Can You Rent a Car in Lisbon and Drive to Spain?

🚘 Driving from Lisbon to Spain with a Rental Car — What You Need to Know

Want to explore both Portugal and Spain in one road trip? Renting a car in Lisbon and driving across the border into Spain is not only possible — it’s a popular choice. But you’ll need to know which companies allow it, what fees apply, and how to plan your return.

This guide covers everything you need to know to rent in Lisbon and drive confidently into Spain.

✅ Can You Drive a Portuguese Rental Car to Spain?

Yes – most major rental companies in Lisbon allow it, but:

• You must notify them in advance
• A cross-border fee may apply
• Some vehicles (e.g. luxury, electric) may be restricted

📍 Spain is in the EU and Schengen Zone, so no border control, but rental policies still apply.

🏆 Rental Companies That Allow Driving to Spain

💡 You must confirm permission in writing or in your booking voucher.

🧾 What Documents You Need to Drive in Spain

• 🪪 Valid driver’s license (EU, UK, US accepted)
• 🛂 Passport or ID
• 📄 Rental agreement with cross-border permission
• 🛡️ Recommended: full insurance with international coverage
• 🪧 Optional: Green Card (not required but useful)

💶 One-Way Rentals from Lisbon to Spain

Want to pick up your car in Lisbon and return it in Spain (e.g. Seville or Madrid)? It’s possible, but comes with higher one-way fees:

🧳 These rates include cross-border permission + international drop-off.

🛡️ Insurance for Cross-Border Trips

• ✅ Make sure your policy includes Spain
• ✅ Some companies exclude tire/glass coverage in foreign countries
• ✅ Add roadside assistance for long drives
• ✅ Don’t rely on 3rd-party credit card insurance for border travel

📍 Popular Routes from Lisbon to Spain

🧭 Final Tips

• ✅ Notify the company in writing about Spain travel
• ✅ Ask for Via Verde to handle Portuguese tolls
• ✅ Don’t speed in Spain – fines are enforced across borders
• ✅ Return with a full tank, even in Spain