Roads in Portugal: What's changing in 2025?

.2025 begins with major changes to the roads in Portugal, affecting both the mobility of citizens and the amount of tolls. With the aim of improving road infrastructure and easing costs for users, several changes came into force at the start of this new year.

.

Elimination of tolls on ten motorways

One of the most eagerly awaited changes was the elimination of tolls on ten motorway sections in the country. This measure aims to reduce costs for motorists, especially in inland regions and the Algarve, with significant investment from the government.

.

Motorways affected:

• A4 - Transmontana: Section between Vila Real and Quintanilha, including the Marão Tunnel.

• A13 - Pinhal Interior: From Coimbra to Marateca, via the Coimbra Radial.

• A22 - Via do Infante: Route between Lagos and Castro Marim, in the Algarve region.

• A23 - Beira Interior: From Torres Novas to Guarda, passing through Castelo Branco and Portalegre.

• A24 - Interior Norte: Link between Viseu and Chaves.

• A25 - Beiras Litoral e Alta: Between Gafanha da Nazaré and Vilar Formoso.

• A28 - Minho: On the sections between Esposende and Antas and between Neiva and Darque.

.

Toll increases

Although some motorways will remain toll-free, others will see an increase in tolls. As of 1 January 2025, tolls in Portugal have increased by 2.2%. This increase affects the country's main roads, including the A1, which connects Porto to Lisbon, with a 52 cent increase in the cost of the journey.

This annual adjustment is common practice, although it was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. The measure aims to maintain funding for road infrastructure and guarantee its maintenance and modernisation.

.

The impact on journeys and traffic

The changes to Portugal's roads have a direct impact on the way motorists travel. With the elimination of tolls on several motorways, there will be more travel options at no extra cost, favouring those who drive in the affected areas. However, the increase in tolls on other routes could lead to higher costs for those who use the busiest motorways.

.

The future of mobility in Portugal

The changes to Portugal's roads are just one part of the ongoing effort to improve the country's infrastructure and mobility. Modernising roads, eliminating tolls and adapting to the growing demand for faster and more efficient transport are important steps towards ensuring more sustainable and accessible mobility for all.

Whether you're travelling in the countryside or in the big cities, it's important to be aware of these changes and plan your journeys accordingly.

.

Translated with DeepL.com