Quick guide to renting a car in Porto for your business travels

If you’re visiting Porto for business, the proximity of key industrial, commercial, and corporate hubs in northern Portugal—such as Santa Maria da Feira, Paredes, Vila Nova de Gaia, or Póvoa de Varzim—makes car rental the ideal solution for efficient mobility.

Renting a car in Porto helps optimize your time, guarantees comfort, and offers flexibility to manage commitments, whether in the heart of Porto or its surrounding areas.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Benefits of renting a car in Porto over using public transportation.
• Tips for driving in Porto and nearby areas.
• How to choose the right car for your business trips.
• Costs and optional extras for car rentals in Porto.
• How Drivalia simplifies your mobility experience.

Keep reading to discover how to turn your business trips in Porto into a practical and worry-free experience.

1. Why rent a car in Porto instead of using public transport?

Before diving into how to rent a car in Porto for your mobility needs, let’s look at the key advantages this solution offers over public transport.

Save time

Public transportation follows fixed schedules and may require multiple transfers, which can compromise punctuality.

With a rental car, you can move easily between central Porto and nearby cities, ensuring you’re on time for meetings or events.

Comfort and privacy

A rental car allows you to travel in comfort, bring your team along, or even offer a client a ride to a business meeting.

Flexible schedules

No need to adapt your plans to rigid public transport timetables. With a car, you save time and gain freedom in your travels.

Direct routes

Business venues like hotels and conference centers may not always be well-served by public transport. A car lets you take direct routes and reach your destination effortlessly.

In both Porto and Lisbon, renting a car is more practical than relying on public transport. Ultimately, the cost-benefit ratio of car rental is more advantageous, thanks to its efficiency and freedom of movement.

2. Driving in Porto and surroundings: what you need to know

Driving in Porto can be a smooth experience if you’re familiar with the city’s road characteristics and traffic conditions. Here are some useful tips:

Historic center

• Narrow and steep streets: areas like Ribeira and Sé feature narrow, sloping streets that require extra attention.
• One-way streets: check directions before starting your journey to avoid restricted access streets. Popular apps like Waze and Google Maps are invaluable.
• Parking: finding a space during peak hours can be challenging. Consider using underground parking and mobile apps for easy payments.

Main roads in Porto

• VCI (Via de Cintura Interna): a busy ring road connecting various parts of the city and providing direct access to highways leaving Porto.
• Avenida da Boavista: one of the city’s major arteries, ideal for accessing suburban neighborhoods and commercial areas.

Surroundings of Porto

• For destinations like Douro Valley or Braga, the A4 and A24 highways offer fast, well-marked routes.
• National roads, though scenic, can be winding and require extra care.

TIP: For city driving, opt for compact cars that are easy to maneuver and park. For longer journeys or intercity travel, SUVs or mid-sized cars provide greater comfort and stability.

3. How to choose the right rental car for business trips in Porto

Selecting the right rental car for your professional travels in Porto depends on the number of passengers, luggage volume, and the type of trip (short or long). Here are some recommendations.

Compact Cars

Perfect for solo travel or short city trips. Easy to park and fuel-efficient.

Advantage: practical for quick meetings or urban mobility.

SUVs or Mid-Size Cars

These models provide more comfort and space, making them ideal for longer trips or intercity travel, such as between Porto and Braga or Guimarães.

Advantage: stability and performance on main and secondary roads.

7-to-9-Seater Vans or MPVs

The right choice for transporting work teams or small groups, offering space for passengers and luggage.

Advantage: comfortable and spacious, great for corporate events or extended trips.

Commercial Vans

Recommended for transporting goods, materials, or bulky equipment. Ideal for local entrepreneurs attending fairs or corporate events, or needing temporary logistics support.

Advantage: flexible and practical for short-term business logistics needs.

Luxury Cars

Usually chosen for special occasions like conferences, high-stakes meetings, and corporate events. They’re perfect for transporting executives, hosting important clients, promoting luxury brands, or making an elegant arrival.

Advantage: combines high-level experience with comfort and sophistication.

Electric or Hybrid Cars

A sustainable and economical option, supported by a strong charging network in Porto and nearby areas. Excellent for urban and intercity travel, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Advantage: ideal for professionals seeking eco-friendly solutions without compromising comfort and efficiency.

4. What is the cost of renting a car in Porto?

Rather than simply searching for cheap car rentals in Porto, it’s important to ensure the service meets your expectations and needs.

The cost of car rental in Porto depends on several factors:

• Vehicle type: compact cars, SUVs, or vans have different rates.
• Rental duration: long-term rentals often offer more competitive prices.

You can also add:

• Additional coverage: options like zero-deductible insurance, or specific coverage for windows, tires, or other parts not included in basic protection.
• Optional extras: GPS devices and child seats, which are legally required for safe travel with young children.

Example of car rental costs in Porto

Economy car rentals start at approximately €9/day, including basic coverage. Prices vary based on payment method, season, rental duration, and promotions. Add-ons and coverage can further customize your rental for peace of mind.

NOTE: The deductible is the maximum amount a customer is liable for in case of covered, non-negligent damages to the vehicle during the rental period. For example, if the deductible is €500 and damages total €2,000, the customer pays only €500.

5. Need help renting a car in Porto? Count on Drivalia!

If you’re looking for an efficient and sustainable mobility solution in Porto, Drivalia is the answer for a seamless experience aligned with a greener future.

Focused on making mobility accessible and eco-friendly, we combine flexibility with innovation to meet your needs.

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Where can I rent a car in Porto for business trips?

Drivalia offers several strategic locations in Porto for your convenience:

• Porto airport: perfect for travelers arriving by plane who want to start their journey without delay.
• City center: ideal for professionals already in Porto who need local mobility.
• Train station: a great option for those arriving in Porto by train and needing to continue their journey by car.

With a broad network and strategic locations, Drivalia ensures the convenience you need for car rental.

How does the Drivalia rental process work?

Renting a car with Drivalia is quick and easy and can be done online in just a few steps.

Here’s how:

1. Visit Drivalia’s website: available 24/7, the platform allows you to manage your rental at your convenience.
2. Choose pickup location and dates: select the most convenient location—airport, city center, or train station—and set the rental duration.
3. Select your vehicle: choose the model that best suits your needs from the available options.
4. Customize your rental: add extras like GPS, child seats, or additional coverage.
5. Finalize your booking: make an online payment and receive confirmation via email with all details.

Why rent with Drivalia?

At Drivalia, we focus on efficiency so you can focus on what matters most—your business.

Here’s why we’re the right choice:

• Modern, diverse fleet: including economy cars, SUVs, vans, and eco-friendly options like electric and hybrid vehicles, ensuring comfort and efficiency.
• 100% online process: from booking to payment, everything can be done with just a few clicks, hassle-free.
• Strategic locations: conveniently located in Porto’s key areas, like the airport, city center, and train station.
• Flexible solutions: from short-term to subscription services, we offer rentals tailored to your schedule.
• Sustainability: we promote green mobility with eco-friendly vehicles and environmentally responsible practices.

Rent your car in Porto with Drivalia and enjoy practical, flexible, and sustainable mobility.