11 Best Budget Car Rentals in Lisbon

While the Portuguese capital is walkable, you still want the best budget car rentals in Lisbon for ease of use, especially for day trips out of town.

Finding cheap car rentals can save you money, as you know how expensive flights, accommodation, and food can be.

Here’s a complete guide to finding budget car rentals in Lisbon and more to get you started.

So, before planning your trip, let’s work through the list to get you started.

Before you pick up your rental, make sure you read my guide to driving in Lisbon — the narrow streets, steep hills, and aggressive drivers can catch first-timers off guard.

Quick Comparison: Which Rental Should You Pick?

Short on time? Here is the quick version, followed by a table with all 11 companies side by side.

• Easiest airport pick-up: Recordgo (free shuttle and excess-free cover included in the Flexrent rate).
• Paying with a debit card: Alamo or Guerin.
• One-way trip: Guerin or SIXT.
• Car delivered to your hotel: Golfauto.
• Families and groups: EPI Rent A Car (up to seven seats) or Golfauto (4 to 9 people).
• Free additional driver: RENTAUTO.

Details as described by each company. Prices change by season, so check the current rates before you book. Swipe sideways on a phone to see the whole table.

Want to see real prices for your dates? Compare offers from many Lisbon rental companies in one place. This is an affiliate link, so I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Good to know: prices, deposits, cancellation terms and opening hours change often, and they differ by season. Always confirm the details on the company’s own website before you book.

Where You Can Pick Up Your Car

Show the pick-up locations on a map

Pick-up Addresses

Most companies are at or near Lisbon Airport. Several have their offices in Prior Velho, a few minutes away, and collect you from the terminal. These addresses come from the companies’ own pages and from booking sites, so check your confirmation voucher for the exact meeting point.

• Recordgo: Rua Prof. Henrique de Barros 11, 2685-338 Prior Velho. Free shuttle from the meeting point outside Terminal 1, next to the Aerobus stop.
• Europcar, Alamo and SIXT: desks at Lisbon Airport, Terminal 1 arrivals area. Follow the “Car Rental” signs after you collect your luggage.
• Guerin: Av. Severiano Falcão 3, 2685-379 Prior Velho, plus a kiosk at the airport. The post also lists Alfragide and Cacém, but I could not find street addresses for those.
• Golfauto: a representative meets you in the airport arrivals hall, or delivers the car to your accommodation.
• WayGo: Av. Severiano Falcão 11, 2685-380 Prior Velho.
• SIXT (city branches): Av. da Liberdade 185 (Tivoli), Entreposto, Praça José Queirós 1 (Parque das Nações), Rua Andrade Corvo 31 (Picoas), Rua José Estevão 3 (Estefânia) and Av. Severiano Falcão, Lote 2, Prior Velho (Lisbon North).
• Cael: Rua Braamcamp 52-A, 1250-051 Lisbon. For the airport, a booking site lists an office at Rua 25 de Abril, Lt. 8, 2685-368 Prior Velho.
• Global Rent-A-Car: Av. Severiano Falcão 10, 2685-378 Prior Velho. The agent meets you next to the Vodafone shop in the arrivals hall.
• EPI Rent A Car: pick-up at Lisbon Airport with a shuttle service.
• RENTAUTO: not on the map, because I could not confirm its Lisbon address. Check your booking voucher.

1. Recordgo – Top Pick For Budget Car Rental in Lisbon

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• Pick up and drop off location: Recordgo’s office next to Lisbon Airport, with a free shuttle from Terminal 1.
• Best suited for: Travellers who want excess-free cover included and an easy airport pick-up

Recordgo (also written Record Go) is a car rental company with branches in Lisbon and Porto, and its Lisbon office sits right next to the airport. That makes it a convenient choice if you want to collect your car as soon as you land.

After you land, head to the meeting point just outside Terminal 1, next to the Aerobus stop, and take their free shuttle bus. According to Recordgo, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach the office.

Their Flexrent rate includes Total Comfort cover, which gives you excess-free protection against theft and accident damage, plus premium roadside assistance. That means fewer surprises at the desk than a basic rate with a high excess.

The fleet is made up of modern cars, and Recordgo offers electric, hybrid and automatic cars at Lisbon Airport. An automatic is worth considering if you are not used to driving a manual on Lisbon’s steep, narrow streets.

Prices change with the season and how early you book, so check the current rates, deposit and cancellation terms on recordrentacar.com before you reserve.

