How to Find and Hire a Reliable Private Driver in Portugal

Traveling in Portugal is a delight, but navigating public transport or relying on ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt can sometimes be less than ideal, especially when you’re on a tight schedule or traveling with family. The idea of hiring a private driver might sound overly fancy or expensive at first, but it can actually be quite affordable—and in some cases, even save you money compared to other options. After multiple trips and plenty of trial and error, I discovered the solution to stress-free transport: hiring a private driver.

If you’re visiting Lisbon or other parts of Portugal and wondering how to find a reliable private driver, this guide will walk you through both traditional and unconventional methods—including my own story of finding the incredible Jorge Paiva, a driver I now recommend to everyone.

Traditional Ways to Find a Private Driver

1. Tourist Offices
   Most tourist offices in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro have lists of private drivers and car hire services. These are vetted, professional drivers often familiar with tourist routes.
2. Hotel Concierge Services
   Hotels frequently partner with reliable local drivers, so if you’re staying in a hotel, simply ask the concierge for a recommendation.
3. Car Hire Companies
   Companies like Europcar or Sixt often offer chauffeur services as an add-on to their car rental packages.
4. Travel Agencies
   Tour operators or travel agencies in Portugal often work with private drivers who can double as tour guides, especially for day trips to places like Sintra or Évora.

Unconventional Ways to Find a Private Driver

1. Ask Your Uber Driver
   Believe it or not, many Uber drivers also offer private car hire services. If you have a great experience with an Uber driver, ask if they take private bookings. That’s how I met my private driver, Jorge Paiva! (see below)
2. Facebook Groups or Expat Forums
   Facebook communities like our own “Californians Moving to & Living in Portugal” and many other travel and expat forums often have posts where members recommend trusted drivers they’ve personally hired.
3. Local Recommendations
   Ask locals in shops, cafés, or restaurants. Portuguese people are warm and happy to share their recommendations for trusted services.
4. Word of Mouth
   This old-school method is still one of the best. Personal referrals from friends or family who’ve traveled to Portugal can lead you to reliable drivers.

MEET my favorite private driver, JORGE PAIVA!

Everyday Portugal Approved!

My Experience with Jorge & Why He’s My Go-To Private Driver

Several months ago, after wrapping up a particularly intense Portuguese language lesson for my citizenship qualification, I headed to Lisbon and hopped into an Uber. Jorge Paiva was behind the wheel, and eager to practice my burgeoning language skills, I attempted a conversation in Portuguese. Noticing my effort, Jorge indulged me instead of immediately switching to English. Fluent in Portuguese, and with a command of English, Spanish, and Italian, Jorge is a fantastic choice for international travelers.

Jorge was kind, friendly, and professional. At the end of the ride, he handed me his card and mentioned that he also offered private car hire services. I tucked the card into my wallet, pocketing that information for a later date—a few months later when I needed reliable transport in Lisbon for a busy day of back-to-back appointments.

Reaching out to Jorge turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made. Unlike the inconsistent experience of ordering Ubers and Bolts (complete with surge pricing and dreaded cancellations), Jorge provided seamless, stress-free transport. He was punctual, professional, and his service fee was comparable to regular Uber fares, but far more reliable.

From that day on, I’ve hired Jorge for all my local Lisbon transport, as well as countless airport pick-ups and drop-offs—including those inevitable 4am rides to catch a sunrise flight. With his multi-car fleet, Jorge makes it easy to travel alone, as a family, or with a group within the city, to and from the airport, or even for touring across Portugal on scouting trips and vacations.

What Sets Jorge Apart

Here’s why I now recommend Jorge to anyone living in Lisbon or visiting Portugal:

1. Reliability
Jorge is always on time and ready to go when I need him, whether it’s for a city transfer, airport pickup, or an all-day itinerary.

2. Transparent Pricing
With Jorge, there are no surprises. His rates are clear, and he communicates upfront about any costs.

3. Friendly & Multilingual
Jorge speaks multiple languages and is always happy to chat or let you relax quietly during the ride—your preference.

4. Kid-Friendly
If you’re traveling with kids, Jorge’s calm and accommodating demeanor makes family travel much easier. He’s playful with kids and even got my teen to engage.

5. Safe & Clean Fleet
Jorge maintains a range of clean, comfortable vehicles to suit various needs:

• Peugeot: Seats 4. Ideal for quick trips within Lisbon and efficient airport transfers.
• BMW: Seats 4. Perfect for business trips, small groups, or traveling in style within Lisbon or to and from the airport.
• Ford Van: Seats 8. Excellent for airport pick-ups, families or groups with luggage, moving boxes between apartments or storage, or group transport within Lisbon.

SERVICES:

• Individual Rides within Lisbon
• Full Day Private Car hire within Lisbon
• Airport Transfers
• Local Home/Apartment Moves (boxes & small furniture)
• Full Day Transport & Tours throughout Portugal

Why Private Drivers Are Worth It in Portugal

From my countless rides with Jorge, I’ve realized that hiring a private driver saves not just time but also stress. Whether you’re navigating Lisbon’s narrow streets, heading to the airport, or exploring the countryside, having someone like Jorge ensures a smooth experience.

Ready to Book Jorge?

Contact Jorge Paiva for your next trip:

Jorge Paiva – Private Car Hire & Driver
📞 +351 919 876 980
📧 autopaivaegodinho@gmail.com
🌐 AUTO PAIVA & GODINHO Lda Transfers & Tours

Final Thoughts

Finding a reliable private driver in Portugal can elevate your travel experience. Whether you go through a traditional route or ask an Uber driver for their card, having a trusted person behind the wheel—like Jorge—can transform your trip into something extraordinary.

Make your time in Portugal as smooth and enjoyable as possible by hiring Jorge for your private car hire needs. You won’t regret it!