The Portuguese Toll Road System – How to Handle Portugal’s Toll Roads

by Joaquim DeCarvalho

A guide to help you navigate the toll roads in Portugal

Driving on Portuguese toll roads can be a convenient way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the toll roads in Portugal:

1. Types of Toll Roads: In Portugal, there are three main types of toll roads: electronic toll roads (Ex-SCUT), traditional toll roads, and toll bridges. Electronic toll roads require an electronic toll device (such as a Via Verde transponder) or payment via an online system. Traditional toll roads accept cash or credit/debit cards at toll booths, while toll bridges may have toll booths or electronic payment options.

2. Toll Payment Methods: If you’re driving a rental car, check with the rental company about toll payment options. Some rental companies provide electronic toll devices, while others may require you to pay tolls directly at toll booths. If you have your own vehicle, you can purchase a Via Verde transponder in Portugal or use the electronic toll payment system provided by the Portuguese government (known as Easytoll).

3. Via Verde Transponder: A Via Verde transponder is a small electronic device that allows you to pay tolls automatically without stopping at toll booths. If you have a transponder, simply drive through the designated Via Verde lanes at toll plazas, and the toll will be deducted from your prepaid account. Transponders can be purchased and topped up at Via Verde service points, CTT post offices, and some toll service areas.

4. Easytoll: If you don’t have a Via Verde transponder, you can use the Easytoll system to pay tolls electronically. Before driving on a toll road, register your vehicle’s license plate and payment details online at the Easytoll website or through the Easytoll app. Tolls will be automatically charged to your registered payment method.

5. Cash and Cards: If you prefer to pay tolls with cash or cards, you can use the traditional toll booths at toll plazas. Look for lanes marked with signs indicating “Manual Payment” or “Payment by Credit Card.” Cash payments are accepted in euros, and most toll booths also accept major credit and debit cards.

6. Toll Classifications: Toll rates in Portugal are based on vehicle class, distance traveled, and type of toll road. Be aware that some toll roads have different rates for peak and off-peak hours. You can check toll rates and plan your route using online tools provided by the Portuguese toll road operators.

7. Plan Ahead: Before embarking on your journey, familiarize yourself with the toll road network and plan your route accordingly. Consider using GPS navigation systems or mobile apps that provide real-time traffic and toll information to help you navigate the roads with ease.

By following these tips and planning ahead, you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free driving experience on Portugal’s toll roads while exploring the country’s scenic landscapes and attractions.

Which GPS to use when driving in Portugal

When navigating Portugal’s roads, several GPS apps can help you find your way efficiently. Here are some popular options:

1. Google Maps: Google Maps is a widely used navigation app that offers detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, and turn-by-turn directions. It’s available for both Android and iOS devices and is free to use. Google Maps also provides information on points of interest, restaurants, gas stations, and more.

2. Waze: Owned by Google, Waze is a community-based navigation app that relies on real-time user data to provide up-to-date traffic information, road closures, accidents, and police presence. It offers voice-guided navigation and allows users to report incidents and hazards on the road. Waze is available for both Android and iOS devices and is free to use.

3. HERE WeGo: HERE WeGo is a navigation app that offers offline maps, public transit information, and driving directions. It provides turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance and offers features such as real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions. HERE WeGo is available for both Android and iOS devices and is free to use.

4. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps: Sygic is a comprehensive navigation app that offers offline maps, voice-guided navigation, and real-time traffic updates. It also provides features such as speed limit warnings, lane guidance, and points of interest along the route. Sygic is available for both Android and iOS devices and offers a free trial with premium features available via in-app purchases.

5. TomTom GO Navigation: TomTom GO Navigation is a premium navigation app that offers offline maps, traffic updates, and speed camera alerts. It provides features such as offline route planning, lane guidance, and points of interest search. TomTom GO Navigation is available for both Android and iOS devices, and it requires a subscription for full access to all features.

Each of these GPS apps has its own strengths and features, so it’s a good idea to try out a few and see which one works best for your needs and preferences. Keep in mind that you may need a data connection or offline maps downloaded in advance to use some features, especially when driving in remote areas with limited cellular coverage.

