🚴 Why Rent a Car with Trailer or Bike Rack?
If you’re planning to explore Portugal’s coastlines, trails, or national parks by bike or with camping gear, a car rental with a trailer hitch or bike rack is essential.
Whether you’re a solo cyclist, a group of mountain bikers, or a couple heading to a rural retreat — this guide shows how to rent the right vehicle setup from Lisbon.
🔧 What Types of Add-Ons Are Available?
1. Rear-mounted bike racks
- Hold 1–3 bikes
- Ideal for compact SUVs
- Easy to mount & remove
2. Roof-mounted bike racks
- More stable, less impact on trunk space
- Need to check height clearance
- Common with station wagons or larger SUVs
3. Tow hitch & trailer
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- For campers or sports equipment
- Requires specific license in some cases
- Mostly offered by local providers
🏷️ Price Estimates
| Add-On Type | Daily Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bike Rack (rear) | €5–10 | Requires reservation in advance |
| Bike Rack (roof) | €7–12 | May limit speed / height restrictions |
| Tow Hitch Trailer | €15–25 | Offered by select providers only |
🏆 Best Rental Companies in Lisbon for Active Travel
🚗 Sixt
- Offers SUV rentals with roof rack options
- Good app to manage accessories
- Locations: Airport & city center
🚗 Europcar
- Tow hitch & bike rack available on request
- Ideal for weekend trips out of Lisbon
🚗 Guerin (Local brand)
- Good for custom setups (trailer/camper)
- Bilingual service (EN/PT)
🚗 Indie Campers
- Specialized in camping vehicles with full gear
- Bike racks, solar chargers, roof tents included
📍 Where to Rent
| Pickup Zone | Best For |
|---|---|
| Lisbon Airport | Full vehicle selection |
| Alvalade | Local Guerin & Indie depots |
| City Center | Sixt & Europcar, walkable from Metro |
🧾 Documents & Requirements
- Valid driver’s license (EU or with IDP)
- 21+ age for trailer use
- Deposit (usually €300–600)
- Pre-booking of add-ons strongly recommended
🗺️ Top Destinations for Biking & Camping from Lisbon
- Arrábida Natural Park – stunning coastal roads, cliff biking
- Alentejo Wine Region – scenic trails, peaceful camping spots
- Sintra Mountains – forest biking routes
- Southwest Coast / Costa Vicentina – perfect for surfers & cyclists
✅ Pro Tips for Outdoor Vehicle Rentals
- 🔒 Always reserve add-ons 7+ days in advance
- 🛠️ Double-check mounting before leaving the lot
- 📸 Take photos of setup for insurance proof
- 🧼 Clean bikes/rack before returning (to avoid cleaning fees)
- 📲 Use apps like Park4Night or Bikemap for trip planning
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I add a bike rack to any rental car?
A: No. You’ll need to choose compatible models like SUVs or station wagons and request it in advance.
Q: Do I need a special license to tow a trailer?
A: In Portugal, a standard license (B) covers most small trailers, but large loads may require category BE.
Q: Is it possible to return the rental to a different city (e.g. Porto)?
A: Yes, but one-way fees may apply — confirm with your provider.
