Portugal One-Way Car Rental Guide — Travel Without Backtracking
Planning a road trip through Portugal? A one-way car rental is one of the most convenient ways to explore the country without retracing your route. Whether you want to start in Lisbon and end in Porto, Faro, or even Spain, most major car rental companies allow different drop-off locations — often with minimal fees.
In this guide, we’ll break down the costs, routes, and best tips for booking a one-way rental from Lisbon.
🚗 What Is a One-Way Rental?
A one-way rental means picking up your vehicle in one city and returning it in another. This is ideal for travelers who:
- Are flying into Lisbon but flying out of Porto or Faro
- Want to explore the coast without backtracking
- Are traveling across borders (e.g., to Seville, Madrid, or Barcelona)
- Are planning an extended road trip across multiple regions of Portugal
📍 Popular One-Way Routes from Lisbon
| Route | Distance | Duration (approx.) | One-Way Fee (avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon → Porto | 313 km | 3–3.5 hours | €0 – €50 |
| Lisbon → Faro (Algarve) | 278 km | 2.5–3 hours | €0 – €60 |
| Lisbon → Coimbra | 200 km | 2 hours | Often free |
| Lisbon → Madrid (Spain) | 640 km | 6–7 hours | €100 – €150 |
| Lisbon → Seville (Spain) | 460 km | 4.5–5 hours | €80 – €130 |
✅ Some rental companies waive one-way fees within Portugal — especially for longer bookings or if you’re returning to a major airport location.
🏢 Rental Companies That Offer One-Way Rentals
These brands support one-way bookings from Lisbon:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- Sixt – Clear cross-border policy, modern fleet
- Avis / Budget – Ideal for airport-to-airport one-way trips
- Enterprise / National – Great for business and multi-city travelers
- Centauro, Drive on Holidays – Budget-friendly options
- Europcar – Reliable for Spain drop-offs
- OK Mobility, Klass Wagen – Off-site, but support one-way at low cost
Tip: Always select your drop-off city during the online booking process — the platform will calculate fees automatically.
💶 One-Way Fee Breakdown
| Duration of Rental | Domestic Fee (Portugal) | International Fee (to Spain) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 days | €50–€100 | €100–€150 |
| 4–7 days | €0–€60 | €80–€120 |
| 8+ days | Often free | €50–€100 |
💡 Pro Tip: Some companies waive domestic fees for 7+ day rentals between Lisbon, Porto, and Faro.
📋 What to Know Before You Book
- Mileage Limits: Most one-way rentals include unlimited mileage, but always check.
- Border Crossing: You must declare if you’ll drive into Spain — extra insurance may apply.
- Fuel Policy: Opt for Full-to-Full to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Deposit & Card: Credit card required for security hold (varies by company)
- Availability: Book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially in summer
🔁 Pick-Up in Lisbon: Where?
Most one-way rentals start at:
- Lisbon Airport (LIS) – ideal for seamless arrival
- Downtown Lisbon (city office) – perfect if you’re exploring first
- Gare do Oriente or Sete Rios – near train stations
Drop-offs are available at major airports, downtown offices, and sometimes rail stations in other cities.
✅ Summary – Is One-Way Rental Worth It?
Absolutely — if you’re planning to explore Portugal efficiently.
With reasonable fees, easy booking, and widespread drop-off options, a one-way rental gives you total flexibility and saves time.
Just make sure to:
- ✅ Compare fees before booking
- ✅ Choose a provider that allows free drop-off
- ✅ Reserve early during high season
