Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon) Car Hire

🚗 Rent a Car at Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado)

Renting a car at Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Airport – LIS) is one of the smartest travel decisions you can make when exploring Portugal. With the airport located just 7 km (4 miles) from the heart of Lisbon, renting a car directly at LIS allows travelers to skip the hassle of public transportation and enjoy the freedom to explore the city, coastlines, and countryside at their own pace.

Whether you’re planning a scenic drive to Sintra, a beach escape to Cascais, or a road trip through the Alentejo wine region, starting your journey with a rental car at Lisbon Airport makes it smooth, affordable, and convenient.

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✈️ Where to Find Rental Car Desks at LIS

At Humberto Delgado Airport, most major international and Portuguese car rental companies are located inside Terminal 1, just after customs and baggage claim. There’s no need for a shuttle bus — simply walk to the desks and pick up your vehicle within minutes.

You’ll find rental counters for:

• Hertz
• Europcar
• Sixt
• Avis/Budget
• Guerin
• Enterprise
• Drivalia
• Discovercars (comparison aggregator)

Most companies operate from 6:00 AM to midnight, and some offer 24/7 return services.

💡 Pro Tip: Book online in advance to skip long queues, especially in summer!

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💸 How Much Does Car Rental at Lisbon Airport Cost?

Prices vary depending on the season, car type, insurance, and provider. Here’s a rough idea of daily base rates (2025 estimates):

Car Type	Price Range (per day)	Example Models
Economy	€15 – €30	Fiat Panda, Renault Clio
Compact	€25 – €40	VW Golf, Peugeot 308
SUV / Crossover	€35 – €70	Nissan Qashqai, Dacia Duster
Family Van	€60 – €120	Renault Scenic, VW Touran
Automatic	€30 – €60	Toyota Corolla, Opel Astra

✅ Booking through Discovercars often includes free cancellation, full insurance options, and no hidden fees.

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🧾 What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car at LIS?

To rent a car at Humberto Delgado Airport, you’ll typically need:

• A valid driver’s license (in Latin alphabet or with IDP)
• Passport or national ID card
• Credit card in the driver’s name
• Booking voucher (if booked online)

Some providers now allow debit card rentals with full insurance or Discovercars bookings — check terms before arrival.

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🛡️ Should You Get Rental Insurance?

Absolutely. Portuguese roads are well-maintained, but city traffic, tight alleys, and toll systems can be tricky. Opt for:

• Full Coverage / Super CDW to avoid paying out of pocket
• Tire and Glass Protection (optional, but useful)
• Third-party insurance via Discovercars or external providers

❗ TIP: Basic insurance often comes with high excess (€1,000+). Full coverage reduces that to zero.

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🛣️ What About Tolls and Electronic Devices?

Portugal has an extensive toll road network, including the A1, A2, A5, and A22 (Algarve). Many highways use electronic-only systems.

Make sure your rental car is equipped with a Via Verde transponder. This allows you to drive through electronic tolls without stopping — charges will be automatically billed later.

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⛽ Fuel Policy & Return Process at LIS

Most car rentals from Lisbon Airport operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means:

• You receive the car with a full tank
• You must return it full to avoid extra charges

When returning your car:

1. Fill up at nearby gas stations (Galp or BP near the airport)
2. Follow signs for “Rent-a-Car” Return
3. Park in your provider’s designated area
4. Hand over the keys or drop them in the return box

🕓 Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your flight for a stress-free return.

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💡 Tips for Renting a Car at Lisbon Airport

• ✅ Book early for the best rates — especially in summer
• ✅ Choose a compact car for Lisbon’s narrow streets
• ✅ Check mileage limits (some companies limit to 100–200 km/day)
• ✅ Use Google Maps or Waze to navigate Portuguese roads
• ✅ Consider a diesel vehicle if planning long-distance trips

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🤔 Why Rent at Humberto Delgado Airport?

• Convenience: Get on the road minutes after landing
• Wide choice: Multiple brands in one terminal
• Affordable: Competitive pricing vs. downtown rentals
• Direct access: Quick drive to city center or highway

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🏁 Final Thoughts: Is Car Rental at Lisbon Airport Worth It?

Yes — renting a car at Humberto Delgado Airport is fast, flexible, and budget-friendly. With trusted companies inside Terminal 1, no need for shuttle buses, and access to Portugal’s most beautiful destinations just minutes away, it’s an ideal way to start your adventure.

Use platforms like Discovercars to compare offers, unlock hidden deals, and rent with confidence in 2025.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I rent a car at Lisbon Airport without a credit card?

✅ Yes, some rental providers at LIS allow debit card payments if you purchase full insurance or book via Discovercars. Always check the payment policy before arrival.

❓ Is there a shuttle from Lisbon Airport to car rental locations?

🚫 No need — all major car rental brands operate inside Terminal 1. Pick-up is typically just steps away from arrivals.

❓ What’s the best car type to rent for Portugal?

🚘 For city driving: compact or economy cars (easy to park).
🚐 For long road trips: midsize or SUVs (more comfort and storage).
🏄‍♂️ For surf trips: vans or estates (fit gear easily).

❓ Are child seats or GPS available?

Yes. All providers offer optional extras like child seats, GPS, Wi-Fi hotspots, and Via Verde toll devices. Book them in advance to guarantee availability.

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🔍 Comparison of Major Rental Companies at LIS

Provider	Inside Terminal	Via Verde	Debit Card Accepted	24/7 Return	Full Coverage Available
Hertz	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Sixt	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ With Insurance	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Avis/Budget	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Europcar	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Guerin	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Drivalia	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ With Conditions	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Discovercars*	🔁 Aggregator	✅ Depends	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (third-party)

*Discovercars compares multiple providers and often offers lower prices, better cancellation terms, and full insurance options.

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🧭 Where to Drive After Picking Up Your Rental at LIS

Here are some top road trip ideas starting from Lisbon Airport:

• Lisbon City Center – 15 min drive (Baixa, Alfama, Belém)
• Sintra – 35 min via A37 (romantic palaces + hiking)
• Cascais – 40 min via A5 (beach town + surfing)
• Évora – 1h30 via A6 (UNESCO + wine region)
• Algarve – 2h30 via A2 (beaches + resorts)

All routes start on highways accessible directly from the airport with clear signage and GPS support.