I-V 09:00 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 18:30, VI 09:30 – 12:00
Hertz is a reliable international choice in Viana do Castelo – a major brand for exploring Portugal's green Costa Verde, the Lima valley and the Minho, with economy cars from around €14–24/day ($15–$26) in low season. The best news for drivers here: the A28 from Porto and the A27 inland became toll-free in 2025, so reaching Viana costs nothing in tolls. This guide covers Hertz in Viana do Castelo, the real prices, how it compares, and the practical tips for driving in the far north.
Hertz offers an international brand and a city branch in Viana do Castelo.
Viana do Castelo is a smaller northern market, so the fleet is more limited than at Porto Airport – book early, especially for automatics. Many visitors pick up in Porto and drive the (now free) A28. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates in Viana do Castelo by Season
Booked 3–5 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €14–24 | €18–30 | €32–48 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €22–34 | €28–42 | €42–58 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep) | €34–50 | €40–60 | €56–82 |
The A28 from Porto is now toll-free, so picking up at OPO and driving north is an easy, cheap option.
Hertz is a well-established international major with a city branch in Viana do Castelo, a recognised booking process and a dependable fleet – a safe choice in a market where options are limited.
Hertz's Viana branch is in the town; confirm the exact address and opening hours (smaller branches close at lunch and on Sundays), and check the deposit and card requirement. Read the fuel and insurance terms, decline cover you don't want, and document the car at pickup.
The subject of this guide – a reliable major with a Viana branch and a consistent process. Confirm branch hours and the deposit when booking.
A well-rated Portuguese brand with a northern presence that often undercuts the global chains.
A dependable major with a broad fleet – compare its all-in price against Hertz, or use its larger Porto branch.
A strong international brand for a newer fleet, best accessed via its Porto presence and the free A28. Pricier; watch the upsell.
Aggressive upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry.
The very cheapest online listings often carry strict fuel rules and excess disputes at return. In a small market like Viana, an established major is the safer pick.
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 €14–22/day – €98–154 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 Viana Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Tyres/Glass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €14–22 | €98–154 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–7 | €28–49 | Yes |
Good news: the A28 (Porto–Viana–Caminha) and the A27 (Viana–Ponte de Lima) became toll-free in 2025, so the main routes into and around Viana cost nothing. The A3 (Porto–Braga–Valença) still uses cash/card booths.
| Route | Road | Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Porto → Viana do Castelo | A28 | Free (since 2025) |
| Viana → Ponte de Lima | A27 | Free (since 2025) |
| Viana → Braga / Guimarães | A3/A11 | ~€3–6 (booth) |
| Viana → Valença / Spain | A3 | ~€6–8 (booth) |
The free A28 makes a Porto pickup (wider fleet) very competitive.
Viana's fleet is limited; automatics sell out first.
City branches close at lunch and on Sundays.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
The A28/A27 are free now.
Refuel before drop-off.
Portugal's oldest town, on the lovely Lima river – the A27 there is now free.
Portugal's only national park, with mountains, lagoons and granite villages.
Where the river meets Spain, with ferries across to Galicia.
Braga's Bom Jesus sanctuary and the birthplace of Portugal in Guimarães.
The hilltop basilica above Viana with sweeping Atlantic views.
Yes – Hertz is a reliable international major with a city branch in Viana and a consistent booking process, a safe choice in a small market. Confirm branch hours and the deposit when booking.
Since the A28 became toll-free in 2025, a Porto pickup (wider fleet, often cheaper) plus a free hour's drive north is very competitive. Compare both before booking.
The A28 from Porto and the A27 to Ponte de Lima became toll-free in 2025, so the main routes cost nothing. The A3 to Braga and the Spanish border still uses cash/card booths.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €14–24/day ($15–$26). Shoulder season is €22–34/day and peak summer €34–50/day, with automatics more. Book early as the fleet is small.
Hertz's Viana branch is in the town. Confirm the exact address and opening hours, as smaller branches close at lunch and on Sundays.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€14–22/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.
