Cars & Transportation Portugal

Metro: Lisbon and Porto have metro systems. Lisbon has four lines covering the main areas of the city and suburbs, as well as key tourist attractions. Porto's metro includes several lines covering not only the city but also nearby municipalities.

 

 

 

Buses: The bus network is developed throughout the country and is actively used both in cities and in rural areas where other types of transport may be less accessible. In major cities like Lisbon and Porto, bus routes cover almost all areas, and interregional transportation is serviced by long-distance buses.

 

 

 

Trams: Trams are particularly popular in Lisbon and Porto. In Lisbon, trams have historical significance and are one of the popular tourist attractions, although they are also used by locals for moving around the city.

 

 

 

Trains: Portugal's railway network allows for convenient travel between major cities. There are both suburban trains and high-speed Alfa Pendular express trains connecting the northern and southern regions of the country. It's a reliable and convenient way to travel long distances.

 

 

 

Ferries: In Lisbon, ferry services across the Tagus River provide residents and tourists with the opportunity to quickly cross the river and reach suburbs like Almada and Seixal.

 

 

 

Air Travel

 

 

 

Domestic flights: Domestic flights in Portugal mainly focus on connecting the mainland with the islands — Madeira and the Azores. Due to the distances, domestic flights play an important role for island residents.

 

 

 

International flights: International air travel in Portugal is developing steadily, especially through the main airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Popular international routes include the USA, Canada, and Brazil. This makes Portugal an important transport hub, especially for transatlantic flights. Major international destinations include Europe, North, and South America.

Types of Cards

 

Viva Viagem (Lisbon) and Andante (Porto): these are prepaid transport cards that can be used for travel on buses, the metro, trams, and trains. These cards are purchased at ticket machines at stations or at designated sales points.

 

Navegante (Lisbon) and Andante also support long-term subscriptions, such as monthly passes.

 

 

 

Types of Tickets

 

In addition to single tickets, in Lisbon and Porto, you can purchase day tickets, which allow for unlimited travel for 24 hours.

 

Special travel tickets, like the Lisboa Card, offer unlimited travel on transport, as well as discounts on visiting tourist sites.

 

 

 

Where to buy and how to pay:

 

Tickets can be bought at machines in metro stations and kiosks at bus stops. Payment is possible in cash, by bank card, or through mobile applications like MBWay.

 

There are options to top up cards through online platforms and Multibanco bank terminals.

 

 

 

New Technologies: In 2023, Portugal launched the 1Bilhete.pt project, which allows the use of mobile applications for payment and card top-up, as well as integration with contactless bank cards. This simplifies the use of public transport across the country.

Taxis

 

In major cities of Portugal, such as Lisbon and Porto, the most common services are Uber and Bolt, which also provide access to eco-friendly and convenient options like Uber Green and Bolt Green (electric cars) and Uber Access for passengers with reduced mobility. Both services are actively developing, offering the possibility to call a taxi through a mobile application, as well as rent scooters.

 

 

 

Car sharing

 

Car sharing has become an important part of urban mobility in Portugal. In Lisbon and Porto, services such as DriveNow, Emov, and Hertz 24/7 City operate, offering car rentals through mobile applications. These services allow booking and using cars for short periods, which is especially convenient for those who do not want to own a car but need one for city trips.

 

 

 

Scooters and Bicycles

 

Services for renting electric scooters and bicycles are rapidly developing in cities across Portugal. Companies such as Bolt and Uber offer scooter and e-bike rentals through their apps. Scooters and bikes can be found in close proximity to public transport stops, making them an excellent choice for the last mile of a journey. They are available in Lisbon, Porto, and other major cities, and can become a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around.

 

 

 

Usage Features

 

All services, whether taxi, car sharing, or scooter rental, can be easily activated via mobile apps. To use car sharing or scooters, registration in the app is required, after which users can book vehicles and use them as needed. It is important to follow safe driving and parking rules, especially for scooters and bicycles, which should be left in designated areas.

