Drivalia Lisbon Airport — Honest Rental, Modern Cars, Smart Choice
Drivalia is one of the newer players in Portugal’s rental car market — and they’ve quickly made a name for themselves at Lisbon Airport. But are they just modern… or actually reliable?
Here’s a full review of Drivalia at Lisbon Airport (LIS): from booking to return, including payment policies, insurance, shuttle info, and practical tips.
📍 Where Is Drivalia Located at Lisbon Airport?
- 🏢 Off-site location — approx. 5 minutes from Terminal 1
- 🚐 Free shuttle service every 10–15 minutes
- 🕘 Hours: 07:00–22:30 (check seasonal changes)
- 🔁 Returns: Same place, after-hours drop box available
Tip: Shuttle pick-up point is near the arrivals hall — look for the “Car Rental Shuttle” signage.
💳 Payment & Deposit Conditions
| Payment Method | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Cards | ✅ Yes | Visa / Mastercard accepted |
| Debit Cards | ✅ With full insurance | In driver’s name only |
| Prepaid Cards | ❌ No | Not accepted |
| Cash | ❌ No | Not accepted |
Deposit:
- With full insurance: ~€300
- Without: €900–€1,500 depending on vehicle
⚠️ Important: Refusing their coverage triggers higher deposit and stricter inspection on return.
🚗 Available Car Types
- 🚙 Compact (Fiat Panda, Opel Corsa)
- 🚗 Mid-size (Peugeot 308, Renault Arkana)
- 🚐 SUVs (Ford Puma, Jeep Renegade)
- ⚡ Electric (Peugeot e-208, Opel Corsa-e — limited stock)
Pro Tip: Fleet is modern and clean, but EVs are limited — book early.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
🛡️ Insurance & Coverage Options
| Coverage Option | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW | ✅ Included | €1,200+ excess applies |
| Full Protection | ✅ Recommended | Reduces excess to zero |
| Third-party insurance | ❌ Not accepted at desk | They may still block full deposit |
Note: Some reports of insurance being “auto-added” — double-check before signing.
✅ Pros and Cons of Drivalia Lisbon Airport
✔️ Pros:
- Modern, well-maintained fleet
- Competitive pricing vs. major brands
- Debit cards accepted with coverage
- Efficient shuttle & good desk service
- Fewer “surprise” charges than some low-cost competitors
❌ Cons:
- Off-site (adds 15–20 min to trip)
- Full insurance usually required for smooth experience
- Limited availability for electric & automatic vehicles
💬 FAQ — Drivalia at Lisbon Airport
Q: Is Drivalia reliable?
A: Yes, with decent reviews — better than many low-cost brands.
Q: Can I use a debit card?
A: Yes, if you buy their insurance and bring matching ID.
Q: How do I get there from the terminal?
A: Via free shuttle — departs regularly from the arrivals zone.
Q: Can I rent an electric car?
A: Yes, but limited stock — book early.
🧠 Tips for Renting from Drivalia
- 📸 Take photos during pick-up and return
- 🕒 Add buffer time for shuttle return
- ⛽ Refill before drop-off to avoid fuel charges
- 📧 Keep printed confirmation showing “debit card accepted”
🔁 Alternatives to Compare
| Brand | Focus | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Guerin | Local, in-terminal | View |
| OK Mobility | Budget, debit-friendly | View |
| Centauro | Larger fleet, off-site | View |
📈 Summary — Is Drivalia a Good Option?
| Factor | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Vehicle quality | ✅ Modern & clean |
| Location | ⚠️ Off-site |
| Insurance clarity | ✅ Mostly fair |
| Price transparency | ✅ Better than average |
| Debit-friendly | ✅ Yes, with insurance |
Verdict:
Drivalia is a strong mid-range option at Lisbon Airport — modern, efficient, and fairly priced. Ideal if you’re okay with a short shuttle ride.
