Driving in Portugal
The Portuguese drive on the right hand side of the road. At plazas, crossroads and junctions, unless signposted otherwise, vehicles coming from the right have right of way. Vehicles that are already on roundabouts have right of way. Road signs meet international standards and it is always obligatory to wear a seatbelt.
Driving for people with disabilities
Driving rules affecting people with disabilities only refer to their physical and mental aptitude, which can lead to restrictions or adaptations that must be mentioned on their driving licences. European Community model parking cards, issued by any Member State, are recognised in Portugal.
Car hire
Self-drive car hire services can be found at airports, at main international railway termini and in larger towns and cities. Drivers who have difficulties walking may rent vehicles with automatic gearboxes, or adapted vehicles.
Public transport
Visit www.transpor.pt if you need information about public transport. On this site you can find out what transport is available and interactively combine various forms of transport.
Air transport
Portugal has 11 international airports with high levels of safety, service and comfort. These airports offer regular connections with all European countries and major countries in the Americas and Africa, operated by major flag carriers and low-cost airlines.
Daily regular and low-cost flights to major European capitals are available at Porto airport. The main low-cost airlines offer a significant range of destinations from this airport.
Flights to all European capitals – particularly Madrid, Paris and London – can be found at Lisbon airport, the main airport in Portugal, along with intercontinental flights to the United States, Africa and Brazil. Other highlight is the recent direct flight to Dubai, providing fast connections to all of Asia. In addition, fast and frequent flights leave from here to all other airports in the Portuguese network, including Madeira and the Azores.
Faro airport is known for its low-cost connections to major European markets, particularly the United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland. This wide range of low-cost destinations makes the Algarve a destination that is easy to access.
Funchal airport offers regular direct connections to major European countries. London is the destination with the most departures per week, and there is an emphasis on low-cost operations to this major European capital.
Airoports – Useful contacts
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal
www.ana.pt
ANA – Airports and Navigation Madeira Area
www.anam.pt
Lisboa – Portela Airport
Tel: 21 841 35 00 / 21 841 37 00
Porto – Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
Tel: 22 943 24 00
Faro – Faro Airport
Tel. 289 800 800
Beja Airport
Tel. 284 001 020
Madeira – Funchal – Funchal Airport
Tel: 291 520 700
Azores – Ponta Delgada – João Paulo II Airport
Tel: 296 205 400/ 296 205 406