Renting a Car in Portugal: How Do You Pay for Toll Roads?

Updated on: April 16, 2026 – with the latest information on toll tags in rental cars

You’re probably already familiar with toll roads from vacations in France, Spain, or Italy. But what’s the deal with toll roads in Portugal? Can you only pay electronically there? And if you rent a car in Portugal, does it come with a toll device as standard, or do you need to arrange that in advance? And how much does it actually cost?

That’s a lot of questions, and below we’ll tell you exactly how you can enjoy a worry-free road trip through Portugal in your rental car!

Closed and Open Toll Roads in Portugal

When you drive on the highway in Portugal with a rental car, you may encounter two different toll payment methods: open and closed.

• Closed systems are toll roads where you stop to take a ticket and then pay when you exit the toll road. With your Portuguese rental car, you should choose the Via Verde lane here, where the car is automatically registered, so you don’t have to stop.

• Open systems are toll roads where you can pay exclusively electronically. You don’t have to stop or slow down. The electronic portal above the road communicates with the toll box in the rental car, and the amount due is automatically charged.

Renting a Car in Portugal with a Toll Tag

In Portugal, all rental cars are required to have an activated electronic toll device (Via Verde). Sometimes rental companies don’t charge for this, but usually you pay a fixed daily fee (with a maximum per rental period) in addition to the toll rates, of course. This system allows you to drive on any Portuguese toll road, and the amount due is automatically charged to your credit card. This way, you can enjoy your road trip through Portugal worry-free and don’t have to worry about unexpected toll fines. The Via Verde system is by far the easiest way to pay, as it’s valid on all Portuguese toll roads.

This service makes driving a rental car in Portugal a lot easier:

• Time-Saving
  With the Via Verde device, you can pass through toll gates without stopping or paying manually, saving you travel time and helping you avoid lines.

• Convenience
  Automatic toll payment eliminates the need to search for change or deal with toll booths, ensuring a smoother driving experience.

• Wide Coverage
  Via Verde covers the entire Portuguese highway network, allowing you to travel throughout the country easily and without manual payment.

Avoiding Toll Roads with Your Rental Car in Portugal

During your road trip through Portugal in a rental car, you can try to avoid toll roads. For almost every Portuguese toll road, there’s an alternative route you can take that’s completely free. If you have the time, these can be great options. And, to be honest, this way you can enjoy the beautiful Portuguese countryside even more. But in some parts of the country, it can be difficult to avoid toll roads entirely—for example, in the areas around Lisbon and Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paying Tolls and Your Rental Car in Portugal

Do I need to activate the toll device in the rental car?

No, every rental car in Portugal is required to have an activated toll box on board. It’s also not possible to deactivate this toll box.

Does this mandatory toll box cost anything?

Yes, usually, but the exact cost depends on the local car rental company. The daily fee is a maximum of €2.21, and the total fee for the entire rental period is a maximum of €22.14 (2026 rates). In addition to this “subscription fee,” you’ll pay the toll rates.

What if I don’t drive on any toll roads at all?

If you didn’t drive on any toll roads in Portugal during your rental period, the rental company is required to refund the “subscription fee.” This can take up to 10 days, depending on the rental company.

What if I drive on a toll road just once?

The rule is: if you use the toll booth, you pay for it, even if it’s just once. You’ll only get a refund if you’ve never driven on any toll roads with the rental car.

How does the rental company calculate the toll charges?

When you return the rental car, the rental company will have a list of the toll roads you’ve driven on and the fees owed. The local rental company will deduct these from the security deposit held on your credit card.

How much do tolls cost on Portuguese highways?

That depends a bit on which highway you’re driving on, but on average, you’ll pay about €0.08 per kilometer. You can calculate the exact amount on the Via Verde website. There, you’ll also find options for alternative (cheaper) routes.

Rent a car and discover the beauty of Portugal

Portugal is ideal for road trips and vacations with a rental car. The stunning coastlines of the Alentejo and the Algarve, in particular, are best explored at your own pace. With a rental car in Portugal, you can also visit authentic villages and national parks in the interior, which are difficult to reach by public transportation. And the best part is: you can stop whenever you want!

Need some inspiration? Then check out our blog post about a road trip from Lisbon to Porto, with a little detour through the Douro Valley as a bonus.

Stress-Free Car Rental in Portugal

Now that you know how to pay for toll roads in Portugal, it’s time to plan a road trip through this beautiful country with a rental car. Want to enjoy a completely worry-free vacation? Then rent a car with our Worry-Free label, the all-inclusive solution from the online comparison platform EasyTerra. These cars always come from a reputable rental company that scores at least a 7 for customer satisfaction. If you select “Worry-Free” in our filter system, you no longer need to check a car rental company’s rating. And there are even more benefits associated with these rental cars:

• covered deductible

• unlimited mileage

• favorable fuel policy (full-to-full)

• a relatively low deposit

By the way, did you know that you’ll always find the best rates for rental cars at EasyTerra? That’s our lowest price guarantee!

Start searching for a rental car in Portugal right away.