Major toll roads list in  Portugal

In Portugal, there are several toll roads that traverse the country, connecting major cities and regions. Some of the main toll roads include:

1. A1 – Autoestrada do Norte: Connects Lisbon to Porto, passing through cities like Leiria, Coimbra, and Aveiro.
2. A2 – Autoestrada do Sul: Links Lisbon to the Algarve region, passing through Setúbal and reaching destinations like Albufeira and Faro.
3. A3 – Autoestrada do Minho: Connects Porto to the Spanish border at Valença, passing through cities like Braga and Viana do Castelo.
4. A4 – Autoestrada Transmontana: Connects Porto to the northeast of Portugal, passing through Amarante, Vila Real, and Bragança.
5. A5 – Autoestrada da Costa do Estoril: Links Lisbon to Cascais and Estoril, providing access to coastal resorts and beaches.
6. A6 – Autoestrada do Alentejo: Connects Lisbon to the Alentejo region, passing through cities like Évora and reaching the Spanish border at Caia.
7. A8 – Autoestrada do Oeste: Connects Lisbon to destinations along the western coast, passing through Torres Vedras, Caldas da Rainha, and reaching Leiria.
8. A9 – CREL (Circular Regional Exterior de Lisboa): Encircles Lisbon, providing a bypass route for traffic around the capital.
9. A10 – Autoestrada do Ribatejo: Connects Lisbon to the Ribatejo region, passing through Vila Franca de Xira and Santarém.
10. A12 – Autoestrada do Baixo Tejo: Links Lisbon to the southern bank of the Tagus River, passing through the Vasco da Gama Bridge and connecting to Setúbal.

These are some of the major toll roads in Portugal, but there are also smaller highways and expressways with tolls, so it’s essential to plan your route and be prepared for toll payments accordingly.

What are the toll road costs in Portugal?

In Portugal, several major toll roads serve as crucial arteries connecting key cities and regions. Here are some of the main toll roads, along with their associated costs for passenger cars:

1. A1 – Autoestrada do Norte: This highway links Lisbon to Porto and extends further north. Toll prices vary depending on the distance traveled. For example, the toll from Lisbon to Porto is approximately €22.50 for a Class 1 vehicle (standard cars).

2. A2 – Autoestrada do Sul: Connecting Lisbon to the Algarve region, this toll road has varying costs depending on the distance traveled. For instance, the toll from Lisbon to Faro is around €22.70 for a Class 1 vehicle.

3. A3 – Autoestrada do Minho: This highway runs from Porto to the Spanish border at Valença. Toll costs vary based on the distance traveled, with prices typically ranging from €10 to €15 for the entire journey.

4. A4 – Autoestrada Transmontana: Linking Porto to the northeast of Portugal, toll prices can range from approximately €5 to €10 for the entire route, depending on the starting and ending points.

5. A5 – Autoestrada da Costa do Estoril: Connecting Lisbon to Cascais and Estoril along the coast, toll prices are generally lower, ranging from around €1.50 to €3.00 for the entire journey.

6. A6 – Autoestrada do Alentejo: This toll road connects Lisbon to the Alentejo region, with toll prices varying depending on the distance traveled. For example, the toll from Lisbon to Évora is approximately €6.30 for a Class 1 vehicle.

7. A22 – Via do Infante: Running along the Algarve coast, toll prices on this highway are distance-based. For example, the toll from Lagos to Faro is around €5.90 for a Class 1 vehicle.

These toll costs are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as vehicle class, time of travel (some tolls have different rates for peak and off-peak hours), and payment method (electronic vs. manual). It’s essential to check current toll rates and plan your journey accordingly to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience in Portugal.

Does every type of car pay the same toll rate in Portugal?

No, not every car type pays the same amount for toll roads in Portugal. Toll rates are typically structured based on vehicle classification, which takes into account factors such as size, weight, and number of axles. Different vehicle classes are assigned different toll rates, with smaller and lighter vehicles generally paying less than larger or heavier vehicles.

For example, passenger cars (Class 1 vehicles) typically have lower toll rates compared to larger vehicles such as vans, trucks, or buses (Class 2 or higher vehicles). Motorcycles may have separate toll rates as well, often lower than those for passenger cars.

Additionally, toll rates can vary based on factors such as the distance traveled, time of day, and payment method. Some toll roads may offer discounts for electronic tolling systems like Via Verde, while others may have peak and off-peak pricing or distance-based tolling systems.

Overall, the toll amount paid by each vehicle type can vary depending on these factors, so it’s essential to check the specific toll rates and regulations for the toll roads you plan to use when traveling in Portugal.

How to I pay for a toll road in Portugal?

