Portugal’s iconic northbound route — Lisbon to Porto — offers everything from coastal cliffs to medieval towns and UNESCO cities. Whether you’re visiting Portugal for a few days or planning an extended tour, a one-way car rental gives you total flexibility to explore and drop off your vehicle in another city — no return drive required.
In this updated guide for 2026, you’ll learn how to book a one-way rental from Lisbon to Porto, compare providers, avoid drop-off fees, and choose the best route for your trip.
✅ What Is a One-Way Car Rental?
A one-way car rental means you rent a car in one city (Lisbon) and return it in another (Porto), saving you the need to drive back. It’s ideal for:
- 🧳 Travelers with multi-city flights
- 🚗 Scenic road trippers
- 🏡 People relocating or moving
- 💼 Business travelers visiting both cities
- 🚉 Those continuing by train or plane from Porto
In 2026, many rental companies in Portugal support one-way rentals, often with low or no drop-off fees if booked in advance.
📊 Lisbon to Porto One-Way Car Rental – 2026 Pricing Overview
Rental rates depend on several factors:
- 🗓️ Duration of the rental
- 🚘 Car type (economy, SUV, electric, automatic)
- 🛡️ Insurance coverage
- 🚛 Drop-off fee (can be zero)
- 📍 Pickup & return locations
| Car Category | Daily Rate (EUR) | Typical Drop-Off Fee | Total for 3 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (e.g., Fiat 500) | €25–€40 | €0–€50 | €90–€160 |
| Compact (e.g., Clio) | €30–€45 | €0–€70 | €100–€190 |
| SUV / Crossover | €45–€65 | €20–€100 | €150–€250 |
| Automatic | €55–€80 | €40–€120 | €180–€290 |
| Electric | €60–€85 | €0–€100 | €180–€280 |
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Some rental platforms (like Discovercars) filter out deals without drop-off fees — ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
🏆 Best Car Rental Companies for One-Way Trips (Lisbon ➜ Porto)
The following providers are most reliable for one-way rentals between Lisbon and Porto:
🔹 1. Discovercars (Aggregator)
- 🧭 Compares dozens of providers instantly
- 🛡️ Includes insurance & filters drop-off fee
- ✈️ Pickup at Lisbon Airport or city, return in Porto
- 💰 Usually the best rates for one-way routes
🔹 2. Guerin (Portuguese Brand)
- ✅ Strong presence in both cities
- 🚗 Wide fleet from economy to SUV
- 🏙️ City-center & airport branches
🔹 3. Sixt Portugal
- 🚘 High-end and premium models
- 📍 Easy pickup at Lisbon Airport (T1)
- 🏁 Return at Porto Airport or downtown
🔹 4. Europcar
- 🧾 Trusted for corporate travel
- 👨💼 Good support for business itineraries
- 🏢 Dozens of locations across Portugal
🔹 5. Turisprime
- 💶 Often the cheapest one-way option
- 📋 Basic but reliable service
- 📍 Available at major hubs
🚉 Pickup & Drop-Off Locations: What to Choose?
Lisbon and Porto both offer multiple rental points. Here’s how to choose:
📍 Pickup in Lisbon:
- Lisbon Airport (LIS, Terminal 1) – Most convenient after arrival
- Lisbon Downtown (Avenida Liberdade, Bairro Alto) – Good if you’re already in the city
- Train Stations (Oriente, Entrecampos) – Ideal for intermodal travel
📍 Drop-off in Porto:
- Porto Airport (OPO) – Quick for travelers flying out
- Downtown Porto (Boavista, Aliados) – Ideal if staying in city center
- Campanhã Station – Great for switching to trains (e.g., Braga, Douro Valley)
💼 Tip: Airport-to-airport rentals are often cheaper due to easier logistics.
🛣️ Route Options: Lisbon to Porto by Car
Portugal offers multiple scenic routes between Lisbon and Porto. Choose based on your time and travel style.
