- ✈️ Lisbon Airport Car Rental for Early Morning Flights (Before 6 AM)
- 🛫 Why Early Morning Returns Are Tricky at LIS
- 🕓 Can You Return a Rental Car at Lisbon Airport Before 6 AM?
- ✅ Here’s what to look for:
- 🚶 Step-by-Step: How to Return Your Car Before 6 AM
- 1. ⛽ Refuel the Night Before
- 2. 📷 Take Photos of the Car
- 3. 🅿️ Park in the Rental Return Area (P3 Garage)
- 4. 🔑 Use the Drop Box
- 5. 📩 Save Evidence
- 🧭 Location Tip: Where Is the Drop-Off Zone?
- 🕔 What Time Should You Arrive?
- 💬 Real Traveler Questions
- 🧠 Tips for a Smooth Early Morning Return
- 🔥 Bonus: Recommended Rental Companies for Early Flights
- 🥇 Sixt
- 🥈 Hertz
- 🥉 Guerin
- 📣 Final Thoughts: Should You Rent a Car if Your Flight is Early?
✈️ Lisbon Airport Car Rental for Early Morning Flights (Before 6 AM)
Planning to return your rental car before sunrise? 🕕 Many travelers flying out of Lisbon Airport (LIS) face this common concern: Can I return my rental car early in the morning? What if the rental office is closed? Is there a key drop?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about car rental at Lisbon Airport for early flights — including companies that support 24/7 drop-off, tips to avoid stress, and how to plan your booking properly.
🛫 Why Early Morning Returns Are Tricky at LIS
Lisbon Airport handles many early departures — especially flights between 05:00 and 07:00, common for low-cost airlines and European hubs.
But here’s the issue:
- Most rental desks open around 6:00 AM
- Some off-site companies only operate from 7:00 or 8:00 AM
- If you return a car before opening hours, you must use drop-box return (and hope no extra fees appear later)
That’s why choosing the right rental company and return plan is essential — especially for flights departing before 8 AM.
🕓 Can You Return a Rental Car at Lisbon Airport Before 6 AM?
Yes, but only if you book with a company that supports early or 24-hour returns. Most major rental brands at Lisbon Airport offer drop-off options outside working hours.
✅ Here’s what to look for:
| Rental Company | Early Drop-off Allowed? | Drop-box Location | Opens At |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt | ✅ Yes | P3 car park, floor 2 | 06:00 |
| Hertz | ✅ Yes | Same as pick-up zone | 06:00 |
| Europcar | ✅ Yes | Return boxes at P3 | 07:00 |
| Enterprise | ✅ Yes | Key return near office | 07:00 |
| Guerin | ✅ Yes | Park & leave keys | 06:00 |
🟡 Note: Always confirm drop-box return instructions when you pick up the vehicle. Ask for the exact location and process.
🚶 Step-by-Step: How to Return Your Car Before 6 AM
If your flight leaves at 7:00 or earlier, follow this plan:
1. ⛽ Refuel the Night Before
Most rentals use a full-to-full fuel policy. Gas stations near the airport may be closed before 6 AM, so refuel the evening before.
📍 Closest 24h station:
BP Sete Rios – 5 mins from LIS (check if still open 24h)
2. 📷 Take Photos of the Car
Use your phone to capture all sides, the interior, and fuel gauge. This protects you against unfair damage claims.
3. 🅿️ Park in the Rental Return Area (P3 Garage)
Follow signs to the “Car Rental Return” or “Devolução de viaturas”. Most companies share the same garage on Level 2 of P3.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
4. 🔑 Use the Drop Box
Go to your rental company’s designated box (look for brand name). Insert the keys and contract (if required). No staff will be present.
5. 📩 Save Evidence
Take photos of the car in the parking spot, dropbox area, and a timestamp of return (optional but smart).
🧭 Location Tip: Where Is the Drop-Off Zone?
The rental car return area at Lisbon Airport is located in the P3 garage, just outside Terminal 1.
🗺️ Directions:
- Use the main airport entrance
- Follow signs for “Rent-a-Car Return”
- Enter P3 (multi-level parking)
- Use Level 2 for returns
It’s a 3-minute walk to the Departure Zone of Terminal 1.
🕔 What Time Should You Arrive?
For international flights before 7 AM:
- Drop off the car by 4:30–5:00 AM
- Be in the departure terminal 2 hours before your flight
- Factor in 10–15 minutes walking time from the garage
💬 Real Traveler Questions
Q: What if I forget to refuel before early drop-off?
A: You may be charged €20–€40 for refueling + fuel cost. Refuel the night before to avoid this.
Q: Can I return a car at Terminal 2?
A: No. All returns happen near Terminal 1. If you’re flying from T2, use the free internal airport shuttle.
Q: Will I get charged for damages after-hours?
A: If using drop-off, damage inspection is done later. That’s why photos and videos at return are important.
🧠 Tips for a Smooth Early Morning Return
✔️ Book with companies that support early returns
✔️ Refuel the night before
✔️ Confirm drop-box location at pickup
✔️ Return contract (if required)
✔️ Leave early – don’t underestimate walking time to terminal
🔥 Bonus: Recommended Rental Companies for Early Flights
🥇 Sixt
- Best for premium cars
- Drop-off at any time
- Great digital check-in
➡️ sixt.com
🥈 Hertz
- FastTrack options
- Early returns clearly explained
➡️ hertz.com
🥉 Guerin
- Local company with strong airport support
- Affordable and early-friendly
➡️ guerin.com.pt
(Links are for illustration — replace with affiliate URLs if needed)
📣 Final Thoughts: Should You Rent a Car if Your Flight is Early?
Absolutely — but only if you prepare correctly. A rental car gives you full freedom to explore Portugal, and early morning returns are totally manageable if you:
- Book with the right company
- Confirm drop-off instructions
- Allow enough time for fuel and parking
With a little planning, you can return your car smoothly and walk into your 6:00 AM flight stress-free ✈️😌
