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CS Portugal Car Hire
Cheap car hire deals in Portugal
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- Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
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Essential Tips for Car Hire in Portugal
Portugal is a wonderfully diverse and vibrant blend of cities, towns, and tiny villages. The country 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.
Discover the country’s mesmerising cities, peaceful coastal regions, and historic towns with your own vehicle. Here are some tips for car hire in Portugal:
Time your visit right: If time is on your side, opt to visit during the off-peak season. December to April is generally the cheapest time to visit. However, for sunshine and long days, the shoulder season (September to November) offers great deals.
Pick up your car from an airport: You can secure excellent deals when picking up your hire car from an airport, such as Lisbon Airport or Faro Airport. With a wider selection of car hire suppliers and vehicles, you’ll find the perfect fit for your requirements and preferences.
Budget-Friendly Car Hire in Portugal
Find low-cost car hire with Enjoy Travel, where we source the best deals out there. Whether you’re cruising down coastal roads in the Algarve or zipping through mountain villages, you can trust Enjoy Travel to find suitable budget-friendly car hire.
Securing the Best Deals
Portugal is a popular car hire destination, so it’s important to book in advance to secure the best deals. The time of year also comes into play when finding good deals. For example, the average car hire cost starts from £13.04 per day in July, and that drops to £8.08 per day in October.
Understanding Portugal’s Driving Regulations
Rules of the Road for Renters in Portugal
- Occupants of the vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times.
- In Portugal, you drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
- The maximum speed limit on motorways is 75mph (120km/h) and hits 30mph (48km/h) in the more inner city and built-up areas.
- Road signs are shown in kilometres.
- It is illegal to use your phone for calls or texting while driving.
- You must be 18 and over to drive in Portugal, and 21 and over to hire a car.
- You cannot drive through a red light.
- You must carry a valid driver’s licence and any relevant paperwork with you at all times.
- Many hire cars in Portugal may be fitted with an electronic toll reader, depending on the supplier. There are many toll roads in Portugal, so it’s easier to hire a car with an electronic transponder. The cost of the transponder will normally be added to the overall cost of the vehicle rental, or it will be charged to your car.
Parking in Portugal: A Guide
There are a few things to consider when parking in Portugal. Look out for a round white or blue round sign and a red diagonal cross through hit – this is a ‘no parking’ sign. If there are red or yellow lines on a curb, this also indicates a ‘no parking’ zone. Always park in the direction of oncoming traffic on one-way streets, and do not park within 6 metres of a tram stop, 5 metres of a bus stop, and 5 metres of a road junction.
Most Portuguese cities feature street parking, with designated parking zones that require a fee. Always carry cash in case the parking meter does not accept a card. Look out for signs indicating residential or permit holders only – parking in the wrong area could incur a fine of up to €200.
Finding Convenient Parking Sports in Portugal
Depending on where you visit, parking is straightforward. Apps like GoogleMaps, EasyPark, and ParClick help you find convenient parking spots in the area. However, you’ll find parking to be trickier in Lisbon and Porto.
You might see locals parking directly under ‘no parking’ signs, on crosswalks, and facing the wrong way on the street. However, we recommend sticking to the Portuguese laws and rules to avoid being fined.
Top Attractions in Portugal
Discovering the Country’s Highlights
Lisbon: The capital city 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 the capital’s neighbourhood routes.
The Algarve: If the beach is more your thing, the Algarve has you covered. 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.
Alongside the vast array of beaches, wine tasting, and golfing opportunities, there are countless family-friendly attractions. That includes Albufeira’s Aqualand, open from June to 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.
Evora: 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.
Madeira: 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 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.
Transport Options in Portugal
Metro Services: Quick and Extensive Coverage
Lisbon and Porto are currently the only cities in Portugal with a metro system. Lisbon’s metro is extremely well connected with four lines and 52 metro stations. Porto has six metro lines, with one directly to the airport.
Buses: An Extensive Network Across the City
Portugal’s cities, towns, and villages are interconnected by buses. Other than driving, it’s the country’s primary mode of transport. You can usually pay by contactless card or cash.
Taxis: Convenient for Direct Routes
Get where you need to be quickly in a taxi. They’re a great option for those who don’t want to rely on public transport, but they are considerably more expensive.
Best Day Trips in Portugal
Douro Valley: Visit Portugal’s most famous wine region, characterised by rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval castles. It’s an excellent road trip from Porto.
Sintra: Explore fairytale castles and palaces in Sintra. Surrounded by rolling mountains and dense forests, it’s a truly magical place.
Nazaré: Witness some of the world’s biggest waves in Nazaré. The town is in the Oeste region, around 90 minutes from Lisbon. The best time of year to catch the huge waves is October to March.
Planning Your Adventure
An unforgettable adventure awaits you in Portugal. Be prepared and plan your trip by downloading navigation tools – maps.me is a free, offline map tool. Make sure that your driving licence is at least 6 months from its expiration date, and brush up on your knowledge of local driving laws. Another important thing to remember is emergency numbers: dial 112 for all emergency services.
Optimal Driving Times in Portugal
Portugal’s main cities, including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, are particularly busy during rush hour. The roads will be busier when people go to and return from work, mainly between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and again between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM on weekdays.
Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Portugal
Pros: Advantages of Personal Mobility
From lush vineyards to orange-tinged coastal cliffs, Portugal has so much to offer. Hiring a car allows you to explore every corner of the country, with access to places that aren’t well served by public transport. The roads are well-maintained and easy to drive on, and the views are incredible. And most importantly, you are running on your own schedule. No need to work to timetables and rely on public transport.
Cons: Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car
If you plan on sticking to cities like Lisbon and Porto, then you might find driving through the city streets frustrating. The roads are old and narrow, and parking is difficult. Additionally, Portugal has many toll roads. The highways are extremely well-maintained and well-connected but come with a toll price. Most hire cars will have a built-in toll reader that will charge your card every time you go through a toll road, so bear these costs in mind when budgeting.
Variety of Rental Vehicles in Portugal
You can find a variety of vehicles to suit your Portugal journey. From luxury vehicles, like a Mercedes C-Class, to economy cars, like the Volkswagen Polo, there are plenty of options.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs
Whatever your journey entails, you’ll find the perfect vehicle to suit you. Those travelling in a group or with family would be comfortable in a 5-seater vehicle, like the Nissan Qashqai. Alternatively, couples zipping through towns and coastal areas might prefer a smaller car, such as a SEAT Ibiza.
Partnering with Portugal’s Premier Car Hire Providers
We work with a wide selection of car hire providers in Portugal, including Avis, Alamo, Budget, Centaruo, Enterprise, Europcar, Thrifty, and many more. The exact car hire suppliers will differ depending on the pick-up location. The pick-up locations with the most varied supplier selection are Lisbon Airport and Faro Airport.
Selecting a Reputable Company
When you choose Enjoy Travel, you know you’re working with a trusted, reputable organisation. We only work with car hire suppliers that we trust to deliver a first-class service. For further confirmation that you’re working with a reputable company, check out reviews and ratings on our site.