Renting with Drivalia at Lisbon Airport: What You Need to Know
Are you flying into Lisbon and looking for a reliable car rental service right at the airport? Drivalia Lisbon Airport is one of the most popular choices among travelers arriving in Portugal’s capital.
👉 Looking for a comparison of all rental companies?
Car Rental Brands in Portugal – Full Overview
But is Drivalia really the best option for your trip? What should you expect in terms of pricing, service, pickup, insurance, and customer reviews?
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about renting a car from Drivalia at Lisbon Airport (LIS) — including insider tips, pros and cons, and how to avoid hidden fees.
✈️ Where is Drivalia at Lisbon Airport Located?
Drivalia is located near Terminal 1 of Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), just a few minutes away via shuttle bus.
Pickup instructions:
- After collecting your baggage, exit the terminal.
- Follow signs to “Car Rental Shuttle Stop” outside Terminal 1.
- Wait for the Drivalia-branded shuttle (arrives every 10–15 minutes).
- The ride takes about 5–7 minutes to the rental office.
📍 Address: Estrada do Aeroporto 115, 1700-008 Lisboa, Portugal
🕘 Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
✅ Why Choose Drivalia at Lisbon Airport?
Drivalia (formerly known as Leasys Rent) is rapidly growing in Portugal and other parts of Europe. It offers:
- ✅ Competitive prices
- ✅ Large fleet of modern vehicles
- ✅ Full-to-full fuel policy
- ✅ Airport shuttle included
- ✅ Eco & hybrid cars available
- ✅ Flexible insurance options
Whether you’re planning a short city break or a long road trip through Portugal, Drivalia offers good value.
🚘 Vehicle Types Available at Drivalia
| Category | Example Models | Seats | Luggage | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Fiat 500, Renault Clio | 4–5 | 1–2 bags | Manual/Auto |
| Compact | VW Golf, Peugeot 308 | 5 | 2–3 bags | Manual/Auto |
| SUV | Nissan Qashqai, Dacia Duster | 5 | 3–4 bags | Manual/Auto |
| Van | Fiat Talento | 7–9 | 4+ bags | Manual |
| Electric / Hybrid | Fiat 500e, Toyota Yaris Hybrid | 4–5 | 1–2 bags | Auto |
⚡ Tip: If you plan to visit cities with low-emission zones, choose a hybrid or electric vehicle.
💳 Payment & Deposit Info
Drivalia accepts both credit and debit cards (Visa or Mastercard) in the main driver’s name. However, not all cards qualify, so check the rental terms carefully.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
| Card Type | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | ✅ | Required for standard rentals |
| Debit Card | ✅ (selected rentals only) | Must be embossed, full insurance often required |
| Prepaid Card | ❌ | Not accepted |
| Cash | ❌ | Not accepted |
💡 Deposit amount: Typically €300–€1,200, depending on the car category and insurance package.
🛡️ Insurance Options
Like most rental companies in Portugal, Drivalia offers basic insurance by default — but it includes a high excess (€1,000+). You can choose to add:
- ✅ Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – reduces your liability
- ✅ Theft Protection (TP) – covers car theft
- ✅ Super CDW – zero excess/full protection
- ✅ Glass & Tyre coverage – for windshield and tires
💡 We strongly recommend choosing full insurance to avoid surprise charges. You can buy it directly with Drivalia or via third-party platforms like Discovercars.
⏱️ How Long Does Pickup & Return Take?
Pickup at Drivalia typically takes 20–40 minutes, including shuttle transfer and paperwork.
Return is faster, around 10–15 minutes, if you:
- Fill up the tank (if full-to-full)
- Clean visible trash or dirt
- Return within business hours
🕓 Tip: Return the car early in the day or late afternoon to avoid long lines.
⭐ Drivalia Lisbon Airport Reviews – What Do Customers Say?
Reviews are generally positive, especially regarding the car condition and value for money.
| Category | Rating (1–5) | Common Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Modern & clean fleet |
| Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cheaper than airport counters |
| Shuttle Service | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Some wait time (10–15 min) |
| Staff | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Helpful, but lines can be slow |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Solid value for budget-conscious travelers |
💬 “Great car and price. Shuttle wait was 10 minutes. Staff spoke English. Would rent again.” — Mark, UK
🧠 Pros & Cons of Drivalia Lisbon Airport Car Rental
✅ Pros:
- Competitive daily rates
- No-nonsense fuel policy (full-to-full)
- Free airport shuttle
- Option to rent with debit card
- Wide vehicle selection
❌ Cons:
- Shuttle is off-site (not at terminal)
- High deposit without insurance
- Long wait times during peak hours
📆 Tips for Booking with Drivalia
- Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance for best prices
- Choose Full Protection to avoid extra fees
- Use a credit card if possible to simplify the process
- Take photos of the car during pickup & return
- Return with a full tank to avoid refueling charges
- Compare platforms: try AutoLisboa or Discovercars for deals
💸 Sample Prices for Drivalia Rentals at Lisbon Airport
| Season | Economy Car | SUV | Full Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Jan–Mar) | €12–€18/day | €25–€35/day | €10/day |
| Mid (Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov) | €18–€28/day | €30–€45/day | €11/day |
| High (Jul–Sep, Dec holidays) | €35–€55/day | €50–€80/day | €13–15/day |
Prices vary by booking site and time. Drivalia often runs early bird promotions!
📍 Final Verdict: Is Drivalia a Good Choice at Lisbon Airport?
Yes — if you’re looking for a modern car at a fair price, and don’t mind a short shuttle transfer.
Drivalia Lisbon Airport is ideal for:
✅ Budget travelers
✅ Day trips from Lisbon
✅ Road trips across Portugal
✅ Families and small groups
Just be sure to check insurance coverage and fuel policy before confirming your booking!
