Car rental in Porto: tips, prices, routes

Are you leaving for Portugal for a road trip of a few days? This is our mini-guide to rent a car in Porto!

Porto is a coastal town located northwest of Portugal. This city is famous for many reasons, especially for the medieval district of Ribeira. The latter borders the Douro River, a beautiful stream on which it is possible to make a small cruise. But it was especially the vinho do Porto, recognized throughout the world, which made the reputation of the city. Indeed, discover the famous wine cellars from the Douro Valley is practically obligatory in Porto. What is even more interesting is that Porto is located at an ideal distance from Lisbon for an unforgettable road trip. In fact, thousands of travellers lend themselves to adventure every year. Some even cross the country from the city Faro completely south. For these road-trips, you will then have to rent a car in Porto.

Are you planning a trip to Portugal, and you want to rent a car in Porto? So don't look anymore, we have all the answers to your questions! Using our guide, your car rental in Porto will be as pleasant as tasting a good vinho.

Where to rent a car in Porto?

At the airport

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is an international airport located near the Atlantic coast. Several car rental counters in Porto are available on site when you arrive at the airport. Moreover, the latter is linked by several main roads, including the A1 motorway which crosses the Arrábida point.

In the center of Porto

Many car rental agencies in Porto are at your disposal in the city. Local renters will usually be less expensive an international company located in the airport. However, it is easier to rent a car in Porto in the airport. Indeed, if you do not know Porto, it is difficult to find an interesting offer outside the terminal.

Itineraries in Porto by car: some ideas of road trip

The planning phase is always an exciting but also anxious part. In order to reduce the stress of the unknown, we have prepared some ideas for itineraries. These will allow you to fully enjoy your car rental in Porto . Here are our three preferred routes, adapted according to the time allocated for your trip.

Itinerary from 2 to 4 days in Porto

• After you're well located in the city, we invite you to visit the iconic Ribeira district. Located in about 30 minutes from the airport, you can admire the Pont Dom Louis I. On your way to the bridge, the Cathedral of Porto will come. After your visit to the Ribeira district, not far from it, is the large church of Sao Francisco. That should take you for a day or two.
• For the other half of your stay, en route to the bookstore Lello. It is often considered the most beautiful bookshop in the world. A few minutes’ walk is the Allied Avenue. This is a very important place in the city that will make you wonder for sure! From there, let's go slowly to the railway station of Porto-São Bento, which is simply a must in Porto. You want to end up in beauty? So, one. small boat ride, as well as a visit to the Ramos Pinto cellar will finish your stay with delicacy.

7-day itinerary in Porto

• If you leave a week in Porto, then we offer some additional monuments to those previously mentioned. Besides the large church, the railway station or the Ribeira district, you could visit the Tour of the Clerics. A true architectural symbol, this bell tower is a must.
• You can also see the Gardens do Palácio de Cristal. It is a magnificent green space composed of various thematic gardens and terraces with views of the valley. You will also find a playground for children, a restaurant or artificial caves. You can enjoy a real day of relaxation in the open air.
• And to finish, don’t hesitate to visit the foundation Serralvesa contemporary art museum.

Itinerary of two weeks and more in Porto

• Once you have visited all the main monuments of Porto, we recommend crossing the Dom Louis I bridge. Once this is done, you will find yourself in Vila Nova de Gaiathe little sister town of Porto. It houses several interesting attractions. Notably dozens of wine cellars, the monastery of Serra do Pilar or the estuary of Douro.
• After you were swept between the two cities, a day at the beach is set. This is your lucky day, as you will find 18 km long beaches in the municipality of Gaia. Indeed, we recommend the beaches of Yellow Stones or Salgueiros to relax in the sun.

How to compare and book your rental car online in Porto?

If you have completed the preparation of your itinerary, you only have to book a rental car. To start, you have to choose the dates and type of vehicle.

Then it will be necessary to search among the many rental cars online. However, it is not always easy to find the best prices by jumping from one website to another. Indeed, prices may vary or some vehicles may not be available. In this case, we recommend the use of a price comparison such as Rentalcars . Thus, you can compare prices among the different car rental agencies in Porto. With this platform, it is also possible to adjust your search according to your specific criteria.

How much does a rental car cost in Porto?

Per day

Car rental companies in Porto adjust their prices according to the season and category of the vehicle. Note that some renters will charge you an extra charge if you ever want to drop the car in another city. Apart from supplements, count about between 15€ and 20€ per day for your rental.

Per week

Provide a budget between 100€ and 150€ per week to rent a car in Porto. With a larger vehicle or high season however, plan almost double.

Driving in Porto: traffic rules to know

• First, the speed limit to Portugal on the highways is from 120 km/h.
• Then, as in France, it is mandatory to have a fluorescent vest and a signage triangle. From day to night, the passing beams shall be lit. In the case of an accident, please do not move anything while waiting for the security forces to establish a finding.
• I mean, fines must be paid immediately without any delay, under penalty of seeing the vehicle you have been confiscated.

Our tips for your car rental in Porto

To help you make your car rental in Porto the simplest, here are some tips. But first of all, please take note of the following important points:

• Adding an full warranty is recommended in most cases.
• You can return the vehicle to the city of Lisbon or other. Attention, however, most rental agencies will charge you an extra charge to this effect.
• Take the time to check the age of the vehicle and its mileage.
• Please take a unlimited mileage for a route without anxiety.
• Rent the rental vehicle for Porto in advance to have the best prices.

Rent a car in Porto: what conditions do you need?

The age required for tourists wishing to rent a car in Porto is from 23 years minimum . And this, even if the legal minimum age for driving a vehicle is 18 years old in Portugal. The driver’s license is accepted for EU countries. However, if you come from another country, you will need to provide an international driver’s license.

Limited or unlimited mileage?

Better to stay on unlimited mileage in most cases. Unless you decide to rent a car in Porto for one day.

Do you need insurance to rent a car in Porto?

Yes, it is required to have one third party insurance in Porto and everywhere else in Portugal. Damage insurance is not required, however we recommend it to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Where to park in Porto?

Parking in the main cities in Portugal is not given. Sometimes they are even inaccessible because they are reserved for their local inhabitants. On the other hand, some car parks near the airport are available, as well as free pitches for some historical monuments.

What is the most convenient car category to visit Porto?

A small economic vehicle can do the job, especially if you stay in town. We recommend renting a car in Porto de Category B in most cases.

That concludes our car rental guide in Porto. On this final note, we wish you an unforgettable trip to Porto. Good road!