Planning to explore Portugal by car? ✨ Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado, code: LIS) is the perfect place to pick up your rental vehicle. With top-rated international rental brands located right inside the terminal, you can land, grab your luggage, and hit the road within minutes.
Whether you’re heading to the beaches of Algarve 🏖️, the vineyards of Douro 🍷, or just staying in Lisbon 🏙️ — having your own vehicle offers freedom and flexibility that public transport can’t match.
🔎 Why Rent a Car Directly at Lisbon Airport?
Here are the key reasons travelers choose on-terminal car rentals at LIS:
✅ Ultimate Convenience – No shuttle buses needed
✅ International Brands – Trustworthy names like Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Avis
✅ Time-Saving – Car pickup right after landing
✅ Flexible Drop-off – Return at airport or one-way to other cities
✅ Better Fleet Availability – More choice of cars and extras
🧭 Where to Find Rental Desks at LIS
Lisbon Airport has two terminals:
- Terminal 1 (main international terminal): Most rental desks are located here
- Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers): No car rental desks inside, you’ll be directed to Terminal 1
🚶 On-foot directions:
Upon arrival at Terminal 1, follow the signs for “Car Rental / Rent-a-Car”. Desks for Avis, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, and others are located in the arrivals hall. 🚪🧳
Parking and pick-up areas are in P1 or P2, within a short walking distance from the desks — no shuttle needed! 😎
📋 What You Need to Rent a Car
To rent a car at Lisbon Airport, make sure you have the following:
🪪 Driver’s License – EU/UK/US licenses are accepted. If not in Latin alphabet, an IDP (International Driving Permit) may be required.
🛂 Passport or National ID
💳 Credit Card – For deposit hold (Visa or Mastercard)
🎂 Minimum Age – Usually 21–25 depending on company, with surcharge for under 25
🚗 Rental Voucher (if booked online)
🧾 Deposit & Insurance Details
💰 A deposit (usually €600–€1,500) will be held on your credit card during the rental.
You may be offered additional insurance options:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- ✅ CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
- ✅ Theft Protection
- ✅ Full Coverage (Zero Excess)
Optional extras like GPS, baby seats, or Via Verde (for toll roads) are available for a fee.
🧑✈️ Age Requirements by Company
| Rental Company | Minimum Age | Young Driver Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Sixt | 18 | Yes (€9–€15/day) |
| Enterprise | 19 | Yes (under 24) |
| Hertz | 21 | Yes |
| Europcar | 21 | Yes |
Always check your provider’s specific policy. Underage fees vary by provider and vehicle class. 🎂
🔄 Step-by-Step: How to Rent a Car at LIS
- 📱 Book Online in Advance
Compare prices on Discovercars, Rentalcars, or directly via the provider. - 🛬 Arrive & Find the Desk
After baggage claim, walk to the Car Rental area in Terminal 1. - 📄 Present Documents
Show your ID, driver’s license, credit card, and booking confirmation. - 🧭 Inspect & Collect Car
Check the car for damages, take photos/videos, and get familiar with the dashboard. - 🛣️ Hit the Road!
Exit signs will guide you to the city center, highways A1 or A2, or the coast. - 🚘 Return the Car
- At airport: follow signs to Car Return / Rent-a-Car Parking
- After hours: use key drop boxes
- One-way: available, but might include an extra fee
💡 Expert Tips for Lisbon Car Rentals
🔑 Book Early — Especially in summer and holiday seasons
⛽ Fuel Policy — Return with same level to avoid refueling fees
🛣️ Toll Roads — Ask for Via Verde device (auto toll payment)
📷 Document Everything — Take photos at pick-up and return
🗺️ Navigation — Consider renting GPS or use offline maps
👨👩👧 Traveling with Kids? — Ask for a child seat in advance
🆚 Should You Rent in the City Instead?
Some travelers wonder if it’s cheaper or easier to rent downtown Lisbon. 🤔
Pros of City Rental:
- Possibly slightly lower rates
- Good if staying in Lisbon first before driving
But…
- 🚦 More traffic in the city
- 🚘 Limited car selection compared to airport
- 🕒 Rental desks in city may have shorter hours
- 🧳 You’ll need to carry luggage or use a taxi to get there
Verdict: If you’re landing in Lisbon and heading straight out — airport pickup is your best bet. 👍
🔝 Best Rental Companies at Lisbon Airport (Terminal)
| Company | Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Sixt | Modern cars, fast pickup | Some queues in high season |
| Hertz | Reliable, flexible hours | Deposit is often high |
| Enterprise | Easy return, friendly staff | Under-25 fees apply |
| Europcar | Good location in T1 | Sometimes slow customer service |
💬 Tip: Read customer reviews before choosing. Sites like TrustPilot, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps provide valuable real-world insights.
📣 Final Thoughts: Is Airport Pickup Worth It?
Absolutely. Renting a car right inside Lisbon Airport is:
✅ Fast
✅ Easy
✅ Efficient
✅ Worth every cent if your time matters
Whether you’re heading to Sintra 🌄, Porto 🍷, or the Algarve 🐚 — having a car unlocks real Portuguese adventures.
🔑 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it cheaper to book in advance?
Yes! Booking online often saves 20–40% compared to booking on the spot.
Q: Do I need an international driver’s license?
If your license is in English, Portuguese, or other Latin script — usually no. If not, bring an IDP.
Q: Can I return the car at night?
Yes, most major providers have after-hours drop-off boxes.
Q: Is Via Verde mandatory?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended if driving on toll roads like A1, A2, or A8.
