Porto car rentals

Top tips for renting a car in Porto

• Conveniently explore the second-biggest city in Portugal by booking a hire car. Don’t bother with public transport, timetables, or adhering to schedules, but discover the beauty of Porto in your own time and pace. By using a hire car on your trip, you can also easily reach the scenic coast, which is about 15 minutes by car from the center. The Estádio do Dragao is also over 8 miles from the center and can be reached in under 15 minutes by car.
• Start your trip to Porto with a hire car at the International Airport Porto, which is about 9 miles away from Porto’s center. Companies like Hertz, Sixt, or Europcar are housed here and, for travelers who book in advance, the car will be provided in front of the airport. Otherwise, signs will direct travelers to the hire car service desk within the airport.
• The Old Town in Porto has narrow streets and many one-way roads, so it is crucial to stay focused and ensure not to drive in the wrong way. Some of the older streets are also cobblestone, which may not be the best for the car, so parking the vehicle outside the Old Town and then venturing into the historic center of Porto on foot is worth considering. Also bear in mind that, while turn signals are often not used by Portuguese drivers, it should still be done. Passing on the right lane is strictly prohibited and can lead to a fine of up to €600 ($675).
• During rush hours, Porto can be congested and, since many streets are narrow, this may lead to longer waiting times. Morning traffic is usually the worst between 8 and 9 AM, and in the evenings between 5 and 7 PM. The highways A20 and A41 can have especially heavy traffic during weekdays at these times and should be avoided if possible.
• Book your rental car in Porto at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
• Intermediate rental cars in Porto are around 87% cheaper than other car types, on average