We are a family of 6 and we are staying in Malaga Spain for a week then traveling to Porto Portugal. I have rented a Van and am planning on driving to Porto from Malaga. Is this a good idea to drive? I don't mind driving but I want to make sure I am not getting in over my head in that I do not know this area very well. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Do you plan to drop off the van in Porto, or will you be driving back to Spain? People have reported that the international drop fee is usually very high (hundreds of euros).
ViaMichelin.com estimates the driving time at over 10 hours and is said to be optimistic. I have no familiarity with the roads involved, but I'm sure someone else here can help.
It might be worth checking out the flight options on Skyscanner.com, though I don't think you'll find any non-stops.
Heck a lot of driving. Consider renting until Faro, from there you can go by train in a reasonable time and price (as little as 10€ per person on a fast train).
The main problem about Portugal is its toll roads. There aren't any toll booths as they are automatic, and you must first make sure you have prepaid your car or else you will get fined back home with enourmous charges.
From Faro to Porto there are 2 trains per day, but there are more trains between Faro and Lisboa (2h 30-45 min). Make a stop in Lisboa, discover the city, and then travel to Porto (2h-30 min). Trains are super cheap in Portugal if you prebook them in advance at www.cp.pt
My tickets from Porto to Lisboa just cost me 15€ per head. Super cheap!
Thank you for the information, it is very helpful. We will call out rental company to discuss the drop off fee's in that they did not mention that to us when we booked the car. They knew we were renting in Spain and dropping off in Porto. As well, great information about the tolls, we will ask about that. If we can get past the tolls and Drop off fee's, we probably will give driving a try in hopes that we don't get lost (Seems like there is a lot of road and highway changes we will have to make), although I do like the drive a bit and then catch a train option as well.
We just returned from Portugal with a 2 night stay in Seville. It was too much driving! Agree with poster regarding public transportation from Faro to Lisbon and on to Porto. Faro's sites are worth a short stay. We drove two roads that utilize sensors, IP 6 and IP1, east/west direction. These are new roads, almost empty and fast. The locals and lorries do not agree with the extra tax. These sensor roads can be found on web sites. Other roads have a man or non-man toll booth. Man will take CC and non-man requires correct change. Less than 15 E in tolls after 4000 km. Total cost near 400 E for rental, petrol and cost to drive car to Spain.
