How to Pick Up a Rental Car at Porto Airport Terminal 1

Arriving at Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and planning to rent a car? This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from landing in Terminal 1 to driving away in your rental car. We’ll cover documents, procedures, tips, and how to avoid common mistakes — so you can start your Portugal trip stress-free.

🌍 Porto Airport & Terminal 1 Overview

• Single terminal setup – Porto Airport operates both arrivals and departures in Terminal 1.
• Close to Porto city – about 11 km northwest of downtown, a 20–25 minute drive.
• Clear rental car signage – easy to follow from baggage claim to rental desks.

🛬 Arrival and Getting to the Rental Desks

1. After landing, follow the signs for Baggage Claim.
2. Collect your luggage, then proceed to the Arrivals Hall.
3. Rental desks are located in the terminal — look for the large “Car Rental” signs.
4. If your provider operates off-site, head to the shuttle pick-up point outside the terminal.

💡 Tip: Some shuttle services run every 10–15 minutes, but during peak hours you might wait longer.

📋 What You’ll Need at the Rental Counter

Be ready to present:

• Passport or ID card 🛂
• Valid driver’s licence (and IDP if required) 🚘
• Booking confirmation or voucher 📄
• Credit or debit card in the main driver’s name 💳

Some providers will also ask for:

• Return flight information ✈️
• Proof of address or an additional ID card 🪪

💳 Payment, Deposits, and Insurance

• Deposit hold – usually €500–€2,000 depending on car type and insurance cover.
• Insurance options – basic cover is standard, but full cover or zero-excess policies can reduce deposits to €100 or less.
• Fuel policy – full-to-full is best; refill before returning to avoid charges.

🛠 Inspecting the Vehicle Before Driving Away

Never skip the inspection step:

• Check all sides for scratches, dents, or chipped paint.
• Look inside for stains, cigarette burns, or missing items.
• Verify the fuel level matches the paperwork.
• Take time-stamped photos and keep them until after your trip.

🚌 Shuttle vs On-Site Pick-Up

On-Site Pick-Up 🚗

• Faster, no need to leave the terminal.
• Usually offered by premium brands and larger international companies.

Shuttle Pick-Up 🚌

• Common with budget and local agencies.
• Free ride to an off-site location (5–10 minutes away).
• Often cheaper daily rates.

💡 Tip: If you have a lot of luggage or kids, on-site pick-up is more convenient.

📝 The Check-Out Process

• Review and sign the rental agreement — double-check dates, rates, insurance, and fuel policy.
• Confirm mileage limits if applicable.
• Ensure all pre-existing damage is listed in the agreement.
• Receive your keys and directions to the parking lot or shuttle bus.

🕒 Operating Hours & After-Hours Pick-Up

• Most desks operate from 06:00 to 23:00.
• Late arrivals can often be arranged for a small fee.
• After-hours returns usually involve parking in a designated spot and dropping keys in a secure box.

🧍 Age & Driver Requirements

• Minimum age is typically 21–25, depending on the company.
• Young driver surcharges apply if you’re under 25.
• Additional drivers must be present with their licences and will incur extra charges unless included in a promotion.

🛣 Leaving Porto Airport in Your Rental Car

• Follow the Exit signs to the main road network.
• The A41 and A28 motorways connect you quickly to Porto, Braga, and coastal towns.
• Watch for tolls — many cars come with electronic toll devices (Via Verde).

🗺 Suggested First-Day Drives

• Downtown Porto 🏙 – about 20 minutes from the airport.
• Douro Valley 🍇 – 1.5–2 hours for wine tasting and river views.
• Braga & Guimarães 🏰 – two historic cities within an hour.

📦 Returning Your Rental Car

• Fill the tank if your policy is full-to-full.
• Remove all personal belongings.
• Arrive early to allow for inspection and paperwork.
• Get a signed confirmation of return to avoid later disputes.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting your credit/debit card PIN — needed for deposit holds.
• Skipping the inspection and ending up liable for pre-existing damage.
• Returning the car late without notifying the provider.
• Ignoring toll device charges until after the trip.

🏆 Quick Step-by-Step Recap

1. Land at Terminal 1 ✈️
2. Collect luggage and follow signs to rental desks 🧳
3. Present documents & payment card 🛂💳
4. Sign contract & inspect the car 📄🔍
5. Pick up keys and find your car 🔑🚗
6. Drive away and enjoy your trip 🛣🌊
7. Return on time and in good condition ⏰✅

✅ Final Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Book in advance to secure the best rates.
• Always check for free cancellation.
• Bring your own GPS or child seat to save on extras.
• Keep all rental documents handy in the glove box.
• Be polite but firm if staff try to upsell extras you don’t need.

🔑 Summary

Picking up a rental car at Porto Airport Terminal 1 in 2026 is quick and easy if you know the process. From finding the rental desk to inspecting your vehicle, following these steps ensures a smooth start to your trip. With the right documents, early booking, and careful inspection, you’ll be on the road exploring northern Portugal in no time.