Driving in Portugal as a United Kingdom National
Portugal offers excellent motorways, scenic wine country roads, and straightforward driving. EU and US license holders do not need an IDP. Electronic tolls (Via Verde) require advance setup.
Key Things to Know First
Portugal generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
United Kingdom drives on the left, but Portugal drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Portugal uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Portugal | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Easy | — |
Speed Limits in Portugal
Speed limits in Portugal are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Portugal
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Portugal before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Portugal
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Portugal Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Portugal.
Read the complete guide