Cheap Car Rental in Portugal

Tips and advice on renting a car in Portugal

Here we have put together some tips on what to consider when looking for a rental car in Portugal and regions/states such as Lisbon, Douro, Porto, Costa Verde, Minho, Braga, Setúbal, Costa Azul, Aveiro and Ribatejo.

Are there several of you who will drive the car? Where are you going?

Extra driver? If more than one person is driving the car, this must be stated at the time of booking or at the company upon arrival. Remember that there may be restrictions on driving the car to other countries and taking the car from or to islands such as Madeira, São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Santa Maria, Porto Santo, Graciosa and Flores.

Refuel the car before returning it

Different companies have different fuel conditions. If the car is to be refueled before return, do so to avoid extra fees from the rental car company. Some smaller companies have an administrative fee for refueling the car if it is to be left empty, which is stated in the conditions but not always in the total price. Look extra carefully at the refueling regulations! If the company has 'Pick up full, drop off empty' then there may be an administrative fee for refueling. Any fee is stated during the booking. It is often the cheaper companies that have 'Pick up full, drop off empty'.

Book as early as possible

Book as early as possible, it will usually be more expensive if you wait. In large cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Amadora, Braga, Setúbal, Coimbra, Queluz, Funchal, Cacém and Vila Nova de Gaia, prices often rise the later you book. It can also be difficult to find cars at major airports such as Lisbon-Portela Airport, Porto Airport, Madeira Funchal Airport, Lajes Terceira Airport, Faro Algarve Airport, Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport, São Jorge Airport, Horta Airport, Santa Maria Airport and Porto Santo Airport, if you wait too long.

Do a quick inspection upon pickup

Inspect and examine the rental car when you pick it up. Check that all damages, scratches and dents are included in the condition report. Check how big the deductible is! What often differentiates between smaller, cheaper companies in Portugal and larger global companies is the amount of the deductible. Also read the conditions carefully when it comes to how the car is to be returned. Smaller local companies may have an administrative fee if the car is to be returned with an empty tank. Any fee is stated in our terms and conditions when you apply.

Compare prices from several companies and book the rental car on the Internet

Searching and booking car rental on the Internet becomes cheaper and it is easier and takes less time. Compare many companies and sites to find the best price. Autoprio.com compares several companies at the same time in a single search via Cartrawler. We do not own any cars but only compare prices from different companies such as e.g. Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Thrifty, National, Enterprise, Alamo and Dollar, etc.

Is free mileage / free miles included?

Check that free mileage is included in the rent. If free mileage is not included, check that the number of kilometers in the contract is sufficient. All major companies have unlimited mileage, but less expensive companies may have a maximum mileage per day.

Review the contract & terms carefully

Review and read the rental conditions before booking the rental car. Autoprio.com offers rental cars from several different rental car companies and the conditions differ between the different companies. Smaller companies may have administrative fees to be paid on site that relate to refueling after return. Any fees are stated during the booking. Review and read the contract when you pick up your rental car. Autoprio.com offers cheap rental cars from several different rental car companies in Portugal and the contract differs between the different companies. If there is something you do not understand in the contract, ask someone from the company on site or contact us directly.

Frequently asked questions about car rental & renting a car in Portugal

How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Portugal?

On average, a normal-sized rental car in Portugal costs approx. € 700 per month (€ 25 per day). A smaller rental car costs approx. € 308 per month. The best prices can be found in the largest cities such as Coimbra, Vila Nova de Gaia, Lisbon, Braga, Setúbal, Cacém, Funchal, Porto, Queluz and Amadora. The price for the rental car shown is based on a monthly all inclusive rent for 28 days. The offer can be changed or at short notice completely removed by the various car rental companies. Larger cars, luxury cars, vans and moving cars cost more.

How much do you charge for excess in Portugal?

The excess amount depends on the car hire company and the rented vehicle and it will be refunded within 10-28 days after the rental if there has been no damage. Cartrawler offer damage refund insurance in association with Autoprio.com insurance partners, which will allow you to claim for reimbursement in the event that you have been charged for collision damage or theft. This damage refund insurance can be purchased at the time of booking.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Portugal?

Renting a small car in Portugal costs from about € 11 per day and up, depending on the season and supply (2023). Renting a normal-sized car costs from about € 25 / day. Larger cars, luxury cars, vans and moving cars cost more. How much it costs to rent a car depends on the time of year, range of cars, country and what type of car you plan to rent. Sometimes you can find a cheaper rental car depending on the season. In the majority of cases the rental price includes breakdown assistance, collision damage waiver, third party liability protection, airport fee, tax and unlimited mileage. Please note that the costs included may vary depending on the car rental company and destination country. The car hire company may also choose to ask you for a deposit or excess at the rental desk. Make sure to check the rental conditions at the time of booking. The price for the rental car shown is per day and is based on a weekly all inclusive rental for 7 days. The offer can be changed or removed at short notice by the various rental companies.

What is the best rental car company in Portugal?

Based on ratings and reviews on autoprio.com, the best car rental companies in Portugal are Sixt, Thrifty, Hertz, National, Avis, Budget and Europcar. You can find these car hire companies in cities like Coimbra, Vila Nova de Gaia, Lisbon, Braga, Setúbal, Cacém, Funchal, Porto, Queluz and Amadora.

