Car Hire in Portugal
When you hire a car you get the freedom to explore the magical treasures of Portugal, one of the most popular car rental destinations.And it's not hard to see why: this is a country where historic villages, unspoiled rural scenes, breathtaking coastline, more-ish beaches, secluded islands and great surf are not at all hard to come by.
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Popular Avis airport locations in Portugal
Popular Avis car hire locations in Portugal
Plan your trip in Portugal
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.
A stroll along the cobbled lanes and mosaic sidewalks lead to busy outdoor cafes, exciting artwork and historic landmarks, including São Jorge Castle and the São Domingos 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 some of the best fado performances in Portugal. The lower town area of Baixa has plenty of galleries, restaurants and the famous Elevador de Santa Justa.
Porto
Porto is the capital city of the north and showcases Portugal’s old-world charm. This 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 tourist 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.
Algarve
Journey 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. Almond orchards and orange groves dot the landscape farther inland.
Portugal’s south coast is a well-discovered haven for sun seekers but some areas have retained their 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.
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.