Yes, it's quite possible to live in Portugal without your own car, especially if you are in major cities or their surroundings. The country has a well-developed public transport system that covers both cities and suburbs.

 

 

 

Owning a car in Portugal involves high costs for fuel, maintenance, parking, and taxes, which makes using public transport or car sharing a more cost-effective solution. In addition, the development of "green" infrastructure, such as the expansion of the bike lane network and programs to limit car use in city centers, encourages a shift to more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.

Obtaining a local driver's license

 

 

 

Main Requirements

 

Age: The minimum age to obtain a category B driver's license is 18 years.

 

Residency: You must reside in Portugal for at least 185 days (with a temporary or permanent residence permit).

 

Medical Certificate: You will need to provide an electronic medical certificate confirming that there are no contraindications to driving a vehicle.

 

Psychological Assessment: For some categories (e.g., driving buses or trucks), a psychological assessment certificate is required.

 

 

 

Process of Obtaining

 

Driving School: You must enroll in a driving school, complete theoretical courses (studying traffic rules) and practical driving; courses are available in English if required.

 

Exams: After training, you will need to pass two exams — theoretical and practical. Exams can be taken in Portuguese or, upon request, in English.

 

 

 

Cost: The cost of obtaining a driver's license varies depending on the chosen driving school and the category of license. The average price ranges from 500 to 1,000 euros for a full training course and exams.

 

 

 

Exchange of Foreign Driver's License

 

If your driver's license is issued by EU countries, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you can:

 

Continue to use your driver's license without replacement while it remains valid.

 

Voluntarily exchange it for a Portuguese one (not mandatory, but possible).

 

Must register with the Portuguese Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) if residing in Portugal for more than 185 days.

 

Important: Upon the expiry of your driver's license, it must be replaced with a Portuguese one.

 

 

 

Citizens of countries with bilateral agreements with Portugal (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, USA, Chile, Israel, New Zealand, UAE, Venezuela) have the right to exchange without taking an exam; mandatory conditions:

 

Residence permit or Portuguese citizenship.

 

Permanent residence in Portugal for more than 185 days.

 

Driver’s license is valid (not expired).

 

Important: If you have a driver's license from Brazil or the USA, you must exchange it within 90 days after obtaining a Portuguese residence permit, otherwise, an exam will be required.

 

 

 

Citizens of countries without agreements with Portugal: to obtain a Portuguese driver's license you will need:

 

Reside in Portugal for more than 185 days.

 

Pass theoretical and practical exams at IMT.

 

Undergo a medical examination.

 

Important: If the driver's license was obtained after moving to Portugal, it is not subject to exchange – you need to obtain a new license from scratch.

 

 

 

Where to apply for exchange: IMT branches (appointment via www.imt-ip.pt); online through the IMT portal; driving schools affiliated with IMT (if an exam is required).

 

 

 

Processing time and cost: Processing time 1-3 months; cost €30-50 (depending on the category of driver's license).

Owning and driving a personal car in Portugal involves certain obligations and costs, including taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

 

 

 

Taxes

 

Vehicle registration tax: paid at the first registration of the car in Portugal. The amount depends on the engine size and CO2 emissions level. Electric vehicles are exempt from this tax.

 

Vehicle ownership tax: an annual tax paid for owning a car. It also depends on CO2 emissions, fuel type, and year of manufacture. Electric vehicles are exempt from this tax.

 

 

 

Vehicle registration

 

When purchasing a vehicle (new or used), the owner is obliged to register it in their name within 60 days. To do this, you can use the Automóvel Online platform, managed by the Ministry of Justice. This service allows vehicle registration, changing registration details, and checking the status of current registrations. The platform is available on the official website: (https://www.automovelonline.mj.pt) . To use the platform, you need to log in with a citizen's digital certificate or electronic ID card. Registration is also possible in person at the registration office.

