Safe Family Travel: Lisbon Car Hire with Child Seat
Traveling in Lisbon with a child? Whether you’re planning a day trip or a Portugal-wide road adventure, it’s essential to follow child car seat laws and ensure your rental includes the right seat.
Lisbon Car Rental with Child Seat – Rules, Prices
In this guide, we explain Portugal’s child seat rules, which rental companies offer car seats, how much they cost, and what type of seat your child needs based on age and weight.
✅ Do You Need a Child Seat in Portugal?
Yes – it’s the law.
In Portugal, child car seats are mandatory for all children under:
- 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) in height, regardless of age
- 12 years old (if under height limit)
Children must be seated in the back with a suitable child restraint system (CRS) that meets EU standards.
🚫 Fines for non-compliance: €120–€600
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
👶 Child Seat Types Required by Age
| Child Age | Weight (Approx.) | Seat Type | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–1 years | 0–13 kg | Rear-facing infant seat | Rear seat only |
| 1–4 years | 9–18 kg | Forward-facing toddler seat | Rear seat |
| 4–12 years | 15–36 kg | Booster seat / cushion | Rear seat |
| Over 135 cm or 12+ | – | Seatbelt only (no booster) | Front allowed |
💡 If your child is over 135 cm in height, booster seats are not legally required — but still recommended.
🚗 Rental Companies in Lisbon Offering Child Seats
| Company | Seat Booking Available Online? | Types Offered | Cost per Day (€) | Max Per Rental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centauro | ✅ Yes | Baby, Toddler, Booster | €7.95 | €80 |
| OK Mobility | ✅ Yes | Toddler, Booster | €8.00 | €80 |
| Record Go | ✅ Yes | All types | €6.95 | €70 |
| Sixt | ✅ Yes | ISOFIX, Premium Baby Seats | €9.00–€12.00 | €90–€110 |
| Drive on Holidays | ✅ Yes | Standard EU child seats | €5.00 | €65 |
| Guerin | ✅ Yes | Infant, Toddler, Booster | €6.00–€8.00 | €70 |
🧠 Tip: Seat availability is limited — book in advance, especially in summer months.
🛡️ Are Car Seats Included by Default?
No. Child seats are always an optional extra, even with full insurance.
You must manually add them during booking on:
- Rental company websites (e.g., Sixt, Centauro)
- Aggregators like Discovercars, Rentalcars, Auto Europe
✈️ Picking Up at Lisbon Airport?
Most major rental companies offer child seat pickup directly at the airport or via shuttle transfer (for off-site offices). Expect:
- Seat handed at counter or already installed
- Quick safety check before leaving
- Staff may assist with fitting (not guaranteed)
✅ Best Tips for Renting a Car with a Child Seat
- 🧒 Always check your child’s weight and height before booking
- 📲 Filter “Child Seat Available” in car rental search tools
- ✍️ Add the seat at time of reservation, not at the desk
- 🚫 Do not assume Uber or Bolt in Lisbon will provide child seats (they don’t)
- 🔁 Consider bringing your own compact booster for older kids
❓ Should I Bring My Own Child Seat?
Yes, if:
- You’re staying for a long trip
- You want to save on rental costs
- You have an ISOFIX-compatible car booked
No, if:
- You’re traveling light
- Your airline charges for baby equipment
- Your rental includes a seat with SCDW package
