Portugal Car Hire

Cheap car hire deals in Portugal

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Compare car hire and driving in Portugal, a few things worth knowing.

  • Portugal has over 70,000 km (43,495 miles) of road network, ranging from motorways and highways to smaller regional roads. The maximum motorway speed is 120km/h (74.5 MPH), on expressways it’s 100km/h (62 MPH). In built up areas the speed limit is 50km/h (31 MPH). Keep in mind there are further restrictions, for example in areas where there are schools the limit drops to 25km/h. It’s important to take notice of relevant signage as you drive.
  • Portugal has some spectacularly scenic roads. In 2015 the N-222 route from Peso de Reguna to Pinhao was voted the world’s best road. Even though it is just 27km in length, it offers a superb combination of bends and straights, alongside unparalleled views of the Douro Valley wine region and UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Toll roads are the fastest way to get around Portugal. You can save up to an hour on a journey between the capital Lisbon and the popular Algarve town of Albufeira. Portuguese toll roads can be confusing, so it’s worth spending a little time researching before you go.
  • If you’re not in a rush, check out some of Portugal’s non-toll roads. Meandering along these is a sure-fire way to discover unexpected towns, villages and beautiful scenery. It really is a wonderful way to explore a gentler side of Portuguese life. Make sure you don’t get lost though, remember to add a Sat-Nav to your booking.
  • When it comes to car hire in Portugal, you're going to find all the big and well-known rental car brands like SIXT, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar and Alamo which normally have a desk inside the airport terminal of the main Portuguese airports.
  • But if you're looking for outstanding value it's worth comparing some of the more local suppliers, who may not have their own website and in some cases where Enjoy have been able to secure a preferential price. Check out our exclusive selection of Portuguese partners like MasterKings, Best Deal, Drive on Holidays, Luz Ocean Drive, AirAuto, OK Rent-a-car, PAA, Drive4fun, Yes car hire and Auto Rent. If you search as soon as you know your travel dates, by booking well in advance at certain times of year you'll pick up a deal for £3 a day or even less.

Guide to Portugal

Algarve
Lagos Portugal


Portugal is in the same UTC/GMT time zone as the United Kingdom. It has a population of 10.31 million and wonderfully diverse and vibrant blend of cities, towns and tiny villages. Portugal has a long history of exploration and was a major colonial power. Links to Africa are evident through much of the nation’s culture, nowhere more so than in the food, with spices such as Peri-Peri being a major feature in Portuguese cuisine. Portugal’s long and varied history can be seen through its wide range of architecture, from Gothic churches to the Moorish-inspired chimneys and tile-work, still common in the country today.

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is a beautiful coastal city, unlike anything else in Europe. The city offers everything you might want in a capital; fine food, theatre, museums and nightclubs. It is full of glamour yet manages to simultaneously offer a calm serenity and allow you to truly breathe.

The Algarve is a popular region for holiday makers of all tastes. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches and water-sports or golfing and wine tasting, this region truly has it all. Its location along the southern coast also offers a beautiful route into the Andalucía region of Spain. You can drive from Albufeira to historic Seville in less than two and a half hours.

Art and music have always had a special place in with Portuguese culture. Paula Rego, born in Lisbon, is a world renowned contemporary visual artist, having had solo exhibitions in most major world cities. Portugal’s traditional folk music is Fado, and the most famous performer is the ‘Queen of Fado’ herself, Amalia Rodrigues. However, it is not only homegrown talent the country inspires, many international artists have fallen under the spell of this beautiful country. The Doors song Spanish Caravan recalls travelling between the Portuguese Algarve and Andalucía in Spain. More recently, pop star Madonna took inspiration from Batuque, a Cape Verde music genre, on her Madam X album.


Places to visit in Portugal

Lisbon tram Portugal
Sintra Palace


Lisbon is without a doubt the ‘world city’ of Portugal and an entire holiday could be spent exploring what it has to offer. St Jerome’s Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; built in celebration of Vasco da Gama, an explorer who journeyed to India in 1498. This ornate building offers a glimpse into the ‘Age of Discoveries’. Another Lisbon treat is a ride on Tram 28, it’s extremely cheap and takes you through some of the most scenic of capital’s neighbourhood routes.

There are also a wealth of gems away from the capital. In the popular resorts of the Algarve, alongside the vast array of wine tasting and golfing opportunities there are countless family friendly attractions including Albufeira’s Aqualand, open from June-September, children and adults will enjoy hours of wet and wild fun. If travelling with children, take advantage of our additional equipment hire such as infant and child booster seats.

