✈️ Why Picking the Right Rental Company at LIS Matters
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) serves over 30 million passengers a year, and for many travelers, it’s the starting point for their Portuguese adventure. But choosing the right car rental company at the airport can make or break your trip.
Some companies offer great prices but long waits. Others give you flexibility but require a credit card. This guide helps you compare the best-rated car rental companies at LIS based on your needs.
Whether you want a fast check-in, low-cost rental, premium car, or no credit card rental, we’ve got you covered.
🚗 Our Top 5 Picks for 2026 (With In-Depth Reviews)
🥇 1. RecordGo – Best for No Credit Card Rentals
Summary:
RecordGo has gained massive popularity thanks to its friendly debit card policy, fast service, and great prices. While it doesn’t have a desk inside the terminal, its free shuttle arrives every few minutes.
Pros:
- Accepts debit cards with full insurance
- Transparent policies and low deposits
- New fleet, mostly automatic cars
- No pressure at the counter
Cons:
- Must take shuttle (~5 mins)
- Full insurance often required for smooth check-out
Best for:
Budget-conscious travelers without a credit card
Pro Tip:
Book online with full coverage to skip deposit blocks and speed up check-in.
🥈 2. Sixt – Best for Premium Cars & App Booking
Summary:
Sixt is a German brand known for luxury, efficiency, and a slick mobile app. It’s perfect if you want a smooth, high-end rental experience right inside Terminal 1.
Pros:
- Great car selection: BMW, Audi, electric options
- Fast app-based check-in
- Desks inside the airport (no shuttle needed)
- Loyalty program with upgrades
Cons:
- Requires a credit card
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
Best for:
Business travelers or those wanting premium cars
Pro Tip:
Install the Sixt app to skip queues and go straight to your car.
🥉 3. Centauro – Best for Flexible Insurance Options
Summary:
Centauro offers a nice middle ground between budget and comfort. They accept debit cards, allow various insurance setups, and provide good service at competitive rates.
Pros:
- Accepts debit cards with full insurance
- “Smart Coverage” removes the need for a deposit
- Fast service, good support
- Newer cars than many budget brands
Cons:
- Must take a shuttle (8–10 mins)
- Basic coverage includes high excess
Best for:
Travelers staying 3+ days who want peace of mind without paying premium rates
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
Pro Tip:
Select “Smart Coverage” online to avoid €1000–1500 deposits on pickup.
🏅 4. Guerin – Best Local Service with Great Ratings
Summary:
Guerin is a respected Portuguese brand with great online reviews and friendly local staff. Their counter is inside the terminal, and service is consistently fast and reliable.
Pros:
- Local support, fluent in English and Portuguese
- Desks inside Terminal 1
- Well-maintained cars
- Excellent return process
Cons:
- Credit card required
- Smaller fleet during high season
Best for:
Travelers who value fast check-in and local support
Pro Tip:
Book at least a week ahead in summer — cars go fast.
✅ 5. Europcar – Best for International Travelers
Summary:
Europcar is ideal for those who have rented from them before, want consistent service, or plan to return the car in another city. Their presence across Europe is a big plus.
Pros:
- Desk in Terminal 1
- Flexible drop-off options across Portugal
- Loyalty perks for frequent users
- Reliable quality
Cons:
- Requires credit card
- Less flexible with changes or delays
Best for:
Frequent travelers who prioritize international consistency
Pro Tip:
Sign up for the Europcar Privilege program to get priority service and discounts.
📊 Comparison Table
| Company | Debit Card | Airport Desk | Shuttle Needed | Avg. Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RecordGo | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (5 min) | €25–40 | 4.4★ | No credit card rentals |
| Sixt | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | €40–60 | 4.3★ | Premium / fast service |
| Centauro | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (10 min) | €22–35 | 4.2★ | Budget + full coverage |
| Guerin | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | €30–45 | 4.1★ | Local fast check-in |
| Europcar | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | €35–55 | 4.0★ | International travelers |
💡 How to Choose Based on Your Travel Style
| Type of Traveler | Recommended Company |
|---|---|
| No credit card | RecordGo, Centauro |
| Business traveler | Sixt |
| Local Portugal explorer | Guerin |
| Long-distance / one-way | Europcar |
| Budget-conscious + peace of mind | Centauro (with Smart Cover) |
🔗 Where to Book (And Save)
We recommend using a live comparison tool like [Discovercars] or [Rentalcars.com].
Use filters for:
- “Airport pickup”
- “No deposit”
- “Debit card accepted”
- “Automatic transmission”
🧭 Final Tips Before You Book
- Always compare final price with insurance included
- Double-check fuel policy — most use Full-to-Full
- Take photos of the car before and after
- Check if your car has a toll device (important for highways)
People Also Ask
Which car rental companies are best at Lisbon Airport?
Popular and reliable brands include Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Guerin, and Enterprise, based on service, pricing, and availability.
Is it cheaper to rent a car from local companies at Lisbon Airport?
Local providers like Guerin or Free2Move may offer lower rates and fewer add-ons than international brands, but check reviews.
Do all companies operate 24 hours at LIS?
Most major companies have desks open 24/7 at Terminal 1; however, some local operators may have limited hours. Check in advance.
Can I book directly at the airport or is online booking better?
Online booking in advance usually gives better rates and availability. Walk‑in rentals are riskier during peak season.
✅ Conclusion
Choosing the right rental company at Lisbon Airport can save you time, stress, and money. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, speed, low-cost or a luxury ride, there’s a great option for you right at LIS.
Still not sure? Use our search tool to compare all providers and book your car today with confidence.
