North Portugal Tourism Guide - Car Hire North Portugal

Driving Around the North & Central Portugal Region

Driving in Portugal, like Spain is on the right. Speed limits on motorways is 120 kph (74 mph), on the main roads it's 90 kph or sometimes 100 kph (56 or 52 mph). For general urban roads it's 60 or 40 kph (37 or 25 mph). Watch for slower speed limits though where roadworks are usually underway. Stick to speed limits, and carry your passport, car rental documents and driving licence with you when out and about.

If you're stopped by police and you don't have these you may face a big fine. Police in Portugal have the authority to issue on the spot high fines! Seat belts must be worn by law in Portugal, including in the rear if they're fitted.

Driving and parking in cities can be difficult. The nearer the city you get the more likely you'll find one-way systems that might be misleading. Places are generally well signposted and hotels are invariably signed with blue signs with the hotel name on them. Once you get into the narrow streets and one-way systems it can be very disorientating and street parking is much sought after so you could end up driving around a long time before finding anything.

For north and central Portugal where it is more rural, having your own car means you will be able to explore the wilder countryside more fully. However, you should make sure you have a map with enough detail by which you can navigate. Some of the tourist maps don't have all the roads marked on them and may not have sufficient detail. You can get topographical maps from Instituto Geografico e Cadastral in Lisbon or its regional offices in Porto, Coimbra and Castelo Branco.

Car Rental from Porto or Lisbon Airport & Road Safety in Portugal

Car Rental is often easier picked up at Porto or Lisbon Airport and they are relatively efficient. At Lisbon Airport at the car rental desk (follow signs for Rent-a-Car) you'll need your UK driving licence (both photo card and paper copy), your passport, your visa card and usually your hotel/accommodation details to hand. Once you have your car rental documentation you'll be directed to the car rental car park at Lisbon Airport (usually a lift down to the lower floors) where you'll pick up your car. At Porto airport car rental offices are all together on the airport complex where they'll process your paperwork. Once you have your car rental documentation staff will show you to your car, they usually have a car park associated with the office.

Both their staff and you will need to check the car over for any scratches or damage on the vehicle before you start be thorough and check for any damage, no matter how minor and make sure it is recorded. Also make sure everything works as you don't want to have to come back.

The legal minimum age for driving in Portugal is 18 years and you'll need a UK driving licence. Once you have your car hire, the car hire company should point out a few legal details pertaining to Portugal. As already stated if you are asked to produce your passport, driving licence and car rental details by Portugese police and you don't have them on you, you could face a steep fine. Carry passport, rental documents with proof of insurance and your driving licence with you at all times whilst out and about in the North & Central Portugal region.

In all rental cars you should have a red warning triangle and illuminous reflective vest jacket - both of these must be used in the event of breakdown in Portugal. The car hire staff can be a bit lax informing you of this fact! Ensure you have these in the vehicle before you drive off. Portugese police have the authority to fine on the spot for traffic offences such as speeding, driving under the influence of either drugs or drink, using mobile phones, parking illegally and not wearing seatbelts in both the front and rear. Particular emphasis is placed on children wearing seatbelts. Fines for traffic offences are high! Check over the Portugese Highway Code weblink right for more details, and the Foreign Office advice also linked right. The road accident rate in Portugal is higher than the UK, although efforts in recent years by Portugese Authorities to reduce accidents have been working well. Pedestrians should also take care crossing busy roads, particularly late at night.