Porto car hire: the best deals in Porto
Cheap car rental in Porto.
Car rental in Porto is a common option for those wishing to tour the north of Portugal and its surroundings. The city is one of the main starting points to visit the Douro Valley, the Atlantic coast or nearby historic cities. In this context, car hire in Porto allows you to organise trips to different areas in the north of the country depending on the length of your trip.
Within the available offer, car hire in Porto ranges from compact models to vehicles prepared for longer road trips. Depending on the dates of travel and the category chosen, it is also possible to find cheap car hire in Porto to suit the budget of your stay.
Renting a car in Porto to get around the city
The metropolitan area of Porto connects several nearby municipalities and points of interest, so many visitors combine a visit to the historic centre with trips to other locations. In this case, renting a car in Porto can make it easier to organise journeys between different areas in the north of Portugal.
In addition, cheap car hire in Porto can be a practical alternative when the itinerary includes trips to wineries in the Douro, nearby cities or coastal areas. Cheap car hire in Porto also allows you to plan excursions during your stay without depending on specific transport schedules.
Pepecar's recommendations for renting a car in Porto
Compact 4-seater car, perfect for a couple's getaway in Lisbon, Oporto or Algarve.
Use private or underground car parks to avoid regulated parking areas.
Hybrid or electric, ideal for touring city centres and historic areas.
Refuel at Galp, BP or Prio, with a wide national network and many 24h stations.
Useful information on car rental in Porto
Highest Rated Provider
Most Popular Car
Average Price
Where to pick up your car hire in Porto?
Featured car rental agencies in Porto
Klass Wagen
€2.60
Greenmotion
€2.60
Drivalia
€3.02
Goldcar
€3.16
Tangerine
€3.72
Drive on Holidays
€3.78
Record Go
€4.12
Autounion
€4.44
OK Mobility
€4.52
Centauro
€5.14
Cael
€6.40
Sicily By Car
€6.85
Firefly
€8.09
Guerin
€10.51
Dollar
€10.90
Thrifty
€11.29
Keddy By Europcar
€11.39
Sixt
€11.90
Europcar
€12.94
Alamo
€14.69
Hertz
€14.86
Enterprise
€15.58
Budget
€16.00
Avis
€17.00
Key'n Go
€25.28
Tips for renting a car in Porto
Watch out for tolls
Use petrol station apps
Check local traffic regulations
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Porto
What documents do I need to hire a car in Porto?
In order to rent a car, you will normally be required to provide the following documents:
- National identity card or passport valid in Portugal
- Driving licence valid in Portugal
- Credit card in the name of the driver who made the booking.
What happens if the card isn't in the driver's name?
At the pickup location, you'll need to present a card in the name of the primary driver listed on the reservation. If you don't present the card, you may lose your reservation and be subject to a cancellation fee with no refund. You can use a different card to pay for the reservation online—that's fine!
Is it possible to hire a car in Porto without a security deposit?
In general, most car hire companies in Porto require a security deposit. The amount of the deposit may vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle. When returning the car in the same condition, the deposit is refunded.
How can I view, modify, or cancel my reservation?
You can view, modify, or cancel your reservation through the “Manage Reservation” section on the Pepecar website or by contacting Customer Service. Please note that modifications and cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of the service you booked. Some modifications may depend on the availability of the rental car office, and for certain reservations, cancellation or modification fees may apply.
What should I do if I'm having trouble contacting the pickup office?
If you're unable to reach the pickup office, please call our customer service department. Our representatives will help you get in touch with the operator and assist you with your issue.
What happens if the assigned car isn't available when I arrive?
The final vehicle assignment is at the discretion of the rental car company and depends on availability at the time of pickup. If the vehicle or category you reserved isn't available at the pickup location, they may offer you an equivalent or higher-class vehicle at no additional cost.
Customer reviews about car rental in Porto
Elena Angel Gutierrez
16-03-2026
Fast management Multiple offers
Elena Angel Gutierrez
17-03-2026
Easy to book, clear information
Robert K.
18-03-2026
Above all good offers, also a good search, easy to use and fast management. I also like the fact that you can see the company ratings in the search results.
Jose
19-03-2026
Easy to use, clear searches, prices without small print
DIEGO SANZ AYALA
19-03-2026
Thank you very much
Aurora
19-03-2026
Good choice of cars and ease of processing.
Antonia Jesus
21-03-2026
This is not the first time I have rented a car with you and I have never had any problems and it is always cheaper than on other platforms.
Cavinosch
21-03-2026
Very efficient and easy to handle
Pedro
21-03-2026
Speed of recruitment
ANA BELEN GUERRERO JAIME
22-03-2026
Hi. Easy to do online and very clearly explained.
Jose Manuel
22-03-2026
Very good!
Esperanza
23-03-2026
So far my experience is very good, because the information is detailed and transparent and helps to make a good choice, without final surprises, which is what bothers me the most when I rent a car. The management is easy and fast. Everything is ok
Lalo
23-03-2026
The booking website is agile and fast.
Javier Armán Carames
24-03-2026
The experience was very good, quick, easy and I found what I needed at the price I wanted.
