How to Use a Gas Station in Portugal

Using Car Fuel Stations in Portugal — Easy Guide

Whether you’re renting a car for a road trip or just driving around Lisbon, knowing how to use a gas station in Portugal can save you time, stress, and money. ⛽🚗

In this guide, you’ll learn how fuel stations work in Portugal, what fuel types to choose, how to pay, and common mistakes to avoid — especially if you’re using a rental car.

⛽ Types of Gas Stations in Portugal

In Portugal, you’ll mainly encounter two types of stations:

🛠️ Self-Service (Autoatendimento)

• Most common
• You pump the fuel yourself
• Payment is made before or after filling — depending on the station

👤 Full-Service (Serviço Assistido)

• Less common, but available in smaller towns
• An attendant pumps the fuel for you
• Slightly more expensive, but convenient if unsure

💡 Tip: Self-service stations usually operate 24/7, especially at highways.

🛢️ Fuel Types in Portugal – What to Choose?

Fuel labels may differ slightly from what you’re used to. Here’s what to expect:

⚠️ Putting the wrong fuel in your rental car may void the insurance and damage the engine.

✅ Check the inside of the fuel cap or your rental contract — it usually says “Diesel” or “Gasolina”.

🧭 Where to Find Gas Stations in Portugal

You’ll find fuel stations:

• Along major highways (A1, A2, A8, etc.)
• Inside cities and towns
• Near Lisbon Airport, Porto, Faro, etc.

Popular fuel brands:

• GALP
• BP
• Repsol
• CEPSA
• Prio (often cheaper)
• Intermarché / Jumbo (supermarket fuel stations)

💳 How to Pay at the Pump

Most stations allow:

✅ Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Multibanco)
✅ Contactless payments
✅ Cash (during staffed hours)

There are two main processes:

🔢 Option 1: Prepay Before Pumping

1. Enter the store or kiosk
2. Say the pump number
3. Prepay €20, €30, etc.
4. Return for a refund if unused

⛽ Option 2: Pump First, Then Pay

1. Lift the nozzle and fill up
2. Note the pump number
3. Pay inside (or use card reader at the pump)

💡 Tip: Not all machines accept foreign cards — have cash as backup in rural areas.

🛑 Step-by-Step: How to Use a Self-Service Gas Station in Portugal

1. Park with the fuel cap closest to the correct pump side
2. Choose the correct fuel type (Gasóleo or 95/98)
3. Lift the nozzle and start pumping
4. Monitor the screen for liters and cost
5. When finished, place nozzle back
6. Pay using card at the pump OR go inside to pay by card/cash
7. Collect receipt (optional)

🪪 Some stations ask for NIF (tax ID) when paying — just press “Não” (No) if you don’t have one.

🛣️ Fuel Prices in Portugal

💡 Highways tend to be more expensive — fuel up in towns when possible.

🧾 Do You Need a Receipt for Rental Cars?

✅ YES — especially if your rental company uses full-to-full fuel policy.
🧾 Always request a receipt to prove you refueled.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Filling with the wrong fuel type – always check the label
❌ Assuming all pumps accept foreign cards – have backup cash
❌ Overfilling – some cars have smaller tanks than you expect
❌ Forgetting to note the pump number – it’s needed for payment

🤔 People Also Ask

✔️ How do I use a gas station in Portugal?
✔️ Do Portuguese gas stations accept credit cards?
✔️ Is diesel called gasóleo in Portugal?
✔️ Can I pay with cash at fuel stations in Portugal?
✔️ How much does petrol cost in Portugal in 2026?

✅ Final Tips

🚗 Fill up before returning a rental car, especially if you have a full-to-full policy.
🧠 Learn basic Portuguese words:

• “Gasolina” – petrol
• “Gasóleo” – diesel
• “Bomba” – pump
• “Pagar com cartão” – pay by card
• “Número da bomba” – pump number

With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to handle any fuel stop like a local in Portugal! 🇵🇹