Affordable Budget Car Hire at Lisbon Airport
Flying to Lisbon and looking for a low-cost rental option at the airport? Budget Car Rental Lisbon Airport offers one of the most affordable and straightforward solutions for both tourists and business travelers arriving at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).
👉 See a comparison of major car rental brands in Portugal.
But is Budget really the best choice for saving money without compromising on service or quality? In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ Pickup process
✅ Vehicle types
✅ Prices & insurance
✅ Reviews from real travelers
✅ Pros and cons
✅ How to book smart and avoid hidden fees
📍 Where Is Budget Located at Lisbon Airport?
Unlike many low-cost car rental brands, Budget operates directly at Lisbon Airport’s Terminal 1, which means no need for a shuttle — a huge convenience!
Location details:
- 📍 Terminal 1, Ground Floor (Arrivals Zone)
- 🕘 Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- ☎️ Phone: +351 21 843 5550
✈️ Good to know: Budget shares a service desk with Avis, its parent company — so you’ll benefit from experienced staff and fast check-in.
✅ Why Choose Budget Car Rental at Lisbon Airport?
Budget has built its reputation by offering affordable rates with reliable cars, backed by the global infrastructure of the Avis Budget Group.
Here’s why travelers choose Budget LIS:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| 💰 Low rates | Among the most competitive at the airport |
| 🚶 In-terminal pickup | No shuttle bus = faster departure |
| 🧑💼 Backed by Avis | Shared staff, fleet, and support systems |
| 🧳 Ideal for city trips | Great for short-term and urban rentals |
| 🌐 One-way rentals available | Pick up in Lisbon, drop off elsewhere in Portugal |
🚘 Vehicle Types at Budget Lisbon Airport
Budget offers a simplified fleet, focused on compact, fuel-efficient, and affordable vehicles.
| Category | Example Models | Seats | Luggage | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Fiat Panda, Renault Clio | 4–5 | 1–2 bags | Manual |
| Compact | Seat Ibiza, Peugeot 208 | 5 | 2–3 bags | Manual |
| Intermediate | Renault Megane | 5 | 3 bags | Auto |
| SUV | Dacia Duster, Opel Mokka | 5 | 4 bags | Manual |
| Van | Renault Trafic | 7–9 | 4+ bags | Manual |
💡 Tip: Budget’s automatic transmission options are limited, so book early if you require one.
💳 Payment & Deposit Policy
Budget accepts both credit and debit cards, though credit cards are preferred and simplify the process.
| Payment Type | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | ✅ | Recommended for smoothest experience |
| Debit Card | ✅ | Must be embossed and in driver’s name |
| Prepaid Card | ❌ | Not accepted |
| Cash | ❌ | Not accepted |
💸 Deposit required: €300–€1,000 depending on car and insurance coverage
🛡️ Insurance Options at Budget
By default, your rental includes basic third-party liability insurance. You’ll be offered upgrades at the desk or via booking platforms:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| CDW | Damage to rental car | ✅ Yes |
| TP | Theft protection | ✅ Yes |
| SCDW / Super Cover | Removes excess entirely | ✅ Strongly recommended |
| Glass & Tyre | Windshield & wheels | Optional |
⚠️ Without full protection, you may be liable for €1,000+ in case of an accident or scratch.
🧠 Pro Tip: Booking via platforms like Discovercars often includes full coverage at lower rates than buying it at the desk.
🕓 Pickup & Return Process
✅ Pickup:
- Proceed to Budget/Avis desk in Terminal 1 Arrivals
- Show license, passport, and card
- Sign the agreement
- Walk to the pickup zone (within 3–5 minutes)
📸 Take photos of the car (exterior & interior) before leaving.
✅ Return:
- Follow signs to “Car Rental Return”
- Staff will inspect fuel level and condition
- Return keys to the same Budget/Avis counter or via dropbox (after-hours)
⏱️ Estimated total time:
- Pickup: 15–30 minutes
- Return: 10–20 minutes
⭐ What Do Travelers Say About Budget Lisbon Airport?
Reviews are generally positive, especially regarding value for money and airport convenience.
| Category | Rating (1–5) | Traveler Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent for budget-conscious travelers |
| Location | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | In-terminal desk, no shuttle |
| Car Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Clean and reliable |
| Wait Time | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Busy during peak hours |
| Staff | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Professional and multilingual (shared with Avis) |
💬 “Budget gave us a great little Clio for half the price of others. The return was fast and hassle-free.” – Lauren, UK
🔍 Pros and Cons of Renting from Budget at LIS
✅ Pros:
- One of the lowest prices at the airport
- No need for a shuttle — pick up inside Terminal 1
- Backed by Avis infrastructure
- Clear fuel and mileage policies
- Good for short-term urban rentals
❌ Cons:
- Fewer automatic vehicles
- May upsell insurance at the desk
- Longer wait times in summer
💸 Budget Lisbon Airport Car Rental – Sample Prices
| Season | Economy (€/day) | SUV (€/day) | Full Insurance (€/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Jan–Mar) | €10–€18 | €25–€35 | €9–€12 |
| Mid (Apr–Jun, Oct) | €18–€28 | €35–€50 | €11–€14 |
| High (Jul–Sep, Dec) | €35–€50 | €60–€80 | €13–€18 |
🤑 Tip: Book early to lock in low prices — last-minute walk-ins pay more.
🙋♂️ FAQ – Budget Lisbon Airport Rental
❓ Can I rent with Budget using a debit card?
Yes, but full insurance may be required, and the card must be embossed and in the main driver’s name.
❓ Is Budget open late at night?
Yes — open daily from 6:00 AM to midnight. After-hours drop-off available.
❓ What if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed but you’ve entered your flight number during booking, Budget will usually wait — but contact them if delay is over 1 hour.
🏆 Final Verdict: Is Budget a Good Choice at Lisbon Airport?
If you’re looking for:
✅ Cheap daily rates
✅ Airport terminal pickup
✅ Trusted international brand
✅ No-frills, efficient rentals
Then Budget is one of the best options at Lisbon Airport.
Ideal for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Solo or couple road trips
- Short-term Lisbon stays
- Quick weekend getaways
📲 Book Budget at Lisbon Airport Now
Compare live prices, pick the right insurance, and reserve your vehicle in 2 minutes.