 

 

 

Technical inspection

 

All vehicles in Portugal are required to undergo regular technical inspections. New vehicles are inspected four years after their first registration, then every two years until they reach eight years old, after which inspections become annual.

 

 

 

Insurance

 

In Portugal, it is mandatory to have third-party insurance.

 

 

 

Features of operation

 

Fuel prices in Portugal are high, making the operation of cars with large engine capacities costly. Therefore, many owners prefer electric or hybrid vehicles, which also benefit from tax breaks and government support.

 

 

 

Toll roads

 

Many highways in Portugal are toll roads. The payment system varies depending on the type of vehicle and distance. For driver convenience, various payment methods exist, including the Via Verde system, which automatically deducts tolls using a device on the windshield.

 

Some road sections, especially in remote regions, are free. For example, on some former toll sections ex-SCUT, tolls have been canceled, as has happened on roads in the Algarve and Beira Interior regions.

 

 

 

Parking

 

In Portugal, parking is one of the main challenges faced by drivers in large cities such as Lisbon and Porto. The issue is especially acute in central areas, where parking spaces are limited, and many are paid. In response, authorities are developing a paid parking system; mobile apps are also offered to find parking.

Main fines and penalties

 

Speeding

 

In cities: fines range from 60 to 300 euros for exceeding up to 20 km/h and can reach 2500 euros for exceeding more than 60 km/h.

 

Outside cities: similar fines, but for exceeding by 30 km/h and more, fines start at 120 euros and can reach 2500 euros.

 

 

 

Driving under the influence of alcohol

 

With a blood alcohol level from 0.5 to 0.8 g/l: fine from 250 to 1250 euros, loss of 3 points, and possible suspension of driving license for a period from 1 to 12 months.

 

With a blood alcohol level from 0.8 to 1.2 g/l: fine from 500 to 2500 euros, loss of 5 points, possible suspension of license for up to 2 years.

 

Blood alcohol level above 1.2 g/l is considered a crime, which can result in imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine for up to 120 days, loss of 6 points, and license suspension for up to 3 years.

 

 

 

Using a mobile phone while driving: The fine for using a phone without hands-free ranges from 250 to 1250 euros and a loss of 3 points.

 

 

 

Failure to pass a technical inspection: The fine varies from 250 to 1250 euros, depending on the type of vehicle.

 

 

 

Seat belt violations: Using a seat belt is mandatory, and fines for its absence range from 120 to 600 euros, with a loss of 3 points.

 

 

 

Additional measures

 

Penalty point system: Portugal has introduced a points system where 2 to 6 points are deducted for serious violations. If a driver loses all points, they lose their driving license and must retake the exam in two years.

 

 

 

 

 

How foreign nationals can pay a fine

 

 

 

On the spot: If the fine was imposed directly by a police officer, it can be paid on the spot using a bank card. This will be considered a "deposit," allowing the fine to be contested later.

 

   

 

Online: The fine can be paid via the Multibanco system (for Portuguese bank cardholders) or by using international payment systems, if the appropriate code for payment through home banking is provided.

 

 

 

Via post (CTT): Payment can be made at CTT post offices in Portugal.

 

 

 

By bank transfer: Foreigners can pay the fine by bank transfer. The fine notice usually includes the necessary information for an international transfer, including IBAN and BIC codes.

 

 

 

Contesting the fine: If a foreign national wishes to contest the fine, they can submit an application via email or send a request by mail to ANSR (Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária).

 

 

 

After receiving the notice, you have 15 working days to pay the fine or contest it.

Technical inspection

 

 

 

Frequency: New passenger vehicles undergo their first inspection 4 years after registration; subsequently, inspection is carried out every 2 years until the eighth year, after which it is annual.

 

What is checked: Functionality of the braking system, lights, tire condition, CO2 emissions level, seat belt efficiency, and other key components.

 

 

 

Where the technical inspection is conducted

 

Technical inspections in Portugal are conducted at special vehicle inspection centers (CITV). These centers are accredited and supervised by the governmental body IMT.

