Our favourite way to travel to Portugal is by car, especially when we drive to Viana do Castelo. We like the freedom it gives us. We bring our kitesurf gear, a kayak, mountain bikes, and on the way back there is almost always wine from Quinta de Curvos in the trunk. That alone makes a road trip through Portugal worth it. Travelling by car fits the way we like to move: flexible, independent and without rushing.
Avoid airport stress and travel on your own terms
In recent years, travelling by car has become more attractive for many travellers. Airports are crowded, waiting times are unpredictable and flights are regularly cancelled. Rental cars are expensive or fully booked, and stress often starts before the holiday even begins. When something goes wrong with a flight, you suddenly have to rearrange hotels, transfers and rental cars. By choosing a road trip through Portugal, you avoid most of that and stay in control of your journey.
Is driving to Portugal cheaper than flying?
Costs play an important role when choosing how to travel. Airline ticket prices have increased due to higher fuel costs, and renting a car at your destination can be surprisingly expensive. During a road trip you obviously pay for fuel as well, but there are several European countries where fuel prices are lower than in the Netherlands. Driving an electric car is also a realistic option, with charging points widely available across Europe. When you compare the total costs, travelling through Portugal by car is often cheaper than flying and renting a car.
A more sustainable way to travel
From a sustainability perspective, driving is also the better choice. Aviation has a significant impact on the climate. According to Natuur & Milieu, flying accounts for around 15% of the total climate impact of the Dutch economy. When you travel the same distance by car instead of plane, your emissions are roughly four times lower. A road trip through Portugal is not emission-free, but it is a more responsible option.
Our road trip route from the Netherlands to Viana do Castelo
We have driven from the Netherlands to Viana do Castelo many times and know the route well. The total distance is about 2,100 kilometres and can comfortably be done in two days. We usually leave early in the morning and head towards Bordeaux. The area around Paris is always busy, but once you pass it, the drive becomes much calmer. We often stay overnight near Bordeaux in a simple hotel, usually costing around fifty euros. The next day, we drive through Spain on well-maintained roads, cross the Pyrenees and continue south. After the dry Spanish plateau, the landscape slowly turns green again. That moment always signals that Portugal is close.
Toll roads in Portugal: how it works
One practical thing to arrange before your road trip through Portugal is the toll system. Register your car online before entering the country. Your license plate will be linked to your credit card for thirty days and tolls are charged automatically. This saves time and avoids confusion or stops at toll gates. Or even better, get a small tollbadge for in your car.
Why a road trip through Portugal is worth it
Travelling through Portugal by car gives you flexibility, comfort and a relaxed start to your holiday. You travel at your own pace, see more of Europe along the way and arrive without airport stress. If you value freedom, simplicity and control, a road trip to Portugal is hard to beat.
