Renting a car in Lisbon can be surprisingly affordable—if you know when and where to book. Below is a detailed price breakdown by car type, season, and rental location, plus expert tips on saving money.
💰 Average Car Rental Prices in Lisbon (Per Day)
| Car Type | Low Season (€/day) | High Season (€/day) | Sample Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Manual) | €12–18 | €25–40 | Fiat Panda, VW Polo |
| Compact (Manual) | €16–25 | €35–50 | Renault Clio, VW Golf |
| Compact (Automatic) | €25–35 | €45–65 | Toyota Yaris, Peugeot 208 |
| SUV (Manual) | €30–45 | €60–90 | Dacia Duster, Peugeot 2008 |
| 7-Seater Minivan | €55–75 | €80–120 | Ford Galaxy |
| Electric/Hybrid | €30–50 | €60–85 | Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Yaris |
Low Season: January–March, November–December
High Season: June–August
📍 Car Rental Prices by Location
| Pickup Location | Estimated Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon Airport (LIS) | €15–40/day | Most competitive prices |
| Downtown Lisbon | €20–50/day | Slightly higher, fewer deals |
| Porto Airport | €16–42/day | Good options year-round |
| Faro Airport | €12–35/day | Very affordable in low season |
⚠️ Extra Charges to Expect
| Add-On | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Full Insurance (SCDW) | €10–25/day |
| Young Driver Fee (<25) | €7–15/day |
| Additional Driver | €5–12/day |
| GPS Rental | €5–10/day |
| Automatic Transmission | +€10–20/day premium |
| Toll Device (Via Verde) | Often included or ~€1/day |
✅ Real-Life Rental Examples
- Lisbon, March: Renault Clio (Manual) – €17/day
- Porto, April: VW Golf (Automatic) – €32/day
- Faro, February: Dacia Duster (Manual SUV) – €29/day
- 30-Day Rental: Economy car – from €390 total (~€13/day)
Prices from reputable providers like Turisprime, Klass Wagen, and Drive On Holidays.
🔑 Tips for Renting a Car in Lisbon
1. Book Early
The best rates are available when booking 2–4 weeks in advance, especially in summer.
2. Use Comparison Sites
Sites like Discovercars, Rentalcars, or Auto Europe help you compare real-time prices.
3. Choose the Right Transmission
Manual cars are cheaper and more widely available. Automatics can cost up to 40% more and sell out quickly.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
4. Use a Credit Card
Many credit cards include rental car insurance and can waive deposit requirements.
5. Look for “Full-to-Full” Fuel Policy
Avoid prepaid fuel charges unless you plan to return the car empty.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I rent a car in Lisbon without a credit card?
Yes. Some companies accept debit cards, but conditions apply. Credit cards are more widely accepted and safer.
❓ Is renting a car in Lisbon worth it?
Yes—especially if you’re planning day trips to Sintra, Cascais, Nazaré, or the Algarve. Public transport in Lisbon is good, but a rental car offers flexibility.
❓ What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Portugal?
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with at least 1 year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 often pay a young driver surcharge.
❓ Should I rent an electric car in Lisbon?
Electric cars are ideal for city driving and short trips. However, charging infrastructure outside cities can be limited—plan ahead.
📌 Final Thoughts: How to Save on Car Rental in Lisbon
- ✅ Book at least 7 days in advance
- ✅ Choose economy class or compact cars
- ✅ Rent from Lisbon Airport for the widest choice
- ✅ Avoid extras unless necessary
- ✅ Compare insurance options before arrival
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