Traveling to Lisbon in October is a fantastic choice. The weather is mild, the summer crowds have left, and car rental at Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport – LIS) becomes much easier and often cheaper. Whether you’re planning to explore Sintra’s palaces, the Algarve coast, or the Douro Valley, renting a car gives you the freedom to experience Portugal at your own pace.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about car rental at Lisbon Airport in October, including required documents, costs, insurance, best companies, and driving tips.
Why Rent a Car at Lisbon Airport in October? 🍁
October is considered shoulder season in Portugal. That means:
✅ Lower rental rates compared to summer
✅ Less crowded roads and tourist attractions
✅ Easier car availability at the airport
✅ Perfect weather for road trips (20–24°C average)
For travelers arriving at Lisbon Airport, car rental desks are located inside Terminal 1 and in nearby shuttle locations, making the process quick and straightforward.
Car Rental Prices in October 💶
One of the main advantages of October is cheaper prices compared to July–August. Below is a rough comparison:
| Car Type 🚘 | Average Price (per day) in July–August | Average Price (per day) in October |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Fiat 500, Renault Clio) | €45–€60 | €20–€30 |
| Compact (VW Golf, Ford Focus) | €55–€75 | €25–€35 |
| SUV (Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson) | €70–€100 | €35–€50 |
| Luxury (BMW, Mercedes) | €120–€180 | €70–€100 |
👉 As you can see, you can save up to 50% by renting in October instead of peak summer.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
Required Documents 📄
To rent a car at Lisbon Airport in October, you’ll need:
- Valid driver’s license (EU licenses accepted; non-EU may need an IDP)
- Credit card (main driver’s name) for deposit/security hold
- Passport or ID card for identification
- Booking confirmation (if reserved online in advance)
ℹ️ Some rental companies may accept debit cards, but most require a credit card.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)? 🌍
- EU, UK, US, Canadian, and Australian licenses are generally accepted.
- If your license is in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese), you’ll need an IDP.
Insurance Options Explained 🛡️
When booking a car at Lisbon Airport, you’ll be offered different insurance packages:
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Daily Cost | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (included) | Third-party liability only | Free | ❌ Limited protection |
| Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) | Covers damages with excess | €10–€15 | ✅ Minimum suggested |
| Super CDW / Full Coverage | Covers almost everything, reduces deposit | €20–€30 | ⭐ Best for peace of mind |
💡 Tip: If you have travel insurance or credit card rental coverage, check before purchasing extra insurance.
Where to Pick Up Your Car at Lisbon Airport 🚗✈️
At Lisbon Airport (LIS), rental services work in two main ways:
- Inside Terminal Companies
- Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar
- Faster pick-up but usually more expensive
- Shuttle-Based Companies
- GreenMotion, Centauro, Drive on Holidays
- Lower prices, but you’ll take a free shuttle bus (5–10 minutes)
Driving in Lisbon & Portugal: October Tips 🛣️
- Weather: Mild, but occasional rain showers start in late October → drive carefully on wet roads.
- Parking: Lisbon’s center is tricky for parking; use Park & Ride or hotel garages.
- Toll Roads: Many Portuguese highways use the Via Verde electronic toll system – ask your rental company if your car includes a device.
- Daylight: Shorter than summer (sunset ~19:00 early October, 17:30 by month’s end). Plan road trips accordingly.
Popular Road Trips from Lisbon in October 🌍
Here are some of the best destinations for an October drive:
| Destination | Distance from Lisbon | Drive Time | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sintra | 30 km | 40 min | Palaces & castles in autumn colors 🍂 |
| Cascais | 35 km | 45 min | Coastal drives & beaches 🏖️ |
| Évora | 135 km | 1h 30m | UNESCO city, vineyards 🍷 |
| Nazaré | 120 km | 1h 40m | Giant autumn waves 🌊 |
| Algarve | 280 km | 2h 45m | Sunshine & relaxed resorts 🌞 |
Pros & Cons of Renting in October ✔️❌
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Lower prices | Shorter daylight |
| Easier availability | Some rural services may reduce hours |
| Less traffic | Rain more likely than summer |
| Comfortable driving weather | Need warmer clothes for evenings |
Expert Tips to Save Money 💡
- Book online in advance → Cheaper than walk-in rates
- Compare shuttle vs. terminal rentals → Shuttle-based firms can be 30–40% cheaper
- Check fuel policy → “Full-to-full” is the fairest option
- Avoid one-way fees → Returning the car to Lisbon is usually cheaper than dropping it elsewhere
Final Thoughts 🌟
Renting a car at Lisbon Airport in October is one of the smartest travel decisions you can make. With lower prices, better availability, and fewer tourists, October is the perfect month to explore Portugal by car.
From historic towns like Évora to the sunny Algarve, your journey will be stress-free if you prepare in advance. Just bring the right documents, choose suitable insurance, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. 🚗🍷🍂
