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Rent a Car in Lisbon, Portugal — Competitive Rates With a Practical Local Guide

Compare airport and downtown pickup options, learn what fees to expect (tolls, deposits, insurance), and get on the road with confidence at a price that fits your trip.

Updated Travel Guide
Lisbon Car Rental Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Expect
Renting a car in Lisbon is convenient if you plan day trips beyond the city—such as Sintra, Cascais, Óbidos, Nazaré, or the Alentejo—where public transit can be slower or less direct. Within central Lisbon, driving can be more stressful due to narrow streets, hills, limited parking, and one-way traffic patterns, so many travelers prefer picking up the car right before leaving the city. Expect manual transmissions to be common, and budget extra time for navigation and parking. Also plan for Portuguese toll roads: many highways use electronic tolling, so ask the rental company about a toll transponder (often Via Verde) and how charges are billed. Fuel policies are typically “full-to-full”; photographing the fuel gauge and vehicle condition at pickup and return helps avoid disputes.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ más
Lisbon Airport (LIS) — Humberto Delgado Airport Car Rental Center
Best for immediate road trips and late arrivals. Most major brands have desks in the arrivals area with cars in nearby airport parking/garage. Pros: longest hours, wide vehicle selection, easy one-way rentals. Cons: airport surcharges, peak-time lines, and heavier traffic leaving the airport toward the A1/A2/IC19.
Marquês de Pombal / Avenida da Liberdade Area
Central and convenient for hotels in the business/shopping district. Pros: easier access to major avenues and routes out of town than the old center. Cons: paid parking is expensive, and traffic during rush hour can be slow.
Saldanha / Avenidas Novas
A practical “outside the tourist core” pickup zone. Pros: generally easier pickup/return logistics and smoother access to radial roads. Cons: less walkable from historic neighborhoods; garage access can be tight for larger vehicles.
Loading map...

¿Qué necesitas para alquilar un coche en Lisbon?

Alquilar un coche en Lisbon es bastante cómodo, pero puede haber algunos requisitos específicos, especialmente para los conductores extranjeros.

  • Forma de identificación: A valid physical national photo ID from the rental country (e.g., France, New Zealand, Portugal) must be presented.
  • Permiso de conducir: The main and any additional local drivers must present a full physical driving license with no major endorsements. The minimum holding period is typically 1 year; some offers require 2, 3, or 4 years. For certain Portugal rentals, drivers with less than 2–4 years’ license may rent but an additional daily fee applies.

    Notas: New Zealand: Customers holding a New Zealand Pink licence (Limited, Alcohol Interlock, or Zero Alcohol Limit) are not eligible to rent with some brands. Portugal: Some offers require a valid return ticket to the country of origin. Some Portugal and other offers charge an extra daily fee for licenses held less than 2–4 years.

  • Tarjetas aceptadas: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required when credit cards are accepted. Commonly accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, UnionPay (in some offers). Many offers also accept debit cards (e.g., Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, UnionPay debit) for deposits; some offers accept deposit cards. A few offers require two credit cards. Where pay_tool is empty, payment must follow local counter conditions even if Visa/Master logos are shown.
  • Requisitos de edad: Minimum and maximum driving ages vary by offer, typically between 18–25 (minimum) and 70–99 (maximum). Many offers allow driving from 18 or 19 up to about 80; some require minimum age 21 or 25; a few cap at 69–75 or apply special rules above 70–75. Young driver surcharges commonly apply when the driver is within a specified range (often 18–24/25 or 20–24/25). If the driver’s age falls within the young_driver range, an additional daily fee is charged as described in young_driver.reference (e.g., “$10.67 per day; $213.35 capped for your rental”, “$38.64 per day”, “$14.72 per day”, etc.). Some offers cap the surcharge after a set number of days or a maximum total amount; in a few cases, older drivers (e.g., 70–99) may also incur an extra fee.
  • Permiso de conducir: Foreign renters must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should generally be held for at least 1 year; some offers require 2–4 years. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation only; original licence must also be shown; no copies accepted) or
    • EU/EEA Driving License (valid across EU/EEA, Switzerland, UK) where applicable or
    • Original driving licence in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish) without IDP; licences in non‑Roman scripts (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc.) must be accompanied by an IDP or
    • Original driving licence + NZTA Translation for New Zealand rentals (NZTA translation specifically for self‑drive rentals; special provision for Japanese licences) or
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation on the back (New Zealand only).

    Notas: New Zealand: Some brands state that customers holding a New Zealand Pink licence (Limited, Alcohol Interlock, or Zero Alcohol Limit) are not eligible. Portugal: Some offers require customers to present a valid return ticket to their country of origin. In several countries, additional fees may apply if the licence has been held for less than the required period (e.g., 2–4 years).

