Portugal Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in Portugal

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Lisbon District

Lisbon District

What you need to know for your Portugal car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Portugal

Renting a car in Portugal is an excellent choice for adventure seekers, cultural explorers, and wine enthusiasts alike. With a rental vehicle, you gain the freedom to explore attractions at your own pace, making it easy to manage luggage and maintain flexible travel plans. Whether you're heading to the picturesque Albufeira Old Town Square or relaxing at Falesia Beach, having a car allows you to experience these highlights without the constraints of public transportation.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to discover popular destinations like Lisbon, where you can visit iconic sites such as Rossio Square and Belém Tower, or Porto, known for its historic center and the stunning Dom Luis I Bridge. If you're drawn to beach and outdoor experiences, a trip to Vilamoura Marina offers adventure and leisure. With a car, you can seamlessly transition between cities and coastal gems, ensuring that you capture the essence of Portugal's diverse landscapes and rich culture.

Most popular car rentals in Portugal

  • Compact: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families, compact cars can comfortably fit up to 5 travelers along with 3 medium suitcases. Their small size makes them easy to navigate through narrow streets and tight parking spots, which is especially beneficial in Portugal's bustling urban areas. With excellent fuel efficiency, renting a compact car allows you to explore Portugal's attractions at your own pace while keeping travel costs manageable.
  • Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, midsize SUVs accommodate up to 5 travelers and provide space for up to 3 large suitcases. The added room ensures that everyone enjoys a comfortable ride, making it a great choice for those planning to explore Portugal's scenic landscapes or coastal routes. With an SUV, you can embark on your adventure with confidence, knowing you'll have ample space for both passengers and luggage.
  • Economy: Suitable for solo adventurers, couples, and families alike, economy cars are designed to fit up to 5 travelers and can hold 2 medium suitcases. Their economical design not only makes them budget-friendly but also incredibly easy to maneuver through Portugal's towns and cities. Renting an economy car provides flexibility in your travel plans, allowing you to enjoy the freedom to explore Portugal without worrying about parking or fuel expenses.

10 tips to save on your Portugal car hire

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, use the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so reserving your car well in advance of your trip is advisable. By booking early, you're likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a broader selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Other policies might include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well, provided you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at an airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent any extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Tips for car rentals in Portugal in 2026

Car rental prices in Portugal

To get the right car rental prices in Portugal, it's a good idea to reserve in advance so your car is ready to go once you get to beautiful Faro or land on the remarkable Azores, islands created by volcanic eruptions less than 300 years ago.

 

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in Portugal

Deals for Portugal car rentals are easy to find on Expedia. Just start with your dates, customize for features like unlimited mileage and car class, and search Expedia's massive inventory for a convenient Lisbon airport rental or car in Ponta Delgada. Not sure which car class is the right choice for what could be your best car rental in Portugal? Use Expedia's "Great Deal" filter to see the lowest prices in each category to help you decide between a rugged SUV or a more compact option perfect for Libson's narrow streets.

 

Some of the best places to rent a car in Portugal

Discover everything the breathtaking Atlantic coast has to offer with a Portugal car rental. Find great deals for a rental car in Porto, a historic and vibrant city. Or, with a car rental in Lisbon, you and your family can enjoy an active vacation heading inland throughout beautiful mountains and lush valleys. Depending on how long you need your rental car and what for, you can rent directly from the airport or spend a few days on Madeira for a unique event like the flower festival in Funchal before you explore the rest of the island with a sports car rental in Portugal.

 

Some of the best car rental companies in Portugal

Some of the best car rental companies in Portugal include international brands like Alamo and Avis, but you'll also find great deals and customer service from regional companies like SurPrice. Each company has its own policies and deals for insurance, so if you go through the details in advance, you'll not only get your best choice for a cheap car rental in Portugal, but also a smoother pickup without the hassle.

 

Portugal car rental types

The car class perfect for your adventure depends on how you'll use your rental car in Portugal. You might prefer a SUV for getting off the beaten track in northern Portugal. Or your whole family, luggage and bikes could fit perfectly in a mid-size van for enjoying scenic drives up and down the coast. A luxury car rental in Portugal adds comfort to your romantic vacation for the just the two of you on the southern Atlantic coast. Try out the European approach to city driving with a compact rental and see just how much easier it is to park in the city.

 

Advice on car rental in Portugal as an American

For many car rentals in Portugal, you just need your driver's license, but check with your provider to see if you need an International Driver's Permit as well. It's easy to get by mail or from any AAA location. Make sure you filter for automatic transmission in your search if it's important for your rental car in Portugal to not have a manual transmission. Fuel costs are also higher, so it's important to factor that into your overall car rental cost in Portugal. But you may also be able to improve your fuel economy with the overall slower travel speed on Portugal's beautiful coastal roads.

 

One-way and long-term car rentals in Portugal

Lock in a one-way car rental in Portugal from Porto to Faro to explore all of Portugal without making a round trip journey. Expedia makes it easy to put in your destinations and browse through a variety of options. If you're taking your time along Portugal's coast or need to get around the secluded part of the Serra da Estrela mountains during a longer stay, then a long-term rental in Portugal from one of Expedia's trusted partners could be the right choice for you.

 

Benefits of booking a car rental in Portugal with Expedia

Searching for car rentals in Portugal is a breeze with Expedia's range of filters and vast number of companies. We also show you a brand's customer recommendation level, so you can make an informed decision. Discounts may also be available when you book your car rental in Portugal together with your flights or hotel on Expedia. And then everything you need is all in one place, so you can sit back and enjoy your island getaway, or your journey from Porto through the lush Douro Valley and majestic Alentejo plains.


*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Portugal car reservation?
Canceling a prepaid reservation with at least six hours notice should allow for a complete refund. But this is not always the case. It's worth checking your booking confirmation and cancellation policy. Still stuck for answers? Jump onto our Customer Service Portal.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Portugal with Expedia?
Expedia makes it a breeze to compare costs, offers and providers, and to check customer recommendations. Combine your Portugal car rental with flight or hotel bookings and you can make even bigger savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Portugal?
The minimum age to rent a car in Portugal is 18. A young driver surcharge will apply, so check before you book and budget for any additional costs. There could also be restrictions on the types of vehicles available to young drivers. For instance, some outlets will only rent out small and medium-sized cars to less-experienced motorists. Requirements may differ between companies, so look over the fine print.
What do you need to rent a car in Portugal?
Any rental company you select will need these two things — your driver's license and credit card. If you choose to opt out of the supplier's insurance plan, proof of other coverage may also be needed. Read your policy so you know what to bring with you to the rental counter.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Portugal?
Yes, and you can find your perfect wheels on our long-term car rental deals page. Simply enter your trip details and we'll show you excellent options from various leading suppliers.
Where can I find a Portugal car rental if I am younger than 25?
Age policies differ between rental suppliers, so you'll have to do a bit of research. Found a Portugal outlet that does rent to under 25s? Great news! Just take note that extra fees often apply to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. The fine print of each rental car you're considering will have all the information you need.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Portugal?
For a safe, stress-free road trip, add Expedia's collision protection while reserving your rental car. This insurance covers your ride against theft, vandalism and collision damage. It also offers customers 24-hour emergency help in times of need. Opt in to this insurance while finalizing your Portugal vehicle with Expedia and save time and money at the rental counter.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation