Compare cheap car hire at Porto Airport with direct flights from Ireland, rental desk locations, pickup advice, prices and northern Portugal driving tips.
Porto Airport is one of the best places to start a self-drive trip in Portugal. It works well for Porto city stays, the Douro Valley, Braga, Guimarães, Aveiro, the Atlantic coast and longer routes into northern Spain. The airport is modern, efficient and set up well for car rental pickups.
If you plan to explore beyond Porto itself, collecting a car at the airport is usually easier than hiring later in the city. Road access is strong, and the motorway network links quickly to much of northern Portugal.
Direct Flights from Ireland to Porto
There are regular direct flights from Ireland to Porto, especially from Dublin. Seasonal or additional services may also operate from Cork, Shannon or other Irish airports depending on the time of year and airline schedules.
Car Hire Companies at Porto Airport
Porto Airport has a large dedicated rental area. Some desks are inside the terminal arrivals hall, while others operate from nearby offices reached by a short shuttle transfer from outside arrivals.
- Hertz: Desk in the terminal rental area. Cars collected from the nearby airport parking zone.
- Avis / Budget: Shared airport counter with pickup from the signed rental bays.
- Europcar: Desk in arrivals with nearby collection spaces.
- Sixt: Airport branch with handover in the adjacent rental car park.
- Enterprise / Guerin: Airport desk or nearby office depending on booking type and season.
- Goldcar / Record Go / Drive on Holidays: Often use nearby airport offices with shuttle collection from outside arrivals.
How to Collect Your Car
- Leave baggage reclaim and enter arrivals.
- Follow signs for Rent-a-Car.
- Complete your paperwork at the desk or meet shuttle staff outside.
- Proceed to the nearby parking area or shuttle office.
- Inspect the vehicle before departure.
Best Cars to Rent at Porto Airport
| Car Type | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | Couples, city stays | Easy parking in Porto and lower fuel costs. |
| Automatic Hatchback | Relaxed touring | Good for mixed urban and motorway driving. |
| Estate Car | Douro trips, families | Useful luggage space and comfort for longer drives. |
| SUV | Family holidays | Extra room and elevated seating. |
| Premium | Business or comfort travel | More refinement on longer journeys. |
Typical Daily Prices
| Season | Small Car | Family Car | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | €14–€30 | €30–€55 | €55–€110 |
| Apr–Jun | €20–€42 | €42–€75 | €75–€145 |
| Jul–Aug | €35–€72 | €72–€130 | €130–€240 |
| Sep–Dec | €18–€38 | €38–€68 | €68–€130 |
Driving from Porto Airport
The airport sits north of the city and connects quickly to the A28, A3 and A4 routes.
- Porto centre: around 20 to 30 minutes
- Braga: around 40 minutes
- Guimarães: around 40 minutes
- Aveiro: around 50 minutes
- Douro Valley: around 1 hour 15 minutes depending on destination
You drive on the right in Portugal. Speed limits are shown in km/h. Some motorways use electronic toll systems.
Useful Booking Tips
- Check whether your route includes electronic toll roads.
- Automatic cars are more limited than manuals.
- Take photos of the vehicle before departure.
- Compare on-airport desks with shuttle suppliers for value.
- Book early for summer and long weekends.
Useful Official Links
Porto Airport official website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Porto Airport a good place to hire a car?
Yes, especially for northern Portugal, the Douro Valley and Atlantic coast trips.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Porto?
Yes. Direct flights operate from Ireland, especially Dublin, with additional seasonal routes depending on demand.
Where are the rental desks at Porto Airport?
Some are inside the terminal, while others use nearby shuttle offices.
Do I need a shuttle bus?
Only for some suppliers. Many desks are on-airport.
How far is Porto Airport from the city?
Usually around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Do I need a credit card?
Usually yes for the security deposit.
Are there toll roads nearby?
Yes. Some Portuguese motorways use electronic toll charging.
Is an automatic car available?
Yes, but early booking is recommended.
What is the cheapest time to rent?
Winter and shoulder season dates are often cheaper than peak summer.
Is Porto Airport better than Lisbon for northern Portugal?
Yes, it is the more practical arrival point for the north of the country.
