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Top destinations to rent a car in Portugal

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Porto

Porto

What you need to know for your Portugal car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Portugal

Renting a car in Portugal offers the freedom to explore the country's diverse attractions at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for beach, outdoor, and cultural experiences. For instance, you can visit Albufeira Old Town Square for a taste of local culture, or spend a day relaxing at Falesia Beach, known for its stunning landscapes. If you're seeking adventure, Vilamoura Marina provides a perfect outdoor experience.

A rental car also allows you to conveniently explore major cities such as Lisbon and Porto. In Lisbon, you can discover iconic sites like Rossio Square, Belém Tower, and Marquis of Pombal Square. Similarly, Porto boasts attractions like the Porto Historic Center, Ribeira Square, and the impressive Dom Luis I Bridge. With a rental car, you can navigate between these destinations with ease, ensuring you make the most of your time in Portugal while enjoying the scenic routes along the way.

Most popular car rentals in Portugal

  • Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for those travelling in Portugal, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families seeking to navigate the charming streets of Portuguese towns. Its smaller size makes it easier to park and manoeuvre in urban areas, ensuring a hassle-free driving experience.
  • Midsize SUV: If you're travelling with family, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option. It comfortably accommodates 5 travellers and offers room for up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle strikes a balance between spaciousness and drivability, making it perfect for those who desire extra comfort while exploring Portugal's diverse landscapes and attractions.
  • Economy: The Economy car is another popular choice, ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families. It can accommodate up to 5 travellers and has space for 2 medium suitcases, making it a practical option for those looking to travel light. The Economy option offers a budget-friendly solution while still providing the flexibility to explore Portugal at your own pace.

Where to stay in Portugal

  • Lisbon: A vibrant city known for its cultural and family experiences, Lisbon offers attractions such as Rossio Square, Belém Tower, and Marquis of Pombal Square. Visitors can enjoy shopping and entertainment, as well as nearby beaches. The culinary scene features diverse options including restaurants and wineries, making it an ideal base for exploring both city life and local culture.
  • Porto: This bustling metropolis is famous for its rich culture and history, featuring landmarks like the Porto Historic Center, Ribeira Square, and Dom Luis I Bridge. Porto's public markets and famous shops provide a unique shopping experience. The area is also home to excellent dining options and renowned wineries, perfect for those seeking a combination of city and cultural exploration.
  • Albufeira: Known for its stunning beaches, Albufeira is a family-friendly city that boasts attractions such as Albufeira Old Town Square, Falesia Beach, and Sao Rafael Beach. With plenty of shopping areas and golf courses nearby, it offers a delightful mix of beach relaxation and city activities. Dining options abound, including local wineries, making it a wonderful choice for those looking to enjoy sun and sea.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Portugal

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements may stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Other policies may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Portugal

The best value period to rent a car in Portugal is February, which tends to have low demand and moderately low prices. March follows closely with similar characteristics, making it another favourable month. April through May see average prices and demand, while June marks the start of high demand with average pricing. The most expensive period arrives in August, when demand is high and prices reflect that trend, making it one of the busier months for rentals.

When you visit Portugal, you want to see every bit of landscape and culture at your fingertips. Yes, there is plenty to do and see in this part of the world, but public transportation can only get you so far. To see some of the most hidden gems, your own set of wheels will come in handy. Portugal car hire makes it possible to see the area on your own schedule with ease. If you hear about a restaurant tucked away at the edge of your favourite neighbourhood, it’s no problem. When you want to see a late night show or early morning sunrise off the beaten path, your car makes that possible too. Cheap car hire in Portugal allows you to set your ideal itinerary without paying a fortune. Book incredible Portugal car rental deals right here on Expedia.com.au today. Whether you want a vehicle outfitted with luxury amenities, or a hybrid car with impressive gas mileage, you can find the perfect set of wheels on Expedia. From compact cars to spacious SUVs, we have loads of options to choose from and booking is just a few clicks away.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Portugal car reservation?
Cancelling a prepaid reservation with at least six hours notice should allow for a complete refund. But this is not always the case. It's worth checking your booking confirmation and cancellation policy. Still stuck for answers? Jump onto our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in Portugal?
Small in size but big on perks, economy vehicles are the number one pick in Portugal. They're a cinch to handle and park, which is handy if you'll be doing lots of city driving. And with superb gas mileage, this reliable type of rental will have you touring around on the cheap. Prefer a larger car? Check out our standard, full-size or premium vehicles.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Portugal with Expedia?
Expedia makes it a breeze to compare costs, offers and providers, and to check customer recommendations. Combine your Portugal car rental with flight or hotel bookings and you can make even bigger savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Portugal?
The minimum age to rent a car in Portugal is 18. A young driver surcharge will apply, so check before you book and budget for any additional costs. There could also be restrictions on the types of vehicles available to young drivers. For instance, some outlets will only rent out small and medium-sized cars to less-experienced motorists. Requirements may differ between companies, so look over the fine print.
What do you need to rent a car in Portugal?
Any rental company you select will need these two things — your driver's licence and credit card. If you choose to opt out of the supplier's insurance plan, proof of other coverage may also be needed. Read your policy so you know what to bring with you to the rental counter.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Portugal?
Yes, and you can find your perfect wheels on our long-term car rental deals page. Simply enter your trip details and we'll show you excellent options from various leading suppliers.
Where can I find a Portugal car rental if I am younger than 25?
Age policies differ between rental suppliers, so you'll have to do a bit of research. Found a Portugal outlet that does rent to under 25s? Great news! Just take note that extra fees often apply to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. The fine print of each rental car you're considering will have all the information you need.

Car Rental Information

 
Popular Car Rental Types:
Hire a SUV, Luxury, Full Size, Economy
 
Airport to Hotel Transportation:
Airport Transportation