How much does it cost to rent a minibus in Portugal?

How much it costs to rent a 9-seater minibus in Portugal depends on the time of year, the supply of buses in different cities such as Lisbon, Queluz, Coimbra, Braga, Porto, Setúbal, Cacém, Funchal and Amadora etc. In Portugal you can find a 9-seater minibus from about € 43 / day. Do a search with Autoprio.com and easily see all current prices for minibuses right now. The price for the minibus shown is per day and is based on a weekly rental for 7 days. The offer can be changed or removed at short notice by the various rental companies.

Are there extra charges for drop-off at a different location in Portugal?

Yes, in most cases the car rental agents like Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget and Europcar will charge an extra fee if you wish to return the vehicle at a different location in Portugal. We will clearly state whether the one-way fee is included in the rental price or what additional cost may arise at the time of booking at Autoprio.com.

Are there any cross-border charges if you want to leave Portugal?

The car rental agents like Sixt, Thrifty, Hertz, National, Avis, Budget and Europcar may choose to charge you for cross-border travel. Any fees will need to be paid at the rental desk in Portugal in local currency. We will state whether cross-border travel is allowed and in which countries at the time of booking under rental conditions at Autoprio.com.

Can I book without a credit card in Portugal?

Yes. You can make a booking without a credit card with Autoprio.com in Portugal. Note that, even if you choose to pay by debit card, you will have to provide a valid credit card in the driver’s name at the time of pick-up since the rental agent requires a credit card from which to take the rental deposit. Credit cards accepted for pick-up are MasterCard, Visa, and in some cases American Express.

Do I need an international driver’s licence in Portugal?

If your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet (i.e. Arabic, Greek, Russian or Chinese) you will need to bring an international driving licence and your domestic licence in Portugal. If you are renting abroad (outside your country of residence, or outside where your license was issued), an international drivers licence is usually required regardless of the alphabet. International driver’s licences must be accompanied by the original domestic licence of the driver.

How much does it cost to rent a cargo van in Portugal?

How much it costs to rent a van, moving truck or small truck in Portugal depends on the time of year and the range of models in different cities and airports. In Portugal you can find a smaller truck or van from about € 50 / day, medium truck from about € 65 / day, large van from about € 75 / day.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Portugal?

In the past 14 days, the cheapest rental cars were found on Autoprio.com at 2Rent, Auto Turistica, 296 Rentacar, Drive4Less, Angrauto, Bravacar, Autatlantis and Drive on Holidays in cities like Coimbra, Vila Nova de Gaia, Lisbon, Braga, Setúbal, Cacém, Funchal, Porto, Queluz and Amadora, etc and at airports like Lisbon-Portela Airport, Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport, Faro Algarve Airport, Porto Airport, Lajes Terceira Airport and Madeira Funchal Airport, etc. In the larger cities you can find a rental car for € 11 - 25 per day.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in Portugal?

Most car hire companies have a minimum age limit of 21 years for rentals. However, requirements may vary depending on the car rental company and destination country. Please note that there may be additional charges if the main driver is under 25 or over 75 years old to cover the extra insurance cost. Any additional fee will be mentioned at the time of booking under summary of charges before you confirm the reservation at Autoprio.com.

What are the most popular car rental locations in Portugal?

Based on searches on autoprio.com, the most popular cities to rent a car in Portugal are Rio de Mouro, Felgueiras, Funchal, Coimbra, Cacém, Evora, Lisbon, Braga, Loures, Vila Nova de Gaia, Setúbal, Algueirão, Queluz, Porto and Amadora. The most popular airports are Lisbon-Portela Airport, Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport, Faro Algarve Airport, Porto Airport, Lajes Terceira Airport and Madeira Funchal Airport.

How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Portugal?

On average, a normal-sized rental car in Portugal costs approx. € 175 per week (€ 25 per day). A smaller rental car costs approx. € 77 per week. Best prices can be found in major cities such as Coimbra, Vila Nova de Gaia, Lisbon, Braga, Setúbal, Cacém, Funchal, Porto, Queluz and Amadora. The price for the rental car shown is based on a weekly all inclusive rental for 7 days. The offer can be changed or removed at short notice by the various rental companies. Do a search with Autoprio.com and easily see all current prices for rental cars right now.

Which costs are included in the rental price in Portugal?

In the majority of cases the rental price includes breakdown assistance, collision damage waiver, third party liability protection, airport fee, tax and unlimited mileage. Please note that the costs included may vary depending on the car rental company and destination. The car hire company may also choose to ask you for a deposit or excess at the rental desk in Portugal. Make sure to check the rental conditions at the time of booking at Autoprio.com.

How can I find car rentals near me in Portugal?

Do a search for the city, island or airport closest to you in Portugal. A search for country or e.g. island in Portugal lists the largest airports like Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport, Porto Santo Airport, Lisbon-Portela Airport, Lajes Terceira Airport, Faro Algarve Airport, Santa Maria Airport, Horta Airport, Porto Airport, São Jorge Airport and Madeira Funchal Airport. Then take a look at our map of cheap car hire companies to find the best rental cars near you.