What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Lisbon?

🚗 What You Need to Rent a Car in Lisbon – Complete Guide

Planning to explore Portugal by car? Renting a car in Lisbon is a convenient and flexible way to discover the city and beyond. But before you hit the road, it’s important to understand exactly what documents, requirements, and rules apply in 2025. In this complete guide, we cover everything you need — from licenses to insurance, payment options, age limits, and more.

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🧾 Documents Required to Rent a Car in Lisbon

Before you can drive away with your rental car, make sure you bring the following essential documents:

1. Valid Driver’s License

You must have a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year.

• EU/EEA licenses are accepted without issues.
• Non-EU drivers (e.g., from the USA, UK, Canada) can use their license for short stays, but in most cases, a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended or even required depending on the company.

2. Passport or National ID

A valid passport (for non-EU residents) or EU national ID card is required to confirm your identity.

3. Credit Card (or Alternative Payment) 💳

Most rental agencies ask for a credit card in the main driver’s name to block a security deposit.
Some companies may allow debit card or cash payments, but always check the terms in advance and expect a higher deposit or additional insurance.

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🎂 Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Portugal

The legal age to rent a car in Portugal is 18, but most companies require drivers to be at least 21 or 23 years old, depending on the vehicle category.

• Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge (around €5–€25/day).
• Luxury and SUV vehicles usually require the driver to be at least 25 or even 30.

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🚫 What Disqualifies You from Renting a Car?

Some common reasons renters may be denied include:

• Expired or damaged license
• No credit card in the driver’s name
• Invalid or missing International Driving Permit (for non-EU licenses)
• Driving record with serious violations
• Age below company minimum

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📑 Insurance Requirements in Lisbon

All car rentals in Portugal must include basic third-party liability insurance. However, this only covers damage to other people and vehicles — not your rental.

Here are the most common insurance options to consider:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to your rental but often includes a deductible.
• Super CDW (SCDW): Reduces your liability to zero or close to it.
• Theft Protection: Covers the vehicle if stolen.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers driver and passenger injuries.

Tip: Consider using your travel insurance or credit card coverage to avoid paying extra at the rental desk.

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💰 Rental Deposit & Payment Methods

Most agencies require a deposit between €500–€2,000, depending on car class and insurance coverage.

• Credit cards are the easiest method.
• Debit cards may be accepted but usually with stricter conditions.
• Cash rentals are rare and usually not accepted at airports.

To reduce your deposit, choose full insurance coverage.

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📋 Additional Driver Requirements 👥

If you plan to share driving duties, you must add the second driver to the rental agreement.

• Additional drivers must also present a valid license and ID.
• There is usually an extra fee of €5–€15/day.
• All drivers must meet the age and license requirements.

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🛂 Renting a Car in Lisbon as a Tourist (Non-EU)

If you’re visiting Portugal from outside the EU (e.g., US, UK, Australia, Canada), here’s what you need:

• Valid domestic driver’s license (in Latin characters)
• IDP (International Driving Permit) strongly recommended
• Passport
• Credit card
• Rental agreement in your name

Some agencies accept non-EU licenses without an IDP for short-term rentals, but it’s safer to carry one in case of traffic checks.

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📦 Optional Extras Available

Car rental companies in Lisbon offer a variety of extras to improve your trip:

• GPS navigation (around €5/day)
• Child seats / baby boosters (mandatory for children under 12 or 135cm)
• Wi-Fi routers for mobile internet
• Toll transponders (Via Verde) for easy payment on highways
• Snow chains / winter tires if traveling north in winter

Always book extras in advance to guarantee availability.

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🛬 Renting at Lisbon Airport vs City Center

Lisbon Airport (LIS) is the most popular pick-up location due to its convenience, but there are also many agencies in the city center.

• Airport rentals: Ideal if you’re landing and starting your trip immediately.
• City center: May be cheaper and avoid airport surcharges, but harder to park.
• After-hours pickups: Available with most major companies for an extra fee.

Pro tip: Avoid picking up the car during Lisbon’s rush hour (7:30–10:00 or 17:00–19:00).

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🅿 Parking, Tolls & Driving in Lisbon

Driving in Lisbon is safe, but there are a few things to know:

• Toll roads (A1, A2, A5, etc.) are common — use a Via Verde transponder for automatic payment.
• Parking in the city center is limited and paid from 9:00–19:00.
• Avoid historic zones like Alfama — narrow streets and limited access.

Look for underground garages or park-and-ride lots near metro stations.

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✅ Final Checklist: What You Need to Rent a Car in Lisbon

• ✔ Valid driver’s license (1+ year)
• ✔ Passport or EU ID
• ✔ Credit card in driver’s name
• ✔ Minimum age: 21+ (23+ recommended)
• ✔ International Driving Permit (for non-EU licenses)
• ✔ Rental confirmation and insurance plan
• ✔ Awareness of tolls, parking, and driving rules

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🧭 Conclusion: Is It Easy to Rent a Car in Lisbon?

Yes! Renting a car in Lisbon in 2025 is straightforward — as long as you prepare your documents, choose the right insurance, and understand the local rules. Whether you’re driving to Sintra, Porto, or the Algarve, having your own vehicle gives you total freedom to explore Portugal on your terms.

Happy driving and enjoy the ride! 🇵🇹🚗✨