🚀 Option 1: A1 Direct Route (Fastest)
- 🛣️ Highway A1: ~313 km, 3–3.5 hours
- 🚗 Smooth toll road, service stations along the way
- ⛽ Toll cost: approx. €20–€22
🌊 Option 2: Coastal Scenic Route (Most Beautiful)
- 🛤️ Lisbon ➝ Óbidos ➝ Nazaré ➝ Figueira da Foz ➝ Aveiro ➝ Porto
- 🕰️ ~6–8 hours with stops
- 🏰 Medieval towns, ocean views, seafood towns
🏞️ Option 3: Inland Cultural Route
- 🗺️ Lisbon ➝ Santarém ➝ Tomar ➝ Coimbra ➝ Porto
- 🕰️ ~5–6 hours
- 🧭 Perfect for history lovers & quiet towns
📸 Must-See Stops:
– 🎣 Nazaré: world’s biggest surf waves
– 🏘️ Óbidos: walled town with white houses
– 🌉 Aveiro: “Venice of Portugal” with canals
📄 What’s Included in the Rental?
Most standard rentals from Lisbon to Porto include:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
✅ Unlimited mileage
✅ Basic insurance (CDW)
✅ 24/7 roadside assistance
✅ Taxes and airport charges
Optional extras:
- 👶 Child seat – €5–€10/day
- 🧭 GPS / Navigation unit – €6–€12/day
- 👥 Additional driver – €5–€10/day
- 🧳 Roof rack / ski box – On request
🚘 Always check fuel policy — “Full-to-full” is best. Return the car with same fuel level.
⚠️ One-Way Rental Conditions in Portugal
Here’s what you must check before booking:
| ✅ Condition | 📌 What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Minimum driver age | Usually 21 or 23 years |
| Driver’s license | EU or IDP (for non-EU citizens) |
| Payment method | Credit card preferred, debit accepted |
| Cancellation terms | Free 48–72 hrs before pickup (varies) |
| Out-of-hours return | May incur an extra fee |
| Fuel policy | Full-to-full or same-to-same |
| Cross-border travel | Allowed with some companies (to Spain) |
💳 Debit Card or Credit Card – What’s Accepted?
Most rental companies accept debit cards, but:
- Name must match driver
- Higher deposit (€600–€1500) may be required
- Extra insurance often mandatory
- Prepaid or virtual cards may be rejected
💡 Use a credit card if you want lower deposit and faster pickup.
🛡️ What About Insurance?
Included in most rentals:
- ✅ CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
- ✅ TP (Theft Protection)
- ✅ Liability cover
Not included (unless added):
- ❌ Glass, tires, roof, undercarriage
- ❌ Administrative fees
- ❌ Damage excess (up to €2000)
🔐 Best Option: Add Full Coverage / Super CDW for peace of mind. Available at booking or counter.
🚧 Tips for Driving from Lisbon to Porto
- 🛣️ Use Google Maps or Waze for live traffic
- ⛽ Toll roads are fast but come with cost — bring card/coins or activate Via Verde
- 🚓 Speed limits: 120 km/h (motorways), 90 km/h (rural), 50 km/h (urban)
- 🅿️ Parking: Most Porto and Lisbon centers have paid parking; look for blue zones
- 📸 Speed cameras common on highways — fines go to the driver
🧭 Is One-Way Car Rental Worth It?
Yes, absolutely — especially in Portugal.
- ✔️ You save time — no backtracking
- ✔️ See more of Portugal in less time
- ✔️ Travel independently without train or bus schedules
- ✔️ No stress over city return trips
It’s perfect for travelers flying into Lisbon and out of Porto, or anyone doing a loop-free trip through Portugal.
🔍 Ready to Hit the Road?
Start your Portugal road trip from Lisbon, head north through picturesque towns and coastlines, and finish in beautiful Porto — without the return hassle.
Book early. Choose the right car. Enjoy the ride. 🇵🇹