  • Forma de identificación: A valid passport is required for all foreign renters.
  • Tarjetas aceptadas: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required when creditcard is listed. Frequently accepted brands include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay (varies by offer). Many offers allow debit cards (e.g., Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, UnionPay debit) for deposits; some accept deposit cards. A few foreign offers require two credit cards (one or both may need to be from specific networks). Where pay_tool is empty, card logos shown may indicate accepted networks but on‑site rules apply.
  • Requisitos de edad: Minimum and maximum driving ages vary by offer, typically between 18–25 (minimum) and 70–99 (maximum). Many offers allow driving from 18 or 19 up to about 80; some require minimum age 21 or 25; a few cap at 69–75 or apply special rules above 70–75. Young driver surcharges commonly apply when the driver is within a specified range (often 18–24/25 or 20–24/25). If the driver’s age falls within the young_driver range, an additional daily fee is charged as described in young_driver.reference (e.g., “$10.67 per day; $213.35 capped for your rental”, “$38.64 per day”, “$14.72 per day”, etc.). Some offers cap the surcharge after a set number of days or a maximum total amount; in a few cases, older drivers (e.g., 70–99) may also incur an extra fee.
requirementsrequirements

Best Car Rentals for Your Lisbon Adventure

From historic streets to coastal escapes—discover the perfect ride for every journey around Lisbon and beyond.

Por tipo de viaje
Marcas populares

City & Historic District

Small

Navigate Alfama's Charm with Ease
5
2
Auto

Lisbon's historic neighborhoods feature narrow cobblestone streets and steep hills that can challenge any driver. A compact car effortlessly weaves through tight spaces in Baixa and Alfama, plus finding parking in the city center becomes a breeze rather than a stressful hunt. Enjoy the convenience of squeezing into historic parking garages without worry. This nimble choice lets you focus on soaking in the views, not your GPS.

Coastal & Scenic Drives

SUV

Conquer Portugal's Stunning Coastlines
5
3
Auto

The road from Lisbon to Cascais and the stunning Serra da Arrábida offers breathtaking ocean vistas with winding coastal curves. An SUV provides the perfect blend of handling confidence on those sweeping turns while delivering superior visibility over other traffic. The elevated driving position lets you fully appreciate dramatic cliffside panoramas along the N6 and N10 routes. Extra cargo space means room for beach gear, hiking equipment, or that special bottle from a seaside winery.

Wine Country & Long-Haul

Premium

Cruise Alentejo in Ultimate Comfort
5
3
Auto

The rolling plains of Alentejo wine region and the long stretch down to Algarve demand a vehicle that makes every mile feel like a first-class experience. Premium sedans deliver whisper-quiet cabins and plush seating that transform extended highway drives into genuine relaxation. Advanced climate control becomes essential during Portugal's hot summer months, keeping everyone cool on the A2 southbound. Arriving at your boutique wine estate or beach resort feeling refreshed—not frazzled—makes all the difference.

Elige tu vehículo

Encuentra el vehículo perfecto para tu viaje. Compara las opciones a continuación.

Alquiler en el aeropuerto
Alquiler en el centro
logo
City SmartSmall
Fiat 500

Fiat 500

Record goFree shuttle bus
4
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
City SmartSmall
Fiat 500

Fiat 500

CentauroFree shuttle bus
4
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$1,424.86
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
City SmartSmall
Fiat 500

Fiat 500

Drive on holidaysShuttle bus
4
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
DepósitoDepósito bajo
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Coastal ExplorerSUV
Volkswagen Taigo

Volkswagen Taigo

Klass wagenShuttle bus
5
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$2,849.73
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Coastal ExplorerSUV
Volkswagen Taigo

Volkswagen Taigo

Europcar0.9 mi
5
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$356.21
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito, Tarjeta de débito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Coastal ExplorerSUV
Kia Stonic

Kia Stonic

Record goFree shuttle bus
5
2
4
Auto
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
City SmartSmall
Opel Corsa

Opel Corsa

Record goFree shuttle bus
5
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
City SmartSmall
Opel Corsa

Opel Corsa

Record goFree shuttle bus
5
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
City SmartSmall
Opel Corsa

Opel Corsa

Tangerine rent a carShuttle bus
5
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas

Real Reviews for Lisbon Car Rentals at LIS Airport

Read authentic reviews from real customers who picked up their rental cars at Lisbon Airport. Make informed decisions before you book.

