Driving in Portugal

National speed limits in Portugal may be overridden by signs on certain stretches of road or on city streets. Speed limits are as follows, unless otherwise posted:

• Cities and other "built-up areas": 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Roads outside built-up areas: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Expressways (non-motorway fast roads): 100 km/h (62 mph)
• Motorways: 120 km/h (75 mph)

Autoestradas are equivalent to "freeways", "motorways", or "expressways" in various English-speaking countries. These are controlled-access highways with speed limits of 120 km/h (75 mph). Their markers consist of white lettering on blue rectangles, with designations starting "A". Most autoestradas charge tolls, which can be conventional (tollbooths, with electronic transponder fast lanes) or electronic only.

The table below includes all 44 current and planned motorways. Most motorways form part or all various of itinerários principais (IP) or itinerários complementares (IC), but the autoestrada (A) designation takes precedence on road signs. Some portions are under planning or construction. Others are awaiting upgrade and carry only the IP or IC designation in the meantime.

Itinerários principais are "principal" or "main" routes. Their markers consist of white lettering on red rectangles with designations starting "IP". IPs often overlap autoestradas, in which case the "A" designation is used on road signs.

Itinerários complementares are "complementary" or "secondary" routes. Their signs have black lettering on white rectangles with designations starting "IC". ICs often overlap autoestradas, in which case the "A" designation is used on road signs.

Estradas nacionais are non-motorway national roads, some in better condition than others. They are identified with black on white markers starting with "N" or "EN" (depending on the sign's age). Many older stone or concrete markers still exist. Many former national roads are decommissioned. Some have been redesignated as regional or municipal roads. Others still have obsolete signage or are at least referenced by their former numbers by locals.

Estradas regionais are regional roads. Their markers are black on white starting with "R" or "ER".

Estradas municipais are municipal roads. Their numbers begin "M" or "EM", and they are often unmarked but may be found in online maps and in map apps.

Estradas Europeias are international European highways, connecting with Spain and countries beyond. Their route markers have white lettering on green rectangles with designations beginning "E". Signage is sometimes absent when the routes are concurrent with Portuguese highways.

* Total length, including portions outside Portugal