Rent a car in Portugal in 2024? Is It Worth It?
In my opinion and in a short answer, YES! You should rent a car in Portugal. It may be a small country, but it’s packed with so much beauty that you’ll want the freedom of a car to explore every nook and cranny. 🏞️
Why opting to rent a car can be a game-changer:
Sure, you can cross Portugal in less than 9 hours by car, but trust us, you’ll want to take detours and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Public transportation can be limiting, but with a car, you’re the captain of your adventure! 🚀
You’ve made the decision to rent a car? Find the best deal now. 👇
Still Unsure about Renting a Car in Portugal? Consider This:
1. Budget. 🤑 Booking your car rental in advance can save you money, plus many rental search sites offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before your reservation. Flexibility, yay!
2. City Travel. 🌃 In Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and other major cities, ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are your city chariots. Forget parking headaches and traffic tantrums!
3. Countryside Explorations. ⛺ Navigating the countryside might prove a bit more challenging in terms of transportation but if you’re a backpacking pro, buses, carpooling, and trains await your countryside escapades. Splurge on comfort train tickets for an extra touch of adventure. All aboard! 🚉
Let´s explore this further and find out if you really should rent a car in Portugal.
Budget. 🤑
Rent a car prices depend on a few conditions:
- How early you book your car ❔
Booking in advance saves money, and many rental search sites offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before your reservation, giving you flexibility.
- For how many days ❔
Experiment with rental dates; it may be cheaper to rent for a longer period.
- Renting on Peak season❔
Prices can vary greatly depending on the time of year; consider off-peak times for better deals. For example, renting a car for one week in November may cost around €74, while the same rental during peak season in August could cost up to €600. 😯
- Directly at the rent a car or search site ❔
Booking through search sites often offers cheaper deals and helps you accumulate discounts with flights and hotels.
The only advantages of renting directly with the rent-a-car is that some have discount cards and you can accumulate points and might be easier to and cheaper to get an upgrade.
City. 🌃
If you’re heading to a big city in Portugal like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra… don’t stress about renting a car for getting around.
Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are super popular in Portugal and make it super easy to get around with fair prices.
Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of driving, parking, and dealing with traffic in the city.
Uber: Download the app for iPhone here. Download the app for Android here.
Bolt: Download the app for iPhone here. Download the app for Android here.
Or you can even go for the eco-friendly option that’s sure to elevate your travel experience:
Bird – the electric scooter! 🛴
Countryside. ⛺
Heading out into the wild? If you’re a backpacking pro with everything you need in one bag, getting around might seem like a breeze. However, when it comes to the Portuguese countryside, it’s essential to be aware that securing reliable transportation can be a bit more challenging.
While you have a few options at your disposal, such as catching a bus, carpooling with fellow travelers, or even taking a train (who knows, you might conjure up the next Harry Potter series during the ride 😁 just kidding, but you never know!), it’s worth noting that these options might not be as readily available or convenient in rural areas.
If train rides strike your fancy, go ahead and embrace the experience! Treating yourself to comfort tickets in alpha pendular (AP) can add an extra touch of excitement to your journey. Spacious cabins, cushy seats, power sockets. If your schedule allows, you can score a comfort ticket from Lisbon to Porto for just €29 per trip.
Yep, you read that right! A smooth, comfy journey that won’t put a dent in your wallet. Simply browse through our promotions and book ahead. 🚂🎉
So, pack your bag, put on your explorer’s hat, and let’s set off on an adventure into the wild!
For train travel between major cities in Portugal, CP is your go-to platform for booking. To explore prices and schedules, check out their website here. 🚉
Let’s hit the road and make memories in Portugal that will last a lifetime! 🚗✨
Hey there! When you buy through my links, you’re backing Landfarer—no extra charge, just extra love! Thank you! ❤️
Last updated: January 1, 2024
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