I-VII 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:30 – 18:30
Europcar is one of the most reliable on-airport choices at Porto (OPO), with a wide fleet, good automatic availability and a terminal desk – economy cars run about €14–26/day ($15–$28) in low season. It's a safe, predictable pick if you want a guaranteed car class and a quick terminal pickup. This guide covers Europcar in Porto, real 2026 prices, how it compares to cheaper rivals, and the practical tips for driving in northern Portugal – including the electronic-only tolls that catch out many visitors.
Europcar has a terminal desk at Porto Airport (OPO) with a wide fleet.
Porto Airport (OPO) is competitive, so prices stay reasonable outside peak summer. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates in Porto by Season
Booked 3–5 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €14–26 | €18–32 | €30–48 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €22–36 | €28–44 | €42–60 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep) | €36–55 | €45–66 | €60–90 |
Europcar usually sits a little above the cheapest brokers, but with fewer surprises.
Europcar is a global major with a staffed desk in the Porto Airport arrivals area and cars in the on-site rental car park – no shuttle needed. It's the dependable choice when you want a specific class (especially an automatic) guaranteed and a fast pickup.
Collect at the terminal desk, then pick the car up in the airport rental car park. Europcar's terms are transparent and the full-to-full fuel policy is fair, but the counter will offer extras – decline the cover you don't need and document the car before you drive.
The subject of this guide – a dependable major with a broad fleet and a quick terminal pickup. The safe pick for a guaranteed car class; decline the counter extras.
A well-rated home-grown brand that often beats the global chains on price, with transparent terms.
The pick for a newer, higher-spec car. Pricier than average; decline the upsell at the counter.
Aggressive upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry.
The cheapest listings can carry strict fuel rules and excess disputes. Read the fine print or stick with a trusted brand or local.
Basic CDW with an excess of €900–€1,600, blocked on your card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €15–24/day – €105–168 a week.
Standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) bought before you travel covers the excluded items and refunds any excess charged. Buy it and decline the counter upsell.
Insurance Cost Comparison: 7-Day Porto Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Tyres/Glass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €15–24 | €105–168 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–7 | €28–49 | Yes |
Northern Portugal mixes free roads, booth motorways and electronic-only tolls. The coastal A28 is free; some ring roads and the fast routes inland are camera-tolled with no booths, so you need the car's transponder.
| Route | Road | Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Porto → Viana do Castelo (coast) | A28 | Free |
| Porto ring / airport links | A41 / A42 | Electronic only (transponder) |
| Porto → Braga / Guimarães | A3 / A7 | Booth + electronic |
| Porto → Lisbon | A1 | ~€21 (booth) |
| Petrol / Diesel | – | ~€2.02 / €1.96 per L |
Automatics sell out first in summer.
See the market price, then compare Europcar's own site and any loyalty perks.
Essential for the electronic-only roads around Porto.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
An automatic costs more – book a manual if you can drive one.
Refuel before drop-off to avoid charges.
Terraced vineyards, port estates and river views – the region's signature drive.
The birthplace of Portugal and a great religious city, both easy day trips.
The “Venice of Portugal,” with canals and colourful boats.
A handsome coastal town to the north.
Portugal's only national park – mountains, waterfalls and wild ponies.
Yes – Europcar is one of the most reliable on-airport options, with a wide fleet, good automatic availability and a quick terminal pickup. It's rarely the cheapest, but it's consistent and transparent. Decline the counter insurance.
It's a mix: the coastal A28 is free, the A1/A3 use booths, and some ring roads (A41/A42) are electronic-only with no booths. Ask Europcar to activate the car's toll transponder so camera tolls are billed automatically.
At the staffed Europcar desk in the arrivals area, then collect the car from the on-site rental car park – no shuttle needed.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €14–26/day ($15–$28). Shoulder season is €22–36/day and peak summer €36–55/day, with automatics more.
Not for the city itself – central Porto is walkable with a metro and trams. Rent for day trips to the Douro Valley, Guimarães, Aveiro or Gerês.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€15–24/day). Third-party cover also includes tyres, glass and underbody.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program. Our company reviews are based on Trustpilot scores, Google Maps reviews, traveler-forum feedback and direct experience. We only recommend companies we would use ourselves.
Last updated: June 2026. Prices and policies change – always verify directly with the rental company.
