Car rental in Porto

On the banks of the Doro River, is located detailed, the second largest city in Portugal, which brings with it an unimaginable wealth of cultural attractions for a wide variety of types of tourists. The historical heart of Porto is the Riviera, a promenade close to the sea, where you can get lost among magical alleys that include stunning architectural buildings that are a real treasure. In fact, these buildings are so special and valuable that UNESCO has declared the area a World Heritage Site. Porto's Old Town brings the story of Portugal in the 18th century, with ornate churches and old buildings adorning the city's skyline. In Porto you can also find museums unusual and to experience the city in a comprehensive way, it is possible and desirable to rent a suitable car, but it is important to do it correctly.

Porto is not a simple city for drivers, but renting a car in Porto can be ideal for people who want to reduce the use of public transport (as much as possible), and know how to manage when they combine buses and metro with parking lots and private cars. Most of the city is modern in terms of the elements it offers, including a very strong art scene and even an innovative and groundbreaking music hall. When you cross the Vila Nova de Gaia bridge, you can get a spectacular view of the city and even take a boat to cross the Douro. Also the option of a cable car above the city is definitely an experience you will remember, and although there are many transportation options, renting a car can be ideal when you want to taste everything.

How much does it cost us?

The price range for renting a car in Porto is quite large, when a private car for two people and two suitcases will cost you about 6 or 7 euros per day in the cheapest companies. On the other hand, a large station wagon will cost about 50 euros per day, not including fuel, when this price is higher than renting the same station wagon in other countries in the region. The other vehicles are available for rent at prices between 20 and 40 euros. It is important to remember that every element related to the order affects the price of the vehicle - its type, size, extras, the length of the order period, the season in which the vehicle is ordered, and more. 

When to order?

Porto is especially busy in the summer months, since only in recent years has it become a favorite destination, certainly for the Israelis. Therefore, it is extremely crowded, and to ensure that you receive the vehicle you ordered from the rental company, the priority is to make the order about one to two months in advance. If you are sure of your arrival and make your flight and hotel reservations even earlier, go ahead and make your car reservation as well. Obviously, in the off-season, you can have more vehicles available and more affordable prices.

Most of the annual events that affect traffic in Porto take place mainly in the months of May and June. Thus, the Cima de Pitas Festival (Student Festival) held in the city center, the São João Festival and the Porto Pride Parade, are the main and most significant events. In September you can visit the popular wine festival and in November it is better to find out when the traditional marathon is held, to know how to stay away from the main roads. In addition, the Dragao Stadium, which is the stadium of the local football team, Porto, almost always causes traffic jams, because it is located in a central area of ​​the city, and is a key point for many tourists, even when there is no game. Try to stay away from the Dragao on game day, if you don't intend to go there, as it is packed with spectators, who take up all the parking spaces. In general, Porto is quite a congested city during rush hour, and especially on Fridays. It is very important to use apps to know when to go and when it is better to wait. So for example, it is better that you give up driving on busy Fridays, until the evening hours.

Which car to choose?

Porto is a congested city, with large parts where the infrastructure is not at a high level. It is important to choose a compact, reliable vehicle that will be easy to maneuver through the narrow streets of the city. If you want to leave the city towards the outskirts, you may need a larger vehicle, so it is important to note that you choose a vehicle that suits your needs, your equipment, and the nature of the trip you are planning. Long trips require larger vehicles, with room for more equipment and a larger surface area in order for everyone to be comfortable during the long hours inside the vehicle.

International driving license

An international driver's license is mandatory for anyone who wants to rent a car in Europe in general, and in Portugal in particular. The rental companies require the documents before they give the keys to the cars.

Driving and navigating the city

Porto was built long before the cars and many parts of the city are simply crowded and have dilapidated infrastructure. You need a lot of patience to travel within Porto, especially during rush hours (morning and late afternoon). However, in the more modern areas the driving is smooth, there are no traffic jams except the morning and afternoon rush hours, and the infrastructure is of a high standard. Renting a car can also be relevant for people who come from outside the city by car, and want to spend a day or two in Porto, until moving to the next city. In any case, consider leaving the car in the parking lot and not entering the old and ancient areas of the city, where you will also have difficulty finding parking.

Parking in Porto

Finding parking in the tourist areas of Porto is an almost impossible task. Beyond the narrow roads and the built-in lack of parking, you will have a hard time finding one like this and even if you do, it will cost quite a bit of money. Most areas in Porto (as in most major cities in the world) are paid, although in most large shopping malls you will get free parking. Many people leave their vehicles in the large parking lot of the Dargao stadium, and continue from there by public transportation to the tourist destinations, this is a convenient and effective solution, since the Dargao is conveniently connected to all the main roads in the city. Porto is not a city that is kind to its drivers, certainly in the old areas, but sometimes, if you know how to use parking lots and public transportation, combined with your private car, you can save time and enjoy the city more.