- 🚗 Renting a Car to Cross the Vasco da Gama Bridge — Tips & Tolls
- 🌉 What Is the Vasco da Gama Bridge?
- 🚘 Can I Drive a Rental Car Across the Vasco da Gama Bridge?
- 💳 How Does Toll Payment Work?
- 🧾 What to Ask Your Rental Company
- 🔄 What if I Don’t Pay the Toll?
- 📍 Why Use the Vasco da Gama Bridge?
- 🛡️ Best Rental Companies for Toll-Ready Cars
- 🧭 Final Thoughts
🚗 Renting a Car to Cross the Vasco da Gama Bridge — Tips & Tolls
Planning to drive from Lisbon to the Algarve or Évora? Then you’ll likely cross the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge — the longest in Europe. This guide explains how to cross it in a rental car, how tolls work, and what you need to know to avoid fines or surprises.
🌉 What Is the Vasco da Gama Bridge?
- ✅ Length: 17.2 km (10.7 mi)
- ✅ Opened: 1998 for Expo ‘98
- ✅ Connects: North and south of the Tagus River
- ✅ Location: Eastern Lisbon, via A12 highway
It’s a faster and often less crowded alternative to the 25 de Abril Bridge, especially when heading toward southern Portugal.
🚘 Can I Drive a Rental Car Across the Vasco da Gama Bridge?
Yes, absolutely. All rental cars in Portugal are allowed to cross any national highway or bridge, including Vasco da Gama. The only thing you need to watch for is toll payment.
💳 How Does Toll Payment Work?
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a traditional toll road, meaning it has manual and electronic payment lanes. You can pay in the following ways:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
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| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Via Verde device | Pre-installed in most rental cars. Toll auto-deducted. |
| Manual payment lane | Pay with card or cash at the toll booth |
| License plate billing | For rentals without devices (extra charge) |
🚦 Toll Cost: Approx. €3.85 for standard cars (as of 2025)
🧾 What to Ask Your Rental Company
Before driving across the bridge, ask the agency:
- Does the car have a Via Verde transponder?
- Are tolls included in my rental package?
- Will I be billed later or should I pay manually?
💡 Discovercars and Rentalcars both show “Toll Device Included” in the booking summary. Look for that when booking.
🔄 What if I Don’t Pay the Toll?
Failing to pay the toll can result in:
- 🚫 Fines of up to €50+
- 💳 Charges to your card with admin fees
- 📩 Letters from collection agencies (especially if using license plate billing)
Always make sure tolls are handled correctly at pickup.
📍 Why Use the Vasco da Gama Bridge?
- 🧭 Direct route to Alentejo, Algarve, and Spain
- 🧘♂️ Less traffic than the 25 de Abril Bridge
- 📸 Stunning panoramic views of the Tagus River
🛡️ Best Rental Companies for Toll-Ready Cars
| Rental Company | Toll Device Included? | Available at LIS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive on Holidays | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Guerin | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Turisprime | ✅ Yes (on request) | ✅ Yes |
| Europcar | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
🧭 Final Thoughts
Crossing the Vasco da Gama Bridge in a rental car is safe, easy, and fast — as long as you understand the toll system. Whether you’re headed to the sunny beaches of the south or exploring inland gems, it’s one of the most scenic routes out of Lisbon.