 

 

 

How to find an inspection center: You can find the nearest inspection center through the official website (https://www.imt-ip.pt), where there is a list of all certified centers.

 

 

 

Registration

 

 

 

Required documents: Passport, proof of residency in Portugal, vehicle documents (certificate of conformity and proof of tax payment), and a technical inspection (if it is an imported vehicle).

 

 

 

Deadlines and fines: Registration must be completed within 60 days after purchasing the vehicle. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in fines.

 

 

 

Registration costs: Registration of new vehicles includes a vehicle tax and an annual road tax, the amount of which depends on the type of vehicle and its CO2 emissions.

 

 

 

Features of vehicle registration for foreigners:

 

1. Registration documents:

 

   - Foreigners will need to provide a passport or residence permit, proof of residency in Portugal (e.g., rental contract or utility bill), vehicle documents (proof of ownership, certificate of conformity).

 

   - If the vehicle is imported, documents are also required to confirm tax payments such as Imposto sobre Veículos (ISV), and documents proving payment of Imposto Único de Circulação (IUC).

 

 

 

2. Technical Inspection (Inspeção Técnica):

 

   - For imported vehicles, it is mandatory to undergo a technical inspection at accredited centers before registration.

 

 

 

3. Taxes:

 

   - ISV (Imposto sobre Veículos) is a tax paid once upon the first registration of the vehicle in Portugal. The amount depends on the vehicle's age, engine size, and CO2 emissions. Electric vehicles are exempt from this tax.

 

   - IUC (Imposto Único de Circulação) is an annual road tax, the amount of which also depends on emissions and vehicle type.

 

 

 

4. Registration deadlines:

 

- Vehicle registration must be completed within 60 days of its importation or purchase. Failure to comply with this period may result in fines.

 

 

5. Privileges for EU citizens:

 

- EU citizens can drive a car registered in another EU country, but if the car is used in Portugal for more than 183 days a year, it must be registered with local authorities.

Short-term use: Foreign cars can be in Portugal without the need for registration for up to 6 months within any 12-month period. During this time, the owner must not be a resident of the country. After 6 months, the car must either be registered in Portugal or removed from the country.

 

 

For non-residents: Cars with foreign plates may be used by non-residents for personal purposes. Only the owners or their family members may drive these cars. Use of the car by a resident of Portugal is prohibited without registration unless special permits are obtained.

 

 

Registration of a foreign car

 

For those planning to reside in Portugal for an extended period, a car with foreign plates must be registered, which requires:

 

Paying a vehicle tax: Paid at the first registration of the vehicle in Portugal. Some cars, especially electric vehicles and those brought in during a change of residence, may be exempt from this tax.

 

Undergoing a technical inspection: All foreign cars must pass a technical inspection at an accredited center before registration.

 

Obtaining Portuguese plates: After paying taxes and successfully passing the technical inspection, Portuguese plates can be requested. The process takes about 5 days.

 

 

Documents for registration: car documents (registration certificate from another country, certificate of conformity — COC), as well as proof of tax payment and technical inspection.

 

 

Annual obligations: Once the car is registered in Portugal, its owner must pay an annual vehicle ownership tax every year.

In Portugal, the infrastructure for electric vehicles is rapidly developing and already holds an important place in the country's transport system. The number of charging stations reaches up to 10,000 points, providing ample opportunities for charging electric vehicles both in cities and along major highways.

 

Charging stations: The main part of the charging station network is serviced by the state platform Mobi.E. Galp and EDP also offer charging stations at gas stations and key transport hubs.

 

Types of charging stations: Most stations are normal and semi-fast chargers, but there is also a significant number of fast and ultra-fast chargers, which greatly reduce waiting times for electric vehicle drivers.

 

Service centers: The development of electric vehicle infrastructure includes not only charging stations but also specialized service centers for electric vehicle maintenance. Major car manufacturers like Tesla, Nissan, Renault, and others offer specialized services and services for electric vehicle owners.