Fuel Rules for Lisbon Airport Car Hire — Easy Guide for 2026
Booking a car at Lisbon Airport? Before confirming your rental, it’s crucial to understand the fuel policy — it can make a big difference in what you pay. Some companies offer Full-to-Full, others push Prepaid Fuel options with hidden costs.
In this guide, we explain how car rental fuel policies work in Portugal, what to choose, and which companies offer the best value.
⛽ What Is a Fuel Policy?
A fuel policy determines how much fuel is in the tank when you pick up the car — and how much you must return it with.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
📊 Types of Car Rental Fuel Policies
| Policy Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-to-Full | Get the car full, return full | ✅ Pay only for what you use | ❌ Must find a gas station |
| Full-to-Empty (Prepaid Fuel) | Pay for a full tank in advance, return empty | ✅ No refueling hassle | ❌ Often overpriced fuel |
| Same-to-Same | Get with half tank, return with same | ✅ Simpler tracking | ❌ Can lead to over/underfill |
💡 Most travelers prefer Full-to-Full for transparency and savings.
🏆 Fuel Policy by Popular Lisbon Airport Rental Companies (2026)
| Company | Default Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Centauro | ✅ Full-to-Full | Clear terms, enforced fairly |
| Drive on Holidays | ✅ Full-to-Full | Trusted local provider, no fuel scams |
| Sixt | ✅ Full-to-Full | Premium brand, high standards |
| OK Mobility | ⚠️ Prepaid or FTF | Must choose manually at booking |
| Record Go | ⚠️ Prepaid Default | Offers FTF only with premium rate |
| Goldcar | ❌ Prepaid Only | Often includes non-refundable service fee |
💰 Real-World Example – Fuel Cost Comparison
| Option | Price Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-to-Full (you refill) | €70 (real fuel cost) | Local Lisbon gas station |
| Prepaid Full Tank | €95–€110 | Fixed fee, no refund if not empty |
| Prepaid + Service Fee | €110–€130 | Goldcar & others add “fuel admin fee” |
🧠 Tip: Even if prepaid fuel sounds convenient, you often pay €25–€40 more than market price.
✅ How to Choose the Right Fuel Policy
- Always check the rental terms before booking
- Use filters on platforms like Discovercars or Rentalcars
- Avoid “full to empty” unless you’re 100% sure you’ll use full tank
- Choose Full-to-Full + full insurance = no surprise fees
- Refuel close to the airport (Shell, Galp, BP stations nearby)
📍 Closest Gas Stations to Lisbon Airport
- Galp – Avenida do Brasil (~5 min drive)
- BP – Campo Grande (~7 min drive)
- Repsol – 2ª Circular (on the ring road)
🔧 Most rental offices check fuel level visually, not by liters — so fill it right before return.
❌ Fuel-Related Traps to Avoid
- ❌ Returning even slightly under full → full day’s charge
- ❌ Forgetting to take a photo of the fuel gauge at pickup
- ❌ Accepting “Free upgrade with prepaid fuel” without realizing cost
- ❌ Not checking that Full-to-Full is in your voucher/confirmation
