How to Pay Tolls and Park in Portugal

Complete Guide to Via Verde, Other Toll Systems, and Parking 2025

Whether you’re a tourist planning a road trip or a resident commuting daily, understanding how tolls work in Portugal is essential. From the ultra-convenient Via Verde system to flexible prepaid cards and online solutions, here’s everything you need to know to drive stress-free on Portuguese roads.

What is Via Verde?

Via Verde (translated: “Green Lane”) is Portugal’s electronic toll collection system, launched in 1991. It allows vehicles to pass through toll gates without stopping, using a transponder device (also known as an on-board unit) attached to the windshield.

💡 This system is widely integrated and accepted on:

  • All Portuguese toll roads
  • Selected parking lots
  • Fuel stations (with partner brands like Galp Energia)
  • Drive-thru restaurants like McDonald’s
  • Electric vehicle charging stations

Official website: www.viaverde.pt

How Does Via Verde Work?

  • A small transponder communicates with toll readers when you drive through. 
  • Tolls are automatically charged to your registered credit card or Portuguese bank account. 
  • Compatible with all toll roads, including electronic-only routes with no booths. 

It’s the fastest, most hassle-free way to travel by car in Portugal.

Via Verde Plans and Prices

For Tourists and Foreign Vehicles

🚙 1. Via Verde Go Toll

  • No device needed – your license plate is linked to a payment card. 
  • Cost: €0.75/month + €0.32 per toll transaction 
  • Payment: International credit card 
  • Sign-up: Via Verde Go Toll 

🚙 2. Via Verde Go Toll & Beyond

  • Includes a transponder device (free shipping; lifetime warranty) 
  • Also covers parking, fuel, and more 
  • Cost: €1.59/month 
  • Payment: International credit card 
  • Sign-up: Via Verde Go Toll & Beyond 

For Portuguese Residents

PlanMonthlyAnnualCovers
Autoestrada€1.02€12.02Tolls only
Mobilidade€1.64€19.25Tolls, parking, fuel, charging, drive-thru
Mobilidade Leve€1.93—Pay only in months used

📄 Full Price List (PDF)

How to Register for Via Verde

  1. Go to: visitors.viaverde.pt or viaverde.pt 
  2. Choose a suitable plan 
  3. Enter vehicle and payment details 
  4. Receive your transponder (if included) 
  5. Install it on your windshield and start driving 

Extra Features of Via Verde

With the Via Verde App, you can also:

  • Pay for parking in 45+ cities 
  • Pay for fuel at Galp, Prio, and others 
  • Access EV charging stations 
  • Pay at McDonald’s Drive-Thru and partner services 

📱 Download the app:

No Via Verde? Here’s How to Pay Tolls Without It

If you’re not using Via Verde, Portugal still offers several ways to pay tolls—especially on electronic-only roads, where stopping to pay isn’t an option.

1. 🧾 Toll Booths (Manual Roads)

  • Traditional highways like A1, A2, A6 have booths.
  • Pay with cash or a card at the exit gates.
  • Look for signs: “Manual”, “Dinheiro”, or “Multibanco”.

2. 🌐 Easytoll (Best for Foreign-Registered Vehicles)

  • Link your license plate to a credit card at a border kiosk.
  • Valid for 30 days.
  • Setup fee: €0.74 + €0.32 per toll.
  • Ideal for travelers entering via:
    • A22 (Algarve from Spain)
    • A24 (Chaves)
    • A25 (Vilar Formoso)
    • A28 (Northern coast)

🔗 Easytoll Info

3. 💳 TollCard (Prepaid Card)

  • Buy prepaid cards (€5–€40)
  • Activate via SMS using your license plate
  • Ideal for budget travel or short trips

📍 Available at:

4. 🎫 TollService (Flat-Rate Toll Pass)

  • Pre-paid access to unlimited travel on selected roads
  • 3-day pass: €20.74
  • Best for short holidays on high-traffic routes (e.g., Porto–Lisbon)

🔗 Buy TollService

Post-Travel Payment (Foreign Vehicles)

If you missed paying tolls, check online using your license plate:

🔗 Check & Pay Toll Fees

⚠️ Warning: Unpaid tolls can result in hefty fines, up to 10x the fee.

Summary Table: Toll Payment Options in Portugal

Method For Who? Covers Setup Required Website
Via Verde All drivers All tolls + extras Yes viaverde.pt
Easytoll Foreign tourists Electronic-only roads Yes (kiosk) portugaltolls.com
TollCard Short-stay visitors Electronic-only roads Yes (SMS) TollCard
TollService Flat-rate travelers Select major roads Yes TollService
Manual Booths Domestic routes (A1, A2, etc.) Traditional toll roads No —

Useful Parking Apps in Portugal

Finding parking in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Funchal can be a challenge — especially if you’re unfamiliar with local rules or meters. Fortunately, Portugal offers several parking apps that make the process easier, more transparent, and often cheaper.

Here are the most widely used options:

📱 1. Via Verde App

  • Best For: Users already using Via Verde for tolls or mobility.
  • Features: Pay for street parking and parking lots in 45+ municipalities, including Lisbon and Porto.
  • Bonus: No need to find pay stations; billing is automatic.
  • Extra: Also supports fuel payments, EV charging, and McDonald’s Drive-Thru payments.
  • 📲 Android | iOS

📱 2. EMEL ePark

  • Best For: On-street parking in Lisbon (managed by EMEL).
  • Features: Real-time zone lookup, parking time extension, fine alerts.
  • Language: English support available.
  • 📲 Android | iOS

📱 3. Telpark

  • Best For: Parking in multiple Portuguese cities, including Lisbon, Coimbra, Braga, and Vila Nova de Gaia.
  • Also works in: Spain.
  • Features: Start/stop sessions, reminders, online payment of parking fines.
  • 📲 Android | iOS

📱 4. Mobi.e App

  • Best For: Electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
  • Features: Locate and access EV charging points, many of which are in parking garages or urban areas.
  • 📲 mobi-e.pt

📱 5. Parques de Lisboa / Empark

  • Best For: Multi-level indoor parking lots and garages, especially in urban centers and shopping areas.
  • Note: Some garages offer discounts or loyalty programs via the app.
  • 📲 Parques de Lisboa

📱 6. Saba Parking App

  • Best For: Convenient access to Saba-owned car parks in Lisbon, Porto, and around airports.
  • Features: Reservation, entry/exit with QR code, and payment via the app.
  • 📲 saba.pt

Summary Table: Best Parking Apps in Portugal

App Name Best For Cities/Coverage Website/App Link
Via Verde Integrated tolls + parking 45+ cities viaverde.pt
EMEL ePark Lisbon on-street parking Lisbon EMEL.pt
Telpark Multi-city street parking Lisbon, Braga, Coimbra, etc. telpark.com
Mobi.e EV charging + parking Nationwide mobi-e.pt
Parques Lisboa Public garages in city centers Lisbon parqueslisboa.pt
Saba Airport and city car parks Lisbon, Porto, airports saba.pt

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right toll payment system in Portugal depends on how long you will be staying, your vehicle type, and the level of flexibility you require.

  • Via Verde is perfect for residents and frequent visitors.
  • Easytoll, TollCard, and TollService are ideal for tourists who want to avoid penalties and enjoy a smooth driving experience.

Equally important, whether visiting or living here, is the parking. This allows you to know you are always covered when paid through apps, as it gives you helpful warnings on time expirations, etc. EMEL can be quick to block your car when parked illegally and expensive to release it, so do not take the risk!

👉 Ready to travel?
 Start here: Via Verde for Visitors
 Need a short-term solution? PortugalTolls.com