Campervan Hire Portugal

Driving a Motorhome around Portugal

• Many Autoestradas (motorways) are tolled, using either conventional toll booths or electronic-only tolling. Note: several former SCUT motorways became toll-free from 1 January 2025 (including A4 Transmontana/Marão Tunnel, A13/A13-1, A22, A23, A24, A25 and parts of A28). Most campervans/motorhomes are classified as toll Class 2 when the front-axle height is above 1.10 m. Pay with a Via Verde transponder, at pay stations or online for electronic-only sections.
• Lisbon operates Reduced Emission Zones (ZER / Zonas de Emissões Reduzidas). On weekdays (07:00–21:00), Zone 1 generally requires at least Euro 3 (post-2000 registration) and Zone 2 at least Euro 2 (post-1996 registration). Check signs before you enter these areas.
• Overnight parking is legal for up to 48 hours in the same municipality in an IMT-approved motorhome where there is no local prohibition. This does not apply in Natura 2000 nature reserves, coastal protection areas and other protected areas unless explicitly authorised. Fines are €60–€300 for breaking the 48-hour rule, rising to €120–€600 in protected/coastal zones.
• Speed limits for vans under 3.5 tonnes are 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on expressways, 90 km/h on other roads and 50 km/h in towns.
• ASA stops (motorhome service areas) are located across mainland Portugal. Many charge €5–12 per night and include water and waste disposal points.
• Intermarché supermarkets and motorway service areas often have free waste disposal and fresh-water refill points.
• To visit city centres, consider staying at a campsite or motorhome area on the outskirts and using public transport into town. If you use Park-and-Ride sites on Lisbon and Porto metro lines, check vehicle size limits, opening hours, and whether overnight parking is permitted before you arrive.