Renting a car in Porto is a smart move because it offers the opportunity to move around the city and to visit its beautiful surroundings, from the Douro valley to the long, oceanic beaches. Not to mention that the peculiar shape of Porto made of several ups and downs that will challenge all tourists.
Most popular car hire deals in Porto
The following are the most popular car rental offers at in Porto, to book click here.
The prices of car rental at the in Porto varies depending on the time of year. This graph shows the average prices in the various months to help you find out which is the best period to rent a low cost car.
Speed limit within town 20 - 50 km/h or 12 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town 90 - 120 km/h or 56 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC 0.05%
Rating 9.3 / 10
Average gas price €1.54 per liter or €5.83 per gallon
Lowest gas price €1.40 per liter or €5.30 per gallon
Highest gas price €1.70 per liter or €6.44 per gallon
Car hire in Porto Airport
Almost all international car rental companies have an office at the international airport of Porto, including some local small business offering competitive rates. It is possible to rent a car also in the city, however we recommend to rent a car at the airport in order to save also on your way to the hotel.
Once in Porto, you will realise that it is easy to move around the city; there are few main streets and it is easy to find your way. Although the idea of driving around an historical and ancient city may sound scary, there are manu free and paid parkings where you can leave your car.
Some inspiration for a day trip with a rental car
If you want to experience an unforgettable one day trip, take your car and drive along Rua do Ouro towards west; this is the road passing along the Douro river all the way to the village of Foz Do Douro, located on the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will find several long, sandy beaches and restaurants.
For an even more authentic experience, keep driving along Avenida do Brasil until reaching the municipality of Matosinhos, where you will find a beautiful beach and a series of fish restaurants grilling on the street!
Tips on how to rent a car
Some useful tips on how to rent a car in Porto in total safe and mind tranquility.
Booking in advance
The first thing to do to get the best available rates is to rent a car in advance online; booking a few months earlier allows you to find the best rates and all the available cars without running the risk to having to settle for less than expected.
Credi card
In order to book a car it is mandatory to have a credit card with the name of the driver on it, that needs to be shown to the staff upon pick up. It is used as a guarantee and cash or debit cards will not be accepted. This is the reason why it is mandatory for the driver to own a credit card.
Fuel policy
Last but not least, pay attention to the fuel policy; full/full means that you will be delivered a car with a full tank, and that you must deliver it back with a full tank. Full/empty means that the cost of the fuel will be charged upon pick up; of course this will be a disadvantage for you considering that the price of the fuel will be more expansive compared to gas stations, also it is objectively very hard to return a car completely empty.
Driving in Porto
The rules, limits and everything you need to know about driving a car in Porto are the same as in Portugal: find out more in the Driving in Portugal section.
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Porto
Here are some quick answers to the most common doubts about car rental in Porto.
To reserve a car in Porto a credit card or debit card is sufficient. However, when you go to collect the car, you will need:
a credit card in the name of the driver. Debit and ATM cards are not accepted;
copy of the reservation;
a driving license valid for at least 12 months;
an identity document.
The car rental companies in Porto allow to rent a car to all those who are between 21 and 70 years old. However, there is an additional cost for under 25 and for those over 70.
A car rental in Porto always includes:
theft insurance;
limitation of liability for damage to the vehicle;
local, road and airport taxes.
Any extras or additional insurance coverage are separate.
Make an online quote
Find the best rates by comparing all car rental companies in one search.
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