Compare car hire at Lisbon Airport, including rental companies, desk locations, typical prices, and the most popular cars to rent.
Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport) is the busiest airport in Portugal and one of the most convenient places to collect a rental car in the country. Most car hire companies operate directly inside the terminal or from the nearby airport car rental centre, making it easy to pick up a vehicle shortly after landing.
Many visitors renting a car here plan road trips across Portugal, including journeys south to the Algarve or north toward Porto. If you are continuing your trip elsewhere in the country, you may also want to compare options for car hire in Faro or explore the wider guide to car hire in Portugal.
Official information about airport facilities and transport connections can be found on the Lisbon Airport official website.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
Most rental companies at Lisbon Airport operate from the dedicated car rental area inside Terminal 1 arrivals. After completing the paperwork, vehicles are usually collected from the nearby airport car rental parking facility.
The airport is located around 7 km from Lisbon city centre, and drivers normally reach the centre in about 15–20 minutes via the Segunda Circular or Avenida Infante Dom Henrique.
Driving regulations and road safety rules in Portugal are explained by the national mobility authority at Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes.
Car Hire Companies at Lisbon Airport
The following international and local rental companies operate at Lisbon Airport. Desks are generally located inside Terminal 1 arrivals.
- Hertz – Terminal 1 Arrivals, Lisbon Airport, Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, 1700-111 Lisbon, Portugal
- Avis – Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall, Lisbon Airport, Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, Lisbon
- Europcar – Car Rental Centre, Lisbon Airport, Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, Lisbon
- Sixt – Terminal 1 Arrivals, Lisbon Airport, Lisbon, Portugal
- Enterprise – Lisbon Airport Car Rental Desk, Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, Lisbon
- Budget – Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall, Lisbon Airport, Lisbon
- Goldcar – Lisbon Airport Car Hire Centre, Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, Lisbon
After completing the rental agreement, customers are directed to the airport car rental parking area to collect their vehicle.
Popular Cars to Rent at Lisbon Airport
The most popular rental vehicles at Lisbon Airport fall into three main categories: budget city cars, family vehicles, and luxury models.
Budget Cars
Small hatchbacks are the most commonly rented vehicles because they are affordable and easier to park in Lisbon’s narrow streets.
- Renault Clio
- Volkswagen Polo
- Fiat 500
- Opel Corsa
These cars are ideal for couples or short city stays.
Family Cars
For longer journeys or road trips across Portugal, many travellers choose a larger compact vehicle or estate car.
- Volkswagen Golf
- Ford Focus
- Peugeot 308
- Skoda Octavia
These cars offer more luggage space and comfort for longer motorway drives.
Luxury and Premium Cars
Premium vehicles are available at Lisbon Airport for business travel or higher-end trips.
- BMW 5 Series
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Audi A6
Luxury cars typically come with higher rental prices and larger deposit requirements.
Typical Car Hire Prices at Lisbon Airport
Rental prices vary throughout the year depending on tourism demand. Summer is usually the most expensive period, while winter months tend to be cheaper.
| Season | Economy Car | Family Car | Luxury Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €18 – €35 | €35 – €60 | €90 – €150 |
| April – June | €25 – €50 | €45 – €80 | €120 – €200 |
| July – August | €45 – €90 | €80 – €150 | €180 – €320 |
| September – October | €30 – €60 | €55 – €95 | €130 – €230 |
| November – December | €20 – €40 | €40 – €70 | €100 – €180 |
Driving from Lisbon Airport
Lisbon Airport connects directly to several major roads, making it easy to start a road trip immediately after collecting your car.
- A1 motorway – main route north toward Porto
- A2 motorway – route south toward the Algarve
- Segunda Circular – main road into central Lisbon
If you are planning a longer journey, some travellers collect a car here and return it elsewhere, such as when continuing to rent a car in Faro at the end of an Algarve trip.
Popular Day Trips from Lisbon Airport
Hiring a car from Lisbon Airport makes it easy to explore destinations close to the capital.
- Sintra – around 30 minutes from Lisbon and famous for its palaces and mountain scenery.
- Cascais – about 40 minutes away and known for beaches and coastal scenery.
- Óbidos – a historic medieval town roughly one hour north of Lisbon.
Drivers travelling further north sometimes continue toward Porto car hire options to explore Portugal’s northern regions.
Documents Needed to Collect a Rental Car
- Full driving licence
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the main driver’s name
- Booking confirmation
Some travellers may also need an International Driving Permit depending on the country where their licence was issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to rent a car at Lisbon Airport?
Yes. Lisbon Airport has a dedicated car rental area inside Terminal 1 arrivals where most suppliers operate desks.
How far is Lisbon Airport from the city centre?
The airport is about 7 km from central Lisbon and the drive usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car?
Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although they are less common than manual vehicles and should be booked early.
Can I return the car outside office hours?
Many airport suppliers allow after-hours returns using a drop box.
Is unlimited mileage included?
Many rental deals include unlimited mileage, but this depends on the supplier.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 or 23 years old.
Are there toll roads near Lisbon?
Yes. Several Portuguese motorways including the A1 and A2 use toll systems.
Can I drive a rental car from Lisbon to Spain?
Some suppliers allow cross-border travel with prior permission.
Should I book Lisbon Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually gives better prices and vehicle availability.
