Planning a trip to Portugal and I'm wondering how difficult it is to rent a car and drive there. I read about the tolls and international driving permit.
Posted by
11614 posts
It wasn’t difficult to drive there. Most countries require an IDP, easily obtained at any AAA office for around $20.00. If you don’t have a small photo to go on the permit, AAA will take one of you.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3293 posts
Very easy driving in Portugal. They have a very good road system. Tolls are paid using a transponder which you should be able to get from your rental agency.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Get a hire car with a transponder which makes paying the tolls easy. You can usually avoid the toll roads by taking local roads.
Driving in Lisbon and the bigger cities is best avoided. I use the CoPilot app for navigation as road signage is lacking in some areas. The standard of driving seems to have improved - it used to be diabolical when I first visited - over taking on blind bends etc.
Posted by
340 posts
For our trips to Europe we've had international drivers licenses -- and never once have been asked for them. That said, we're getting them for our next trip. (grumble, grumble, grumble)
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1424 posts
I too am planning on driving in Portugal in October 2023. How much lead time do I need to get the IDP? Does AAA issue the IDP on the spot or is it a mail in deal? Anybody know?
Posted by
3 posts
On the spot, at my local store. Takes all of 10 minutes. Seems like a huge scam, but I have of course dutifully complied ahead of my trip to spain last year.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1424 posts
Thanks for reassuring me. dah7m
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
2 posts
It is not necessary to get an International Drivers Permit if you have a driver's license from certain countries, including the USA and Canada. See, https://juliedawnfox.com/portugal-road-trip-essentials-know-before-you-go/ for additional driving tips.
Posted by
Victoria, BC, Canada
372 posts
we found the roads to be in great condition and well signed. Drivers were courteous. Used google maps offline after downloading the area. Make sure you know how to drive a manual transmission and how to open the gas tank! We needed help at a gas station...As others have said, get a toll transponder thingy with your car. Get the smallest car you can to fit your passengers and bags, in some of the small towns the roads were barely wide enough for our Fiat 500! Enjoy driving in Portugal!