Jhon stiven Trejos maya
25-03-2026
Very fast and comfortable
Jose Garcia
26-03-2026
Everything is correct and the company's service is good
Rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 4142 reviews. See all reviews.
What to see in Porto with your rental car
Once you've hired your car in Porto, you may be wondering, what next? First things first, you need to visit this city. Although the historic centre is perfect for exploring on foot, having a car makes it easy to get to the viewpoints, wineries and neighbourhoods located in the hills surrounding the Douro River.
- Ribeira de Porto: one of the city's best-known neighbourhoods, located on the banks of the Douro River. The best way to visit it is to park your rental car in areas close to the centre of Porto, such as the public car parks near the Douro promenade, and continue the tour walking through its colourful historic streets.
- Don Luis I Bridge: one of Porto's most iconic structures, and you can drive across it! However, only on the lower part of the bridge. Our recommendation: visit it on foot (upper area) and cross it by car to visit the wineries in the Gaia area, famous for their Port wine.
- São Bento Station: famous for its impressive tile panels depicting key moments in Portuguese history. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the centre of Porto.
- Porto Cathedral (Sé): one of the oldest monuments in the city. Located at the top of the historic centre, it combines architectural styles and offers privileged views of the Douro River. Arriving by car can be practical if you are coming from other parts of the city, as it is easier to reach this elevated part of the historic centre.
These places allow you to discover some of the most emblematic points of the city and to better understand the history and character of Porto. In addition, having a car rental in Porto is particularly useful to complete the visit with trips to nearby viewpoints, wineries and towns along the Douro Valley.
Day trips from Porto in your rental car
If you decide to rent a car in Porto, congratulations! You'll have access to a city well connected to several destinations in central and western Portugal, perfect for a road trip. In addition, Porto is a perfect base camp for day trips to different places of interest. Nearby cities include:
- Braga (50 minutes in your rental car from Porto): historic city known for the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte.
- Guimarães (45 min): considered the cradle of Portugal, with a well-preserved historic centre.
- Aveiro (1 h): known for its canals, colourful architecture and proximity to the coast.
- Vila Real (1 h 30 min): access to the Douro valley and characteristic wine-growing landscapes.
- Coimbra (1 h 30 min): university city with one of the most important historical sites in the country.
For these trips, a rent a car in Porto makes it easy to organise journeys between different cities in the north. In addition, car hire in Porto allows you to combine city tours with road trips during your journey.
Car routes from Porto for several days
If you have several days to visit Portugal, you may prefer to take a circular route from Porto in your hire car. This way, you will not only discover the nearby cities, but you will also be able to explore natural areas, villages and lesser-known destinations at your leisure.
Circular route in 3 days from Oporto by rental car: Braga and Guimarães
This car rental route from Porto is perfect for a two or three-day car rental getaway from Porto. Both cities are in close proximity to each other and are rich in history.
Braga stands out for its religious heritage and the impressive Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, while Guimarães preserves one of the best preserved medieval historic centres in Portugal. It is a comfortable route that allows you to discover the origins of the country.
Circular route in 5 days from Porto by rental car: Douro, Coimbra and Aveiro
If you have several days to travel around Portugal, a 5-day car rental route from Porto allows you to discover some of the most interesting landscapes and historic cities in the north and centre of the country. Plus, you can visit several of the cities we've recommended in one trip.
Hop in your Porto car hire and head for the Douro Valley, one of the world's most famous wine regions. Places like Peso da Régua or Pinhão offer spectacular viewpoints, terraced vineyards and traditional wineries where you can learn about Port wine making.
Continuing south, the route can include a stop in Coimbra. Before returning to Porto in your hire car, stop in Aveiro. Nearby is Costa Nova, famous for its striped wooden houses facing the Atlantic Ocean.
This route combines wine-growing landscapes, historical heritage and Atlantic coastline, making it a very complete itinerary to enjoy Portugal with total freedom in your rental car.
7-day circular route from Porto in a rental car: northern Portugal and Galicia
If you have a full week, a 7-day circular route in a rental car from Porto allows you to extend the route to the north of Portugal and even cross the border into Galicia. Be careful, check the terms and conditions of the supplier you choose for border crossing conditions.
Once again, hop in your hire car in Porto and head to visit Braga and Guimarães, two of the country's most important historic cities. From there continue on to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, one of Portugal's most impressive natural areas. Its mountains, waterfalls and small rural villages offer landscapes very different from those of the coastal cities.
At this point, you can even add a stop in northern Spain, such as Vigo or Santiago de Compostela, already in Galicia. On the way back to Porto with your hire car, make a stop in Viana do Castelo.
This seven-day route allows you to combine historic cities, nature and coastline, making the most of the possibilities offered by car hire in Porto to explore the north of the peninsula with total flexibility.
Driving a rental car in Porto and surroundings
Before opting for car hire in Porto, there are a few practicalities to consider. The historic centre has narrow streets and areas with steep slopes, so driving can be a little slower in certain areas.
In addition, traffic tends to be heavier at peak times. However, there are public car parks and parking facilities near the main tourist attractions.
Motorways linking Porto to other northern cities make it easy to travel to various destinations in the country.