Lucious Portuguese beaches

If the beach (Praia in Portuguese) is more your thing, the Algarve has you covered. For pure beauty the best beach is Praia da Marinha in the Lagoa municipality, rated as one of the top ten European beaches in the Michelin Guide, you’ll be surrounded by stunning orange toned cliffs and the majestic blue sea. If you’re a water sports fan head over to Arrifana, which offers brilliant surfing opportunities for any skill level.

History & Culture

For historians and cultural explorers, the city of Evora will tick so many boxes. With the remains of a Roman temple, small art galleries and a cathedral within walking distance of each other, you won’t wander far without something exciting to discover. For those with a slightly more macabre taste in sightseeing, be sure to visit the Chapel of the Bones, built by Franciscan monks in the 1500s this chapel is decorated with bones and skulls, it has similarities with the catacombs of Paris or Rome, but far less queuing!

If you want to get away from the mainland you won’t go far wrong with a trip to the Madeira. Geographically closer to Morocco than Portugal you can have the sense of being in the middle of nowhere without foregoing modern world comforts. There is something here for everyone, whether heading out on a boat trip in search of dolphins or taking a leisurely stroll around the botanical gardens, Madeira is packed with things to do. The island is also a wonderful place to explore the natural world. The north of the island is home to the internationally significant Laurissilva forests, which have existed for 1.8 million years.

Portuguese food & drink

Portugese food is not dissimilar to other Mediterranean cuisine,there is a true passion for cooking and always wish to present you with the most delicious dishes, as well as the fact that it is very seafood driven. The Portugese are reputed to have the best fish in the world and use the traditional fishing method of line fishing and other traditional techniques. However that is not all it has to offer, the Portugese focuses on local produce which includes a wealth of spices, exotic fruit and vegetables grown in the warm climate, as well as a reliance on the divine olive oil. This is not to say that the food will be the same across the whole country, despite not being the largest of states there is a noticeable variety in flavors and techniques as you travel from one region to another.

For example in the capital, Lisbon, the windy cobblestone streets are bustling with corner shops selling bacalhau, the dried and salted cod which you will find hanging on every corner, and many renowned sweet treats, including the bite-size egg custards with powdered sugar, which are an incredibly popular delicacy known as Pastel de Nata.

Naturally, in the Algarve region, the dishes are heavily seafood orientated and its traditional dish is a seafood feast called the Cataplana de marisco, named after the large copper pan its cooked in, which resembles a seafood stew with all the seafood you can possibly imagine.

National delicacies

Sardinhas assadas is another typical food of the country and consists simply of sardines grilled on an open fire and seasoned with a lot of salt. Similarly considered street food, a francesinha is a sandwich which combines several different meats, like ham, sausage and steak, with cheese covered bread accompanied by beer-tomato sauce. Caldo Verde is also a hugely popular kale soup, which looks and sounds slightly unappealing but topped with chorizo it can be delicious. Another slightly unconventional speciality is the Porco preto which is served either as a wafer thin ham or a cutlet and consists of black iberian pigs raised on a diet of acorns.

When it comes to drinking in Portugal, Port wine is the true icon. It is not only a tradition but also a way of life and the unique taste comes from the soil, the labour and the sunshine. The region has been recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.


Transportation and cheap car hire in Portugal

Sintra Portugal Initiation Well
Vilamoura


Some Top Tips for Portugal car hire

Portuguese main airports

The Portuguese mainland is served by three international airports; Lisbon airport (LIS) near the capital, Faro airport (FAO) in the heart of the Algarve and Porto (OPO) in the north. The island of Madeira is served by Funchal airport. The national airline is TAP Portugal though many companies, including several budget carriers, have direct routes to the main airports.

A few handy driving tips for Portuguese roads

When you get to Portugal, hiring a car with EnjoyTravel.com will give you the freedom and flexibility to discover, explore and fall in love with this magical country.

Speed limits

Drinking limits

Emergency numbers

Portugal has quite a few toll roads throughout the country which cost on average €0.03/km.

Hiring a car in Portuguese airports

Booking your hire car in advance allows you a greater choice when choosing your vehicle, and allows you to save a lot of money with our online discount. Costs vary according to your choice and the time of year for your booking, with the popular times of spring and summer being more expensive. Depending on your requirements, car hire can be as little as £3 a day in winter. Some of our popular rental suppliers in Portuguese airports include Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Keddy, SurPrice, Best Deal, Drive on Holidays, Interrent and MasterKings. Some of our products and prices are unique and you may not find them on other websites at such low prices.

