The rates and payment methods for tolls on Portuguese roads depend on the type of road, whether you are traveling to or from Lisbon or Porto.
Portugal has a well-developed road network made up of Highways (AE), Primary Routes (IP), Secondary Routes (IC), National Roads (EN), and Municipal Roads.
There are two types of motorways in Portugal. Below we explain in detail how to use each one:
Traditional toll motorways with toll booths
On motorways with traditional toll booths, payment is made in cash or by bank card. These motorways also offer a Via Verde, an electronic toll system that allows payment by bank debit, available exclusively to holders of a Via Verde transponder, purchased in advance at the respective points of sale at www.viaverde.pt.
Car rental companies have this system available. If you are traveling in your own vehicle, you can also rent a Via Verde device; see all the information here.
For Spanish visitors who use VIA-T, there will be no issues using it with the Via Verdesystem — just confirm that the device light turns green. Warning: If you carry both a VIA-T and a Via Verde device at the same time, you risk being charged for both.
Electronic toll-only motorways
The electronic toll-only motorways are those where the payment system is exclusively electronic, meaning vehicles are detected by overhead gantry systems at the entrance to these roads. They are identified by the label "Electronic toll only".
All vehicles must pay electronic tolls in Portugal, including those with foreign license plates.For foreign visitors, there are five options for paying Portuguese electronic tolls:
1. EASYToll System
The EASYToll system was created with tourists visiting Portugal in mind. It works simply: the driver inserts their card (Mastercard or Visa) into the payment terminal, and the system automatically links it to the vehicle's license plate and bank card. From that point on, any tolls due will be debited to the account associated with that card.
You can register your card for use with the EASYToll system at the Welcome Points located at the border with Spain:
- A28 – Viana do Castelo
- A24 – 3.5 km from the Chaves/Verín border crossing
- A25 – Alto de Leomil service area (Vilar Formoso)
- A22 – Vila Real de Santo António
2. VIA-T
VIA-T devices used by Spanish visitors are compatible with the Via Verde system, as mentioned above. When passing through lanes identified with this system (at a maximum speed of 40–60 km/h), the VIA-T registers the payment.
You can also use VIA-T on former SCUT toll-free motorways.
3. TOLLCard
The TOLLCard is a disposable prepaid card that can be used to pay non-manual tolls and is linked to your license plate number at the time of purchase. You can buy it here or at points of sale (post offices, service stations) and then activate it on the same website by following these instructions. A helpline is available at +351 21 194 94 30. You can request a refund for any unused, unactivated cards.
4. TOLLSERVICE
TOLLSERVICE is recommended for travelers who plan to drive on Portuguese roads for a maximum of 3 days. It is valid only on motorway networks with electronic tolls, with the advantage of not needing to purchase any special device. You can get it here, at Portuguese post offices (CTT), at Porto Airport or at the following service stations:
- CEPSA A28 Viana do Castelo
- CEPSA A22 Olhão
- CEPSA A23 Abrantes
5. Temporary Vía Verde Device
To obtain a temporary Vía Verde device for toll payments, you must pay a deposit of €27.50 including VAT, which will be refunded when you return the device in good condition. The rental fee is €6 for the first week and €1.50 for each additional week.
The minimum top-up is €10 (any remaining balance will not be refunded) and the device is valid for 90 days. You can obtain this device at Portuguese post offices (CTT) or at the following service areas:
- CEPSA A28 Viana do Castelo
- CEPSA A22 Olhão
- CEPSA A23 Abrantes
- GALP A28 Vila do Conde
- GALP A25 Celorico da Beira
You can estimate the cost of your trip using this website: Portugal Tolls (for example, traveling from Vilar Formoso / A25 to Lisbon costs approximately €26).
You can also travel via the "Estradas Nacionais" (EN) or national roads, which take a little longer but have no tolls. However, we cannot guarantee the quality of these roads, and we recommend bringing a GPS with an up-to-date map of Portugal.
