Car Hire in Portugal
The perfect Portugal car rental will soon be yours
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A trip to Portugal will reveal a country that has preserved its old cultures and traditions.
Whether it's exploring the culturally rich capital of Lisbon, soaking up the sun and sea in the Algarve, or discovering the distinct architecture and marvellous seafood from the north to the south - you'll find Portugal has plenty to offer. It's a beautiful country and a joy to discover by hire car.
Discover our top car rental locations in Portugal, and pinpoint the best spot to collect and return your hire car. Alternatively, book now and let us know where and when you'd like to begin your journey.
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Flying into Portugal? Popular Avis airport locations in Portugal
Popular Avis car hire locations in Portugal
From hot city hatches to roomy people carriers, unlock an Avis rental and explore Portugal
From the city streets of Lisbon to the meandering routes along the Algarve coast, you’ll find the perfect car for your holiday in Portugal.We have a range of vehicles, a wide selection of airport and city locations in Portugal and frequent rental deals; choose the right rental for you so you can travel in style and comfort from the moment you start your journey at a rate that works for you.
Plan your trip to Portugal by rental car
LisbonThe lively and hilly capital of Portugal offers a city break with a difference. Lisbon showcases Portugal’s past and present. With its grand squares, fado music clubs, and vintage wooden trams, the city is full of charm.
Pack up your Avis hire car and stroll the cobbled lanes and mosaic sidewalks that lead to busy outdoor cafes, exciting artwork and historic landmarks, including São Jorge Castle and the San Domingo church.
Lisbon’s colourful neighbourhoods all offer something different. The Bairro Alto provides shops and a lively nightlife. Alfama is the place to go to listen to the best fado performances in Portugal. The lower town of Baixa has plenty of galleries, restaurants and the famous Elevador de Santa Justa – Lisbon’s eccentric version of Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
If you want to learn more about Portugal’s unique culture, there are plenty of niche museums that focus on certain niche subjects, including fado, azulejos (Portuguese tiles), and port wine.
A trip to the waterfront district of Belém provides a lesson in Portugal’s history. The Monument to the Discoveries symbolises the country’s golden age of exploration. Walk inside, and you’ll discover a museum and several exhibition halls. The expansive rooftop terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views over the district and Tagus River. Across the road is the Monastery of Jerónimos, an impressive World Heritage monument and resting place of explorer, Vasco da Gama. Of course, no visit to Belém would be complete without a trip to Antiga Confeitaria de Belem for some pasteis de nata (custard tarts).
Porto
Porto is the capital city of the north and showcases Portugal’s old world charm. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is dotted with red-tiled houses situated on the Cais da Ribeira riverfront, mosaic-patterned streets beautiful buildings and churches. Visit São Francisco Church with its fantastic Baroque gold interior, or seek out the striking modern Serralves art museum to see some of the best examples of Portuguese and international contemporary art.
This city is famous for its port wine. One of the most popular leisure activities is a tour around the cellars at the Port-Wine Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Learn about how the area’s most famous product is produced.
For a sense of Porto’s daily atmosphere, visit the lively market where you can find old fashioned produce and quirky souvenirs. Rua de Santa Catarina is the main shopping street where you can pick up both luxury and high street pieces.
When leaving Porto and heading south in your rental car, you’ll drive along the majestic Atlantic coastline. It’s one of the best drives in Europe as well as one of the prettiest. Enjoy the open road and find long beaches with soft golden sand that spans the length of the coast. For the adventurous, there’s an opportunity for some world class surfing at Peniche where you’ll find some of the largest waves in mainland Europe.
Hire a car and drive ... to the beach
The AlgarveJourney to Portugal’s south coast and discover sun, sea and remnants of the country’s Moorish past. Stretching for some 100 miles, the region has beach resorts along the waterfront and a hire car is the only way to experience it all. Almond orchards and orange groves dot the landscape farther inland. The Algarve’s architecture has a Moorish influence which is more predominant in districts such as Olhão and Tavira.
Portugal’s south coast is a well-discovered haven for sun seekers. While a significant part of the area is well-developed and packed with tourists, there are some areas that have retained its historical appeal. Lagos, the former capital of the Algarve during the 13th and 14th centuries, was the launching area for some of the first great maritime expeditions.
Before Columbus set the record straight - Cape Sagres - located in the western tip of the Algarve, was once considered the end of the world. Today, merchants sell sea-themed souvenirs, fishermen cast their lines off the cliffs and tourists flock for breathtaking views.
Salema is the Algarve’s most preserved area. It has classic beaches, endless sun, and a traditional fishing village. There a number of seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood and plenty of vegetables. After some food the main activity is to bask in the sunshine or rest in the shade.
Portugal is a wonderful place to explore by hire car. Even if you’re just heading to the beach on a sun-kissed afternoon, discovering new landmarks in different districts or roaming across the beautiful landscape, Portugal provides a scenic road trip with all the features for a classic European tour.
Driving rules in Portugal
Which side of the road?In Portugal, please drive on the right side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
- Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger
- If you're caught committing a driving offence, the police can issue an on-the-spot fine
- As you approach toll booths on motorways, don't use the green lanes. These are reserved for drivers using an automatic e-toll payment system. (Please speak to an Avis representative when collecting your rental car if you would like us to register you for this service)
Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Rural areas: 90 km/h (55mph)
- Motorways: 120 km/h (74 mph)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 and less than 135cm must be seated in appropriate child restraint for their size
- Children aged under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.