A Complete Guide for Tourists, Expats, and Car Renters
Portugal’s road infrastructure is among the best in Europe, and much of it is maintained via paid toll roads, known locally as Autoestradas. While efficient and scenic, navigating the toll system can be confusing for travelers — especially when renting a car. This guide provides a complete list of toll roads, how to pay, and how to avoid fines.
🚗 Full List of Toll Roads (Autoestradas)
| Road | Route | Type | Approx. Toll (Car) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Lisbon ↔ Porto | Traditional | €20–25 | Portugal’s busiest highway |
| A2 | Lisbon ↔ Algarve (Albufeira) | Traditional | €20–23 | Long scenic drive |
| A3 | Porto ↔ Valença (Spain) | Traditional | €6–9 | Northern international route |
| A4 | Porto ↔ Bragança | Electronic | €12–17 | Mountainous and winding |
| A5 | Lisbon ↔ Cascais | Traditional | €1.35 | Coastal commuter route |
| A6 | Lisbon ↔ Elvas (Spain) | Traditional | €11–14 | Gateway to Madrid |
| A7 | Póvoa de Varzim ↔ Vila Pouca | Electronic | €5–7 | Low traffic route |
| A8 | Lisbon ↔ Leiria | Traditional | €8–10 | Access to central regions |
| A9 (CREL) | Lisbon bypass | Traditional | €3–5 | Useful for avoiding downtown |
| A10 | Carregado ↔ Benavente | Traditional | €2.50 | Short connector |
| A12 | Setúbal ↔ Lisbon | Traditional | €2–3 | Vasco da Gama Bridge |
| A13 | Almeirim ↔ Coimbra | Electronic | €8–10 | Quiet inland route |
| A22 | Algarve Coast (Via do Infante) | Electronic | €5–10 | Great for beach hopping |
| A23 | Torres Novas ↔ Guarda | Electronic | €10–15 | Interior access |
| A24 | Viseu ↔ Chaves | Electronic | €10–13 | Near wine regions |
| A25 | Aveiro ↔ Spanish border | Electronic | €12–15 | International shipping route |
| A28 | Porto ↔ Viana do Castelo | Traditional | €4–6 | Scenic Atlantic drive |
| A29 | Gaia ↔ Estarreja | Traditional | €3–4 | Parallel to A1 |
💳 How to Pay Tolls in Portugal
There are two main toll systems:
- 🧾 Traditional (Manual) Tolls:
- Pay at a booth with cash or card.
- Found on major routes like A1, A2, A5.
- 📡 Electronic Tolls (No Booths):
- Uses cameras to read your license plate.
- Roads like A22, A23, A24 are fully electronic.
✅ Rental Car Tip: Ask for Via Verde
Via Verde is a transponder device offered by rental companies.
It:
- Automatically registers all tolls.
- Lets you skip lines.
- Sends a final toll bill to your card (charged later or post-return).
Important: Make sure the rental contract clearly states how tolls will be charged to avoid surprise fees.
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Pay
If you drive on electronic toll roads without a valid system:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- Your plate will be scanned.
- Fines can be 10x the original toll fee.
- Your rental company may charge an admin fee (€20–€50).
🧭 How to Check Toll Prices in Advance
You can:
- Input starting and destination points.
- View detailed costs for each segment.
- Download PDF receipts (if needed for business travel).
💡 How to Avoid Toll Roads
Toll-free alternatives exist, often EN (Estrada Nacional) routes:
| Route | Toll Road | Free Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon – Porto | A1 | N1 (EN1) |
| Lisbon – Algarve | A2 | N120 + N262 |
| Lisbon – Cascais | A5 | EN6 (Marginal) |
| Porto – Viana do Castelo | A28 | EN13 |
🛑 But be warned: EN roads are slower, more congested, and full of roundabouts.
❓ FAQ – Toll Roads in Portugal
Q: Are all motorways in Portugal tolled?
A: Most highways (Autoestradas) are tolled. Some bypass roads and national roads are free.
Q: Can foreigners use electronic toll roads?
A: Yes. You can register your plate at border toll points or use a toll card from CTT (Portuguese Post).
Q: Can I prepay tolls as a tourist?
A: Yes. Options include:
- Toll Card (prepaid scratch card)
- EasyToll (link credit card to plate)
- Via Verde (best for rentals)
Q: Are tolls expensive in Portugal?
A: Reasonably priced compared to Western Europe. But cumulative costs can be high on long trips.
