driving in Spain and Portugal
Jan 29th, 2011, 05:54 PM
#1
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driving in Spain and Portugal
We will pick up and drop off a car in Spain although we will drive in Portugal as well. I see mention of tolls on many roads. Do we pay at a booth or will we need a transponder? Seems like someone mentined needing something special when driving in Portugal. Any advice on driving in either of these countries would be appreciated.
Jan 29th, 2011, 06:36 PM
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As a tourist, you will normally pay the fare when you reach the toll booth. There is always at least on station open for paying cash. Just have you money ready.
The only precaution I would offer is to "keep to the right except to pass", but be aware that people drive a little faster in Portugal, much more than they do in Spain, where the speed limits are enforced.
The only precaution I would offer is to "keep to the right except to pass", but be aware that people drive a little faster in Portugal, much more than they do in Spain, where the speed limits are enforced.
Jan 29th, 2011, 06:53 PM
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I don't remember about the tolls, but make sure you watch your speed! My husband was zapped by a camera (supposedly) somewhere on the drive heading south to the coast and we were sent a $150 Euro speeding ticket to our home in the US. By the time it arrived, it was past due and had increased by 50EU! This was a few years back, but I remember it was a big pain trying to pay it (no credut cards, wire transfer, etc). We were not able to protest it, and rather than take our chances on not being able to go back to Portugal, we paid it and learned a lesson. Well, let's say a short lesson. We went to Australia last year and had the same thing happen, but it was $350 AU! At least we were able to pay with a credit card on that one. We don't remember speeding in any of these places. I think they see a rental car and know they can probably get away with it!
Jan 30th, 2011, 12:05 AM
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Beware!!!!! Not all Portuguese toll roads have tollbooths.
It depends on when you are going to Portugal because the electronic toll collection system is currently operated in the Northern part of the country, with the southern part planned to be incorporated before Easter 2011. Another confusing factor is that not all toll roads in Portugal have this electronic system; a few will still have the manned tollbooths. So if you want to avoid paying by the electronic means choose your route with care.
Online maps do not distinguish roads with the two different systems either.
There has been a lot of news about this system in the Galician newspapers so thanks to them I have managed to glean far more from them than the information that the Portuguese government has issued.
You can register on line before at this website.
https://www2.ctt.pt/fectt/wcmservlet...ndingpage.html
The English version does not work for payments on Line, but if you understand Portuguese you can find your way through it. When registering you have to know the registration number of your car. I have tried it out and it works for registrations in various countries.
Or you head for a post office and purchase your ticket there. Again remember to write down your car’s registration to save queuing up twice to purchase a ticket. Also allow time to find a Post Office. If you do not pre purchase your ticket fines can be high. They are calculated on the amount of KM you have travelled without payment plus you will have to purchase a toll ticket to cover all of your trip.
Good lick with your planning.
The warning about speed cameras is for all roads. Tollbooths, when manned do not have the authority to issue fines for going too fast.
It depends on when you are going to Portugal because the electronic toll collection system is currently operated in the Northern part of the country, with the southern part planned to be incorporated before Easter 2011. Another confusing factor is that not all toll roads in Portugal have this electronic system; a few will still have the manned tollbooths. So if you want to avoid paying by the electronic means choose your route with care.
Online maps do not distinguish roads with the two different systems either.
There has been a lot of news about this system in the Galician newspapers so thanks to them I have managed to glean far more from them than the information that the Portuguese government has issued.
You can register on line before at this website.
https://www2.ctt.pt/fectt/wcmservlet...ndingpage.html
The English version does not work for payments on Line, but if you understand Portuguese you can find your way through it. When registering you have to know the registration number of your car. I have tried it out and it works for registrations in various countries.
Or you head for a post office and purchase your ticket there. Again remember to write down your car’s registration to save queuing up twice to purchase a ticket. Also allow time to find a Post Office. If you do not pre purchase your ticket fines can be high. They are calculated on the amount of KM you have travelled without payment plus you will have to purchase a toll ticket to cover all of your trip.
Good lick with your planning.
The warning about speed cameras is for all roads. Tollbooths, when manned do not have the authority to issue fines for going too fast.
Jan 30th, 2011, 12:15 AM
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Carry a GPS unit with up-to-date maps (Garmin is good). While not foolproof, it tells you what the speed limit is on any stretch of road and warns you about fixed and mobile cameras. Still look out for speed signs, as temporary limit can be imposed, but use GPS as an extra warning.
Of course it will help with navigation. Some new roads aren't marked, but it shouldn't present major problems. Have a paper map as a backup. Michelin is good.
Of course it will help with navigation. Some new roads aren't marked, but it shouldn't present major problems. Have a paper map as a backup. Michelin is good.
