Toll roads in Portugal can be confusing… But fear not, we’ve cleared it up for you! Whether you’re planning to avoid tolls roads or shorten your journey and drive on them with an added cost, you’ll need to consider a few things first.
How do I pay for toll roads in Portugal?
Portugal Toll roads can be paid for in several ways but if you’re renting a car, they will predominantly be paid for with a toll transponder. Not all toll roads have payment booths so be wary of which of which roads you drive down if you do not have a transponder.
How much do toll roads cost in Portugal?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a set fee for all tolls and different car rental providers will have varying charges for their toll transponders. Portugal toll roads average at around 8 cents per kilometre and the transponders will be around €1.85 per rental day. Transponders will usually have a maximum fee for rentals over 10 days (€1.85 will only go up to €18.50 for a 14-day rental). Calculate your route and make sure to check the rental conditions for the toll transponder fees.
What happens if you don’t pay tolls in Portugal?
Your car rental provider will receive a fine if you drive through a toll road without an active transponder. This fine will then be passed onto you or will be taken out of your security deposit as well as a possible additional administration fee.
Top tip – check the “avoid toll roads” filter on your navigation app if you don’t want to risk being fined! Alternatively, read our blog on how to avoid the Algarve toll roads.
How do I get a toll transponder in Portugal?
If you’re renting a car with Zest, most of our providers have transponders that are paid for locally!
Fitted toll transponder
Car rental providers will mostly have transponders already fitted within the vehicle. Customers are usually required to leave a deposit locally as well as a small charge per rental day (this will sometimes be a set fee for the entire rental). This is an administration fee – it does not cover the cost of the tolls themselves. Any toll charges incurred will be deducted further from the deposit or the customer’s credit card. The remainder of the deposit will be refunded up to 30 days after the end date of the rental.
Optional toll transponder
Some providers may give you the option to utilise the transponder. If you don’t intend on driving on toll roads in Portugal, you can instead sign a declaration upon collection and not have to pay a deposit or daily.
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