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Before starting any journey on Portuguese motorways, it’s important to understand the toll system, the costs involved, and the best payment methods to avoid fines and unnecessary complications.
Although many drivers see tolls as an extra expense, they play a vital role in funding road maintenance, improving road safety, and enabling faster and more comfortable journeys. The revenue collected also supports the construction of new roads, directly contributing to the country’s development.
Electronic Toll System Without Stopping
Nowadays, most motorways in Portugal operate without traditional toll booths. On these sections (including many former SCUT roads), the payment is 100% electronic through smart gantries equipped with cameras and sensors.
The system automatically detects the vehicle’s license plate and class, calculating the amount due. If you have an electronic device installed, the payment is debited immediately. If not, you will need to pay later through official channels.
This technology speeds up traffic, eliminates queues, and reduces travel time, but requires drivers to stay attentive to payment deadlines.
Available Electronic Solutions
Via Verde
The most popular solution in the country. A small transponder placed on the windscreen communicates automatically with the gantries. Toll fees are debited directly from the associated bank account. It can also be used in car parks and other affiliated infrastructures.
Via Verde Visitors
A temporary version designed especially for tourists and short-term visitors. It works similarly, but the device is rented for a limited period and linked to a credit card.
Toll Cards
A practical option for occasional use. Prepaid cards with fixed amounts (€5, €10, €20 or €40) that can be easily activated online or via SMS. The balance is automatically deducted according to passages and is valid for 12 months.
Via Verde Go Toll / Go Toll & Beyond
A solution without any physical device. Simply register your car’s license plate and link a credit card. You only pay in the months when you actually use the motorways.
Foreign Devices
Some transponders from other European countries (e.g., French Bip&Go or Spanish Via-T) also work on certain Portuguese motorways.
How Much Does It Cost to Drive on Major Motorways?
It is always recommended to calculate the cost of your trip in advance on the Infraestruturas de Portugal website, where you can also check real-time traffic conditions.
Approximate prices for 2026 (full routes):
Motorway (full route) C1 C2 C3 C4
A1 Lisbon / Porto €24.80 €44.10 €56.80 €62.55
A2 Lisbon / Algarve €23.80 €41.60 €53.50 €59.50
A3 Porto – Valença €10.15 €17.25 €22.35 €24.85
A4 Porto – Amarante €4.75 €8.25 €10.45 €11.70
A5 Costa de Estoril €2.50 €4.80 €4.80 €4.80
A6 Marateca – Caia €15.10 €26.45 €34.90 €37.45
A8 Lisbon – Leiria €11.45 €20.10 €26.85 €30.15
A9 Estádio Nacional – Alverca (CREL) €3.95 €7.60 €9.50 €10.45
A10 Bucelas – Carregado €4.30 €7.45 €9.60 €10.65
A12 Setúbal – Montijo €2.45 €4.40 €5.65 €6.25
A13 Santarém – Marateca €8.40 €14.80 €18.05 €21.05
A14 Figueira da Foz – Trouxemil €2.90 €5.05 €6.50 €7.25
A15 Santarém – Caldas da Rainha €4.30 €7.65 €9.70 €10.85
A17 Aveiro – Marinha Grande €11.60 €20.35 €26.45 €29.70
A21 Malveira – Ericeira €2.20 €3.95 €5.05 €5.60
Prices are updated periodically and saw an average increase of about 2.9% in 2026.
Practical Travel Examples
- Lisbon → Porto: 314 km | ± €25.05 | 3h27
- Lisbon → Faro: 278 km | ± €23.80 | 3h06
- Braga → Porto: 56 km | ± €3 | 43 min
- Bragança → Lisbon: 467 km | ± €14.25 | 5h19
Payment Methods
You can pay in the traditional way at the remaining toll booths or use the more modern electronic systems.
Without an electronic device, after passing under a gantry, you have 48 hours until the amount becomes available on the portal pagamentodeportagens.pt. Simply enter the license plate, date and time of passage, name, and contact. The system generates a Multibanco reference for payment.
Consequences of Not Paying
Failure to pay generates an automatic debt. If you do not settle it on time, you will be notified and may face an administrative offense with a minimum fine of 7.5 times the toll amount (or €25, whichever is higher), plus administrative costs and interest.
Important Changes in 2026
From February 25, heavy vehicles (classes 3 and 4) will no longer pay tolls on certain specific sections (A41, parts of A8 and A19). There is also the possibility of refunding amounts paid since January 2026. Other exemption measures for residents and companies are still being implemented.
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