Compare cheap 7 seater car hire at airports across Portugal. The A22 now toll-free, A2 and Tagus bridge tolls, child seat rules, speed limits and ID.
Driving the Algarve? The A22 has been toll-free since 1 January 2025, but the A2 to Lisbon still charges. Read the tolls section below before you set off.
The UK is Faro Airport’s biggest market by a long way, with 46% of all its passenger traffic (TravelMole). Lisbon handled 36.1 million passengers in 2025 (Essential Business).
Portugal’s family rules are close to the UK’s, which makes it one of the easier countries for a 7 seater trip. The things to plan for are the motorway tolls and carrying your ID.
Where to hire a 7 Seater in Portugal
Portugal is small enough that one of its mainland airports puts you within a few hours of anywhere. Passenger numbers are for 2025, from airport operator VINCI Airports. Where we have a full airport guide, the name links to it, and we add new guides regularly.
- Lisbon. 36.1 million passengers. For Sintra and the Cascais coast.
- Porto. 16.9 million. The gateway to the Douro Valley and the north, with gantry-only tolls on several nearby motorways.
- Faro. 10.4 million. The airport for the whole Algarve.
- Funchal, Madeira. 5.7 million across Funchal and Porto Santo. The island roads are steep, so pick a 7 seater with a decent engine.
- The Azores. 3.4 million across four airports. Ponta Delgada on São Miguel takes most visitors.
Tolls: what changed in 2025
The A22, the old Via do Infante, runs 133 km along the Algarve from near Lagos to the Spanish border. Its electronic tolls were abolished on 1 January 2025, along with tolls on six other former SCUT motorways (Diário de Notícias).
The A2 from the Algarve to Lisbon still charges tolls, with traditional booths that take cash and cards, plus electronic lanes (The Portugal News).
The Tagus bridges
Both bridges into Lisbon charge only in the south to north direction. The 25 de Abril bridge costs about £1.84 (€2.15) for a car, and the Vasco da Gama bridge about £2.82 (€3.30) (Postal).
Ask the hire desk how the car handles electronic tolls. Some firms offer a tag for a daily fee, which saves chasing unpaid tolls after you get home.
Portuguese airport 7 Seaters, compared
One search shows the 7 seaters at Lisbon, Faro and beyond, with the full price for each.
Child seats
All children under 12 and shorter than 135 cm must travel in an approved child restraint (DECO PROteste). That is close to the UK rule (GOV.UK), so most families need the same seats as at home.
Speed limits and carrying ID
The motorway limit is 120 km/h, lower than France’s 130 km/h. The drink-drive limit is 0.5 g of alcohol per litre of blood for most drivers and 0.2 g for newly qualified drivers (The Portugal News).
That is lower than the limit in England and Wales, which is 80 mg per 100 ml, or 0.8 g per litre (GOV.UK).
GOV.UK says you must show photo ID if a police officer asks, and that applies while driving (GOV.UK). Carry your passport or photo ID on you whenever you drive.
Portugal is in the Schengen area, so the EU Entry/Exit System applies at the airport (GOV.UK).
Seven people, seven cases
A large suitcase holds 80 to 110 litres. With all seven seats in use, the roomiest common 7 seaters manage about 340 to 350 litres of boot.
For a full family with a big case each, look for the ACRISS FV class, meaning seven or more seats plus more space, or book an 8 or 9 seater. Lisbon’s old quarters are steep and narrow, so park outside them and use trams or taxis.
Spending less on a 7 Seater in Portugal
- Compare the total, not the daily rate. Fuel policy, deposit, insurance excess and extra driver charges all sit outside the headline price.
- Plan around the tolls. The A22 is free, and the Tagus bridges only charge one way.
- Weigh up two cars. For two families sharing a villa, two smaller cars can cost less than one large people carrier.
- Book early with free cancellation. July and August see the highest demand on the Algarve. Lock in a cancellable rate, then search again nearer the date and rebook if prices fall.
Check Portugal 7 Seater prices for your dates
Enter your airport and times to compare cheap rates and toll device terms.
Questions people ask
Is the A22 in the Algarve still a toll road?
No. Its electronic tolls were abolished on 1 January 2025.
Do I pay to cross the Tagus bridges?
Only heading north into Lisbon. The southbound crossing is free on both bridges.
Does my child need a car seat in Portugal?
Yes, if they are under 12 and shorter than 135 cm, much like the UK rule.
Do I need to carry my passport when driving in Portugal?
GOV.UK says you must show photo ID if police ask, so carry it with you when you drive.
How do I compare cheap 7 Seater car hire in Portugal?
Compare several hire firms at once. Our search shows 7 seaters from the firms at your Portuguese airport in one list, with the total price for each. Prices move with demand, so the earlier you search, the more choice you get.