Jan 30th, 2011, 12:53 AM
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We drove between Lisbon and Tomar, Obidos, Marvao and Evora and the big A roads have tolls (quite pricey to we thought). You take a ticket when you enter and then pay on exit depending how far you go. There are some that are manned, and some that werent where you just inserted the ticketed and paid the amount shown (either cash or credit card) and the barrier would lift.
They do have lanes where I think locals have some sort of electronic method of paying without stopping - just avoid those.
They do have lanes where I think locals have some sort of electronic method of paying without stopping - just avoid those.
Jan 30th, 2011, 01:29 AM
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Just one caveat re. GPS
If you plan to visit the smaller villages by car, your GPS will usually direct you to the very center of the town.
Which may be accessible by car through a maze of small streets but you won't necessarily find a place to park your car easily.
Some cities have restrictions on who may enter the historic town center at what time. Unless you can clearly understand the message, it can save costly tickets to treat it as if it were a "do not enter" sign.
Like this one in Sevilla/Spain:
http://www.abcdesevilla.es/Media/201...n--644x362.JPG
The red circle you see on the upper left hand of the sign means "no motorized traffic beyond this point" - unless you adhere to or qualify for one of the many exceptions.
So I'd suggest to keep your eyes open for visitor parking lots outside the walled old town. And walk a few minutes from there.
If you plan to visit the smaller villages by car, your GPS will usually direct you to the very center of the town.
Which may be accessible by car through a maze of small streets but you won't necessarily find a place to park your car easily.
Some cities have restrictions on who may enter the historic town center at what time. Unless you can clearly understand the message, it can save costly tickets to treat it as if it were a "do not enter" sign.
Like this one in Sevilla/Spain:
http://www.abcdesevilla.es/Media/201...n--644x362.JPG
The red circle you see on the upper left hand of the sign means "no motorized traffic beyond this point" - unless you adhere to or qualify for one of the many exceptions.
So I'd suggest to keep your eyes open for visitor parking lots outside the walled old town. And walk a few minutes from there.
Jan 30th, 2011, 04:19 AM
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Jamkins
Yes where there are manned tollbooths there are electronic ones too.
However Since mid October last year, what were free highways became toll roads. These only have the electronic system of payment.
Just before next Easter (2011) it is planned to bring the same system in what, at present, are free highways in southern Portugal.
Whilst your experience last summer is quite valid it is the newly introduced payment system that everyone must beware of.
Like I said choose your route carefully and everything will be ok.
If not a nice policeman will lead you to an ATM and show you how much a fine is.
Yes where there are manned tollbooths there are electronic ones too.
However Since mid October last year, what were free highways became toll roads. These only have the electronic system of payment.
Just before next Easter (2011) it is planned to bring the same system in what, at present, are free highways in southern Portugal.
Whilst your experience last summer is quite valid it is the newly introduced payment system that everyone must beware of.
Like I said choose your route carefully and everything will be ok.
If not a nice policeman will lead you to an ATM and show you how much a fine is.
Jan 30th, 2011, 02:46 PM
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If you would read my first post again I said that these toll roads in the southern part of Portugal are planned to be commissioned just before Easter 2011. So when you was in Portugal, you would not have seen the new electronic toll gantries. Did you travel very far from Lisbon?
Electronic means just that you have a card with a chip in it. You pas under a gantry and the total on your card is deduced electronically. Run out of money and the system notifies the police.
Photo of gantries. Note there are no tollbooths also the different signage being used to normal toll roads. http://media.lavozdegalicia.es/defau...7570/Foto/.jpg
How to pay: But I have also found a way on line at the Post Office website (link given above in my first posting)
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/vigo/20...edium=buscavoz
Map of electronic tolled roads in North Portugal.
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/vigo/20...5360527655.htm
More about this toll in Portuguese.
http://www.estradas.pt/portagensfaq/
Latest article in the local newspaper which says the cost of fines for not paying tolls.
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/galicia...03_8944711.htm
The cost of the tolls also went up due to the rise in taxes.
Electronic means just that you have a card with a chip in it. You pas under a gantry and the total on your card is deduced electronically. Run out of money and the system notifies the police.
Photo of gantries. Note there are no tollbooths also the different signage being used to normal toll roads. http://media.lavozdegalicia.es/defau...7570/Foto/.jpg
How to pay: But I have also found a way on line at the Post Office website (link given above in my first posting)
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/vigo/20...edium=buscavoz
Map of electronic tolled roads in North Portugal.
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/vigo/20...5360527655.htm
More about this toll in Portuguese.
http://www.estradas.pt/portagensfaq/
Latest article in the local newspaper which says the cost of fines for not paying tolls.
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/galicia...03_8944711.htm
The cost of the tolls also went up due to the rise in taxes.
Jan 30th, 2011, 03:28 PM
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Interesting, ribeirasacra. How does Portugal expect to deal with tourist? Or do they simply want tourist to stay away? Not quite forward thinking!!!
