Yes — it’s possible to rent a car at Lisbon Airport for under €20/day in 2026, but the cheapest rates often hide extra costs. This guide helps you find real deals without hidden fees, compares rental companies, and explains how to book smartly online before your flight even lands.
💸 How Much Does It Really Cost to Rent a Car at Lisbon Airport?
| Rental Type | Base Price (Low Season) | Final Cost (w/ fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Manual | €6–€12/day | €20–€30/day |
| Compact Automatic | €15–€25/day | €30–€50/day |
| SUV | €25–€40/day | €50–€70/day |
🧠 Watch out: Many companies advertise low rates, but then add:
- Airport surcharges
- Insurance “mandatory upgrades”
- Fuel policy charges
- Young driver fees
🏢 Cheapest Car Rental Companies at Lisbon Airport
| Company | Avg. Daily Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centauro | €9–€25 | New cars, fast check-in | Insurance push at counter |
| Drive on Holidays | €7–€18 | Transparent pricing, debit card friendly | Often booked out |
| Goldcar | €6–€14 | Cheapest base rates | Aggressive upselling |
| Ok Mobility | €10–€20 | Good for short-term rentals | Strict fuel policy |
| Discovercars (Aggregator) | Varies | Filters for hidden fees | Aggregator only |
💡 Tip: Use filters on Discovercars to sort by lowest total price after fees.
🚨 Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Even with a €10/day rental, your total can balloon to €150+ if you don’t read the fine print.
| Fee Type | Avg. Cost | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Full Insurance | €20–€40/day | Buy external coverage beforehand |
| Young Driver (<25) | €10–€15/day | Check age policies upfront |
| Fuel Policy | €20–€50 if not full | Choose “Full to Full” policy |
| Late Return | 1 extra day | Return early, allow 1 hr buffer |
| Toll Device Rental | €1.50–€2.50/day | Use only if driving highways |
✅ Always read Terms & Conditions during online booking — that’s where hidden fees hide.
📍 Where to Find the Rental Desks at Lisbon Airport
Lisbon Airport (LIS) has rental offices located:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- Inside Terminal 1 (major companies like Hertz, Sixt, Europcar)
- In a separate Rent-a-Car building via free shuttle (e.g., Centauro, Drive on Holidays)
🧭 Follow “Car Rental” or “Rent-a-Car” signs after baggage claim. Free shuttles leave every 10–15 mins.
🌐 Why Booking Online Saves You Money
| Booking Method | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (Compare sites) | €6–€20/day | Transparent, flexible cancellation | Must book ahead |
| Airport Walk-in | €40–€80/day | Spontaneous | Expensive, low availability |
📲 Platforms like Discovercars, Rentalcars, or Kayak let you:
- Compare 500+ suppliers
- View full cost breakdowns
- Filter by insurance, fuel, location, and card type
- Lock in rates with free cancellation
🛡️ Insurance: Take It or Skip It?
Option 1: Full Insurance from Rental Company
- Cost: €20–€40/day
- Zero deductible, immediate resolution
- ✅ Recommended for first-timers
Option 2: Third-Party Coverage
- Cost: €5–€10/day (via Discovercars or credit card)
- May require deposit (€300–€1200)
- 💡 Ideal for confident drivers
🧳 Best Time to Book for the Lowest Price
| Booking Window | Price Advantage |
|---|---|
| 30+ days ahead | Best (up to -40%) |
| 7–14 days | Good (10–20% off) |
| < 3 days | Expensive, limited |
📅 High-demand periods:
- Easter, Summer (Jun–Sep), Christmas
- Book 2 months in advance for peak savings
✅ Summary – How to Get the Cheapest Car Rental at Lisbon Airport
- ✅ Book online early with price comparison tools
- ✅ Look for “Full to Full” fuel & zero deposit options
- ✅ Avoid insurance traps at pickup
- ✅ Read fine print for age fees, mileage limits, and return rules
- ✅ Choose companies with high review scores AND low total costs
❓ FAQ – Cheapest Car Hire at Lisbon Airport
Q: What’s the cheapest car rental company at Lisbon Airport?
A: Drive on Holidays and Centauro offer the best deals when booked early online.
Q: Is it cheaper to rent online or at the airport?
A: Online is almost always cheaper — and more transparent.
Q: What’s the real cost of a €10/day rental?
A: Expect to pay €25–€45/day after fees and insurance unless booked smartly.
Q: Can I use a debit card to rent?
A: Yes, with select providers like Centauro and Guerin — but terms apply.