2. Europcar – Reliable Budget Car Rental at Lisbon Airport

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• Pick up and drop off location: Humberto Delgado Airport, known as Lisbon  Airport.
• Best suited for: Everyone who accepts major credit cards

One of the best car rentals in Lisbon is Europcar. It is one of Lisbon’s most popular budget car rental providers, conveniently found at the airport.

You will be pleased to know that this company offers you impressive benefits. These include unlimited mileage, basic insurance, and a flexible cancellation policy (as long as it’s done 48 hours before pickup).

Moreover, their rental vehicles are reasonably priced, offering fantastic long-term deals. They provide an extensive range of vehicles in their fleet, enabling you to rent a car conveniently, even at the last minute.

From compact models like Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo to premium options such as BMW 3 series and Volvo V60. For those who want to indulge in luxury, you can even rent a Tesla from Europcar’s collection.

My experience with Europcar: When we explored the Algarve, we rented a yellow Mini Cooper cabriolet from Europcar, and it went super smooth. It was a lot of fun and there were no issues at all. We chose Europcar because of how easy it was back then. We returned the car in less than tip-top shape, but we still did not have to pay anything extra.

One thing to be aware of, though: almost a year later we received a bill by mail for our toll crossings. So ask how tolls are handled when you pick up the car. Planning the same trip? Read my guide on traveling from Lisbon to the Algarve.

3. Alamo – Provides All-Inclusive Rental Packages

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• Pick up and drop off location: Lisbon Airport, previously known as Aeroporto Portela Lisboa.
• Best suited for: Everyone, and they accept debit cards

Alamo is a well-known car rental agency with a global presence that operates in six of the world’s seven continents. It is renowned for its contemporary fleet, affordable rental options, and excellent customer service.

One of the standout features is their transparent pricing policy, which includes insurance, collision damage waiver, and theft protection without hidden costs. They offer automatic and manual transmission rental vehicles, which are categorized to make it easier for customers to find what they want.

Some popular models available for rent include the Fiat 500, Renault Clio, Hyundai Kauai, Toyota C-HR, and the BMW 5 Series STW, which are excellent luxury options. Overall, they are a reliable and trustworthy car rental company providing a hassle-free experience.

4. Guerin – Budget Car Rental Lisbon

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• Pick up and drop off locations: Lisbon Airport, Prior Velho & Cacem, and Alfragide
• Best suited for One-way rentals, and they accept debit cards

Guerin is an excellent option if you rent a car in Portugal. They offer a diverse range of car models, and you can cancel your reservation for free up to 48 hours before your rental.

Moreover, with their online check-in feature, you can avoid long queues at the depot and save time. You can use their one-way rentals if you need a cheap car rental in Lisbon for a road trip across the country.

They have 55 stations throughout Portugal so that you can enjoy maximum flexibility and convenience. From the affordable Fiat 500 to the luxurious BMW 5 Series STW, they provide an extensive selection of vehicles to suit every budget and preference.

Plus, they offer both automatic and manual transmission cars. So, Guerin has covered you no matter what you’re looking for.

5. Golfauto – A Convenient Lisbon Car Rental

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• Pick up and drop off locations: Presents you with drop-off at your accommodation and Lisbon Airport at the rental pickup counter.
• Best suited for convenience and accepts all major credit cards but not debit cards

Golfauto is a rental car company that offers a highly personalized service. One of their unique features is that they have a representative who will meet you at the airport, making it easier for you to locate their office.

The company is committed to transparency, and no hidden fees are associated with its services. With over 30 years of experience in the rental industry, they are a reliable and trustworthy option for anyone looking for a rental car. 

What sets Golfauto apart from other car rental companies is their drop-off service. They’ll deliver the vehicle straight to your hotel or villa, ensuring maximum convenience.

You can find many vehicles in their fleet, including cars that can seat 4-9 people, making it an excellent option for families and groups.

6. WayGo –  Cheap Car Rental In Lisbon

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• Pick up and drop off locations: Av. Severiano Falcão
• Best suited for Budget renters

WayGo is a reliable and affordable option for renting services in Lisbon. Their office is conveniently located just a 3-minute drive from the airport, making it a handy location for travelers.

They offer a range of packages that cater to your needs. One of the best things about choosing them is that they include theft protection, a Collision Damage waiver, and insurance in their packages.

This provides you with added peace of mind during your trip. What sets WayGo apart is their fleet of vehicles, which are all less than two years old. This means that renters can enjoy the affordability of the rates while driving a relatively new car.

