Crossing border for Driving Rental Car Porto, Pt to Santiago Spain & return Porto

I don't believe there are any routine controls between Schengen countries, as both Portugal and Spain are. There will just be a sign say "Welcome to Spain/Portugal", like there is when you go from Connecticut to Massachusetts.

I guess you should let the rental company know where you are going with their car. Get an International Drivers Permit to go with your drivers license so local cops can understand your information. It acts as a certified translation.

Since both countries are in the EU and there are basically no border controls, the authorities do not care. Do however verify with the rental company that you are allowed to take the car into Spain. I am not aware of any restrictions, but insurance coverage can cover you in one country but not another, best to be safe and ask.

Driving between Spain and Portugal is like driving between states in America, no borders. Spain is an hour ahead.

I have hired cars twice recently in Portugal to take into Spain. We had to pay an additional fee of €30 to cover the car for Spain for the first trip, whereas this year with EuropCar, it was included. Check the small print.

I rented a car in Portugal and drove extensively in Spain last year. You will likely barely notice when you drive from one country into the other. I actually didn’t think to inform the car rental agency but that is likely a good idea.

As Jennifer says, don't get caught out by the one hour time difference. I did the first time, couldn't work out why the shops were closed.

Hi.

Don´t know about rental car issues (concerning insurance, etc), but about borders, no one notices you are crossing them. Not even you... Oh, yes, you will, as someone said you will see a sign wellcoming you (to Spain and to Portugal). You can cross it in Caminha (by ferryboat), in Cerveira or in Valença. Santiago is absolutely lovely (well, in my opinion, Galicia is lovely everywhere you go), and I believe you will like it very much. A suggestion: eat "pimentos padron", pulpo à galega, and calamares. If you have the time, visit Pontevedra, and also "O Grove" - lovely fishing village with the best fish! And by some soap at "A Toxa" (aka La Toja).