How to Use Via Verde in Portugal: Tolls, Parking and Setup

If you drive in Portugal, you'll quickly meet the green "V" signs on motorway toll lanes. That's Via Verde — Portugal's electronic toll system, and one of the most convenient things about driving here. A small device on your windscreen pays tolls automatically, and the same device can pay for car parks, some fuel stations and more.

This guide explains how Via Verde works, how to get one, what it costs, and what to do if you're driving a rental or a foreign-registered car.

Key takeaways:

• Via Verde is an electronic transponder stuck to your windscreen that pays tolls automatically from your bank account.
• It works on all Portuguese motorways, including those with electronic-only tolls where there are no booths.
• You can get one at Via Verde stores, partner outlets or online; you'll need your ID, car registration and an IBAN for direct debit.
• Rental cars usually offer a Via Verde device for a daily fee — take it.
• Foreign-registered cars can use Via Verde, or register with EasyToll or similar services for electronic tolls.
• Several former SCUT motorways, including the A22 in the Algarve, have been toll-free since January 2025.

How tolls work in Portugal

Portugal has two types of tolled roads:

1. Traditional toll motorways with booths (e.g. the A1 Lisbon–Porto, A2 Lisbon–Algarve). You can pay with cash, card, or use the Via Verde lane.
2. Electronic-only toll motorways (portagens exclusivamente eletrónicas) with overhead gantries and no booths. You can only pay electronically — Via Verde is by far the easiest way.

Tolls are charged by vehicle class. Most cars and small vans are Class 1.

What is Via Verde?

Via Verde is a small electronic identifier (transponder) that you attach to the inside of your windscreen, behind the rear-view mirror. When you pass through a Via Verde lane or under an electronic gantry, the system reads it and charges the toll to the bank account linked to your contract. You receive a monthly statement and can see every transaction in the Via Verde app.

How to get a Via Verde device

You can sign up:

• Online on the Via Verde website, with home delivery;
• at a Via Verde store (Loja Via Verde), often at motorway service areas and shopping centres;
• at partner points (some CTT post offices, banks and fuel stations).

You'll need:

• ID (passport, residence card or Citizen Card);
• NIF;
• the car's registration document;
• an IBAN for SEPA direct debit (a Portuguese account is the simplest).

Once activated, attach the device in the right spot (follow the instructions — tinted or athermic windscreens may need a specific area), and you're ready to go.

Tip: one device can be associated with more than one vehicle on some plans — useful if you swap between cars.

Plans and costs

Via Verde offers several plans, roughly divided into:

• Toll-only plans — the basic option, for using motorways;
• Mobility plans — add parking, fuel and other payments through the device and app.

Depending on the plan, you'll pay either a one-off device fee or a small monthly/annual fee, plus the tolls themselves at the normal price. Plan names and prices change, so check the current options on the Via Verde website before choosing.

There's no discount on tolls for using Via Verde — the advantage is convenience and time saved.

How to use Via Verde lanes

1. Approach the toll plaza and look for lanes with the green "V" sign.
2. Slow down to the indicated speed (usually around 40–60 km/h for dedicated lanes; some lanes require you to slow more).
3. Drive through — you'll hear a beep:
   • One short beep: all good.
   • Several beeps or a different tone: a problem (low balance on account, device issue). Check the app or contact Via Verde.

Never use a Via Verde lane without a device — you'll be registered as an offender and fined on top of the toll.

Electronic-only tolls

On motorways with electronic tolls, cameras read your number plate and/or transponder as you pass under gantries.

Without Via Verde, you must pay post-payment at a CTT post office or Payshop agent, or online, using your plate number. You can usually pay from 2 days after passing through and must do so within the deadline (about 15 working days). Miss it and you'll pay the toll plus administrative costs and possibly a fine.

Good news for the Algarve and the interior: since 1 January 2025, tolls have been abolished on several former SCUT motorways, including the A22 (Via do Infante), A23, A24, A25, A28, and sections of A4 and A13. Others, such as the A41/A42 around Porto, remain tolled.

Via Verde beyond tolls: parking, fuel and more

Depending on your plan, Via Verde can also pay for:

• Car parks — many shopping centres, airports and parking operators let you enter and exit through a Via Verde lane;
• Street parking — pay through the Via Verde app in many municipalities;
• Fuel — at selected partner stations, without leaving your car;
• Other services, such as some drive-throughs and car washes.

The Via Verde app shows all movements, lets you manage vehicles and can send alerts for each transaction.

Via Verde in a rental car

Most rental companies offer a Via Verde transponder for a daily fee (often capped per rental). The tolls you use are then charged to your card after the rental.

Should you take it? In most cases, yes — especially if you'll drive on electronic-only motorways. Without it, you're responsible for post-paying tolls at CTT within the deadline, and rental companies charge hefty admin fees if a toll notice reaches them.

Before driving off, check:

• that the device is attached and active;
• what the daily fee and cap are;
• whether the rental covers tolls in Spain too (if crossing the border).

Picking the car up at the airport? Our guide to getting from the airport to the city compares the alternatives, and getting around Portugal covers trains and buses.

Most rental companies also want a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit — see credit cards in Portugal.

Driving a foreign-registered car

If you're driving your own car on foreign plates (e.g. arriving from Spain or France), you have several options for electronic tolls:

Traditional toll booths still accept cash and cards.

What if you didn't pay a toll?

• Electronic toll without a device: pay at CTT, Payshop or online within the deadline.
• Used a Via Verde lane without a device: you'll receive a notice with the toll, admin costs and a possible fine. Pay promptly — amounts increase over time.
• Toll notice to a rental company: they'll pass it on to you with an admin charge.

For Portuguese-registered cars, unpaid tolls can eventually be handled by the Tax Authority, which adds costs.

Information is current as of November 2026. Plans, prices and toll arrangements change — check the Via Verde and Infraestruturas de Portugal websites for the latest details.