Best Car Rental Companies in Lisbon (2026): How to Choose

Choosing the best car rental company in Lisbon usually comes down to more than the brand. Prices, deposits, insurance, collection points and vehicle availability can vary significantly for the same dates.

The easiest approach is to compare several Lisbon car rental companies first, then check the conditions of the supplier offering the best overall deal.

Compare car rental prices in Lisbon on KAYAK to see current prices and availability across multiple rental companies.

Best car rental companies in Lisbon: quick comparison

There is no single rental company that is cheapest or best for every trip. Prices change according to your dates, vehicle category and collection location, so compare the same type of car before choosing.

If price is important, avoid checking only one company. The cheapest supplier for one week can be considerably more expensive for another.

Compare Lisbon car rental deals on KAYAK before booking directly with any individual company.

How we compared Lisbon car rental companies

This guide does not choose companies solely by their lowest advertised rate. We considered:

• Availability in Lisbon and at Lisbon Airport;

• Choice of vehicle categories;

• Suitability for one-way and longer road trips;

• Convenience of the collection location;

• Clarity of deposits, insurance and fuel conditions;

• The type of traveller each company is most likely to suit.

Conditions can vary between branches belonging to the same company. Always check recent feedback for the exact collection location rather than relying only on the brand’s overall reputation.

1. Guerin: a strong Portuguese rental company

Guerin is one of Portugal's established car rental companies and has locations across the country. It is particularly convenient for travellers planning longer Portugal road trips or collecting in Lisbon and returning elsewhere.

However, do not assume Guerin will automatically offer the best price. Search your exact dates and compare its offer with other companies before booking.

Pay particular attention to the security deposit, insurance excess, toll-device conditions and opening hours of the specific branch.

Best for: Portugal road trips and travellers who prefer a Portuguese rental network
Check first: deposit, excess, toll-device fee and branch conditions

2. Sixt: useful for automatic and larger cars

Sixt is worth checking if you need an automatic car, SUV or larger vehicle. These categories can have more limited availability in Portugal, particularly during summer.

Automatic cars are generally more expensive than manuals, so comparing equivalent vehicles across several suppliers can make a noticeable difference to the total rental price.

Best for: automatic cars, families and larger vehicle categories
Check first: excess, mileage and airport or shuttle collection

3. Europcar: useful for one-way rentals

Europcar has locations throughout Portugal, making it useful for itineraries that start in Lisbon and finish in Porto, Faro or another city.

One-way charges can vary considerably, so compare the complete price rather than the advertised daily rate. A car with a cheaper base rate can become more expensive once the return-location fee is added.

Best for: multi-city trips and one-way rentals
Check first: one-way fee, mileage allowance and return hours

4. Hertz, Avis and Budget: familiar international options

Hertz, Avis and Budget are useful alternatives for travellers who prefer large international rental companies and a familiar booking process.

They can also provide good availability at Lisbon Airport, but prices and rental conditions vary by branch and date.

Compare the deposit, insurance, fuel conditions and total rental price rather than choosing purely based on the brand.

Best for: familiar brands and airport collection
Check first: credit-card requirement, fuel policy and insurance cost

Compare car rental prices before choosing a company

Car rental prices in Lisbon are highly date-sensitive. The company offering the lowest rate today may not be the cheapest for your trip.

A comparison platform such as KAYAK lets you search several suppliers using the same dates, pickup location and vehicle category. This makes it easier to identify meaningful price differences before opening each individual offer.

Check who actually supplies the vehicle and read the rental conditions before paying, particularly the deposit, cancellation rules, fuel policy and insurance excess.

Search car rentals in Lisbon on KAYAK

Lisbon Airport or city-centre car rental?

Lisbon Airport generally offers the largest selection of rental companies and vehicle categories. It makes most sense if you plan to leave Lisbon immediately for the Algarve, Alentejo, Porto or another part of Portugal.

If you are spending several days in central Lisbon first, renting a car immediately is usually unnecessary. Parking is limited and public transport is easier for exploring the city.

In that case, collect your car on the day you leave Lisbon.

For more details about suppliers, pickup points and returning a vehicle, read our Lisbon Airport car rental guide.

Insurance and deposits

The cheapest displayed rental price does not necessarily mean the cheapest final booking.

