🚘 One-Way Lisbon to Spain Car Rentals — How to Book Smart & Save
Planning to rent a car in Lisbon and return it in Spain? Whether you’re road-tripping to Seville, Madrid, or even Barcelona, many rental companies allow one-way international drop-offs — but there are important conditions, border rules, and extra fees to understand before booking.
This guide explains how to rent a car in Lisbon for drop-off in Spain, what documents you need, how much it costs, and the best routes to take.
✅ Can You Rent a Car in Lisbon and Return It in Spain?
Yes, you can. Many international and local car rental companies in Portugal allow one-way cross-border rentals to Spain. But:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
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- ✅ You must inform the rental company in advance
- ✅ There is usually an extra cross-border and drop-off fee
- ✅ Your rental must include insurance coverage valid in Spain
📄 Documents You’ll Need
| Required | Notes |
|---|---|
| 🪪 Driver’s license | Valid + 1+ year experience |
| 🛂 Passport or ID | For cross-border travel |
| 📘 Green Card Insurance | Often included in full coverage (ask first) |
| 📩 Booking confirmation | Should specify “drop-off in Spain” |
| 💳 Credit/debit card | Required for deposit, even on one-way rentals |
💡 Some companies may require you to sign a cross-border permission form.
🚗 Best Rental Companies for Lisbon–Spain One-Way Rentals
| Company | Drop-Off in Spain | Cross-Border Fee | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guerin | ✅ Yes | €50–€100 | Request in advance |
| Europcar | ✅ Yes | €70+ | Offers drop-offs in Madrid |
| Avis / Budget | ✅ Yes | Varies | Great for Barcelona/Seville |
| Drive on Holidays | ✅ Yes | €60+ | Must request during booking |
| Discovercars | ✅ Filter option | Varies by provider | Use “Different drop-off” box |
💶 How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Average Price (1 week rental) |
|---|---|
| Standard rental (Lisbon) | €120–€200 |
| Cross-border drop-off fee | €50–€150 |
| Full insurance (recommended) | €70–€120 |
🚘 Return locations in Spain often include Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, and Badajoz (near border).
🗺️ Best Routes from Lisbon to Spain by Car
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon → Seville | ~460 km | ~4.5 hours | Alentejo, Évora, border at Elvas |
| Lisbon → Madrid | ~640 km | ~6 hours | A6 → A-5 via Badajoz |
| Lisbon → Salamanca | ~460 km | ~5 hours | Quiet northern border |
| Lisbon → Barcelona | ~1,100 km | ~10–11 hours | Plan overnight stop |
💡 For scenic drives, stop in Évora, Mérida, or Toledo along the way.
🛂 Do You Need to Stop at the Border?
No. Portugal and Spain are both in the Schengen Zone, so there are no routine border checks. However:
- 🚔 Police may conduct random roadside checks
- ✅ Make sure your contract explicitly allows international driving
🧭 Final Tips
- ✅ Choose pickup at Lisbon Airport or city center
- ✅ Use full insurance with Spanish coverage
- ✅ Always notify the rental agency before crossing the border
- ✅ Book early for best rates — international drop-offs are limited
