Renting a Car at 18 in Portugal – What You Need to Know

🚗 Under 18-20 Drivers: Renting a Car in Portugal Explored

Planning a trip to Portugal at 18 and wondering whether you can rent a car? 🤔 You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of young travelers visit Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, hoping to hit the scenic roads. But car rental rules in Portugal aren’t always simple — especially for younger drivers.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down whether it’s possible to rent a car at 18 in Portugal, what the rules are, how much it costs, which companies allow it, and how to make it work in 2025.

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🧠 Is 18 the Legal Driving Age in Portugal?

Yes! In Portugal, the legal driving age is 18, which means you’re allowed to hold a valid driver’s license and operate a vehicle. ✅

However — and this is important — car rental companies are private businesses. They are allowed to set stricter age limits, often requiring renters to be 21, 23, or even 25 years old depending on the category of the vehicle and the insurance requirements.

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🔍 Can You Actually Rent a Car at 18?

The short answer: Yes, but only in rare cases, and you must meet very specific conditions.

Most major international rental companies in Portugal — like Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and Sixt — have minimum rental ages of 21 or 23. But there are a few exceptions:

✅ Some Local or Independent Agencies May Allow 18-Year-Old Renters

Certain local Portuguese rental companies or brokers may permit drivers as young as 18 to rent, usually:

• Only for small, economy-class cars
• With manual transmission
• With a high young driver fee
• Under strict insurance rules

If you’re under 21, be prepared for limited car options, higher costs, and more paperwork.

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💸 How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car at 18 in Portugal?

Young Driver Surcharge 🚨

Most companies apply a daily surcharge for renters under 25 — and especially under 21. Here’s what to expect:

Age	Typical Surcharge (Per Day)
18–20	€20–€50
21–22	€10–€25
23–24	€5–€15
25+	€0

Some companies also increase the security deposit for young drivers — often up to €1,000–€1,500.

Insurance & Liability 💥

Young drivers typically:

• Must purchase full coverage insurance (Super CDW or similar)
• Are excluded from premium insurance options
• May have higher excess amounts (you’re responsible for more in case of damage)
• Might not be allowed to drive higher-category vehicles

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🚘 What Kind of Cars Can You Rent at 18?

Don’t expect to drive a Tesla or BMW convertible.

Here’s what’s usually available:

✅ Allowed Cars for 18-Year-Olds:

• Economy or mini cars (Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo, Renault Clio)
• Manual transmission only
• Basic insurance included (third-party liability only)

❌ Not Allowed:

• SUVs, 7-seaters, vans
• Automatics (in most cases)
• Luxury or premium cars
• Electric vehicles (in many cases due to insurance restrictions)

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📍 Where Can You Rent a Car at 18?

It depends on the rental company and the location:

✅ City Center Branches (Lisbon, Porto, Faro):

• More flexibility, especially from local agencies
• Easier to negotiate in person
• Better for under-21 drivers

❌ Airport Locations:

• Strict age enforcement
• Run mostly by international brands
• Less likely to allow 18-year-olds to rent

📝 Pro Tip:

Sometimes renting in the city center and returning to the airport can be a workaround, if permitted.

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🧾 What Do You Need to Rent a Car at 18?

Here’s your young driver checklist:

1. Valid driver’s license held for at least 12 months
2. International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in Roman alphabet (for example, if you’re from Japan, Russia, or China)
3. Passport or National ID
4. Credit card in your name (most companies do not accept debit cards)
5. Travel insurance that includes car rental coverage (optional but helpful)

Without these, your rental may be denied — even if you meet the age requirement.

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🛑 Common Pitfalls for 18-Year-Old Renters

Before you book, here are some red flags to watch out for:

❌ Booking with a company that enforces 21+

Always read the terms & conditions carefully before confirming the reservation.

❌ Expecting to pay the same as older drivers

Budget for higher rental fees, surcharges, and deposits.

❌ Forgetting to bring proper ID or credit card

Many rentals are canceled on the spot due to missing or incorrect documents.

❌ Assuming you can rent any car

You will be restricted to basic economy-class manual vehicles.

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🚀 Alternatives to Renting at 18

If you find renting too expensive or difficult, consider:

• Train or bus travel: Portugal has excellent intercity transport
• Ridesharing apps: Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow are available in Lisbon, Porto & Algarve
• Co-driving: Travel with a friend who is 23+ and rent in their name (if allowed)
• Scooter or moped rental: Available in tourist towns, and often easier to rent under 21

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✨ Example Scenario: João, 18, From Brazil

João travels to Lisbon with his girlfriend. He has:

• A valid Brazilian driver’s license
• An International Driving Permit
• A credit card in his name

He contacts a local rental company that allows 18-year-olds to rent small manual cars. He pays:

• €40/day for a Renault Clio
• €25/day young driver fee
• €1,000 deposit on hold
• €15/day for full insurance

João successfully explores Sintra and Cascais — and returns the car without any issues. ✅

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🏆 Best Tips for Renting at 18 in Portugal

✔ Compare local agencies, not just big-name ones
✔ Choose manual cars – automatics are rare and more expensive
✔ Book well in advance – availability for under-21 drivers is limited
✔ Get full insurance – protect your deposit
✔ Use a real credit card – virtual cards and debit cards may be rejected
✔ Be honest about your age – lying on your application will void your insurance

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📚 Final Verdict: Can You Rent a Car in Portugal at 18?

Yes, it’s possible — but you’ll need:

• A lot of planning
• The right agency
• Patience for paperwork
• A flexible travel budget

Most importantly, be ready for manual driving, high surcharges, and limited options. But if you’re adventurous and organized, renting a car at 18 in Portugal can open up amazing travel experiences you’ll never forget. 🌍