Looks like they haven't put a price tag on driving the road from Guimarães to Galicia, at least not yet.
Looks like they haven't put a price tag on driving the road from Guimarães to Galicia, at least not yet.
Jan 30th, 2011, 03:53 PM
#13
tidy; This is the person to e-mail about toll roads. Maribel will answer your questions. On just two trips to Spain and Portugal we never had a problem. Richard www.maribelsguides.com
Jan 30th, 2011, 11:55 PM
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Robert you asked the questions "Interesting, ribeirasacra. How does Portugal expect to deal with tourist? Or do they simply want tourist to stay away? Not quite forward thinking!!!"
I think this is the whole point. The Xunta de Galicia (the government of Galicia, were at one pint going to the EU about this because it was almost impossible for Spanish (and in particular Galicians) to pay this toll. I am not going to go into details here because it is far too complicated. Needless to say it is now a lot earlier than before to pay these toll roads.
I have yet to hear of what happens to Portuguese hire cars. Do they get a toll card included?
It is now almost impossible to leave Oporto airport without paying tolls. The only way is via back roads and an industrial estate.
Maribel does not seem to know anything about this either.
I think this is the whole point. The Xunta de Galicia (the government of Galicia, were at one pint going to the EU about this because it was almost impossible for Spanish (and in particular Galicians) to pay this toll. I am not going to go into details here because it is far too complicated. Needless to say it is now a lot earlier than before to pay these toll roads.
I have yet to hear of what happens to Portuguese hire cars. Do they get a toll card included?
It is now almost impossible to leave Oporto airport without paying tolls. The only way is via back roads and an industrial estate.
Maribel does not seem to know anything about this either.
Jan 31st, 2011, 03:45 AM
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There must be some way for tourists to pay...?
Yes there is I described it in my first posting. On line or at a PO. If you rent a Portuguese registered car ask the hire company.
It is not only tourist who are Hissed off it is the Galicians too. some have to travel quite often for business etc. We can open a bank account with one particular bank and that account will also incur costs on top of the tolls.
Just take the National roads it is a lot slower but at least there are no tolls. Or ensure the toll road is one of the ones which has manned tolls.
BTW Please don get the impression this is an anti toll road posting. There is nothing wrong with paying tolls, it is just the way this has been implemented.
Yes there is I described it in my first posting. On line or at a PO. If you rent a Portuguese registered car ask the hire company.
It is not only tourist who are Hissed off it is the Galicians too. some have to travel quite often for business etc. We can open a bank account with one particular bank and that account will also incur costs on top of the tolls.
Just take the National roads it is a lot slower but at least there are no tolls. Or ensure the toll road is one of the ones which has manned tolls.
BTW Please don get the impression this is an anti toll road posting. There is nothing wrong with paying tolls, it is just the way this has been implemented.
Jan 31st, 2011, 09:53 AM
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Somewhat off the subject, but to be noted: The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco plans to have an electronic toll system only, with no attendants. If you do not have an appropriate card, your license plate will be photographed and you will be billed for the toll (and processing fees?--not mentioned in the article).
Feb 3rd, 2011, 11:12 AM
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Latest news about the tolls.
Some highlights of the facts stated.
45 million Euros tolls gathered in just three months.
The Portuguese government thinks it can collect a total of 330million Euros in one year.
From the 15th April 2011 the following roads will be added to this toll system.
Viseu – Chaves.
Guarda-Torres Novas.
Aveiro-Vilar Formoso
And the road known as Via do Infante, in the Algarve.
55000 fines have been issued in those 3 months.
22000 electronic tags have been issued.
It seems the system cannot read non Portuguese plates. However if this information is in the public domain you can be assured the police will be checking that bit harder all the foreign plates.
Booking your toll ticket via the internet is a time consuming process. It is not in Spanish or English.
The government of Galician is again to make presentations to the Portuguese government about the way these tolls are affecting commerce.
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/galicia...02G3P12991.htm
Some highlights of the facts stated.
45 million Euros tolls gathered in just three months.
The Portuguese government thinks it can collect a total of 330million Euros in one year.
From the 15th April 2011 the following roads will be added to this toll system.
Viseu – Chaves.
Guarda-Torres Novas.
Aveiro-Vilar Formoso
And the road known as Via do Infante, in the Algarve.
55000 fines have been issued in those 3 months.
22000 electronic tags have been issued.
It seems the system cannot read non Portuguese plates. However if this information is in the public domain you can be assured the police will be checking that bit harder all the foreign plates.
Booking your toll ticket via the internet is a time consuming process. It is not in Spanish or English.
The government of Galician is again to make presentations to the Portuguese government about the way these tolls are affecting commerce.
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/galicia...02G3P12991.htm
