Toll roads in Portugal? How to buy a vignette in Portugal? Fines in Portugal? Parking in Portugal? Autostradas in Portugal? Toll tunnels in Portugal? Toll bridges in Portugal? Ferries in Portugal? We have collected answers to all these questions for you in this article.
Roads in Portugal
The length of the network of public roads in Portugal is 82,900 km. Of them, 71,294 km are paved. The length of highways (Autoestrada) is 2,992 km.
Toll Motorways in Portugal
In Portugal, there is a toll for the use of highways. There is also a toll to travel over some bridges.
Tariffs for traveling on motorways in Portugal
The amount of tariffs depends on the type of vehicle, which is divided into four classes. Vehicles are classified according to two criteria:
- The height of the vehicle, measured in the area of the first axle
- The total number of vehicle axles
Classification of vehicles
| A letter | TS | Description |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Vehicles with 2 axles, the height of the front axle is less than 1.10 m, with or without a trailer. * Motorcycles belong to class 1 if paid in cash. | |
| C2 | Vehicles with 2 axles with a front axle height of less than 1.10 m | |
| C3 | Vehicles with 3 axles with a front axle height of less than 1.10 m | |
| C4 | Cars with more than 3 axles, and the height in the area of the front axle is not less than 1.10 m. |
The table shows the tolls on some motorways in Portugal for a Class 1 vehicle, including a trailer.
Tariffs for travel on some highways for 2024:
| Trunk | Route | Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Lisbon – Porto (279 km) | € 21.85 |
| A2 | Lisbon – Albufeira (225 km) | € 20.00 |
| A3 | Porto – Valenca do Minho (100 km) | € 8.90 |
| A4 | Porto – Vila Real (136 km) | € 8.30 |
| A5 | Lisbon – Cascais (24 km) | € 2.15 |
| A6 | A2/Marateca – Elvas (139 km) | € 13.50 |
| A8 | Lisbon – Leiria (148 km) | € 9.45 |
| A9 | Alverca – Oeiras (42 km) | €3.80 |
| A10 | Bucelas – Loaded (40 km) | €3.75 |
| A12 | Setúbal – Montijo (27 km) | € 2.20 |
| A13 | Santarém – Marateca (79 km) | €5.55 |
| A14 | Santo Estevao – Marateca (27 km) | € 2.55 |
| A15 | Óbidos – Almeirim (40 km) | €3.95 |
| A17 | Marinha Grande – Aveiro (123 km) | € 9.70 |
| A21 | Malveira – Ericeira (21 km) | € 1.80 |
| A23 | Torres Novas – Guarda (217 km) | € 9.80 |
| A32 | Oliveira de Azeméis – Vila Nova de Gaia (43 km) | €3.05 |
| A41 | Freixieiro – Espinho (62 km) | €3.90 |
The table shows approximate tariffs calculated once at the beginning of the year based on the website of the Portuguese motorways, provided that traffic between points is carried out on the same motorway.
For example: Lisboa – Porto (€ 21.85), subject to driving only on the motorway. When traveling by a different route, the fare may differ in one direction or another.A1
Payment methods in Portugal
Lanes marked with this sign are intended for payment by credit cards or cash. These lines are serviced by the operator.
Means of payment: cash and credit cards.
Bands marked with this symbol are intended exclusively for payment by ViaVerde subscribers.
Means of payment: cash and credit cards
Bands marked with this symbol are intended exclusively for payment by ViaVerde subscribers.
Payment funds: Via Verde.
You can become a ViaVerde subscriber by renting a transponder at the company’s offices or at service stations along the road marked with the appropriate sign. The rental price is proportional to the period of its use. For example, renting for one week will cost €6.
In addition, a deposit for the transponder is €27.50 plus a payment deposit of at least €10 (for cars). When leaving, the transponder must be handed in and then the deposit is returned.
When renting a ViaVerde device, there are two payment methods:
- Automatic payment – payment is debited through Multibanco or from a credit card;
- Prepayment – prepayment of at least €10 (cars) or €20 (trucks). In this case, the unused balance is not refundable.
Electronic payment in Portugal
It should be borne in mind that since 2010 some motorways in Portugal can be paid only electronically, because there is no possibility of manual payment with them. Such roads are marked with the appropriate sign.
Initially, the only way to pay was to purchase a special Viaverde device, which was not very convenient for foreign drivers to enter for a short period of time.
Since July 1, 2012, several more ways to pay for highways have appeared.
Plots with special payment
Tariffs for crossing the Vasco da Gama bridge
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Tagus River north of Lisbon, Portugal. The length of the Vasco da Gama bridge is 17,185 m. The bridge is part of the highway. Lisbon — Setúbal.
