CAR HIRE PORTO AIRPORT (OPO)

You'll find our Avis desk at Porto Airport located in the main terminal building where our Avis team will be on hand to meet you just after you come through passport control and baggage reclaim. You'll be collecting your hire car from the dedicated Avis parking in the car park a short walk from the terminal building.

The moment you arrive at Porto Airport Avis has you covered with a wide selection of vehicles. Whether you fancy a compact car for an urban jaunt, an elegant saloon for a business trip or a spacious people carrier for a family holiday, your perfect vehicle awaits. We’ll pack all the extras you need to get the most from your venture – from sat nav and super-fast mobile Wi-Fi, to our tailored range of child seats.  And, you don’t have to drive full circle: why not make the most of one way car hire? 

Ahead of your Avis car rental at Porto Airport, you can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on your booking plus fast-track service and exclusive offers when you join Avis Preferred, our free loyalty scheme.

Also called Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Porto Airport is only 30 minutes’ drive from the town of Porto. One of the most beautiful coastal towns in the world, Porto is famed for its beautiful bridges and Baroque architecture.

A world heritage city, Porto is dissected by the River Douro giving it a picturesque look, whichever way you enter the town. The town has ancient buildings, such as Sé Catedral and the Church of São Francisco, as well as modern architectural wonders such as the Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum.

Which side of the road?
In Portugal, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• If you're caught committing a driving offence, the police can issue an on-the-spot fine

• Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger
• As you approach toll booths on motorways, don't use the green lanes. These are reserved for drivers using an automatic e-toll payment system. (Please speak to an Avis representative when collecting your rental car if you would like us to register you for this service)

Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Motorways: 120 km/h (74 mph)

• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat

• Children aged under 12 and less than 135 cm must be seated in appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

While Porto is considered a summer destination, this beautiful coastal town is equally delightful during the winter months. Here are five ways to make the most of the surrounding area during the colder season. 

Discover football history at FC Porto Museum 

Football fans will love the opportunity to wander through the interactive FC Porto Museum, as you take a self-guided tour around Estádio do Dragão. Around 20-minutes' drive from Porto Airport, this museum is ideal in the winter as it offers a 2–3-hour indoor escape with cutting-edge interactive tech, holograms, and a whole lot of history to keep you entertained. 

Wander the ‘birthplace of Portugal’ in Guimarães 

Guimarães Castle is an iconic medieval castle which, combined with the cobblestoned streets of the old town square, looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The crisp winter air only enhances this, and there are plenty of traditional bakeries around to sample local treats after you finish exploring. 

Go shopping at Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet 

What better way to shelter from the colder weather than by letting loose at a shopping outlet? Vila do Conde Porto is home to over 150 name-brand factory outlets as well as a food court where you can refuel after your spree. 

Explore the Indoor Matosinhos Municipal Market 

If local fresh food is your thing, then you’ll love visiting the indoor market, which is just 10 minutes from the airport. The bustling market is full of stalls including fresh seafood and fruits and also plays host to a Christmas market during the festive season. The market is completely indoors and shielded from the wind, so you can enjoy your Portuguese delicacies without having to worry about the winter weather.  

Visit the Serralves Museum & Park 

This contemporary art museum is world class and is set within an expansive estate. Designed by famed architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, it’s located south towards the Foz district and features a magnificent treetop walk through the forest canopy. For rainier days, head inside to the pink Art Deco villa and the museum galleries. 

Porto to Coimbra
90 minutes from Porto lies one of the oldest university towns in Europe, the riverside town of Coimbra.  Head into town and you’ll be greeted by two beautiful cathedrals, one built in the Baroque fashion and the other more Roman influenced.

You’ll feel the academic influence of this student town any time of year. The streets are filled with elegant cafes, vibrant bars and political graffiti and offer a real taste of Portuguese academia.

Porto to Caminha
Just over an hour's drive (traffic dependent) from Porto is the sleepy riverside town of Caminha, one of the most historically rich, beautiful and scenic towns in Portugal.

There’s so much to see and do once you arrive in Caminha, we’d recommend starting with the main square, where you’ll get a real taste of the town. Here you’ll see the beautiful old town hall and the Misericórdia church, two must-see’s when in Caminha.

If you’re seeking something a little more active then head to the river estuary, to take part in all sorts of water-based activities including boating and windsurfing.

Porto to the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is one of the most breath-taking and majestic drives in the whole of Portugal.  The valley is famed for its wine production but there’s so much more to see on this route. Follow the river and you’ll see hundreds of vineyards dotted around, as well as towns and villages offering a true taste of authentic Portuguese culture.

Depending on traffic, getting to the Douro Valley in your Avis hire car is around 2.5 hours, but is well worth your time.

What is driving like in Portugal?

The roads in Portugal are generally in good condition, and most towns and cities are relatively well-connected. Driving on the open road in the countryside is a breeze, although traffic coming in and out of the major cities can be noticeably bad.

Is it expensive to hire a car in Portugal?

Avis has competitively-priced vehicles for all budgets throughout Portugal, and the country is one of the cheapest in Europe for car hire. Check out our available hubs, and contact us to see how easily you can get out on the Portuguese roads in the vehicle of your choice.

Can I return a rental car to the airport?

If you've rented a car from a different Avis hub but wish to return it at Porto Airport, then you must arrange your return prior to the commencement of your rental agreement. If you return your car to the airport without specifying in your rental contract, a fee will apply.