Compañía de alquilerCalificaciónTarifa media diariaMétodo/distancia de recogidaDepósitoAcepta tarjetas de débitoVentajas clave
Sicily by carBest Overall
4.4
47,000+ reviews
$324.3 mi
$1,423 - $3,556
  • Fast Pickup and Return Process
  • New Cars in Excellent Condition
  • Friendly and Professional Staff
WaygoBest Overall
4.2
54 reviews
$38Taxi to counter
$1,778 - $2,371
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Clean and modern vehicles
  • Easy pickup and dropoff process
Drivalia portugalBest Overall
4.0
267+ reviews
$61.4 mi-
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Clean and well-maintained cars
  • Good value for money
DrivaliaBest Overall
4.0
260+ reviews
$51.4 mi-
  • Friendly and Professional Staff
  • Clean and Well-Maintained Cars
  • Great Value for Money
SixtBest Overall
3.9
1800+ reviews
$37In terminal, Walk to counter
$238
  • Friendly and Professional Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
  • Easy and Quick Pickup Process
Klass wagen
3.6
6200+ reviews
$130.9 mi
$2,123 - $2,964
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Easy pickup and return process
  • Good car condition and cleanliness
CarginiBudget Friendly
3.5
246+ reviews
$752Shuttle bus
$1,778
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Easy airport pickup process
  • Competitive pricing
Green motion
3.4
31,397+ reviews
$64.7 mi
$1,770 - $3,201
  • Efficient Pickup and Drop-off
  • New Well-Maintained Vehicles
  • Friendly Professional Staff
Autounion
3.2
1 review
$204.8 mi-
  • Limited data available
  • Single review only
  • More reviews needed
National
2.7
25 reviews
$30In terminal, Walk to counter
$712 - $1,186
  • Friendly staff easy process
  • Clean vehicles good condition
  • Quick helpful customer service

Los datos de valoraciones y opiniones se obtienen de Trustpilot. Los detalles de la póliza pueden variar según la ubicación y el tipo de vehículo. Por favor, confírmelo en el momento de la reserva.

Fuente de datos: Alquiler de coches QEEQ
Última actualización: Jun. 12 2026
Centro esencial de alquiler
Todo lo que necesitas saber antes de salir a conducir. Selecciona un tema para ver toda la información detallada.
A Complete Guide to Handling a Car Accident in Portugal
This guide provides essential steps to take after a car accident in Portugal, including safety measures, documentation, and how to handle interactions with rental companies.
Ver detalles
Stress-Free Fueling Guide for Rental Cars in Portugal
This guide simplifies the refueling process for rental cars in Portugal, covering fuel types, station types, and payment methods to ensure a smooth experience.
Ver detalles
Lisbon car rental guide 2024 avoid hidden fees and drive cheaper with QEEQ
Discover how to rent a car in Lisbon without hidden costs. Learn why booking through transparent platforms like QEEQ helps you avoid surprise fees, overpriced counter insurance and unfair fuel policies. Understand full to full fuel, third party insurance, security deposits, Via Verde toll device charges, cross border fees and airport surcharges. Follow a practical checklist covering booking, inspection, video recording of the vehicle, contract review and simple steps to prevent cleaning fee scams, ensuring a smooth and cost effective Lisbon road trip.
Ver detalles
Lisbon Renters' Guide to Portugal Toll Roads — Save Time, Avoid Fines
Comprehensive guide for Lisbon car renters explaining Portugal's toll systems (traditional booths vs electronic gantries), how Via Verde/transponders work, what to ask at the rental counter, bridge rules, payment methods, and a practical checklist to avoid unexpected fines and delayed charges.
Ver detalles

Información de la plataforma

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Métricas de especialización

Reconocimiento de la plataforma

La mejor web de reserva de coches de Asia 2023 y 2024

Volumen de reservas

Revisar calidad

Más de 10.000 reseñas verificadas de 5 estrellas

Experiencia en el mercado

Autoridad de datos

Verificación de especialización

Datos de QEEQ verificados con fuentes de datos oficiales locales

Información clave de expertos

Análisis de la plataforma

"Lisbon Airport (LIS) dominates with 48% of rentals; city center locations hold 22%, cruise port accounts for 12% during peak season (May-Sep), and train stations capture 8% combined."

Patrones de reserva

"SUV bookings surged 28% post-pandemic (2021-2023), while economy cars remain dominant at 38% of fleet; peak season (Jun-Aug) captures 38% of annual bookings, with average rental duration of 5.2 days and 58% of customers booking within 7 days."

Puntos de dolor del cliente

"42% of Lisbon car rental complaints stem from insurance confusion (CDW vs full coverage), while 31% cite hidden fees (fuel policies, airport surcharges), and 24% report road condition issues in historic districts."

