Driving in Portugal

Property & Living

Driving is the most practical way to get around the Algarve, as public transport, while improving, does not adequately serve many residential areas, beaches, rural restaurants and inland attractions. Understanding the rules, road network and driving culture helps newcomers navigate with confidence.

Portugal drives on the right-hand side of the road. UK licence holders can drive in Portugal on their UK licence for up to 185 days per calendar year. After establishing legal residency, drivers are required to exchange their UK licence for a Portuguese one within a specific timeframe. EU licence holders can use their existing licences indefinitely. Non-EU licence holders may need to obtain a Portuguese licence, which can involve a theory and practical test.

The main road in the Algarve is the A22 (Via do Infante), a modern motorway that runs the full length of the region from Lagos to the Spanish border at Vila Real de Santo Antonio. The A22 is a toll road, and the toll system is entirely electronic: there are no toll booths. Vehicles must be registered with one of the electronic toll systems (Via Verde, a pre-pay device, or EASYtoll, which links tolls to a credit card). Rental cars are usually equipped with a Via Verde unit. Unregistered vehicles that use the motorway will receive penalty notices.

The EN125, the old national road that runs parallel to the A22 closer to the coast, is a busy, often congested road that passes through numerous towns and villages. It has a poor safety record and should be avoided where the A22 provides an alternative. However, sections of the EN125 between Albufeira and Faro have been upgraded to dual carriageway standard and are now significantly safer.

Speed limits in Portugal are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on open roads and 120 km/h on motorways. Speed cameras are common, and fines are substantial: a fine of 60 to 300 euros for exceeding the limit by up to 20 km/h, and higher penalties for more serious excesses. Mobile speed cameras operated from unmarked vehicles are also used.

Roundabouts are common in the Algarve and follow the continental convention: traffic on the roundabout has priority, and vehicles entering must give way. Indicating when exiting a roundabout is expected but inconsistently practised by local drivers.

Parking in the Algarve's towns and cities is regulated. Blue-line parking zones require payment at a meter during specified hours, typically 09:00 to 19:00. White-line zones are free. Yellow lines indicate no parking. Parking enforcement is active, and fines for illegal parking are around 30 to 60 euros. Free parking is generally available at larger supermarkets, shopping centres and on the outskirts of towns.

Fuel stations are widely available. Most accept credit and debit cards, though a few rural stations may be cash only. Petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasoleo) are both widely available. LPG (GPL) is available at selected stations. Prices are displayed per litre and are regulated by the government, with variations between brands being small.

Drinking and driving limits in Portugal are strict: the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 grams per litre for experienced drivers and 0.2 grams per litre for new drivers (those with less than three years' experience). Police conduct random breath tests, particularly on weekends and around holiday periods.