Badajoz is under three hours from Lisbon and Seville is under five, so the question comes up often. The answer is yes, you can take an AUTOPORTRENT car into Spain, but only if you arrange it beforehand.
The default is mainland Portugal only
Use of the rented vehicle is restricted to mainland Portugal. That is the territorial scope written into every rental agreement, and it applies unless it is expressly changed.
What you have to do first
If you want to drive in mainland Spain, before crossing the border you must have express authorisation from AUTOPORTRENT recorded in the rental agreement, and you must pay the CROSS BORDER PT-ES extra, at 61,50€ per contract. That extra extends the territorial scope of the agreement so the vehicle can legally be used in mainland Spain.
Arrange it when you book, or at the latest at the counter when you collect the vehicle. It cannot be added retroactively once you are on the road, and it is subject to authorisation.
What happens if you do not
Unauthorised use of the vehicle outside mainland Portugal is treated as a breach of the rental agreement. That exposes you to the resulting legal consequences and liabilities for improper use of the rented vehicle, and it voids the cover you contracted.
The second part matters most. If your collision and theft cover is void, your liability is no longer limited to the excess for the group. You become responsible for the full value of the loss. On a premium vehicle that is a very expensive way to save 61,50€.
Practical points for the trip
- Unlimited mileage applies in mainland Portugal. Confirm with us how kilometres are treated for the Spanish part of your route when you arrange the extra.
- Spanish motorway tolls are a separate system from the Portuguese Via Verde device. Carry a means of payment for them.
- Roadside assistance arrangements differ outside Portugal. Ask us what applies before you set off.
- Every driver crossing the border must already be named on the rental agreement.
Islands and ferries
The territorial scope covers mainland Portugal and, with the extra, mainland Spain. Taking a rental vehicle to Madeira, the Azores or the Balearic and Canary Islands is not covered by the CROSS BORDER PT-ES extra. If that is your plan, contact us first.
Call us on 217 815 750 or read the territorial scope clause in the Terms and Conditions.