Fuentes de datos

  • Base de datos interna de reservas de QEEQ
  • ANA Aeroportos de Portugal - Lisbon Airport Traffic Report 2023
  • Turismo de Portugal - Visitor Statistics Annual Report 2023
  • Eurostat - Tourism Transport Statistics 2023
  • Statista - Portugal Car Rental Market Report 2024
  • Europcar Mobility Group - Annual Operational Review 2023
  • Booking.com - Travel Industry Insights Report 2023
  • European Consumer Centre (ECC) Portugal - Car Rental Complaint Report 2023
  • Trustpilot - Car Rental Portugal Reviews Analysis 2023-2024
  • IATA - Car Rental Customer Satisfaction Survey 2023

Viajes por carretera

One-way rental routes starting from Lisbon

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Lisbon

Drive Lisbon: Your Ultimate City & Road Guide

Essential driving and travel information for exploring Lisbon and Portugal's scenic roads, from speed limits to fuel costs and car rentals

IDIOMAS

Portuguese

MONEDA

EUR

Sigue conduciendo

Right-hand side

CÓDIGO DE PAÍS

+351

PRECIO MEDIO DE ALQUILER DE COCHE

$50 per day

Duración media del alquiler de coche

7 days

Límite de velocidad dentro de la ciudad

50 km/h

LÍMITE DE VELOCIDAD FUERA DE LA CIUDAD

120 km/h

Límite aceptable de alcoholemia

0.05%

PRECIO MEDIO DE LA GASOLINA

$2.25/L

PRECIO DE GASOLINA MÁS BAJO / MÁS ALTO

$1.46/L - $2.55/L

Lisbon Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and rental FAQs for exploring Lisbon and Portugal by car

Can I drive in Portugal with my US driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
US tourists can drive in Portugal with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended—it's not a substitute for your license but a translated version that Portuguese police and rental agencies prefer. You can get an IDP through AAA for about $20. Without it, you may face delays or skepticism at checkpoints.
How do I pay for highway tolls in Portugal? Is renting a Via Verde device worth it?
Portugal has two toll systems: electronic (Via Verde) and manual. Most highways use Via Verde—rental companies offer portable devices for €10-15/day plus toll charges, which can add up quickly on long trips. Alternatively, you can rent a device and pay at later via www.tollcard.pt or at post offices. If you're doing a Lisbon-to-Porto trip (about 3 hours), expect €20-30 in tolls. Ask your rental agency which option they recommend before leaving the lot.
I'm 22. Will I pay a young driver surcharge to rent a car in Portugal, and how much?
Yes, drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge of €25-35/day in Portugal. The minimum age is usually 21, but some luxury/sporty cars require 23-25. Budget agencies like Europcar and Guerin tend to have lower surcharges than premium brands. If you're 25+, you're exempt from the surcharge entirely—book mid-size sedans or wagons which often have better availability for under-25s.
Is parking in Lisbon expensive? How do I avoid fines in the historic center?
On-street parking in central Lisbon runs €1.50-3/hour, and many zones are resident-only or have time limits. The historic Alfama and Baixa districts have strict ZTL (limited traffic zones) with cameras—entering without authorization costs €60-100. Your best bet: use one of 20+ public garages (Parkibi, Martim Moniz) at €15-25/day, or stay in accommodations outside the center and walk. Never park on sidewalks or tram lines, or your car may be towed for €100+.
Should I get a diesel or gasoline car for a Portugal road trip?
Diesel cars are slightly cheaper to run in Portugal (diesel is usually €0.10-0.15/L less than gasoline) and get better fuel economy on highways. However, if you're mostly staying in Lisbon and doing short trips, a gasoline car saves you the higher rental surcharge that diesel vehicles often carry (€5-15/day extra). For Lisbon-to-Algarve or Lisbon-to-Porto drives, diesel pays off. Most rental fleets in Portugal are diesel, so you'll have more options.
What side of the road does Portugal drive on? Any tricky traffic rules I should know?
Portugal drives on the right-hand side—same as the US. However, Lisbon has some unique challenges: narrow streets in Alfama, aggressive tram drivers (the iconic 28E tram is notorious), and multi-lane roundabouts where locals don't always signal correctly. Red lights on Portuguese roundabouts often mean stop-before-entering, not 'yield to the right' as in France. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on regional roads, 120 km/h on highways. Speed cameras are common—fines start at €60.

Premios de la plataforma QEEQ

Reconocida a nivel mundial por la excelencia en los servicios de reserva de coches de alquiler y la satisfacción del cliente.

La mejor página web de reservas de coches de Asia 2025

La mejor página web de reservas de coches de Asia 2025

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2024

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2024

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2023

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2023

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2022

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2022

Premio al Mejor Socio Comercial de ABG 2023 y 2024

Premio al Mejor Socio Comercial de ABG 2023 y 2024

Premios a la Excelencia Empresarial 2024

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Los Premios Magellan en la Categoría de Servicio de Alquiler de Autos

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