Portugal, which is located on the Iberian Peninsula, is a popular vacation destination. Portugal tempts with beautiful weather, beautiful landscapes and resorts, and cities delight with their diversity. We will tell you how to plan a road trip to Portugal.
Toll roads and highways in Portugal
Portugal has a very well developed road network. In this small country, there are many freeways and expressways that allow you to reach even the most remote corners. However, roads in Portugal are tolled.
Tolls in Portugal
The toll system in Portugal depends on whether the car is registered in or outside of Portugal. If your car is registered in Europe you need to purchase a “Toll Card”. They are available at a price of 5, 10, 20 and 40 euros. They can be purchased at the post office, as well as online and at select gas stations. Another option is to install the Via Verde device on the glass, which can be rented. The cost of the rental is approximately 6 euros plus 1.5 euros per day and the fee for the sections of the motorway. If you do not have such a device, you must pay for the fare in another way. The vehicle registration number must be reported at the post office or PayShop. You will then receive a payment code within 48 hours. You then have 5 business days to pay the bill.
What are the prices for motorways in Portugal?
Commissions are quite high. They also depend on the class of the car. For example, to travel in a 1st class carriage on the route Lisbon – Lagos, you need to pay 24.8 euros, Lisbon – Porto – 22.2 euros, Porto – Fátima – 14.05 euros.
There are also toll bridges in Portugal:
- Vasco da Gama Bridge – 2.70 euros (for entering Lisbon)
- April 25 Bridge – 1.50 euros (for entering Lisbon)
Vignettes in Portugal
In Portugal, vignettes do not work, and the toll collection system is somewhat more complicated.
Are there vignettes in countries en route to Portugal?
The road to Portugal from Poland leads through many countries. There are different routes you can take to get to Portugal. Let’s follow one of them and see if vignettes will be needed in the countries you need to travel through. The vignettes are not valid on the route Poland – Germany – France – Spain. However, in Spain and France the motorways are tolled, but the toll must be paid at the toll booths.
Auto equipment in Portugal
Traveling to Portugal by car requires prior preparation. It is worth checking what is the mandatory equipment of the car. Here they are:
- reflective vest,
- warning triangle.
If you are traveling with a trailer, you will need two warning triangles. In addition, it is worth having a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher, but this is not necessary.
Portugal – the most important traffic rules and speed limits
In Portugal, traffic rules are very similar to Polish. However, pedestrians have more rights on the roads than we do. It is also worth driving carefully, because Portuguese drivers drive quite recklessly. You should also remember the speed limits, which are as follows:
- in populated areas for all cars – 50 km/h,
- outside populated areas, passenger cars – 90 km/h,
- on expressways, passenger cars – 100 km/h,
- on highways, passenger cars – 120 km/h.
In Portugal, all passengers and the driver must wear seat belts. Dipped headlights are mandatory at night and during the day in bad weather conditions. In addition, you need to turn on the light in the tunnels.
Important phone calls while traveling in Portugal
Before traveling to Portugal, it is a good idea to prepare a list of necessary telephones that may come in handy in an emergency.
- 112 is the European emergency number
- 808 508 508 – Brisa – Road service
- 00351 213 421634 / 00351 213 421623 – Lisbon Tourist Police
- +351 210 312 700 – Lisbon tourist information