How to find a cheap car hire deal in Portugal
Pick up a cheap rental car in Portugal from RM24 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the major providers, making it easy to compare prices and book.
Longer adventures offer better value, starting from RM162 for a weekly rental.
Browse the car rentals in Lisbon and keep more cash in your pocket. It's the cheapest place in Portugal to book a set of wheels.
Lisbon is the most popular city for car rentals.
If you're not sure which company to go with, check out Goldcar. It ranks first for booking in Portugal.
There's no need to travel far after touching down to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Lisbon Airport, Porto Airport and Faro Airport.
You can easily rent some wheels in top cities including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira and Ponta Delgada.
Think about going with a one-way rental. Providers often reduce prices on selected routes to move vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Portugal, select 'Return car to a different location' to access those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It could be cheaper to book a full month, so test a few date combinations to find out what works best.
To avoid extra costs, go for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You begin with a full tank and bring it back full, meaning you only pay for the fuel you actually use.
Rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' give you freedom to roam without racking up added charges. Search for this option using the 'Policies' filter and travel freely.
Best time to book a car hire in Portugal
If you want to time it just right, book around two weeks ahead to grab the best price on a car hire in Portugal.
February is the most affordable month to rent a car. Expect average daily rates of RM147 then.
If you want to travel outside the priciest time of year, avoid booking in September.
Compare car hire types in Portugal
Economy: Living up to its name, this option puts savings first. It pairs some of the cheapest rates on offer with excellent fuel efficiency to help keep the total spend down. If saving matters more than splurging, this is an easy choice.
Small: Covering mini and economy classes, small cars are ideal for everyday travel. If you're looking for a cheap rental car in Portugal, this is where you'll bag some of the best deals. They're perfect for city streets and short trips, with easy handling, low fuel use, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Medium rentals are the happy middle ground. Neatly bridging the gap between small and large, they offer a step up in comfort and space without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: More people, more gear, more plans. Large cars bring generous passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them ideal for families and longer drives. Go for one of these full-size rides when room is non-negotiable.
SUV: From highways to unexpected detours, SUVs can do it all. With a higher driving position, flexible seating layouts, and easy handling across changing terrain, they're ideal for road trips throughout Portugal.
Van: This category of car for rent in Portugal includes commercial vans and trucks. With plenty of load capacity and flexible interior layouts, they're built to transport bulky items, equipment or bigger groups in one go.
Luxury: Ready to go all in? This is not just about getting from A to B — it's about showing up in style. Luxury vehicles combine head-turning design, high-end tech, and effortless performance in one standout package.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your rental car can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Portugal.
Driving in Portugal: What you need to know
To rent a car in Portugal, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher rate, so always check the terms before securing your wheels.
Kids coming with you? Child car seat laws vary from one location to another, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Be sure to add the right one to your car hire reservation in Portugal.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
If you've never driven in Portugal, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Portugal. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your purchases and expenses here. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards so you always have a backup option.
