Air conditioning and GPS are both useful features when going on long trips so book Portugal car hire with us you will be eligible to these optional extras. Before you start your journey, consult a map and listen to local advice in order to plan the best route. Portugal’s rural roads are below par compared to the rest of Western Europe, and the driving occasionally erratic.

Car hire driving trips in Portugal

Portugal’s growing economy and partnership with the EU has resulted in the construction of an expansive road network with over 40 motorways. The road network is vast and in good condition, which makes it easy to use car hire in Portugal. Highways stretch from the north to the south of the country, and there are toll booths on some roads. When planning a trip, it is best to travel outside of rush hour times.

Need to know essentials

Driving license: drivers need a UK driver’s license or an International Driving Permit.

Which side does Portuguese drive on: traffic travels on the right-hand side of the road.

Speed limits:

Cities: 50kph

Open roads: 90kph

Motorways: 120kph

Alcohol limits: drinking and driving is prohibited. If a driver’s blood alcohol level exceeds 0.05 per cent, a fine will be issued or the driver’s license will be suspended.

Driving age: 18 years (21 years for car rental).

Compulsory items: a warning triangle, replacement bulbs and a visibility vest have to be kept in the car by law. Motorists are required to have their driving license and vehicle paperwork in the car at all times. Police may ask for documentation during inspections.

Seatbelts: the driver and passengers in a vehicle must wear seat belts at all times. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to sit in the front of the car unless a special safety seat is used.

Mobile phones and GPS: drivers are not permitted to use mobile phones; however, hands-free systems are allowed. GPS can be used but should be programmed while the vehicle is stationary. If you wish to obtain a GPS then reserve Portugal car hire with us and you will be eligible to GPS. Select this when you're offered our optional extra's.

Cost of fuel in Portugal: the cost of fuel in Portugal is similar to UK fuel prices.Fuel options include unleaded, diesel and LPG. Credit cards can be used at most fuel stations, although it may be more difficult to pay by card in remote areas.

Car hire and fuel payment: if you rent a car in Portugal you will require a credit card, against which a deposit for damages is held. Petrol stations in the large cities accept credit cards but cash is king in the countryside.

Insurance: fire and third-party insurance is included in all Portugal car rental companies. Drivers may consider theft and collision coverage at an additional cost.

Traffic and parking: parking rules vary according to different regions, times and days of the week. Estacionamentoprohibido means ‘no parking’, and areas where parking is prohibited may be indicated by signs or yellow lines. Vehicles may not park within 18m of a road junction. Vehicles should be parked in the same direction as the traffic. Certain parking areas are reserved for residents who have permits.

Our travel editor's recommended drives

Lisbon to Reguengos de Monsaraz - this drive takes drivers through the vineyards of Azeitao where they can enjoy wine tasting and learning more about local wines. The scenic route continues through agricultural fields and Evora, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This attraction offers architectural marvels and visitors can learn about the city's history. If you decide to rent a car in Portugal then travelling to these beautiful destinations a must.

Pinhao to Porto - this route takes drivers past Vila Real and Amarante, which is a picturesque town. Porto has a beautiful waterfront and there are numerous upmarket restaurants where the local cuisine can be sampled. The historic centre of the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.The Emerald Coast at its best.

Chaves to Algarve - before setting off, visit the thermal springs in Chaves then continue to Barcelos. This coastal route to the Algarve offers breathtaking views. Make sure that you have time to stop and admire the scenery along the way, and chose the Western Algarve for the best photo ops!

Portugal travel tips

Thousands of tourists flock to Portugal every year and popular destinations here include Lisbon, Madeira and Alentejo. Highlights of the country are beach resorts, winelands and UNESCO World Heritage sites. While Portugal is a simple country to travel, brushing up on a few straightforward travel tips can guarantee a smooth road trip.

Portugal weather and tourist seasons

Portugal has a moderate climate with weather conditions suitable for tourists all year-round. There is minimal rainfall in summer, spanning June through August, and winters (October to February) are cool with some rainfall. The south of Portugal is warmer than the north and the northern regions experience a higher rainfall. Peak season for tourists is during summer, especially August, and tourists travelling during winter will encounter light rainfall.

Portugal contact numbers (+35)

Medical emergency – 112

Fire service – 112

Sea rescue – 35 214 401 919

Police – 35 21 358 83 00 

Portuguese Tourist Office – 35 121 1205050

United States Embassy - 35 121 727 3300

British Embassy – 35 121 392 4000

Australian Embassy – 35 121 310 1500

Irish Embassy – 35 121 330 8200

Holidays and festivals

National holidays are often marked by celebrations, and it is advisable to buy necessities the day before as some stores may be closed on holidays. Holidays include New Year’s Day, Mardi Gras (21 February), Good Friday (6 April), Easter Sunday (8 April), Portugal Day (10 June) and All Saints’ Day (1 November). Santos Populares takes place in June and the celebrations are held in Lisbon.

Money matters

The local currency is the euro, which is made up of 100 cents. There are plenty of ATMs in the big cities, and currency exchange counters are located in tourist areas. However, it is better to exchange money outside of these areas as competitive rates are offered away from the crowds of holidaymakers. Bargaining is acceptable in small stalls and markets, while large retail outlets have fixed prices. Tipping is not a common practice as service charges are added to menu prices.

Health and safety

Portugal is relatively safe; however, tourists should remain vigilant in cities such as Lisbon where they could be the target of petty crime. Visitors should take extra care in Porto's nightclub area. There are few health concerns for visitors to the country, with tap water mostly drinkable Visitors can find both public and private hospitals in Portugal and it is possible to access doctors who speak English.

Fitting in…

Portuguese people are generally welcoming to tourists and making the effort to learn some Portuguese phrases will help you to gain the respect of the locals. If you visit religious sites, make sure that you are dressed appropriately and that you cover your shoulders.

Visas for Portugal

Non EU citizens need a Schengen visa to enter Portugal. Your passport should be valid for at least three months at the time of your trip, but six months’ validity is recommended. You should also have a few empty pages for boarder stamps should you need them.

Electricity

Electricity is 230 V and 50 Hertz, but voltage converters can be used for appliances that cannot operate at this level. Portuguese plugs consist of two round pins.

Business hours

Banks operate from 08:30 until 15:00. During the week, shops conduct business from 09:00 until 19:00; however, they are usually closed from 13:00 until 15:00 for siesta time. Museums open their doors at 10:00 but are mostly shut on Mondays. Some pharmacies and medical centres are open 24 hours.

Helpful phrases

The local language is Portuguese, but Spanish is understood by many people. English is not widely spoken and many people may only know a few words. The younger generation has a better grasp of English because it is a school subject and they are more exposed to western media than the older generation. English is commonly spoken in tourist regions and major hotels, although some tourist attractions are signposted in multiple languages.

Ola - Hello

Adeus - Goodbye

Sim/nao - Yes/no

Desculpe - Sorry

Como esta - How are you?

Como techamas – What is your name?

Quantocusta - How much does it cost?

Naosei - I don't know

Resources online

www.wikitravel.org/en/Portugal#b

www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal