Car Rental in Portugal
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Lisbon Airport
Mini Elite
Fiat 500
or similar
$2.05
per day
Porto Airport
Mini
Chevrolet Spark
or similar
$2.34
per day
Lisbon Airport
Economy
Fiat Punto
or similar
$2.79
per day
Lisbon Airport
Compact
Fiat Tipo
or similar
$3.90
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Lisbon Airport
Economy Elite SUV
Nissan Juke
or similar
$4.32
per day
Lisbon Prior Velho
Standard SUV
Volkswagen T-Roc
or similar
$6.25
per day
Lisbon Airport
Compact Elite SUV
Volkswagen T-Roc
or similar
$6.68
per day
Porto Airport
Full-size
Peugeot 308 STW
or similar
$6.76
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 10:37 AM on 11/4/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Languages
Portuguese
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+351
Average car rental price
$4 per day
Average car rental length
9 days
Speed limit within town
20 - 50 km/h or 12 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
90 - 120 km/h or 56 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gas price
$1.74 per liter or $6.58 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.57 per liter or $5.96 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.97 per liter or $7.44 per gallon
Why rent a car in Portugal?
Portugal is a wonderful country to explore by car. From the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto to relaxing beaches in the Algarve, historical gems like Sintra, and surfing meccas like Peniche and Nazaré, there are countless places to discover, and having your own ride will allow you to see and experience them all on the same trip.
This article is about mainland Portugal and the island of Madeira. For information about the Azores Islands, see the article on Portugal-Azores.
If you want to know more about renting a car in Portugal, don't miss our complete guide.
One-way Car Rentals in Portugal
Here are the most popular one-way rental options for pickup in Portugal and drop off in another country:
- From Portugal to Spain - 336 offers from $51.03 per day
- From Portugal to Germany - 48 offers from $158.22 per day
- From Portugal to Italy - 24 offers from $158.72 per day
- From Portugal to France - 24 offers from $158.72 per day
Top ways to enter Portugal
- Lisbon Airport: Portugal’s largest airport serves flights to and from nearly all European countries, as well as destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- Porto Airport: Large, modern, and well-connected, Porto Airport is popular with low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair.
- Faro Airport: Well-connected to the rest of Europe and especially busy during the summer, Faro Airport serves the southern region of the Algarve.
- Madeira Funchal Airport: Located on Madeira’s southeastern coast, Funchal Airport connects the island to mainland Portugal as well as many destinations in Europe and is served by more than 40 different airlines. There are direct flights from London, Manchester, Rome, Geneva, Paris, and even New York.
- By land: If your rental supplier permits it, you can rent a car in a neighboring country and then drive to Portugal. Some large international airports near Portugal are Malaga Airport, Seville Airport, and Madrid Airport, which are all in Spain.
Top cities and places to visit
- Lisbon: Portugal’s capital is often mentioned as one of the most interesting cities in Europe, and that’s for a good reason - it has rich culture, outstanding cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Porto and the North: Different in looks and atmosphere from its large southern rival, Lisbon, Porto is just as fascinating. A metropolis of arts and architecture, it is the capital of Northern Portugal, a historical region, famous for its wine, worth exploring in its own right.
- Algarve: Portugal’s southernmost region is famous for its beaches, as well as charming little towns like Albufeira, Lagos, and Sagres on the Atlantic Coast. Traveling the roads less traveled that lead inland and higher up into the mountains to towns like Monchique can be amazing road trips.
- Sintra: Just a scenic 30-minute drive away from Lisbon, the entire town of Sintra and its natural surroundings have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attractions include Sintra National Palace and the Moorish Castle, as well as other historical monuments of architecture.
- Aveiro: A city dating back to pre-Roman times, Aveiro is known for its canals (and like Venice, gondolas traveling through them), art noveau architecture, and stunning cathedrals.
- Madeira: often referred to as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," is an incredible, island destination offering stunning natural landscapes, rich culture and traditional cuisine. Its rugged beauty, ranging from high cliffs to lush forests, along with unique levada hikes, make it an adventurer's paradise. Additionally, the vibrant local festivals and exceptional gastronomy, featuring Madeira wine and fresh seafood, offer a taste of the island's unique cultural flavor, making a visit to Madeira a truly enriching experience.
Most popular rental car
The most popular rental car in Portugal is the VW Polo, but travelers also tend to pick the Ford Fiesta and the Fiat 500. Many of the cities in Portugal have smaller roads in certain parts, which were built centuries ago. These roads often only facilitate smaller vehicles, which is why compact rentals car is so popular in Portugal.
Driver's license requirements
- Portugal recognizes valid foreign driver’s licenses that are written in a Latin alphabet for visits shorter than six months.
- If you’re in Portugal for longer than six months or live there permanently, the law requires you to obtain a Portuguese driver’s license.
- If your driver’s license is printed in a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you may also be required to have an IDP.
- Even if you have an IDP, you must also carry your original driver’s license as you might be required to present both.
- You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times.
- You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
- Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
- There may be additional requirements depending on the rental supplier and car category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.
- Most rental car companies in Portugal will require your credit card details on file as a security for renting the car.
Crossing borders
Portugal shares a border with only one other country, Spain. Like Portugal, Spain is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, meaning that the entry requirements for both countries are the same.
Some rental suppliers allow you to cross national borders and even drop off your car in a different country, while others don’t. If you’d like to travel to Spain in your rental car, make sure to check the rental conditions before booking. Learn more about cross-border rentals on our Help Center.
Most popular types of rental car
The most popular rental car type in Portugal is an Economy, followed by Compact and Mini.
Top driving routes
- Alentejo. Nestled snugly between two of Portugal's major tourist magnets, the captivating capital of Lisbon and the sun-kissed coastal allure of the Algarve, lies Alentejo. This expansive agricultural region, notable for its undulating fields and rich farming heritage, presents a distinctive and charming destination for those in search of an authentic Portuguese experience. Alentejo unfolds itself as a picturesque region teeming with pastoral beauty. It's a panorama of rolling hills cloaked in olive groves and golden wheat fields, interspersed with quaint, traditional white-washed villages. As the seasons shift, so too do the colors of the landscape, painting a vibrant living canvas that shifts from emerald green to sun-bleached gold and rich autumn hues.
- Peneda-Gerês National Park. Situated in the extreme northern reaches of Portugal, the Peneda-Gerês National Park, often simply referred to as Gerês by the locals, reigns supreme as the largest conserved natural expanse in the country. An extraordinary meld of rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, Gerês encapsulates an unspoiled realm, home to diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Its verdant forests stretch wide across mountainous terrains, diving into deep river valleys, creating a vibrant tapestry that changes with the seasons. The park also boasts a fascinating historical dimension, with traces of human habitation stretching back centuries.The trip from Porto takes only about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
- Spain. Located just over the border is one of Europe’s largest and most interesting countries. A mecca of cuisine, culture, and art, Spain also has plenty to offer in terms of natural riches and fun road trips. Traveling by car between Porto and Galicia, Algarve and Andalusia, or even Lisbon and Madrid is quite common, but make sure to ask your rental supplier in advance if you are permitted to cross the border in your rental car.
Car rental prices
- Convertibles - from $4 per day
- Station wagons - from $4 per day
- Large cars - from $8 per day
- Medium cars - from $3 per day
- Vans - from $10 per day
- Premium cars - from $18 per day
- Small cars - from $2 per day
- SUVs - from $3 per day
Money-saving and other tips
Below, you'll find reviews about traveling in Portugal from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the most frequent things they mentioned:
- Explore Scenic Locations (mentioned frequently): Many travelers highlighted the beauty of Portugal, especially in areas like the Algarve and various islands. Descriptions like "beautiful island" and "great scenery" were common.
- Surfing and Outdoor Activities (mentioned several times): Portugal is noted as a great destination for outdoor activities, particularly surfing. One review specifically mentioned "surfing as much as possible" as the reason for their trip.
- Ease of Travel and Car Rentals (mentioned several times): The ease of getting around Portugal, including car rentals, was a recurring theme. While most experiences were positive, car rentals were frequently mentioned.
- Hospitality and Local Culture (mentioned several times): Visitors often commented on the warmth and hospitality of the locals, enhancing their overall experience.
- Crowded Tourist Spots (mentioned a few times): Some popular tourist destinations were noted for being crowded, particularly during peak seasons.
- Dining Experiences (mentioned a few times): Many travelers enjoyed the local cuisine, with mentions of "great food" and "good dining experiences."
You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Portugal:
- Compare rates of different rental suppliers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit in the month when the rental prices are the lowest. According to our data, visiting Portugal is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 50% cheaper than the yearly average and a whopping 66% cheaper than renting a car in November.
Fact checked by
Jackson Groves
This article was reviewed and updated by Jackson Groves, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own.
The 30 most popular cities in Portugal
The 16 most popular locations in Portugal
Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Portugal?
The cost of renting a car in Portugal varies by season. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Average rental costs per day in Portugal
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Portugal is January — when rental costs average $11.96 per day. This is 44% cheaper than the yearly average and 67% cheaper than renting a car in August (when prices average $36.17 per day).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
What’s the average rental length in Portugal?
How long renters typically keep their vehicle sometimes varies depending on the time of year. Travelers tend to keep their rental cars longer in January — an average of 10 days. They tend to keep them for a shorter time in April — an average of 8 days.
Average number of rental days in Portugal
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Portugal?
Based on how many customers search for a car in Portugal, the most popular month is August, while the least popular is January.
Monthly searches in Portugal by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Car rental locations | 172 |
| Airport locations | 5 |
| Popular suppliers | Drive on Holidays, Goldcar, Rentx Car Rental, SIXT, Klass Wagen |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars |
| Lowest price | $2 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Klass Wagen |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldcar | Fiat Panda | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Drive on Holidays | Volkswagen Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Drive on Holidays | Renault Captur | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Rent-a-Star | Mercedes Benz A Class | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Way2Azores Rent | Citroen C3 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Goldcar | Opel Corsa | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Klass Wagen | Volkswagen Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Rentx Car Rental | Opel Corsa | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Way2Azores Rent | Fiat Panda | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Goldcar | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
PS
United Kingdom
Ford Puma
10/28/24
CZ
Poland
Volkswagen Polo
10/26/24
TG
Portugal
Fiat 500
10/23/24
DK
Slovakia
Fiat Panda
10/20/24
My great experience included literally all of it: nature spots, activities, restaurants, etc.
DA
Dominican Republic
BMW 1 Series
10/19/24
Portugal is a beautiful country, people, food, history and nature.
PM
United Kingdom
Opel Corsa Hatchback
10/18/24
Our visit to the Algarve was amazing there is so much to do and see,the beaches are so beautiful we keep coming back year after year. Fabulous restaurants with a vast choice of cuisines.
FA
Canada
Renault Captur
10/18/24
Visiting Portugal is always a delight
BC
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
10/17/24
Drive many miles, around the island. All beautiful!
KT
United Kingdom
Fiat Panda
10/16/24
EM
United States of America (USA)
Dacia Sandero Stepway
10/14/24
Madeira was stunning. We loved exploring the north side of the island. There were so many beautiful landscapes!
JS
Canada
Skoda Scala STW
10/11/24
Portugal is beautiful and we had a great time eating the lovely food and drinking the wine!
MK
United States of America (USA)
Citroen C3
10/9/24
ED
Australia
Peugeot 3008
10/7/24
We drove from Lisbon to Algarve, then up north to Minho and back to Lisbon, with a myriad of stops throughout. From the beaches and islands of the Ria Formosa nature reserve in the Algarve to the Incredible wine country of the Minho, and the cultural richness of every small and large city we stopped in throught the country, just wow! The views were spectacular, the food incredible, all those typical tourist spots are typical because they are unforgettable and the people are the best!
MP
United States of America (USA)
Opel Corsa
10/5/24
Restaurant Diane in Braga is outstanding!
DW
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen Up
9/29/24
Toured most of Portugal and really enjoyed the scenery both up north and in the southern part of the country.
CE
Mauritius
Seat Ibiza
9/29/24
We drove to Lagos from Lisbon and it was an amazing trip.
CG
Netherlands
Fiat Tipo
9/28/24
Cable Car in Funchal was really amazing. Driving to to Nord was also amazing. Als we have seen was amazing.
TB
Hungary
Skoda Fabia
9/28/24
Hiking, beach...
LR
Canada
Peugeot 2008
9/27/24
Traveled all around Portugal and saw as much as we could,just a fantastic trip!!
AP
United States of America (USA)
Mercedes Benz GLB
9/25/24
Portugal was a very nice destination. Riding in Tuk Tuks was fun and exciting.
PL
Slovakia
Volkswagen Polo
9/18/24
Almost 1000km driven, beautiful Madeira.
ND
Canada
Fiat Panda
9/17/24
Beaches! Are àmazing
CS
Portugal
Dacia Sandero Stepway
9/15/24
JD
Netherlands
Volkswagen Up
9/15/24
Trip from Sintra to Porto back to Evora and the atlantique cost.
AT
Singapore
Fiat 500X
9/13/24
Canyoning.
Watching the sun rise at Pico Do Arieiro.
Visiting all the amazing beaches.
DO
Ireland
Fiat Panda
9/13/24
beautiful, lots of hikes and natural pools. Loved exploring the island
NT
United Kingdom
Dacia Duster
9/12/24
JN
Canada
Citro?n C3
9/7/24
Porto is a amazing city that as it all , Portugal is full of wonders you just need to explore every day is amazing food is great everywhere beautiful beaches of Algarve history throughout the country
SC
United Kingdom
Peugeot 3008
9/5/24
BB
France
Opel Corsa Hatchback
9/3/24
SE
Portugal
Seat Ibiza
9/3/24
Visiting Piódaõ , WOW!
CM
United Kingdom
Renault Captur
9/2/24
JC
United Kingdom
Renault Captur
8/25/24
MP
Italy
Nissan Juke
8/17/24
JB
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen T-Roc
8/16/24
RL
Denmark
Volkswagen Polo
8/15/24
Holiday, visited the Algarve coast and Lisbon. Great experience and nice to have the car
OK
Ukraine
BMW 1 Series
8/13/24
I had a good time in Portugal, Ocean is something special, country is beautiful.
DM
United States of America (USA)
Fiat Panda
8/9/24
Portugal was amazing!
AH
Israel
Volkswagen T-Roc
8/8/24
Eurostar in porto great hotel
SA
United States of America (USA)
Audi A1
8/2/24
nature, restaurants, lots of driving from location to location, usual staff
CS
Canada
Mitsubishi Space Star
8/2/24
Good food, beautiful beaches ⛱️ and very nice 👌 weather.
SK
Slovakia
Seat Mii
8/2/24
We have seen beautiful nature when being in Portugal. Desided to spend time in farms and little poaces outside of the tourists and it was the best decision:)
PG
Norway
Kia Ceed STW
8/1/24
Used car touring Algarve coast
MD
Denmark
Renault Captur
7/31/24
Lisbon is good city, good food and people.
GC
Netherlands
Kia Stonic
7/29/24
Beautiful island!
AP
Sweden
Kia Ceed STW
7/27/24
Åkte färja från Almada till Lissabon centralstation. Billigt och bekvämt.
HT
Portugal
Peugeot 2008
7/27/24
Having a car is a necessity, Madeira is a beautiful island with lots to see
MC
Romania
Mitsubishi Space Star
7/26/24
Beautiful levadas, amazing vegetation, number one hotel services, friendly people
NR
United Kingdom
Citro?n C3
7/25/24
Great beaches, great restaurants
NS
Canada
Opel Corsa
7/25/24
Portugal is a beautiful country. We enjoy it. It's where I was born so of course there's nothing bad LOL
Car Rental Statistics
Highest-rated company
Renting Madeira
9.5 / 10
Lowest-rated company
RightCars
5.8 / 10
Total number of reviews
2177
Total rental companies
86
Average daily price
$4.38
Lowest daily price
$2.05
Total cars available
12667
Top 86 suppliers in Portugal in 2024
Renting Madeira
2 locations
$35 - $105
Autorent
2 locations
$13 - $86
EPI Rent a Car
3 locations
$57 - $161
Rentx Car Rental
2 locations
$47 - $76
Carfast Rent A Car
2 locations
$16 - $86
Best Deal
6 locations
$12 - $88
InsularCar
4 locations
$17 - $100
Auto Industrial Rent
1 location
$9 - $265
Driving Madeira Rent A Car
4 locations
$12 - $64
Cael
4 locations
$6 - $193
PAA RENT
2 locations
$9 - $81
Discovery Cars
7 locations
$23 - $538
Magic Islands Rent A Car
1 location
$16 - $58
Rodavante
5 locations
$26 - $118
Rent-a-Star
4 locations
$7 - $116
WayGo
2 locations
$4 - $130
PRO RENT
4 locations
$20 - $193
Guerin
28 locations
$10 - $264
Alamo
4 locations
$12 - $388
Drive4Fun
1 location
$16
Golfauto
2 locations
$20 - $122
Opo rent
1 location
$12 - $71
Visacar
7 locations
$11 - $172
Masterkings
62 locations
$7 - $1,146
Drive on Holidays
6 locations
$4 - $213
Enterprise
19 locations
$13 - $208
Madeira Rent
2 locations
$28 - $250
Rent Auto
4 locations
$23 - $71
SIXT
30 locations
$11 - $316
AddCar
1 location
$18 - $103
ABBYCAR
6 locations
$9 - $158
ANC Azores Holidays.PT
1 location
$9 - $158
Cassiano's Rent A Car
2 locations
$15 - $95
Drivalia
27 locations
$8 - $159
Movyng Rent A Car
8 locations
$14 - $668
Yes Car Hire
5 locations
$11 - $194
ACARENT
1 location
$36 - $158
BeRent
2 locations
$5 - $376
United Rent A Car
4 locations
$3 - $1,348
Carwiz
3 locations
$8 - $649
Turisprime
3 locations
$6 - $116
Thrifty
54 locations
$11 - $100
CRC Car Rental Company
2 locations
$3 - $254
Key'n Go
8 locations
$25 - $49
Resolvcar
2 locations
$25 - $49
AUSOCAR RENT-A-CAR
4 locations
$16 - $181
GreenMotion
3 locations
$11 - $188
Dollar
44 locations
$10 - $141
7M Rent A Car
7 locations
$11 - $81
Budget
33 locations
$18 - $114
AirAuto
1 location
$11 - $21
WheeGo
4 locations
$4 - $205
Avis
39 locations
$23 - $127
Vanscape
2 locations
$33 - $84
Drive&Go
1 location
$2 - $64
Europcar
61 locations
$10 - $239
Keddy
52 locations
$8 - $98
Record-go
3 locations
$4 - $74
Hertz
47 locations
$13 - $130
Opcao Rent a Car
2 locations
$6 - $117
Flizzr
10 locations
$7 - $45
Firefly
43 locations
$7 - $20
Specific Rent
4 locations
$4 - $176
Centauro
4 locations
$2 - $53
Sicily By Car
1 location
$7 - $107
First Rent
7 locations
$23 - $213
Cheap rent
4 locations
$4 - $98
Autounion
5 locations
$12 - $107
Auto Prudente Rent A Car
2 locations
$9 - $58
Autocunha Car Rental
1 location
$20 - $24
AD Car Rental
3 locations
$14 - $32
Ok Mobility
5 locations
$3 - $174
North Car Rental
4 locations
$5 - $163
International Car
4 locations
$5 - $149
MillionCarHire
1 location
$21 - $119
Way2Azores Rent
2 locations
$7 - $166
Tangerine Rent A Car
6 locations
$6 - $115
Goldcar
4 locations
$5 - $30
Bravacar
4 locations
$5 - $35
Drive4Move
4 locations
$5 - $115
Surprice
8 locations
$4 - $86
Funchal Drive rent a Car
2 locations
$35 - $46
Ace Rent a car
2 locations
$9 - $246
SilverRent
2 locations
$9 - $246
Klass Wagen
3 locations
$2 - $13
RightCars
3 locations
$6 - $79
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader, we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (4 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 175k+ total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Trustpilot - Top 10 Car Rental Agencies
SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Rental Websites
Highly recommended by our customers
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