Is It Cheaper to Rent a Car in Lisbon City or at the Airport?

Lisbon Car Rentals — Is City or Airport Cheaper?

Whether you’re planning a scenic road trip through Portugal or just need a vehicle to reach the Algarve, one question comes up again and again:

“Should I rent my car at Lisbon Airport (LIS) or in the city center?”

In this article, we’ll break down real pricing differences, hidden fees, convenience factors, and what to expect in each location — so you can save money, avoid delays, and pick the right option for your trip.

🧭 Why This Decision Matters

Lisbon is one of the busiest airports in Southern Europe, with millions of international arrivals each year. With dozens of rental agencies operating in both the airport terminal and throughout the city center, your experience can vary significantly depending on where you book.

It’s not just about price — it’s also about time, flexibility, and peace of mind.

🚗 Average Car Rental Prices – Airport vs City Center

Let’s start with what matters most: the price.

💡 Summary: City center rentals are on average 10–20% cheaper than airport rentals, especially if booked in advance and during off-peak hours.

🛫 Pros & Cons of Renting at Lisbon Airport (LIS)

✔ Pros:

• 🏢 Rental desks located inside Terminal 1 — zero transit required
• 🕒 Open 7 days a week, often 24/7 service
• 🚘 Larger fleets — more automatics, SUVs, and premium options
• 🔄 Easier for one-way rentals (e.g., drop off in Porto or Faro)
• 📲 Compatible with most online aggregators (Discovercars, Rentalcars)

✖ Cons:

• 💶 Airport location surcharge (€15–€40 on top of base rate)
• 🚐 Some companies (Goldcar, Klass Wagen) are off-site and require shuttle
• 🛡️ More frequent upselling at counter (insurance, upgrades)
• 🕙 Long queues during peak arrival times

🏙️ Pros & Cons of Renting in Lisbon City Center

✔ Pros:

• 💰 Cheaper daily rates and fewer location fees
• 🕵️ More transparent local services — often no hard upselling
• 📍 Offices near major hotels and metro stations
• 📦 Can combine with local shopping or sightseeing on pickup day

✖ Cons:

• 🕐 Limited hours (most close around 6–7 PM, no late pickups)
• 🧭 Harder to find parking if picking up manually from garage
• 🚕 Need to travel to pick-up location (taxi/Uber/metro)
• 🚗 More likely to get a manual car unless requested in advance

📌 Key Factors to Consider When Deciding

1. Arrival Time – If you’re landing late at night, airport is your only option
2. Stay Duration in Lisbon – If staying in Lisbon 2–3 days first, rent in the city to avoid parking costs
3. Your Comfort with Public Transport – If you’re OK with metro or taxi, city pickup is viable
4. Automatic vs Manual Preference – Airport has more automatic vehicles
5. Travel Intensity – Airport pickup is better for immediate long-distance driving

💡 Real Traveler Scenario: Save €100 by Picking Up in the City

Let’s say you’re renting a compact car for 5 days:

• At the Airport: €43/day + €25 surcharge = €240
• In the City: €35/day, no surcharge = €175
• Savings: €65–100, depending on add-ons and insurance

If you’re not in a hurry and plan to explore Lisbon first, city pick-up can make a real financial difference.

✅ Expert Tip: Best of Both Worlds

Book in the city center and drop off at the airport.
Many companies allow one-way returns for a small fee or none at all — so you save money up front and return the car conveniently before your flight.

🔚 Final Verdict – Which Location Is Better?

No matter where you rent, the most important thing is to book early, compare providers, and read rental conditions carefully to avoid surprise fees.