Portuguese Toll Roads

Hey Wayne! The toll system is annoying unless you can pay electronically. If renting a vehicle, the lessor should be able to provide you with a device for payments. Here's a link that explains the toll system and payment options. There is now a "Toll Card" that apparently has been developed for tourists.

When driving through Portugal 2 1/2 years ago, I don't remember any toll roads that would not accept payment from the transponder.

Just took another look at the Toll Card and it is for non-Portugal registered vehicles. A transponder from the auto rental company seems the easiest way to go.

Cars rented from the bigger agencies have the electronic deviceinstalled. With the device, it's a breeze and very similar to the same devices in the U.S. The car I rented on my scouting trip to Portugal had the device and it worked great. If you haven't rented your car yet, Auto Europe is a great agency. I've used them for many years and always had good results. They are a consolidator and in Portugal you will likely pick up the car from a Europcar office.

Hi Wayne,

We drove all over Portugal with a rental car (with a transponder, I'm assuming that's pretty standard equipment with most car rental companies), never paid a cent while driving, and the amount that showed up on my credit card was quite a bit less than we thought it would be- a pleasant surprise.

Robert in Montreal

Hi,
Thanks to all who helped.

We are now in Portugal with our rental car. The toll system has been made more tourist friendly over the years. In stead of several systems and you having to guess which is where. Yes, an electronic transponder can be installed or activated in your car for about 1.84 euro per day, a maximium charge 18.40 euro for rentals of 10 days or more. That is the rental fee for the transponder.

As you approach a toll booth area look for the GREEN slanted V. Go through one of those lanes slowly and it will record your passage. The next time (exiting the road perhaps) the toll both with the slanted V will show how much you will have billed to your charge card when you go to return your car.

Very nice not to have to worry about having correct change or bills that work, or credit cards that will be accepted.

By the way, I got a 18 day rental for $97. Plus 18.40 for the transponder.
wayne iNOBidos

Thanks for the updated information on the toll roads. I'll be there in May and was wondering the same thing.

Can you tell me which company you rented your car from?

I'm glad to hear that the system now works well (at least for cars rented in Portugal).

Hi,
I asked the question and can now say, with the electronic transponder you are going to enjoy the trip.

As you drive periodically you will encounter a pay booth situation where the road breaks into five or six lanes with a booth for each lane. Just like in the US. With the transponder you must go to a lane, the far left one typically is one of these, that has the Viagem green V signs. Slow down to about 60 km/hr and pass through. That was upon entering the four lane charge/fee section of the roadway. When you leave the fee highway again look for the lane with the Green V, it is slanted, and as you pass through it will tell you how much is being charged to your credit card. Easy.

We ran into a second type of experience...some pay roads have electronic sensors above the road and as you pass under the devises your transponder will beep. You just paid for using that section of the fee road. Signs will tell you when these are approaching and how much will be charged. Simple, no slowing down, no finding a lane.

wayne iNLIsboa

What about if you rent a car in Spain and drive into Portugal? Does anyone have experience with what is the best way to go?
Virginia In Pennsylvania