The best part is you will have more money to spend on budget restaurants in Lisbon while there. 

7. SIXT –  Luxury Car Hire In Lisbon

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• Pick up and drop off locations: Lisbon Airport, Lisbon North, Lisbon Centre, Lisbon Av. Liberdade/Tivoli & Lisbon Parque das Nacoes
• Best suited for everyone

SIXT is a well-known car rental company that operates in more than 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and Italy.

Their impeccable reputation, top-notch service, and high-quality rental cars make them one of the best options for renting a car in Lisbon. One of the features that sets them apart from other rental companies is their one-way rental service.

This allows you to explore Portugal at your own pace and drop off the car at a different location. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that SIXT requires a valid credit card to rent a car.

You’re sure to find something that fits your needs with a wide variety of cars, ranging from budget-friendly to spacious family vehicles. Additionally, SIXT offers luxury vehicles for those looking to make a statement.

8. RENTAUTO – Affordable Rentals In Lisbon

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• Pick up and drop off locations: City center at Av. Francisco Sá Carneiro A
• Best suited for everyone

RENTAUTO is a renowned car rental company in Lisbon with an excellent reputation built over 30 years of experience. They provide cost-effective car rental services with a wide range of vehicles.

What sets them apart from other car rental companies is that they offer an additional driver for free and include unlimited mileage in the rental. Furthermore, they provide Collision Damage Waiver, theft protection, third-party liability insurance, and roadside assistance as part of their package.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly rental options in Lisbon, RENTAUTO is the way to go. They have an extensive fleet of vehicles categorized for your convenience, making it easy to find the perfect car for your needs.

Tip: Did you know you can travel by car to Cascais and surroundings with a car? Still, there are other means to reach this destination. Learn how you can get to this beach town fast.

9. Cael – Best Budget Lisbon Car Rental

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• Pick up and drop off locations: Lisbon LIS Airport and Braamcamp Street
• Best suited for people flying into Lisbon

Take note of the following information regarding Cael’s car rental services in Lisbon. They have two pickup locations in the area, one at the airport and the other in the city.

When you rent a vehicle from them, you’ll have civil liability insurance, damage waiver, and 24/7 roadside assistance included, which will give you the peace of mind you need.

Their rental vehicles are categorized, making finding one that suits your needs easy. They have an extensive fleet, including electric, luxury, and convertible cars.

Tip: Also, check out some of the free things you can do in Lisbon to save you more money. 

10. Global Rent-A-Car – Affordable Car Rental In Lisbon

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• Pick up and drop off locations: Lisbon Airport and Avenida Severiano Falcao.
• Best suited for people in Lisbon on a budget

Global Rent-A-Car is known for its highly competitive rates for car rentals in Lisbon. The best part is that the company is transparent with its pricing, so you won’t have to worry about a hidden additional charge.

Its excellent value in its rental packages, with an extensive range of vehicles, sets it apart. With over 5000 rental locations spread across 100 countries worldwide, this company has a proven track record for car hire.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, there’s a car that will suit your needs.

11. EPI Rent A Car – Family-Friendly Vehicles

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• Pick up and drop off locations: Lisbon Airport.
• Best suited for families

If you’re searching for a car rental company in Lisbon, consider EPI Rent A Car. This company offers a range of around 500 vehicles, exceptional 5-star service, and various car rental locations.

Additionally, roadside assistance is included as part of your rental package. The best part is that they allow you to drive the rented vehicle into Spain, which is quite a unique offering.

Yet, you will need to purchase additional insurance for this option. Their vehicles are categorized, making choosing the one that best suits your needs easy. Their cars can seat up to seven people, making them ideal for families.

How Do You Book Your Budget Car Rental in Lisbon?

You are planning a trip to Lisbon and need to rent a car. I have an excellent recommendation for you: Discover Cars.

Why? You can find several car rental providers in the market, and comparing prices when choosing the best one becomes daunting.

Yet, Discover Cars simplifies your process as they do all the hard work for you to compare cheap car rental prices.

All you must do is put in the dates and location, and you will find some great deals.

Alternatively, I recommend booking a budget Lisbon airport car at one of the rental companies available for easy access.

The best part is that the budget car rental Lisbon providers on the list have direct access to your vehicle at the airport, so keep reading.

Another benefit is that once you book your car, you can collect it at the rental counter and start your vacation.