Check the security deposit and collision-damage excess before paying. Also look at exclusions such as tyres, wheels, glass, roof, underbody and keys.

Some insurance products reduce the amount you may have to pay directly to the rental company, while others reimburse costs after a claim. Read the exact conditions rather than comparing only the insurance price.

Toll roads in Portugal

Portugal has both conventional toll roads and electronic-only toll systems.

Rental companies commonly offer a toll transponder, but the fee and billing process vary. Ask whether there is a daily service fee and how toll charges are collected after your rental.

This is particularly relevant if you are driving towards the Algarve, Porto or inland Portugal.

Planning to head south? See our Lisbon to Algarve road trip.

Fuel, mileage and additional drivers

A full-to-full fuel policy is generally the easiest option: collect the vehicle with a full tank and return it full. Keep the final fuel receipt and photograph the gauge.

Check the mileage allowance before booking. A limited-mileage rate might be adequate for a short trip around Lisbon but expensive for a longer journey through Portugal.

Every person who intends to drive should be named on the rental agreement. Allowing an unregistered driver to use the vehicle may invalidate the insurance.

Can you take a Lisbon rental car into Spain?

Many companies permit cross-border driving into Spain, but permission should never be assumed.

Tell the supplier before booking and confirm:

• That cross-border travel is allowed;

• The additional fee;

• Whether roadside assistance extends to Spain;

• Whether the insurance remains valid;

• Whether an international one-way return is permitted.

Returning a Portuguese rental car in Spain is much more restrictive and expensive than simply driving across the border and bringing it back to Portugal.

How to find the best car rental deal in Lisbon

When comparing car rentals, use this order:

1. Choose your pickup and return location.

2. Search the same dates across several suppliers.

3. Compare the total price for the same car category.

4. Check the security deposit.

5. Review the insurance excess and exclusions.

6. Check fuel, mileage and toll conditions.

7. Read recent reviews for the specific branch.

A slightly higher rental price can be worthwhile if it includes better conditions, a smaller deposit or a more convenient collection point.

Common Lisbon car rental mistakes

Avoid these frequent mistakes:

1. Renting a car while staying in central Lisbon;

2. Choosing only by the lowest daily price;

3. Ignoring the security deposit;

4. Arriving without the required credit card;

5. Confusing excess cover with complete insurance;

6. Assuming every airport supplier has a terminal desk;

7. Forgetting to photograph existing damage;

8. Ignoring electronic tolls;

9. Booking a manual car when you need an automatic;

10. Driving into Spain without written permission;

11. Returning the car late or to the wrong location;

12. Failing to retain fuel and return receipts.

FAQ – Car rental in Lisbon

What is the best car rental company in Lisbon?

There is no single best company for every trip. Guerin, Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis and Budget are all established options, but prices and conditions vary. Compare several suppliers for your exact dates before choosing.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Lisbon?

The cheapest company changes according to your dates, pickup location and vehicle category. Use a comparison search rather than assuming one supplier is always cheaper.

Is it cheaper to rent a car at Lisbon Airport?

Lisbon Airport often has greater availability and competition, although airport fees may apply. Compare the total price with city-centre rental locations.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Lisbon?

Many rental companies require a credit card in the main driver's name to hold the security deposit. Check the conditions of your specific booking.

Should I rent a car to visit Lisbon?

Usually not. Central Lisbon is easier to explore on foot and by metro, tram, bus or taxi. A rental car becomes useful when you leave the city for a wider Portugal road trip.

Are automatic rental cars available in Lisbon?

Yes. Automatic cars are widely available but generally cost more and have less availability than manual vehicles, particularly during peak periods.

Is it expensive to rent a car in Lisbon?

Prices change according to season, booking lead time, vehicle type, transmission and insurance. Automatic cars and summer rentals normally cost more. Compare the complete price rather than the advertised daily rate.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Portugal?

This depends on where your licence was issued and the supplier’s rules. Drivers with licences from outside the European Union should verify the requirements before travelling. Portugal’s official tourism information states that renters generally need valid identification and a driving licence held for more than one year.

Do Lisbon rental cars include tolls?

Tolls are normally charged separately. Many cars have an electronic device, but rental and administrative fees differ between suppliers.