Xtracars®® Blog
Car Tips and Tricks
Tolls in Portugal: travel, save and enjoy without complications
There’s so much to see in Portugal, and that means plenty of road to cover. But to really enjoy it all, you first need to become a bit of an expert on tolls in Portugal. It might sound intimidating but trust us: it’s simpler than you think.
If you’re planning a drive along Portuguese motorways, whether it’s a coastal road trip, heading inland, or even crossing the border from Spain – it pays to know how this slightly quirky system works. After all, saving a few euros on the road might mean an extra plate of fresh seafood at dinner, or that extra glass of wine overlooking the ocean.
If you’re planning a drive along Portuguese motorways, whether it’s a coastal road trip, heading inland, or even crossing the border from Spain – it pays to know how this slightly quirky system works. After all, saving a few euros on the road might mean an extra plate of fresh seafood at dinner, or that extra glass of wine overlooking the ocean.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything about the types of tolls in Portugal, how to pay them, practical tips to avoid fines, and of course, how tolls work when you choose Xtracars, an easy car subscription service. Ready?
Types of tolls in Portugal
Portugal has two main systems for tolls: 
Traditional toll booths
These are the classic ones: cabins with barriers where you have to stop. At the entrance, you get a ticket; at the exit, you pay – either cash or card – based on the distance travelled. Simple and straightforward!
Electronic tolls (SCUTs)
SCUT stands for "Sem Custo para o Utilizador” ("No cost for the user”), but don’t let the name fool you – there is a cost, just no booths. Instead, payment is automatic thanks to gantries that read your license plate or an electronic device (like Via Verde). The result? You keep driving without stopping – perfect if you’re in a hurry… or don’t want to pause your holiday playlist.
How to pay tolls in Portugal
There’s a solution for every traveller and budget:
- Via Verde: The easiest way. Place a small device on the windscreen and all tolls are charged directly to your bank account. For tourists, there’s Via Verde Visitors – no contract, no hassle.
- TollCard: A prepaid card with fixed balances (€5, €10, €20, or €40). Each time you drive through an electronic toll, the fee is deducted from your balance. Great for keeping track of expenses.
- EasyToll: Register your license plate and credit/debit card at a dedicated entry point on the motorway. After that, payments are automatic each time you pass an electronic toll. Quick, simple and valid for 30 days.
Avoiding fines: what to watch out for
Nobody wants to come home from holiday to find a fine in the mailbox. Here are a few tips to avoid nasty surprises when it comes to tolls in Portugal:
- If you drive through an electronic toll without a device or active payment option, you have up to 15 working days to pay at any CTT post office or Payshop by giving your license plate.
- With foreign plates, you can pay up to 30 working days later on the Ascendi website.
- If you’re travelling a lot, Via Verde acts like autopilot for tolls, helping you avoid forgetting to pay.
- When possible, choose motorways with manual toll booths, especially if you don’t have an automatic payment solution.
- Watch the signs: green lanes are for Via Verde, blue and white ones are for manual payment.
- Remember: ignoring tolls in Portugal can lead to hefty fines and even international collection agencies contacting you later. Better not risk it.
How do tolls work with Xtracars?
What if we told you that you could drive around Portugal without worrying about tolls at all? With Xtracars car subscription service, vehicles already come equipped with a Via Verde electronic device. Here’s how it works: tolls in Portugal are charged automatically and itemised on your monthly subscription invoice. The result? More time to plan your next food stop or decide which beach to visit, and no time spent wondering "Did I miss an SCUT toll?” Just drive, enjoy and leave the boring part to us.
Why choose Xtracars?
Travelling across Portuguese roads doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive, if you know how tolls in Portugal work. From traditional booths to modern electronic systems, there are payment options for every type of traveller: tourists, residents, or last-minute adventurers.
With a little planning, you can avoid fines, save time and turn every kilometre into part of the adventure. And who knows? You might even save enough to extend your holiday!
And if you’d rather not think about tolls at all? Xtracars makes it effortless: fully digital, flexible and easy, just like subscribing to a music or video streaming service. Subscribe month-to-month and cancel whenever you like – mobility that’s liberating, simple, and ready for every road trip.