What to Expect from the Lisbon Fuel Service Option and Price

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As you know, a car does not run on air and needs fuel. You have different fuel policies when renting a car. It also helps to see the fuel cost and options available before booking your trip. Here is a short rundown.

Fuel Option Policies

Choosing the right fuel policy at a budget Lisbon airport car rental can significantly impact your overall rental experience, and the decision hinges on various factors, such as the nature of your trip, the distance you plan to cover, and whether you prioritize convenience over cost.

Fill it up yourself (Full to full or Same to same): This option is cost-effective, without additional surcharges or inflated fuel prices. Optimal for extensive driving plans, it allows you to maximize the value for your money.

Pre-purchase full to empty: While not the most budget-friendly alternative, this choice provides unparalleled convenience. If you’re willing to pay a bit extra to avoid the hassle of refueling before returning the rental, this could be a sensible decision for a smoother experience.

Pre-purchase refund: This policy is particularly appealing if you wish to bypass the inconvenience of refueling before heading to the airport or if you anticipate not using an entire petrol tank. It streamlines the post-rental process and ensures a hassle-free return.

Pre-purchase partial refund: Tailored for those seeking a middle ground between convenience and cost-effectiveness, this option is perfect if you’re uncertain about the number of miles you’ll cover during your rental period. It provides flexibility while still offering a refund for unused fuel.

Free tank: Ideal for individuals looking for additional perks, the free tank policy is a standout choice for those planning to utilize a full fuel tank. This option adds value for those who appreciate optional extras and want a seamless experience during their journey.

Tips For Choosing The Right Fuel Policy with Budget Car Rental Lisbon

Choosing the right fuel policy is a crucial aspect of your car rental experience, and some essential tips can help you navigate this decision effectively, ensuring both convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Utilize all fuel for non-refundable policies: For policies without a refund for unused fuel, make it a point to use as much petrol as possible. This avoids paying a higher price for fuel you haven’t utilized and returning it to the rental provider for free.

Check and document fuel levels: Always check the fuel gauge upon entering the car. If the tank doesn’t have the expected amount of fuel, take a picture for documentation. This precaution can be beneficial in disputes and ensures transparency in the rental process.

Understand charges for low fuel and refund rates: Know the charges associated with returning the car with insufficient petrol. Additionally, be aware of the refund rates for each liter or fraction of a tank upon return. This information helps you make informed decisions and avoids surprises in the final bill.

Optimize refundable pre-purchase policies: For policies that offer refunds, consider filling up the tank before returning the car. You can maximize your cost savings by paying the local pump price for petrol and getting a refund at the supplier’s rate (which is often higher).

Plan for Full to Full policies: If you’ve chosen a Full to Full policy, be aware of the nearest petrol station to your drop-off location. This ensures a smooth return process and avoids any last-minute fuel-related challenges.

Factor in fuel costs when comparing rentals: When comparing rental prices, consider the fuel cost. While a Full to Full policy might initially appear more expensive, it could prove more economical in the long run than pre-purchase policies.

What to Expect Filling up a Car in Lisbon

As per Fuelo, the current fuel prices in Lisbon, Portugal stand at:

• A95 Unleaded 95: €1.783–€1.799 per liter
• DSL Diesel: €1.745–€1.747 per liter
• LPG: €0.883 per liter

Notable petrol stations in Lisbon include:

1. Repsol E.S. BENFICA FONTE NOVA
2. Repsol E.S. BENFICA ESTADIO
3. Repsol E.S. OLAIAS
4. Repsol E.S. CASTILHO

It’s essential to note that gas pumping is a self-service process in Portugal, and payment is typically made in cash.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to know that some gas stations might not accept magnetic swipe cards. An additional charge of 50 Euro cents may be applied if they do.

What is the Estimated Vehicle Rental Price

The rental cost is contingent on the location, with an anticipated rate of 9.91 EUR per day per drive, capped at a maximum of 8 days.

If a rental period exceeds eight days, charges will be restricted to a maximum of 8 days, ensuring coverage for the entire rental duration up to a limit of 30 days.

Wrap-Up

I recently visited Lisbon and highly recommend renting a car to explore the city and its surroundings. It gives you flexibility and access to areas not reachable by public transport.

Budget-friendly options are available. Be prepared for narrow and winding roads and tolls on major highways. Renting a car made my trip memorable, and I recommend it to anyone visiting Lisbon.

Frequently Asked Questions