Lisbon, the capital of Portugal 🇵🇹, is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations — where history, culture, and coastline adventures meet. For many travelers, renting a car is the smartest way to explore the city and its surroundings.
But what if your flight arrives late at night, or you need to return your car early in the morning? That’s where 24/7 car rental at Lisbon Airport comes in handy. Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) has multiple providers that operate around the clock, ensuring travelers can pick up or drop off vehicles at any hour.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about 24-hour car rentals at Lisbon Airport in 2026 — including top companies, prices, parking, tolls, insurance, and tips for smooth driving.
🛬 Why Choose 24/7 Car Rental at Lisbon Airport?
- Convenience – flights arrive and depart at all times, especially low-cost airlines.
- Flexibility – pick up or return your car anytime, even after midnight.
- Stress-free travel – no need for taxis or transfers if you land late.
- Freedom to explore – drive directly from the airport to Sintra, Cascais, or even Algarve.
🚘 Companies Offering 24/7 Car Rental at Lisbon Airport
Here are the main providers that allow 24-hour pick-up and drop-off:
| Rental Company | Hours of Operation | Late-Night Process | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt | 24/7 (terminal desk) | Pick-up & return inside T1 | Premium fleet, fast service |
| Hertz | 24/7 | Key drop box for returns | Reliable, smooth check-in |
| Europcar | 24/7 | After-hours desk & shuttle | Strong network, wide selection |
| Enterprise | 24/7 | Returns via parking garage | Great customer support |
| Guerin (local) | 24/7 (on request) | Call ahead for late arrivals | Affordable local alternative |
| Drive on Holidays | Extended hours | Shuttle service after midnight | Budget-friendly, but slower process |
💡 Pro tip: Always confirm your pick-up time when booking online. Some companies require a flight number for after-hours arrivals.
💰 How Much Does 24/7 Rental Cost?
Renting after hours usually adds a small fee (€20–€40). Here’s an updated 2026 breakdown:
Economy Cars 🚗
- Daytime: €20–30/day
- Late Night: €25–35/day
- Deposit: €800–1200
Compact Cars 🚙
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- Daytime: €25–40/day
- Late Night: €30–45/day
- Deposit: €900–1500
SUVs 🚘
- Daytime: €40–70/day
- Late Night: €45–75/day
- Deposit: €1200–2000
Luxury Cars ✨
- Daytime: €80–150/day
- Late Night: €90–160/day
- Deposit: €2000+
🛡️ Insurance for Late-Night Rentals
Insurance rules are the same, but staff availability may differ after midnight. Options include:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – basic coverage with high deductible.
- Super CDW – reduces deductible to nearly zero.
- Full Protection via credit card insurance – check before arrival.
💡 If you’re arriving after hours, pre-book insurance online to avoid waiting at the desk.
🅿️ Parking & Returning Cars After Hours
- Airport Parking Garage (P1/P2): open 24/7, used by most rental companies.
- Key Drop Boxes: available at desks or in the garage.
- Staff-assisted returns: some companies require staff check-in for late returns, confirm in advance.
⛽ Fueling Options Before Late Returns
Most 24/7 stations around Lisbon Airport are open day and night:
- Galp (near T1 entrance): 24/7, accepts cards.
- BP Station (Av. Marechal Craveiro Lopes): close to highway, 24 hours.
Best Policy: Always choose Full-to-Full. It’s cheaper and avoids disputes.
🛣️ Tolls in Portugal (Even at Midnight)
Portugal’s highways use electronic tolls, which work 24/7. When booking, request a Via Verde device for seamless travel.
- Via Verde: automatic toll billing, best for tourists.
- Manual payment: less practical, especially at night.
⚠️ Common Mistakes Travelers Make
- ❌ Not informing rental company about late arrival → risk of cancellation.
- ❌ Forgetting about after-hours fees.
- ❌ Returning with half-full tank → extra charges.
- ❌ Ignoring toll charges → unexpected bills later.
- ❌ Trying to drive into Lisbon’s old town at night → streets too narrow.
🌟 Tips for Stress-Free 24/7 Car Rental
- 📅 Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
- ⏰ Provide your flight number when reserving.
- 🧾 Keep copies of all documents (digital & paper).
- 🚙 Choose a smaller car if staying in central Lisbon.
- 📸 Take photos of the car during pick-up and drop-off.
✨ Final Thoughts
Renting a car at Lisbon Airport — whether during the day or after midnight — is simple if you plan ahead. With many companies operating 24/7, travelers can enjoy flexibility, freedom, and peace of mind knowing they won’t be stranded.
From late-night arrivals to early morning departures, Lisbon Airport car rental makes it possible to hit the road whenever your journey begins. 🚗🌙
Safe travels and enjoy your adventure across Portugal! 🇵🇹🌞
