🇵🇹 Drive Portugal with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Portugal?
Recommended for Non-EU Drivers
EU and EEA licence holders can drive freely in Portugal without an IDP. However, non-EU visitors are strongly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit. Portuguese authorities expect a licence they can read — an IDP provides the certified translation. Most rental companies will refuse to hand over keys without one, and police during routine checks may issue fines if you cannot present a valid translated licence.
Lisbon Low-Emission Zone (ZER)
Lisbon's historic centre operates a low-emission zone (ZER) that restricts older vehicles. Recent rental cars are unaffected, but check the signage before driving an older vehicle into the city core.
Driving Rules in Portugal
Drive on the Right
Portugal drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the left, and follow posted give-way signs at intersections.
Strict Alcohol Limits
Portugal's legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.02% for drivers licensed under three years and professional drivers). Random breathalyser tests are common, and penalties range from heavy fines to licence suspension.
Electronic Toll Motorways
Portugal has an extensive toll motorway network, and several routes are electronic-only with no cash booths. Hire your car with a Via Verde transponder so tolls are charged automatically.
Speed Limits
Urban areas: 50 km/h. Open roads: 90 km/h. Expressways: 100 km/h. Motorways (autoestradas): 120 km/h. Speed cameras are common, and drivers licensed for under a year are limited to 90 km/h everywhere.
Mandatory Equipment
Portuguese rules require a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest in the car. Rental vehicles include the mandatory equipment — confirm it is present before driving off.
Renting a Car in Portugal
Portugal has rental desks at airports, stations, and city centres. Here is what you need to know.
Required Documents
Non-EU visitors need a valid IDP alongside their home licence and passport. A credit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Typical Costs
Compact cars start from around €25–45/day outside peak season. Full coverage insurance (including excess waiver) adds €10–20/day, and a Via Verde toll transponder is worth adding. Book early for July–August.
Top Rental Companies
Europcar — wide coverage at airports and stations. Guerin — well-known Portuguese chain. Hertz — locations at all major airports.
“We drove from Lisbon down to the Algarve. The motorways were excellent, the electronic tolls were effortless with the Via Verde transponder, and having our IDP made the airport pickup completely hassle-free. Portugal by car is the way to go.”
Read our guide: The Mistake Americans Make on European Road Trips
Get Your IDP for Portugal — From $29
Delivered digitally in as little as 2 hours. Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Returning to Portugal? Renew your IDP with 10% loyalty discount →
Portugal IDP FAQ
EU/EEA licence holders can drive freely in Portugal. Non-EU visitors are strongly recommended to carry an IDP alongside their home licence. Most rental companies require it, and police may request one during routine checks.
Portugal has an extensive toll motorway network, and several motorways are electronic-only with no cash booths. Rent a car with a Via Verde transponder so tolls are charged automatically.
Lisbon operates a low-emission zone (ZER) in its historic centre that restricts older vehicles. Recent rental cars are unaffected, but check local signage before driving an older vehicle into central Lisbon.
Portugal drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the left, and follow posted give-way signs at intersections.