How to Find Budget Car Hire in Portugal

Portugal is a top-rated holiday destination for tourists across the world. Because of its proximity to Spain, France and other Western European countries, as well as its long stretch of Atlantic coastline and its culture, you can expect an influx of tourists from everywhere. Because of this, it’s important to book your hire vehicle well in advance to ensure it is available when you require it. Portugal’s capital Lisbon is a popular and convenient car hire destination, with daily car hire prices ranging from £2.76 for small cars, to £84 a day for larger cars like minivans. Cities like Porto and Faro see prices for smaller vehicles starting at £5.12 and £3.32 per day respectively.

Booking your vehicle too late can cause the prices to increase, which is why it’s important to remain organised. Prices can increase the closer you book to your travel dates, so to keep the cost of your vehicle hire from Portugal cheaper, ensure you book weeks to months in advance. This also leaves enough time to make any amends or cancellations to your order, and to fix any potential problems or issues that may arise. Another tip on how to get a better deal on a hire vehicle is to opt for a small car– doing so will ensure the fuel and prices will be lower.

Portugal Driving Rules and Regulations for Car Hirers

Getting Around Portugal

Fortunately, we offer safe and reliable vehicles to suit your every need and to efficiently and comfortably transport you around Portugal. Public transport can’t always be relied upon, which is why hiring a car is the perfect solution to getting to where you need to go in Portugal.

Range of Vehicles for Car Hire in Portugal

The range of vehicles for car hire in Portugal includes small, medium and large cars, as well as estate and luxury cars. The price per day can vary depending on the size of the car. If you choose a smaller vehicle, you might be able to cut costs on the hire price and fuel.

Working With the Best Car Hire Suppliers in Portugal

We work closely with some of the best-known and trusted car hire companies in Europe to bring you the best deals on hire cars for your trip around Portugal. Our dedicated team works to find the best vehicle to suit your needs and budget.

No matter your reason for acquiring a hire car, Enjoy Travel has your perfect vehicle ready and waiting for you to collect from whichever city or region of Portugal you are visiting. Don’t wait, secure and reserve your vehicle with Enjoy Travel today and embark on a road trip around Portugal. Some of the suppliers we work with and who serve Portugal include Hertz, AVIS, Europcar, Keddy, Drivalia and SurPrice.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Portugal

● Firstly make sure that if you're going for a hire car in Portugal, to be familiar with the local laws regarding driving and parking. For example you will need to find the blue zone parking. Such spots can be found all over Portuguese cities.

● Portugal car hire is ideal if you plan to visit several places in the country through out your trip. To visit Portugal means to explore Portugal and that can only be done by seeing a big part of the country. So make sure to have a valid driving licence with you.

● If you enjoy driving in the city, then you should a compact car hire and visit Lisbon. Another option would be to drive out of the capital and head to the Atlantic coastline's cities such as Cascais and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Portuguese city, Sintra.

● Keep in mind most car hire companies near or within the Airports on average offer better car hire prices. For the best car hire deals it's recommended Faro Airport car rental companies. Most users have confirmed their car rental experience was significantly better when renting via the Airport car hire companies.

● If your itinerary includes visiting countries around Portugal, so crossing the Portuguese border in your car hire, you are required to let the car hire company know by sending in a request. However keep in mind there will be additional fees to take your car hire out of the country. The European countries you can go to include Spain, France and Germany.

● Most people find Portugal car hire offers for £21 or less per day.

● If you book your car rental at least 1 day or more before your trip you are guaranteed to get a a below-average price and a much better car hire deal.

● A compact rental car and van hire are overall more popular in Portugal and often cheaper than other car types.

