Cheap Car Hire in Porto

What are the requirements to hire a car in Oporto?

If you're planning to hire a car in Oporto, there are certain requirements you'll need to meet and some information worth knowing. Firstly, you'll need to be at least 18 years old and have held a licence for at least 12 months before hiring a car in Oporto. If you're younger than 25 years old, you're likely to be charged an additional young driver surcharge on top of your hire fee. You'll need to have an International Driving Permit along with your home driving licence, unless you're carrying an EU, US or Brazilian driving licence. Outside of these things, you'll need to bring a valid photo ID, like a passport, as well as a valid credit card with your name on it. Keep your confirmation details with you to make the process a little simpler.

What are the rules for driving in Oporto?

It's important to be aware of local driving laws when hiring a car in Oporto, to keep you and other drivers safe and to avoid a run-in with the law. Keep up to date with local vehicle departments to be aware of any new rule changes. Traffic flows on the right of the road and cars pass on the left when driving in Oporto. It's compulsory for all occupants to wear seat belts at all times, and you may not use a mobile phone or headphones whilst driving; a mobile phone can only be used with a hands-free device. If you're planning on going out drinking, we suggest leaving your hired car at home and using local taxis. The legal blood alcohol level when driving in Oporto is 0.05% and heavily enforced.

What type of car is recommended for driving in Oporto?

The right type of car to hire in Oporto depends mostly on your own preferences and needs. If you're travelling with fewer passengers, choosing a mini or compact model will go a long way to helping with fuel costs, and their handling is usually easier than larger models. When travelling with a larger group, driving an SUV or 4x4 is a comfortable way to get around Oporto, though the roads can be narrow in some parts. Bear in mind that most cheap car hires in Oporto are manual vehicles. If you're used to driving an automatic, consider paying a little extra to secure an automatic car hire in the city or at the airport.

Where are the best places to park in Oporto?

When looking for parking with your car hire in Oporto, you'll be glad to know that there's usually plenty available; though free parking can be a little more difficult. There are both free street parking and covered parking options outside of the city walls, but the roads are quite narrow and parking larger cars can be troublesome. Some of these car parks include Edificio America and Arrabida Shopping. When you make your way inside the city walls, you're likely to encounter more paid parking, though the cost is usually surprisingly affordable.