Driving in Portugal

Last checked November 2026.

Roads in Portugal

A lot of money has been spent on new roads in Portugal over the last 20 years. The main routes across the country and around the cities are good. Some older roads are still in poor condition, and in quieter areas such as the Alentejo minor roads can be rough and narrow. Take your time and you shouldn’t have any problems.

Tolls

Many Portuguese motorways charge tolls, and they work in two ways:

• Toll booths, where you take a ticket and pay by cash or card at the exit.
• Electronic-only tolls, with no booths. Cameras read your number plate, and signs before these stretches say they are electronic tolls only.

For electronic tolls, a UK-registered van needs one of these, all explained on the official Portugal Tolls site:

• Easytoll: links your number plate to a bank card. Valid for 30 days.
• Tollcard: a prepaid card, activated by text message, valid for a year.
• Go Toll or Via Verde: a subscription with an on-board device that works on the whole network, toll booths included.
• A toll tag from another country: some issued abroad work in Portugal. Check with your issuer before you go.

Easytoll and Tollcard don’t cover the two Lisbon bridges, the 25 de Abril and the Vasco da Gama.

Since 1 January 2025 several former SCUT motorways no longer charge tolls, including the A22 across the Algarve. Others, such as the A2 from Lisbon to the Algarve, still do.

Where to stay overnight

Since 2021 you can’t stay overnight in a campervan or motorhome on most of Portugal’s coast outside campsites and authorised motorhome areas, and the fines start at €60. See camping in Portugal for the rules.

Before you go

• Check that your insurance and breakdown cover include Portugal for the whole trip. See campervan insurance.
• Fuel is usually cheaper in Spain, so fill up before you cross the border.
• Lower speed limits apply to heavier vehicles, so check the limits for your van’s weight before you go.
• See driving in Europe for the kit to carry.

Sources: Portugal Tolls (pttolls.com) and Lei n.º 37/2024; checked November 2026.