What Is the Cost of a Full Day Car Rental in Portugal?

🚗💶 2025 Guide: Full-Day Car Rental Costs in Portugal – What to Expect

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal and only need a car for one day, you might be surprised by how much the price can vary. From Lisbon’s bustling streets to the calm shores of Faro, the daily rate depends on car type, season, pickup location, and extras. This guide will break everything down so you know exactly what to expect—and how to avoid paying more than you should.

📊 1. Average Daily Rates for 2025

The cost for a 24-hour rental in Portugal changes with the season, car type, and demand.

Low season: January–March, November
High season: July–August

💡 Tip: Rates can spike by over 50% during summer holidays, so early booking pays off.

📍 2. Pickup Location and Price Differences

The city or airport where you collect your rental can significantly influence the rate.

✈️ Airports usually have better availability, while city centers may cost more but save you time if you’re already downtown.

📦 3. What’s Included in the Daily Rate

Most base prices cover:

• ✅ VAT (23%)
• ✅ Basic third-party liability insurance
• ✅ Airport or location fees

But you’ll pay extra for:

• 🛡️ Full coverage (SCDW) — €10–€25/day
• 👶 Child seats — €5–€8/day
• 🧭 GPS rental — €5–€10/day
• 👥 Extra driver — €5–€12/day
• ⚙️ Automatic transmission — €10–€20/day
• 🚦 Toll transponder — small daily fee

🛢 4. Fuel Costs and Toll Roads

Fuel is an important factor. As of mid-2025, unleaded petrol costs around €1.67 per liter, which means a small car may cost €40–€60 to fill. Choosing “full-to-full” fuel policy is usually the most cost-effective.

🛣 Toll roads in Portugal are common, especially on highways like the A2 and A22. While using an electronic toll pass is convenient, watch for post-trip charges—some drivers have been surprised with high toll bills weeks after returning their cars.

📅 5. Real Examples – March 2025

Here’s a snapshot of 24-hour rates from different locations in the same month:

📉 6. Seasonal Price Drop – Winter Savings

One-day rentals are up to 60% cheaper in winter compared to summer.

Example:

• ❄️ Winter average: €28.94/day
• ☀️ Summer average: €43.47/day

If your itinerary is flexible, visiting in February or November can dramatically lower costs.

🛠 7. When a One-Day Rental Makes Sense

A single day rental works well if you:

• 🚖 Need airport-to-city transport and plan to explore on the way
• 🏖 Take a coastal trip from Faro to Lagos
• 🏰 Visit historic sites like Sintra or Évora from Lisbon
• 💼 Have a short business trip with multiple stops

Just remember: returning the car late—even by an hour—often means paying for a whole extra day.

💡 8. How to Maximize Your 24-Hour Rental

• 📅 Book early in summer to lock in lower rates.
• ⏱ Return on time—late returns can cost a full day’s rate.
• 🛑 Avoid extras unless necessary; GPS can be replaced with a phone app.
• 🏙 Consider off-airport pickups for lower fees.
• 🔍 Compare multiple agencies before booking.
• 🛡 Check your credit card insurance—it may cover collision damage.

🗣 9. Traveler Insights

• 🛣 Long distances = higher fuel cost—factor that in.
• 💳 Some “cheap” offers exclude mandatory insurance or deposits—read the fine print.
• 📸 Take photos of the car before and after rental to avoid disputes.

🎯 Final Thoughts

In 2025, a full-day rental in Portugal can cost anywhere between €14 and €50 for standard cars. While one-day rates are higher per hour than multi-day rentals, they can still be the best choice for certain itineraries. With the right planning—booking smart, avoiding unnecessary fees, and timing your trip right—you can make the most of your short-term rental and keep your travel budget on track.