The bridge has 3 lanes in each direction with a speed limit of 120 km/h for most of the bridge and 100 km/h on one of its sections. In windy, rainy weather, as well as in fog, the speed is limited to 90 km/h.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Passenger cars with 2 axles and a height around the front axle of less than 1.10 m, with or without a trailer | € 2.90 |
| C2 | Cars with 2 axles and a height around the front axle of at least 1.10 m | € 6.55 |
| C3 | Cars with 3 axles and a height around the front axle of at least 1.10 m | € 9.65 |
| C4 | Cars with more than 3 axles and a height around the front axle of at least 1.10 m | € 12.40 |
Ways to pay for the Vasco da Gama bridge in Portugal
There are 12 lanes at the toll station. The toll is charged only when driving towards Lisbon. Payment is made in cash or via the Via Card and Via Verde payment systems.
Lanes that serve the Via Verde system can be driven without stopping at a speed of no more than 40 km/h.
Tariffs for passing the 25 de Abril bridge
The 25 de Abril Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Lisbon on the north and Almada on the south bank of the Tagus River. The bridge is part of the A2 highway. The total length of the bridge is 2,278 m. It has 3 traffic lanes in each direction with a speed limit of 70 km/h.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Passenger cars with 2 axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.10 m, with or without a trailer | € 1.90 |
| C2 | Cars with 2 axles, the height in the area of the front axle is not less than 1.10 m | € 4.15 |
| C3 | Cars with 3 axles, the height in the area of the front axle is not less than 1.10 m | € 5.65 |
| C4 | Cars with more than 3 axles and a height around the front axle of at least 1.10 m | € 7.35 |
Payment methods
There are 16 lanes at the toll station. The toll is charged only when traveling in the northern direction (Lisbon).
Lanes served only by the Via Verde (1, 2, 13 and 14) and Via Card (5 and 11) systems can be driven without stopping at a speed of no more than 40 km/h.
Lanes 15 and 16 serve only public transport.
Fares for traveling through the Marão Tunnel
The Marão Tunnel is located on the A4 motorway between Amarante and Vila-Real. Its length is 5,625 m. The tunnel has 2 traffic lanes in each direction with a speed limit of 100 km/h. Accessed May 7, 2016.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Passenger cars with 2 axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.10 m, with or without a trailer | € 2.20 |
| C2 | Cars with 2 axles, the height in the area of the front axle is not less than 1.10 m | € 3.85 |
| C3 | Cars with 3 axles, the height in the area of the front axle is not less than 1.10 m | € 4.90 |
| C4 | Cars with more than 3 axles and a height around the front axle of at least 1.10 m | € 5.45 |
Parking in Portugal
Parking rules vary depending on the time of day, day of the week or month. Different cities have different rules.
- Sign “No Parking” (Estacionamento Proibido) — a red crossed-out stripe on a white or blue background
- Parking is prohibited 5 meters before the intersection, 25 m before and 5 m after the bus stop, and 6 m before and after the tram stop
- On a one-way street, parking is allowed only in the direction of traffic
- In some places, a permit (Cartão de Residente) from local residents or companies is required to park during working hours from 08:00 to 18:00
- Parking in residential areas may require permission from local residents at any time
- Parking attendants are always in uniform
Fines for parking violations range from €30 to €150.
Road map of Portugal
The main traffic laws of Portugal
Speed limits in Portugal
Standard speed limits in Portugal (unless otherwise indicated on signs).
Cars and motorcycles:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 90 km/h
- on the road – 100 km/h
- on the highway – 120 km/h
Cars with a trailer:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 70 km/h
- on the road – 80 km/h
- on the highway – 100 km/h
Traffic on highways is prohibited for vehicles whose speed according to technical characteristics does not exceed 50 km/h.
For drivers whose driving experience is less than a year, the maximum speed should not exceed 90 km/h.
Alcohol
Maximum permissible blood alcohol level in Portugal 0.49‰.
If the blood alcohol level is in the range from 0.50‰ to 0.79‰, then the fine will be from €250 to €1,250 and the suspension of the driver’s license from 1 month to 1 year.
If the blood alcohol level is in the range from 0.8‰ to 1.19‰, then the fine will be from €500 to €2,500 and the suspension of the driver’s license from 2 months to 2 years.
If the level of alcohol in the blood exceeds 1.2‰, then you are at risk of having your driver’s license revoked for 3 years and imprisonment for up to 1 year.
Low light
Dipped beam in Portugal is mandatory during the day in conditions of insufficient visibility and when driving through tunnels. Fog lights are allowed to be used only during fog.
In case of violation, the fine is from €30 to €150.
