Portugal Toll Roads

Highway Tolls in Portugal

In Portugal, highways have two ways to collect tolls: the old-fashioned way and a modern electronic system. The old way is slowly being replaced by the newer, faster electronic method.

With the old system, drivers stop at toll booths on the highway and pay with cash or a credit card. The price depends on how far you drive and what kind of vehicle you have (like a car or a truck). There are separate lanes at the toll booths for cash payments and card payments.

The electronic system is easier and quicker. It uses a device in your car, like Via Verde, that automatically charges you when you pass a marked spot on the highway. You don't have to stop—it's all done as you drive.

Unlike the old system, electronic tolls let you use special lanes at toll booths without stopping, as long as you have the payment device in your car.

Toll Stations in Portugal: Old-Style Toll Routes

Some roads in Portugal still use the old toll system. You'll find these mostly on smaller roads or bridges that aren't part of the main highway network. Drivers have to stop at toll booths and pay with cash or a credit card.

The cost changes depending on the road, how far you go, and your vehicle type. It can be very different from one trip to another. When you get to the toll booth, make sure to pick the right lane—there's one for cash, one for cards, and a special lane for electronic payments (like Via Verde). Signs are usually clear and tell you what to do.

Toll Stations in Portugal: Electronic Toll Routes

Portugal also has electronic toll roads run by the "Electronic Toll System" (ETS). Cameras and sensors are set up along highways or bridges to track vehicles and figure out what kind of vehicle you're driving.

If your car has the right equipment (like a Portuguese car or a rental with ETS), the toll is charged automatically based on how far you drive and your vehicle type. The system reads your license plate and takes the money from your account.

If your car doesn't have the special device (called an On-Board Unit or OBU), you can't pay on these electronic roads. This might lead to extra fees or fines. The cameras and sensors make everything smooth—no traffic jams at toll booths—and it's fast and easy for drivers.

Via Verde Portugal: The Contactless Payment System

Via Verde is Portugal's main electronic toll system, used on most highways. It's a quick and simple way to pay tolls. Your car needs a small device (an On-Board Unit or OBU) stuck to the windshield. When you pass a toll point, the device is scanned, and the toll is taken from your account automatically.

You can get a Via Verde device at certain stores near highways like the A22 or sign up online. It's not just for tolls—you can also use it to pay for parking, bridge fees, or even gas without cash. Plus, Via Verde users sometimes get discounts on tolls, which is a nice bonus.

Via Verde Visitors Box

If you're visiting Portugal, you can get a temporary Via Verde card called "Via Verde Visitantes." You can buy it at places like airports, border crossings, supermarkets, or gas stations. It's also available online ahead of time.

Other options for visitors include "Tollcard" or "EasyToll," which work similarly. For any of these, you'll need a valid credit card and your car's license plate number to sign up. Once you have it, stick the device on your windshield, and the tolls will be charged automatically as you drive.

It's smart to get one before you start driving on highways to avoid problems or delays with payments. Via Verde Visitantes lets you use all Portuguese roads without stopping at toll booths—no contracts, no expiration, and you can pay with a non-Portuguese bank account.

Paying Highway Tolls in Portugal in Advance with EasyToll

If your car is registered outside Portugal, you have a few ways to pay tolls ahead of time. One is the "Visitantes" package, which lets tourists prepay and skip toll booth lines. Another is "EasyToll," where you get a card, load it with money, and use it to pay tolls as you go.

With EasyToll, the toll amount is taken from your card's balance when you pass a toll point. You need to keep adding money to the card so it doesn't run out. Check which highways accept EasyToll, because not all do.

Tolls and Rental Cars in Portugal

If you rent a car in Portugal and use highways, you'll need to pay tolls either on the spot or with an electronic device like Via Verde. Here's how it works:

• Paying on the spot: Some highways let you pay cash or card at the toll booth, but many are now electronic-only (even in places like the Algarve).
• Electronic Toll Service (ETS) – Via Verde: All rental cars in Portugal come with an ETS device. The rental company will charge you the tolls plus a service fee afterward.
• Via Verde Visitors: You can also rent a Via Verde device yourself for easier payments.
• Paying later: Ask your rental company what options they offer and how much they charge so you're prepared.

Buying Toll Cards for Portugal's Highway Network

In Portugal, you can buy toll cards at "Payshop" stores. These are small payment service shops found in places like malls, supermarkets, gas stations, or post offices. They sell cards like Via Verde Visitantes and handle other payments too, like phone top-ups or utility bills.

To buy a toll card, bring a credit card or ID to a Payshop. Tell them what card you want, pay, and it's ready to use right away on highways. Payshops are easy to find and open longer than banks, making them handy for visitors. If you're not sure where one is, ask at your hotel or a tourist info center.

Paying Portugal's Tolls Afterward

If you use a highway but don't pay the toll at the time, you can pay later—within five days. Go to a post office (CTT) or Payshop with your car's license plate number, the date, time, and location of your trip. You can also pay online through the toll operator's website.

An easier option is getting a Via Verde device. It automatically handles tolls with no extra steps or fees. This way, you don't have to worry about paying later.

This version keeps the structure intact, simplifies the language, and adds helpful details for outsiders unfamiliar with Portugal's toll systems. Let me know if you'd like further adjustments!