If you’re flying into Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport – LIS) and planning to rent a car, you’re in luck. Many of the top international and local car rental companies are located directly inside Terminal 1 — making it fast, convenient, and stress-free to hit the road the moment you land.
This complete guide for 2026 travelers covers:
- 📍 Which rental companies are inside the terminal
- ✅ How to find their desks
- 💡 Pro tips for fast pickup
- 🛡️ Insurance, deposits, and extras
- 💰 Where to find the best prices
Let’s dive in.
✈️ Where Are the Rental Desks at Lisbon Airport?
All in-terminal car rental desks are located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1. If you’re arriving via Terminal 2, you’ll need to take the free airport shuttle (runs every 10–15 minutes) to reach Terminal 1.
🗺️ Tip: Follow the signs for “Rent-a-Car” as soon as you collect your baggage.
🏆 List of Car Rental Companies Inside Terminal 1
Here are the trusted car rental brands with a physical desk inside Lisbon Airport’s Terminal 1:
| Brand | Known For | Desk Location |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Reliable, fast service | T1, Arrivals |
| Avis | Corporate & premium cars | T1, Arrivals |
| Budget | Budget-friendly options | T1, Arrivals |
| Sixt | Stylish, well-equipped | T1, Arrivals |
| Europcar | Flexible with young drivers | T1, Arrivals |
| Guerin | Local, great value | T1, Arrivals |
| Goldcar | Economy rentals, new fleet | T1, Arrivals |
| Drive On Holidays | Low deposits | T1 support counter (some walking required) |
💡 discovercars.com shows real-time availability and pricing from all of these brands — often with discounts and free cancellation.
🆚 Should You Choose an In-Terminal Company or Off-Site?
Pros of renting inside the terminal:
- ✅ No shuttle required (if landing at T1)
- ✅ Faster pickup & drop-off
- ✅ Better multilingual staff
- ✅ Easier if traveling with kids/luggage
Cons:
- 💰 Slightly more expensive
- ⏱️ Can have long queues in summer
- 🔒 Sometimes higher deposits
If you’re looking to save money, off-site rental companies like TurisPrime or Rent a Star may offer lower prices, but they require shuttle transfers.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
🧾 What Documents Do You Need?
To rent a car in Lisbon Airport (Terminal 1), prepare:
- 🪪 Valid driver’s license (IDP if non-EU)
- 🛂 Passport or ID card
- 💳 Credit card in driver’s name (some allow debit)
- ✍️ Booking confirmation (print or mobile)
💳 Credit Card vs Debit Card?
Most in-terminal companies require a credit card for the deposit. However, via discovercars.com, you can filter for “no credit card needed” or “low deposit” deals — ideal for tourists.
🛡️ Should I Buy Extra Insurance?
Rental desk insurance is expensive. A better way:
✅ Book full coverage online with your rental
✅ Check if your travel insurance or credit card already covers CDW
⏱️ Best Time to Pick Up Your Car
- 🕔 Early morning (before 9 AM) = shortest queues
- 📅 Book 1–2 weeks in advance for better deals
- 🚫 Avoid last-minute walk-ins — high prices & low availability
💰 Save Big with This Tip
Compare all Lisbon Airport rental providers in one place, the top-rated platform.
✔️ No hidden fees
✔️ Free cancellation
✔️ No deposit & debit card filters
📌 Final Thoughts: Is Renting Inside the Terminal Worth It?
If convenience, time, and peace of mind are your top priorities, then choosing a rental desk inside Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 is the best option. While the price may be slightly higher than off-site options, the ease of access, trusted brands, and speed of service make it worthwhile for most travelers.
Whether you’re heading to the beaches of Cascais, the vineyards of Alentejo, or the winding streets of Lisbon itself — picking up your car right after landing is the smartest move.
🚘 Car Rental Companies Inside Lisbon Airport – Comparison Table (2026)
| Brand | Location | Working Hours | Deposit Required | Debit Card Friendly | Via Verde (Tolls) | Special Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Inside Terminal 1 | 6:00 – 24:00 | €900–2000 | ❌ Rare | ✅ Yes | FastTrack return option |
| Sixt | Inside Terminal 1 | 6:00 – 24:00 | €800–1500 | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | Premium & electric cars |
| Avis | Inside Terminal 1 | 6:00 – 23:59 | €700–1500 | ❌ Mostly No | ✅ Yes | Avis Preferred membership |
| Europcar | Inside Terminal 1 | 6:00 – 24:00 | €800–1800 | ✅ With full cover | ✅ Yes | Eco-friendly car options |
| Budget | Inside Terminal 1 | 6:00 – 23:59 | €600–1200 | ✅ Some deals | ✅ Yes | Budget Fastbreak program |
✅ All companies are inside Terminal 1 — no shuttle bus needed!
❓ FAQ: Renting a Car Inside Lisbon Airport Terminal
Q: Which rental companies are located inside Lisbon Airport?
A: Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget, and Europcar all have desks inside Terminal 1.
Q: Is it faster to rent a car inside the terminal vs. off-site?
A: Absolutely. On-site rentals save 20–40 minutes, especially during peak travel times.
Q: Can I walk directly to the rental car from baggage claim?
A: Yes. Rental desks are located after customs in Terminal 1. Key pickup and parking are a short walk away.
Q: Which company has the shortest wait times?
A: Sixt and Hertz often provide faster service, especially for customers with loyalty programs.
