Porto, Lisbon, Lagos - transportation question and itinerary feedback

hey hey jkzuccala
read up about obtaining an IDP from AAA/CAA when renting a car if needed. some car rental agency will ask and deny rental, some may not ask, if stopped for whatever reason or no reason the police will ask, be prepared. may get hefty fine or car returned to rental, and be up "sherlock's creek'.
easy to obtain (valid driver's license, $25, 2 passport size photos for each driver, receive same day, good for 1 year). don't let a $25 permit ruin a fabulous vacation
aloha

princess pulpule - everything I have read says that an IDP is not required by law in Portugal and that car rental agencies do not ask for them. That is unlike Italy, where they are required. However, in my many experiences renting even in Italy, no car rental agency has ever asked me to see an IDP.

jkzuccala

FWIW, 10 nights is a bit rushed for all three cities. There are so many things to see and do in Porto and Lisbon.

If you insist on including Lagos which is pretty, you should consider renting the car from Lisbon and returning it in Lisbon. By doing so, you avoid the drop-off fee of changing locations; It may end up costing you the same as taking a train down to Lagos and renting the car back up to Lisbon.

Renting a a car and driving back to Lisbon may be unavoidable in your situation. An 11:35am flight time is very early. Last September, our friends had to catch the first 6:00 a.m. train in Lagos in order to make a 1:45 p.m. flight back to Canada and they did so with about an hour to spare. Your flight is much earlier. Driving is faster and you have the option leave much earlier from Lagos in a car to give yourself more time to make your flight. Check out ZestCarRental.com and compare the different rental companies because their local charges and drop off fees can vary.

If you are American or Canadian, you do not require an international driving permit, at least the last time I checked back in September. Good luck.

hey hey stephen
not wanting to make a mountain out of a mole hill, was just some FYI for people renting cars in europe and info to research.
you’re lucky not being asked for IDP, friends family got asked at rental car desk, didn’t have and reservation cancelled. walked over to another rental desk and were given a car. another family were stopped on road by the officer for any or no reason, no IDP and got a hefty fine.
things good and bad do happen. with the $25 to have one just in case is worth it for the cost of my vacation.
with so many travel hiccups happening within past year, the “explosion” of travelers everywhere wanting the same things & places to see and stay at “budget” prices, good luck to all, enjoy
aloha

Stephen is correct.

Unlike some other European countries, Portugal does not require IDP.

We are doing a similar-ish itinerary with almost the same dates! One thought that may help with the car rental situation, you could move your last Lisbon day to 7/21 to avoid the rental car return hassle (can still rent one in the Algarve). I just looked up train times & car pricing, between the better timing and cheap rental price (but gas will be $$) we will likely drive. So excited for this trip!

I understand that the train between Porto and Lisbon has been discontinued for awhile due to maintenance. Please confirm.

Rent a car if you want to explore the Algarve and it's beaches. There is a nice trail along the ocean in Lagos, but the 7 hanging valley trail that starts at Praia de Marinha, is amazing. There is also a nice trail in Carvoiero.

I am heading to Portugal in the Fall after traveling through Europe from Barcelona, to Athens to Portugal over 2 months ending in Portugal for last 10 days near Sintra. Thank you for your books Rick Steeves as I will be saving a lot of money pre planning my dream trip. My question is when in Sintra, I was going to book Bolt to drive me to Algarve for the day. I want to make the best of my day without the overprice of some trip planners over charging me as I am a solo traveller. What is my best solution to get to Algarve, and see the Benagil Cave, Carvoeiro & Lagos in one day, later on returning to Sintra.

Roxannewhealy

That is a very long (2hrs 40min each way) and expensive bolt ride. I doubt a bolt driver would want to go out of their way and so far. The driver eill need to return to Sintra/Lisbon while you visit. And you may find same difficulty finding a bolt driver going the other way.

You would probably be better off renting car for the day from Sintra snd returning it there.

Trains would be an option, but will take about 3 hrs 40 minutes each way.

Good luck.

Hi, my friends and I are trying to plan this same trip for April 2025. Would greatly appreciate your insights based on your experience on what city order and transportation is best. We aren’t looking to rent a car. Our travel dates are planned for 4/7-4/17. We are leaving from Minneapolis. Hope you had a wonderful time. Thanks in advance!!