0871 423-5053
Only £25 deposit per booking
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0871 423-5053
Only £25 deposit per booking
Porto budget car rental from Oporto Airport is simple and relatively efficient. The car hire companies have their own offices just outside the airport close together. Most Porto car hire tends to be organized through the airport, but you can organise car hire for pick-up in any of the North & Central region’s main towns including Leiria, Santarem, Coimbra, Aveiro, Braga, Guimaraes, Viseu, Covilha, Guarda, Castelo Branco. It's well worth booking your Porto car rental well in advance, particularly if you're arriving in peak summer months. Call Iknow Holidays' booking line direct, or click on the cheap Porto Car hire weblink right for the best car hire deals.
If driving in central Porto, have a good map and some idea of where your hotel is before you set off. Getting into the city isn't too bad and 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. Porto Airport is situated 12 miles north of the city centre, just off the main motorway network which feeds south to Lisbon and north to the rest of Portugal. Follow the signs, all are well marked.
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, Porto 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 Porto can be difficult. Getting into the city isn't too bad as there are main roads like Avenida de Boavista that take right into the centre. 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.
There are some pay and display car parks within the city centre but these can be a bit pricey than the usual car parking fees. Some of these are controlled by barriers and the attendant usually notes when you arrive and when you leave to calculate the parking fee. If you're leaving for a short time and returning the same day make sure the attendant is aware so he doesn't charge you for two full days. Hotels often have their own parking associated with the hotel and charges will differ depending on the hotel. Once you're in Porto it's easier to walk and take public transport than drive and it's certainly less stressful!
Car Rental at Porto Airport is relatively efficient. Once at the car rental desk 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 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 in Porto, 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 from Porto Airport. 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.
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