Car Rental Under25 Portugal

🚗 Renting a Car Under 25 in Portugal – Ultimate 2025 Guide

Are you planning to rent a car in Portugal and you’re under 25? You might expect restrictions and extra costs — and you’d be right. Yet it’s entirely feasible with the right preparation.

This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car in Portugal if you’re under 25: eligibility, age policies, surcharges, acceptable car types, insurance requirements, and the best practices to make your rental smooth and budget-friendly.

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🧒 Legal Driving Age vs. Rental Requirements

While the legal driving age in Portugal is 18, that doesn’t mean you can rent a car as soon as you get your license. Rental companies operate with their own rules:

• 🚫 Most major car rental companies require renters to be at least 21.
• 🧾 You must have held your driving license for at least one year.
• 🎯 A few local companies allow drivers aged 18 to 20, but expect higher fees and tighter vehicle restrictions.
• ⚠️ Drivers aged 21 to 24 are accepted widely but typically face a “Young Driver Fee.”

Understanding these conditions upfront helps avoid frustration when booking or picking up your vehicle.

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💶 What Is the Young Driver Fee?

A Young Driver Fee is a surcharge applied to renters under 25. It covers increased insurance risk and applies per day of rental.

Typical costs:

• Ages 21–24: €5 to €20 per day
• Ages 18–20: €20 to €35 per day

The fee varies by company, rental duration, and location. Over a week, this fee can add up to €100–€250+, so factor it into your travel budget.

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🔍 Which Companies Rent to Drivers Under 25?

The following rental providers are known to accommodate younger drivers in Portugal:

Company	Minimum Age	Young Driver Fee	Notes
Guerin	19	€6–€14/day	Allows younger renters
Centauro	19	€7–€25/day	Requires full insurance
TurisPrime	19	€10–€20/day	Economy cars only
Europcar	21	€5–€12/day	Widely available fleet
Sixt	21	€7–€15/day	Premium cars restricted
Hertz	21	€10–€18/day	Limited to economy/compact

Always verify age-related policies during booking.

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🧾 Required Documents for Under-25 Drivers

If you’re under 25 and planning to rent a car in Portugal, make sure to bring:

• 🪪 A valid driver’s license (held for 12+ months)
• 🛂 Your passport or government-issued ID
• 💳 A credit card in your name (some providers accept debit with insurance)
• 📧 A printed or digital booking confirmation
• ✈️ Proof of your return flight (sometimes required at airport locations)

🔤 If your license isn’t in Latin alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic), bring an International Driving Permit (IDP).

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🚘 What Types of Cars Can You Rent?

Younger renters are often restricted to more basic vehicle classes. Here’s what you can expect:

✅ Typically Allowed:

• Economy cars (e.g., Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo)
• Compact cars (e.g., Renault Clio, VW Polo)
• Small family hatchbacks (e.g., Ford Focus)

🚫 Typically Not Allowed:

• SUVs or crossovers
• Luxury vehicles (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Audi)
• Convertibles, sports or high-performance models

Stick to smaller vehicles to avoid denial at the counter.

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💼 Insurance and Deposit Rules for Young Drivers

If you’re under 25, car rental insurance requirements become stricter:

• 🛡️ Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is often included but with a high deductible (€800–€2,000)
• 🔐 Most companies require Super CDW or full coverage for renters under 25
• 💰 Security deposits tend to be higher (commonly €900–€1,500)
• 🧾 Some firms waive the deposit only if full insurance is pre-booked

Using a debit card? You’ll almost always need to buy zero-excess insurance upfront.

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💸 Typical Costs for Renters Under 25

Let’s break down your expected daily rental costs:

Driver Age	Base Rate	Young Driver Fee	Insurance	Estimated Total/day
21–24	€25–€35	€5–€15	€12–€20	€45–€70
18–20	€18–€25	€20–€35	€12–€20	€55–€80

⚠️ Extras like GPS, baby seats, toll devices (Via Verde), or additional drivers may cost more.

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🎯 Tips to Make the Process Smooth

Here are some practical tips to make your under-25 rental experience hassle-free:

1. Book Early: Especially in summer or holiday periods when affordable cars get snapped up fast.
2. Use the Correct Filters: On booking sites, choose “Under 25” or “Young Driver Accepted.”
3. Prepay Full Insurance: It not only protects you but also simplifies pickup.
4. Stick to Economy Vehicles: These have fewer restrictions and lower fees.
5. Take Photos: Document the car’s condition at pickup and return.
6. Avoid Walk-Ins: Online booking ensures you get age-approved offers.

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🧠 What If You’re 18, 19, or 20?

Some local providers rent to 18–20-year-olds — but with these rules:

• Must have held license for at least 12 months
• Only economy or compact class cars allowed
• Full insurance mandatory
• High surcharges and deposits

Always double-check terms when booking — not all websites clearly show the age policy until checkout.

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🛫 Lisbon Airport Tip for Young Drivers

Many young drivers rent cars at Lisbon Airport (LIS). To make your experience smoother:

• 📍 Know which terminal your provider uses — most are in Terminal 1
• 🛍️ Allow extra time for paperwork and inspections
• 🛑 Be ready to pay the surcharge at the desk if not prepaid

Airport rentals usually have more staff and better English-speaking support.

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💡 Final Checklist Before You Book

✔ You are at least 18, but preferably 21+
✔ You have held your license for 12+ months
✔ You are booking economy or compact class only
✔ You are budgeting for a young driver fee
✔ You are preparing for full coverage insurance
✔ You have a credit or debit card in your name

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✅ Final Thoughts: Renting a Car Under 25 in Portugal

While younger drivers face some hurdles, renting a car in Portugal under 25 is absolutely possible. The key is knowing the rules, preparing the right documents, choosing a friendly provider, and budgeting for the extra costs.

With the right preparation, you’ll be cruising along Portugal’s coastlines and countryside worry-free — even without being 25 yet.