Search for car hire in Portugal
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Best value car hire from top brands
Portugal car hire tips
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Where to pick up your car
There are over 95 car hire locations in Portugal, and the most popular city is Lisbon.
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Top car rental brands
The most popular car rental brands in Portugal are Goldcar, Guerin, Sixt, Thrifty and Budget.
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Best time to hire a car
The cheapest months to pick up your car hire in Portugal are February and November.
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Local currency
Euro (EUR)
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Side of road
Right
Hire a car in Portugal
There’s a lot of driving territory to choose from in Portugal.
Some of the world’s best beaches are in the Algarve, while some of the world’s best roads are in the Douro Valley. The size of Portugal means it’s perfectly reasonable to visit more than one destination during your visit, and most major sights aren’t ever more than a few hours away by car.
easyCar is one of the biggest car hire comparison sites. We compare car hire brands across Portugal, so you can pick the best deal for you with ease.
Top destinations in Portugal
Lisbon
| Car hire pick up point | Prices from | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon Airport | £2.50 per day | £22.90 per day |
| Lisbon Downtown | £4.20 per day | £22.70 per day |
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Lisbon* |
|---|---|
| November | £9.00 |
| August | £34.70 |
Neighbourhood guide
Lisbon is split into many neighbourhoods, each with their own characteristics. Here are our top picks:
Alfama – the famed old town is perhaps the most unforgettable stop in Lisbon. Wear some good shoes, stroll the cobbled streets and grab a pasteis de nata – they are to die for!
Chiado – a popular area to stay in the city, Chiado is a great place to spend time if you want to be in the centre of shops, cafes, hustle and bustle.
Bairro Alto – hilly streets and faded facades make up the highest district in Lisbon. Full of character, this area comes to life at night.
Docas de Santo Amaro – views of the Tagus and the stunning 25 de Abril Bridge, head here for an afternoon drink in a converted warehouse on the water’s edge.
Local tips
1. Praça do Comércio is the main square and you’ll find the tourist information office here. Plus, visit the top of the Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta for just a few Euros to see lovely views of the city.
2. If you want to take the historic Alfama Tram 28, head down early so that they aren’t too crowded.
The Algarve
| Car hire pick up point | Prices from | Average price per day |
|---|---|---|
| Faro Airport | £2.60 per day | £20.60 per day |
| Albufeira Downtown | £4.30 per day | £19.90 per day |
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Lisbon* |
|---|---|
| February | £7.50 |
| August | £34.70 |
Off the beaten path – road trips from Faro
Most know Faro as the gateway to the popular resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura, but take the car out and you’ll discover so much more.
Tavira, 30 minute drive – Pretty, charming and unspoilt is the small fishing city of Tavira. Historic sights include a Roman bridge and Moorish castle, and animal lovers can go flamingo watching in the wetlands.
Sagres, 1hr 20 mins drive – Hiking trails, fishing trips and surfing are all commonplace on this attractive cape. Plus, you can visit one of the brightest lighthouses in Europe.
Mertola, 1hr 25mins drive – A small, castle-dominated town in the middle of Guadiana Valley Natural Park. A great base for trekking and exploring the nearby countryside.
Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, 1hr 40mins drive – Undeveloped and wild, Portugal’s West Coast is a fantastic slice of nature where you can beat the crowds.
Local tips
1. If you decide to pick up from a Portuguese airport such as Faro, you may be subject to a 15 Euro surcharge introduced by the Portuguese authorities in 2015.
2. The most popular length of a car rental with pick up at Faro Airport is seven days.
Azores
A surreal escape
The mystical landscape of the Azores archipelago, hidden deep in the mid-Atlantic, is still a place undiscovered. Vivid green hills, hot springs, volcanic craters and waterfalls define the islands.
If you’re considering a trip to this natural haven, note that public transport and access between the islands is tricky. Hire cars end up in such great demand (as it’s the only real way to travel) that they often run out completely during the popular months.
Tips for visiting the Azores:
1. Bring old swimwear as the thermal springs (as lovely as they are) can stain your clothes.
2. The weather is seriously unpredictable so prepare for all eventualities.
3. The islands are a great place to go dolphin and whale watching.
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Book by phone
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Other Portuguese cities
Porto
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Porto* |
|---|---|
| November | £7.10 |
| August | £33.00 |
Famous for producing port wine, Porto is the perfect base for driving into the beautiful Douro Valley region. Riberia, the old town, is also spectacular.
Porto travel tip: It’s easy to find good quality and fairly priced homemade food in Porto, however if you’re offered appetizers and nibbles at your table, they are unlikely to be free – so it’s best to check!
Albufeira
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Albufeira* |
|---|---|
| January | £6.30 |
| August | £25.80 |
If you’re looking for sensational beaches, lively nightlife and the option to drive across a world-renowned holidaying region, Albufeira may just be for you.
Albufeira travel tip: It’s frowned upon to walk around town in your swimwear. That being said, casual clothes are completely fine and pretty much the norm.
Madeira
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Madeira* |
|---|---|
| January | £12.30 |
| August | £30.40 |
The green and island of Madeira is an adventurers holiday destination. Its rugged volcanic landscape is the outdoor lover’s dream.
Madeira travel tip: If you decide to explore some of Madeira’s mountainous terrain on foot, make sure you take enough layers as the altitude can make it chilly – especially out of season.
Points of interest in Portugal
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Ericeira
Great for surfing, great for seafood, Ericeira is not far from the Palace of Mafra.
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Sintra
Covered head to toe in fantastical palaces and glittering forests, Sintra is unforgettable.
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Óbidos
Small town with an impressive Buddha garden. Try the local cherry liqueur served in a tiny chocolate cup.
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Monsanto
It’s said villages don’t get much more Portuguese than this, however this extraordinary town is as quirky as they come.
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Guimarães
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are many significant and well-preserved buildings here.
