Car Rental Extras in Lisbon – Are They Worth It?

Lisbon Car Hire Add-Ons — Should You Pay Extra?

Renting a car in Lisbon is a great way to explore the city and beyond. 🚗✨ But when booking your rental, you’ll quickly notice a list of add-ons and extras offered by the rental company — and the costs can add up fast! From GPS units and child seats to Wi-Fi hotspots and toll devices, it’s important to know which options are worth paying for and which are easy to replace (or avoid entirely). In this guide, we’ll break down the most common Lisbon car rental extras in 2025 and give honest advice on what’s essential and what’s not.

🗺️ GPS Navigation – Worth It or Not?

✅ Convenience: Rental companies often offer GPS for €5–€10 per day.
❌ But is it necessary? Not really — Google Maps or Waze works just as well and updates in real-time.
💡 Verdict: ❌ Not worth it if you have a smartphone with data or offline maps.

📶 Wi-Fi Hotspot – Useful for Road Trips

✅ Cost: Usually €7–€10/day, depending on the provider.
✅ When it’s worth it: Great for international travelers without a data plan, families, or digital nomads who work on the go.
❌ Downside: You can often buy a Portuguese SIM with data for less than the Wi-Fi rental.

💡 Verdict: ✅ Worth it if you need to stay connected constantly.

👶 Child and Booster Seats – Essential but Pricey

✅ Mandatory in Portugal: Children up to 12 years or under 135 cm must use a child seat.
✅ Rental cost: €7–€12 per day (often capped at a maximum amount).
❌ Alternatives: Bring your own travel-approved booster if flying with kids — cheaper and more hygienic.

💡 Verdict: ✅ Essential if traveling with kids, but consider bringing your own if possible.

🛣️ Via Verde Toll Device – Highly Recommended

✅ What it does: Automatically pays tolls on Portugal’s highways.
✅ Cost: Usually €1.50–€2/day + actual tolls.
✅ Benefits: Saves time, no need to stop, and avoids post-travel toll payments at post offices.
❌ Downside: Slight daily fee, but worth the time saved.

💡 Verdict: ✅ Absolutely worth it if you plan to drive on highways.

🧍 Extra Driver – Only When Necessary

✅ Why add one: For long drives or sharing responsibility.
✅ Cost: €5–€10/day
❌ Downside: Not needed if only one person will be driving.

💡 Verdict: ✅ Worth it for shared trips or longer journeys.

🛡️ Additional Insurance – Think Twice

✅ SCDW / Full Coverage: Removes deductible but can cost €15–€30/day.
❌ Tip: Many travel credit cards or insurance policies already cover this.
❌ Watch out: Don’t pay twice — check your coverage before booking.

💡 Verdict: ⚠️ Only worth it if you’re not covered by your card or travel insurance.

⛽ Prepaid Fuel Options – Avoid If Possible

✅ Offered as: Full tank paid in advance, return empty.
❌ Problem: You rarely return the tank empty = lost money.
✅ Better: Choose full-to-full policy and refuel before returning.

💡 Verdict: ❌ Not worth it unless convenience outweighs cost.

🧽 Cleaning Fees or Prepaid Cleaning – Not Necessary

✅ Some companies offer: Prepaid cleaning so you don’t have to return the car clean.
❌ But: You can avoid fees by returning the car in decent condition.
✅ Quick solution: Use a self-service car wash near the airport for €3–€5.

💡 Verdict: ❌ Skip unless you’re on a tight schedule.

🧾 Summary Table – What’s Worth It?

🤔 People Also Ask (PPA)

✔️ Are car rental extras worth it in Lisbon?
✔️ Should I get the Via Verde toll device?
✔️ Can I use my own GPS in a Lisbon rental car?
✔️ Is car rental insurance necessary in Portugal?
✔️ Are booster seats mandatory in Lisbon rentals?

Final Thoughts

Extras can quickly double the cost of a car rental in Lisbon 🚗💶 — but some of them are truly useful. Use this guide to pick what you really need and skip the rest. From child seats to toll devices and mobile Wi-Fi, being informed helps you drive smarter and spend wiser. Safe travels! 🇵🇹✨