Whether you’re arriving in Lisbon for a short vacation, road trip, or business stay — you might prefer to rent a car after landing rather than booking in advance. This gives you flexibility and the chance to assess your plans in person. 🚗✈️
But how easy is it to rent a car after arrival in Lisbon, and what should you know before doing so? In this guide, we walk you through everything — from airport counters to city offices, wait times, and smart tips to save money.
🛬 Should You Rent a Car After Landing in Lisbon?
Here’s when it makes sense:
✅ You prefer to check car models in person
✅ You’re unsure of your itinerary until arrival
✅ You had a last-minute trip and didn’t book online
✅ You want to avoid prepayment or cancellation fees
⚠️ But beware: renting last-minute may be more expensive and availability could be limited during high season.
✈️ Where to Rent After Arrival – Airport vs City
Option 1: Lisbon Airport (LIS) – Humberto Delgado Airport
Most major car rental brands operate inside the Arrivals terminal or in the Car Rental Center, a short walk away.
🚗 Available companies:
🕐 Opening hours: Most are open 07:00–00:00, some 24/7
📍 Directions: Follow signs to “Rent-a-Car” after customs. Free shuttle available for some off-site providers.
✅ Pros:
- Easy pickup upon landing
- Fastest access to highways (A1, A2, IC19)
- Ideal for immediate departure
❌ Cons:
- Often busier than city offices
- Slightly higher airport surcharge
Option 2: Lisbon City Center Locations
Many rental offices are located in areas like:
📍 Avenida da Liberdade
📍 Saldanha
📍 Entrecampos
📍 Oriente (train station)
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
✅ Pros:
- Lower prices
- Less busy during peak travel times
- Great if you plan to explore the city first, then hit the road
❌ Cons:
- May require public transport or taxi to reach
- Shorter business hours (typically 09:00–18:00)
💡 Tip: Pick up your car in the city, return at the airport for flexibility.
📄 What Documents You’ll Need
To rent a car after arrival, make sure you have:
✅ Passport or EU ID
✅ Valid Driver’s License (with Roman alphabet)
✅ Credit Card (some accept debit, see company terms)
✅ International Driving Permit (IDP) if from non-EU country (e.g. USA, China)
💡 Some companies offer last-minute rentals without prior reservation, but they’ll still need full documents on the spot.
💳 Can You Pay on Arrival?
Yes — most companies accept walk-in bookings with payment on the spot. However:
- Expect higher daily rates
- You might not get the car class you want
- Insurance options may be more limited
💡 Best option: Reserve online while waiting for luggage — this often unlocks a discount of 10–25%.
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
⏳ Typical process:
- 5–10 minutes: Walk from baggage claim to rental counter
- 10–20 minutes: Paperwork and optional add-ons
- 5 minutes: Key handover + walk to car or shuttle
🧳 Total time: 20–40 minutes after landing, faster if lines are short and documents are ready.
💡 Tips for Renting After Arrival
✅ Book online on arrival – use mobile sites like Discovercars, Rentalcars, Kayak
✅ Compare airport vs city prices — sometimes renting next day is cheaper
✅ Inspect the car — take photos/video before leaving
✅ Ask about fuel policy — “Full to Full” is best value
✅ Check for toll tag (Via Verde) — useful for Portuguese highways
🧾 People Also Ask
✔️ Can I rent a car at Lisbon Airport after landing?
✔️ Is it cheaper to rent a car in Lisbon city center or airport?
✔️ Do I need to book a rental car in advance in Portugal?
✔️ What documents do I need to rent a car in Lisbon?
✔️ Can I rent a car with a debit card in Lisbon?
🧭 Final Thoughts
You can absolutely rent a car after arriving in Lisbon, whether at the airport or later in the city. 🚗🇵🇹 It’s best to prepare your documents in advance and compare rates quickly online to avoid overpaying. For last-minute travelers, it’s a flexible and stress-free option — just know when and where it works best.
Safe travels and enjoy the ride! ✨