Transportation of children in Portugal
Children under 12 years of age and less than 135 cm tall can travel only when using appropriate child restraint systems appropriate for their weight in the back seat.
Children under 3 years of age can be transported in the front passenger seat when using appropriate child restraints, but the airbag must be turned off.
It is forbidden to transport children under the age of 3 in cars that are not equipped with seat belts.
Fine from €120 to €600.
Safety belts
Use of seat belts (Cinto de Segurança) in Portugal mandatory< a i=4> for front and rear passengers. The driver must ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts.
In case of violation, the driver will be fined between €120 and €600.
Phoning
It is forbidden to use a telephone device that is not equipped with a technical device that allows for hands-free conversations while the vehicle is in motion.
A fine of between €120 and €600 and/or suspension of a driver’s license for between 1 month and 1 year.
Fines in Portugal
Fines can be paid directly to the police officer at the scene of the violation. Most police cars have portable ATMs for immediate payment of fines. At the same time, an official check is issued indicating the maximum amount of the fine for the violation.
Foreign motorists who refuse to pay a fine on the spot will be asked to make a deposit to cover the maximum fine for the violation. If the motorist refuses to do so, the police have the right to confiscate the driver’s license, registration documents or, in some cases, confiscate the car.Penalties for traffic violations in Portugal:
| Violation | Fines (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Traffic on the highway at a speed below 50 km/h | € 60 – 300 |
| Passing through a traffic light prohibition signal | € 120 – 600 |
| Scattering of garbage | € 60 – 300 |
| ObginTS is on the right side | € 250 – 1,250 |
| Disobedience to signals and gestures of the regulator | € 120 – 600 |
| Failure to comply with the regulator’s request to stop | € 500 – 2,500 |
| Failure to comply with the requirement of the road traffic signal to give a signal before starting to move | € 60 – 300 |
| Driving in the far left lane on a road with two or more lanes in one direction with a free right | € 60 – 300 |
| Oncoming traffic on a one-way road | € 250 – 1,250 |
| Failure to keep the distance to the vehicle in front | € 60 – 300 |
| Failure to comply with the requirement of the road traffic signal to signal before stopping | € 60 – 300 |
| Sudden reduction of speed or stopping when the road situation does not require it | € 120 – 600 |
| Driving at low speed when the traffic situation does not require it | € 60 – 300 |
| Failure to comply with the requirements of the traffic rules to give way to a vehicle that has the right of way | € 250 – 1,250 |
| ObginTS where it is prohibited | € 120 – 600 |
| Violation of the rules of passage through railway crossings | € 120 – 600 |
| Stop on the highway | € 250 – 1,250 |
| Driving in reverse on the highway | € 500 – 2,500 |
Penalties for speeding differ within the locality and beyond.Penalties for speeding in Portugal:
| Speeding | ||
|---|---|---|
| up to 20 km/year | € 60 – 300 | |
| 21 – 30 km/year | € 120 – 600 | € 60 – 300 |
| 31 – 40 km/year | € 120 – 600 | |
| 41 – 50 km/year | € 300 – 1,500 | € 120 – 600 |
| 51 – 60 km/year | € 300 – 1,500 | € 120 – 600 |
| 61 – 80 km/year | € 500 – 2,500 | € 300 – 1,500 |
| over 80 km/h | € 500 – 2,500 | |
Useful Information
Fuel prices in Portugal
Unleaded petrol (95 and 98) and diesel are available in Portugal. Gas stations (LPG) are plentiful.
Average prices for all types of fuel as of 16.12.2023:
- Unleaded 95 — €1,682
- Unleaded 98 — €1,832
- Diesel — €1,640
- GPL Auto — € 0.905
Emergency numbers in Portugal
- The European emergency number is 112
Mandatory equipment
Equipment that necessary to have in a car in Portugal:
- Reflective Vest – You must have a reflective vest to be used in the event of an emergency stop. If there is no fine – from € 120 to 600. A vest is required only when installing an emergency stop sign (49 Kb).
- Emergency stop sign – mandatory in case of an emergency stop
- Identity documents – everyone must carry a photo ID that proves their identity
Winter equipment
Winter tires
The use of winter tires is not mandatory in Portugal, but is recommended in some areas, such as Serra da Estrela.
Studded tires
The use of studded tires in Portugal is prohibited.
Anti-slip chains
Snow chains are only allowed on roads covered with snow or ice.
Recommended equipment and other rules
It is recommended to equip your cars with a fire extinguisher and a set of spare lamps.
The use of radar detectors in Portugal is prohibited. If detected, a fine of €500 to €2,500 is imposed, and the device itself is subject to confiscation.