All you need need to know about renting a motorcycle in Porto

For travelers looking for a bit of respite from the fast-paced cities of Europe, Porto, Portugal is a great city to enjoy a more laid-back vibe while still being surrounded by gorgeous views and vibrant culture. Porto is known for its fantastic culinary scene, particularly its world famous wine, as well as its gorgeous tiled buildings that line the city’s rivers. It’s easy to have a great experience getting lost in the streets of Porto, and the best way to get a sense for all that the city has to offer is by renting a motorcycle and traveling around like a local. 

The second largest city in Portugal, Porto is often described as having a much more down-to-earth and working-class vibe than Lisbon, the country’s capital. Porto is a coastal city in the northwest of Portugal, and can be much wetter and colder than destinations in the south of the country. Traveling through Porto offers a unique experience to the more southern destinations in Portugal, as the city is full of faded facades, winding corridors, and authentic Portugese culture. Renting a motorcycle in Porto is easy and affordable, and will really help you get the best sense of what the city is all about. 

This post will cover: 

• Safety issues related to driving in Porto 
• Where to find motorcycle rental in Porto
• The cost of renting a motorcycle in Porto
• Whether you need an international driving permit to drive in Portugal
• The best places to go by motorcycle in Porto

Is it safe to drive in Porto, Portugal?

Before you decide to rent a motorcycle and take to the streets of Porto, there are some things you should know about road conditions in Porto and in Portugal in general. Portugese drivers tend to have a need for speed and often are very dismissive of the rules of the road. When driving anywhere in Portugal, it’s important to be extremely cautious and aware of your surroundings. Obeying the speed limits and avoiding aggressive drivers can help you ensure that you don’t get into an accident. 

Portugese drivers also often fail to use their turn signals. So, if you’re passing side streets, be on the lookout for other motorists pulling out quickly and without warning. Cars are often parked haphazardly as well, so be aware of the sides of the road as you drive. 

Porto can present a challenge for people who aren’t used to driving in Portugal, as the roads can be quite narrow and steep. Additionally, some of the roads are made from stone pavement blocks, which can make for a very bumpy ride. If you’re driving in Porto, particularly if you’re driving a motorcycle, it’s better to take it slow and be aware of your surroundings.

They drive on the right side of the road in Portugal and overtake on the left side. Overtaking on the right side is strictly forbidden and carries a fine of €1,000. On larger motorways, the middle lane is for overtaking. 

Where can you rent a motorcycle in Porto, Portugal?

If you plan on flying into Porto Airport and want to rent a motorcycle as soon as you arrive, the best way to do so is by booking your motorcycle online. There are several services in Porto that will deliver your motorcycle directly to your airport terminal, so you can ride directly from the airport to your accommodation. 

If you would rather wait until you get into the city to rent a motorcycle, you will easily be able to find a rental shop within the city limits. The highest concentration of motorcycle rental shops in Porto is in the neighborhood of Ribeira, which sits along the northern bank of the Douro River. 

As you continue north into the neighborhood of Bolhão, you will still be able to find motorcycle rental shops, though they are more scarce than in Ribeira. If you find yourself in the center of Porto, your best bet for finding motorcycle rental is to head to the city’s eastern neighborhoods. 

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Porto, Portugal?

The most low-end motorcycles in most rental shops’ fleets typically run about €35 per day to rent. That will typically get you a 125cc motorcycle like a Honda CB125F, and most rental shops include the price of insurance and helmet rental.

The roads in Porto can be quite steep, however, so you may want to opt for a more powerful motorcycle. There are 750cc motorcycles available in the range of €75 to €90 per day, and those will definitely take you through even the steepest of Porto’s backroads. 

If you simply want a vehicle to take you around Porto’s metropolitan areas, you can rent a motor scooter for cheaper than the price of a proper motorcycle. Motor scooters, however, are far slower and less well-equipped for Porto’s steep roads. 

Do you need an international driving permit to drive in Portugal? 

Portugal, unlike many of its neighboring countries, does not require American drivers to carry an international driving permit while operating a motor vehicle within the country. Travelers who are staying in Portugal less than six months are legally allowed to drive a car or a motorcycle as long as they are carrying a valid U.S. driver’s license. That being said, if you do end up in a motor vehicle accident in Portugal, it could be helpful to carry an international driving permit for translation purposes.

If you want to get an international driving permit, you can fill out the application here. There is an application fee of $20 and international driving permits stay valid for one year. 

Where are the best places to go by motorcycle in Porto, Portugal?

Now that you’re familiar with everything you need to know to rent a motorcycle in Porto, here are some of the best places to visit in the city: 

• Take a drive 10 minutes south from the city center and over the Luis I Bridge and you’ll find Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site where you can get some of the best views of the city. You can park near the metro station Jardim do Morro and then walk freely around the monastery, take in the incredible views, or visit the museum to learn about some of the monastery’s history. 
• Drive back over the Luis I Bridge and you’ll end up in one of the most quintessential areas of Porto, Ribeira. This area of the city is known for its narrow streets and colorful tiled houses. You can drive down the Douro River and admire the buildings or park your motorcycle and walk through the backstreets. This entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it offers a great deal in the way of cafes, bars, and restaurants as well. 

• This one isn’t exactly an activity you should do on a motorcycle, but it’s definitely something you can’t leave Porto without experiencing. Leave your motorcycle at your hotel and visit one of Porto’s many port wine cellars. This variety of wine comes originally from Porto, and has become famous all over the world. Ferreira and Burmester are two wine cellars of particular renown, and they’re both located in the neighborhood of Vila Nova de Gaia on the southern bank of the Douro River. 

If you’re looking for a setting that is a bit more laid-back than other cities in Europe, Porto is a wonderful place to unwind. But with all its history and cultural experiences, the best way to get the most out of your stay in Porto is to rent a motorcycle!