Tolls in Portugal will rise by around 2.3% in 2026

Toll rates on Portuguese highways will become more expensive starting January 1, 2026, with an average increase of 2.3%, according to the automatic adjustment mechanism linked to the inflation rate.

The calculation formula, applied every year, takes into account 80% of the variation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) excluding housing, between October 2024 and September 2025. According to data from Portugal’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), this variation stood at 2.9%, resulting in a 2.3% increase in toll prices.

Broad increase, but with limits

The price rise will apply to motorways operated by Brisa, Ascendi, Lusoponte, Globalvia, among others, as well as to the SCUT roads (previously toll-free routes). However, some concessionaires may decide not to apply the full increase, depending on commercial policies or agreements with the State.

In 2025, tolls had already risen by 2.1%, following a partial freeze in 2023, when the Government capped increases at 4.9%, despite inflation justifying a rise of over 9%.

Direct impact on drivers

Although a 2.3% increase might seem small, the impact will be felt especially by those who use highways daily. A regular trip between Lisbon and Porto, for example, could cost around €1 more per journey. For shorter routes, the increase will only be a few cents, but by the end of the month, the total can make a noticeable difference in many families’ budgets.

Transport companies, professional drivers, and workers who rely on their cars for daily commuting will also feel this increase in their operational costs.

Possible compensation measures

The Government has not yet announced specific measures to offset the rise, but the review of the toll model on former SCUT roads remains under discussion. Some political parties and industry associations have been advocating for reduced toll rates in inland regions, as a way to promote regional balance and support communities that rely more heavily on cars.

For now, the only certainty is that 2026 will begin with higher tolls across the country.