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FAQs about car hire in Portugal

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Portugal

This entirely depends on the type and size of vehicle you are hiring, where in Portugal you are renting from, and how far in advance you book. Small cars can start at around £2-£6 per day in the main cities of Lisbon, Porto, and Faro; however, larger and luxury cars may start from around £20 per day at the cheapest price.
Currently, the cheapest car you can rent on Enjoy Travel is a VW Up! or a Peugeot 208, which have a starting price of £2.36-£2.89 per day, respectively, or around £15-£20 a week. Choosing smaller vehicles is a great way to not only save on the price of the car but also on fuel too. Sticking to large cities like Lisbon, Faro, or Porto is a great way to keep costs low.
Portugal’s maximum speed limit is around 75mph on larger roads like motorways, and a minimum speed limit of around 30mph. For inner city built-up and urban areas, the speed limit tends to stay around the 30mph mark. Make sure that every passenger in the car wears a seat belt at all times during the journey.
Many countries have their own specific age requirements for hiring cars, with the general minimum age requirement ranging from 21-25. In Portugal, to drive a car you must be 18 and over, and the general age requirement is 21. Some car hire companies may charge drivers under the age of 25 extra for car hire.
This depends on where in Portugal you are looking to hire from. In Lisbon, you can hire a BMW 3 series for around £70 per day. If you are looking to rent a BMW for a week or longer, the prices can be around £500. Additionally, from Faro Airport, you can rent a BMW 318D, BMW Series 5, and BMW 520 with prices starting from £101 per day.
This depends on where in Portugal you are hiring from. From Lisbon Airport, a Ford Transit van costs around £68 per day, and over £400 for a week-long hire. This appears to be the only place that you can hire a transit van in Portugal. However, you don’t need to make the drop-off location the same.
Compared to other European countries, Portugal enjoys relatively cheap prices. You could comfortably budget around £90-£100 (approx. €105-€115) a day not including accommodation, which can bring the cost up considerably. To keep your trip as cheap as possible, consider travelling in off-peak seasons of the year.
It is absolutely worth renting a car in Portugal, as public transport may not always be available or relied upon. While larger cities like Lisbon and Faro will have public transport, it may not run to certain areas or run regularly, which may not coincide with your itinerary. In this case, hiring a car will give you the freedom to explore the country according to your own timings.
Portugal is known for its easy-to-navigate and drive-across roads, beautiful scenery, and exceptional maintenance and upkeep of roads. Driving in inner cities can be quite hectic and traffic can be heavy, but driving outside of cities is usually very hassle-free and convenient, as is parking around the country.
Travelling from North to South is usually a popular way to see Portugal. Head to large cities like Lisbon, Faro, and Vila Nova de Gaia for the largest array of activities and attractions, however in every city or town you will find an abundance of cultural, historical, and architectural sights to help make your trip memorable.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys hot weather, then travel to Portugal from May-August when temperatures can reach up to 31°C. If you’d prefer to visit simply for the attractions, or at a time when there are fewer tourists, then head to Portugal around December-March. The weather will usually be cold and mild, but still pleasant during these months.
This entirely depends on the time of year, what type of car you are renting, and where you are renting from. However, the lowest cost for a week-long car hire can start from £19 in Porto, £21 in Lisbon, and £24 in Faro for small cars. Of course, booking in advance is a great way to ensure the prices remain low too, but generally, you can expect the prices to be reasonable.
If hiring from Lisbon, a month-long car hire with a small car can cost around £170 per month, which is £5.80 per day as the cheapest option for this city. It depends on where and when you book your vehicle from. If you want to choose a luxury car, prices for a month can start at £2,000, which is around £70 per day from Lisbon city centre.
On average, prices of fuel can cost around 1.20-1.60 EUR per litre. This may vary across the country, however, the price range most likely will not be too far out from the average prices. To keep fuel costs lower, try to opt for a small vehicle to hire and enjoy the lower prices. Smaller vehicles tend to be more budget-friendly to hire, too.
Drivalia, SurPrice, Keddy, Budget, and OKMobility car suppliers are generally the cheapest suppliers you can find in Portugal, with prices per day ranging from £2-£8 for small cars. If you want to hire a luxury or 7-9 seater car, then the supplier may change to accommodate the difference in pricing and car type.
The longer you leave it to book your vehicle, the more likely it is that the car you want will increase in price. Generally, if booking in advance, you can expect small cars to start at around £2 per day which can go up to around £20-£25 per week. Luxury cars and larger cars of course will be more expensive, but you can keep the costs within your budget by booking in advance.
Yes, there are several suppliers and cities within Portugal that allow you to hire a 7-9 seater minivan or minibus of varying makes and models. Minivans can be popular with people travelling in large groups or with families to accommodate any extra space you may need. 7 seaters tend to be more expensive than small cars.
As with many other European countries, the VW Up! or the Peugeot 208 are the cheapest cars available on Enjoy Travel for hire around Portugal. However, most of the small cars that you see on our site have starting prices around the same figure (per day) as the cheapest cars on offer, but might be around £2-£3 more.

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