In Portugal, there are several ways to pay for toll roads, depending on your preferences and the options available:

1. Electronic Tolling (Via Verde): Via Verde is an electronic toll collection system widely used in Portugal. It involves installing a small device (transponder) on your vehicle’s windshield, which communicates with toll gantries as you pass through. Toll charges are automatically deducted from a prepaid account linked to the device. Via Verde devices can be obtained from service points in Portugal, and you can top up your account at various locations, including CTT post offices and some toll service areas.

2. Easytoll: Easytoll is an electronic toll payment system that allows you to pay tolls without a Via Verde transponder. Before traveling on toll roads, register your vehicle’s license plate and payment details online at the Easytoll website or through the Easytoll app. Toll charges will be automatically debited from your registered payment method.

3. Manual Payment at Toll Booths: If you don’t have a Via Verde transponder or Easytoll registration, you can pay tolls manually at toll booths located along the toll roads. Look for lanes marked with signs indicating “Manual Payment” or “Payment by Credit Card.” Cash payments are accepted in euros, and most toll booths also accept major credit and debit cards.

4. Renting a Via Verde Transponder: If you’re renting a car in Portugal, inquire with the rental company about the availability of Via Verde transponders. Some rental companies offer transponders as optional extras, allowing you to use electronic tolling during your rental period.

5. Online Payment: Some toll roads in Portugal offer the option to pay tolls online after your journey. Check the website of the toll road operator or contact them directly for more information on how to pay tolls online.

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the toll payment options available and plan your journey accordingly to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel on Portugal’s toll roads. Additionally, remember to keep track of toll receipts or transaction records for your records, especially if you’re using manual payment methods.

Can I use other countries’ toll systems in Portugal?

In Portugal, you cannot use toll payment systems from other countries to pay for toll roads. Each country typically has its own tolling infrastructure and payment systems, which are not interoperable with those of other countries. Therefore, if you plan to travel on toll roads in Portugal, you’ll need to use one of the accepted payment methods within the country, such as Via Verde, Easytoll, manual payment at toll booths, or online payment options provided by Portuguese toll road operators.

While some electronic tolling systems may have similar features or functionalities across different countries (such as E-ZPass in the United States or Télépéage in France), they are not compatible with toll roads in Portugal. It’s essential to use the designated toll payment methods accepted within Portugal to ensure that you can travel seamlessly on Portuguese toll roads without any issues or fines.

How does one find out if there are tolls to pay in Portugal?

To check if you have tolls to pay in Portugal, you can follow these steps:

1. Via Verde: If you have a Via Verde transponder installed in your vehicle, you can check your toll transactions and account balance online through the Via Verde website or mobile app. Log in to your Via Verde account using your credentials, and you should be able to view your toll transactions, including any unpaid tolls.

2. Easytoll: If you’ve used the Easytoll system to pay tolls without a Via Verde transponder, you can check your toll transactions and payment status online through the Easytoll website or mobile app. Log in to your Easytoll account using your registration details, and you should be able to see any unpaid tolls and make payments if necessary.

3. Toll Road Operators: You can also check for unpaid tolls directly with the toll road operators in Portugal. Visit the websites of the major toll road operators in Portugal, such as Ascendi, Brisa, or Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), and look for options to check toll transactions or payment status. You may need to enter your license plate number or other identifying information to retrieve your toll information.

4. Customer Service: If you’re unable to check online or have any questions about toll payments in Portugal, you can contact the customer service departments of Via Verde, Easytoll, or the toll road operators for assistance. They should be able to provide you with information about any unpaid tolls and help you resolve any issues.

By checking your toll transactions through these methods, you can ensure that you’ve paid all necessary tolls and avoid any potential fines or penalties for unpaid tolls when traveling in Portugal.

Summary of paying road toll in Portugal

In summary, Portugal’s toll payment system offers various options for travelers to pay tolls on the country’s extensive network of toll roads. The main payment methods include Via Verde, Easytoll, manual payment at toll booths, and online payment options. Via Verde is an electronic toll collection system that requires a transponder installed in the vehicle, while Easytoll allows for electronic toll payment without a transponder. Manual payment at toll booths is also an option for those without electronic devices, and some toll roads may offer online payment options after the journey.

Overall, Portugal’s toll payment system provides flexibility and convenience for travelers, allowing them to choose the payment method that best suits their needs. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the country’s scenic landscapes and historic landmarks, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the available payment options and toll road regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can navigate Portugal’s toll roads with confidence and enjoy your journey to the fullest.