Guerin® Blog
Rental Guide
Car in Lisbon: A practical guide to renting at Lisbon Airport
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The journey usually starts the same way: airplane doors open, luggage appears on the carousel, and the inevitable question pops up: "Now what? Uber, metro… or car?”.
If you’ve landed at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, you’re exactly in the right place to decide and solve it in just a few minutes. As Portugal’s main gateway, the airport is also one of the most convenient places to pick up a car in Lisbon and start your trip without detours, delays or improvised plans.
Located just minutes from the city centre, the Lisbon Airport is the perfect starting point not only to explore the capital, but also nearby destinations and other regions of Portugal. From Pastéis de Belém to the hidden beaches of Arrábida, there’s a lot waiting beyond the arrivals gate.
Picking up a car in Lisbon right after landing means starting your journey without queues, paper maps or the classic debate between public transport options, especially when travelling with luggage, kids or plans that go beyond the city limits.
Why renting a car in Lisbon makes sense?
Having a car in Lisbon offers a level of freedom that’s hard to beat, especially for travellers planning to explore beyond the city. From the city centre, it’s easy to head out to Sintra, Cascais, Costa da Caparica, Alentejo or even Algarve, without relying on timetables, transfers or connections.
For travellers visiting multiple locations, travelling with luggage, with family, or simply preferring to drive at their own pace, a car becomes a practical and comfortable solution. Picking it up straight at the airport also avoids unnecessary trips and gets your holiday rolling right away.
With a car in Lisbon, you can:
- Go straight from the airport to your hotel.
- Take day trips to nearby destinations.
- Continue your journey to other regions of Portugal.
- Change plans halfway through.
What do you need to rent a car in Lisbon?
Renting a car at Lisbon Airport follows simple rules, similar to other locations across the country. To make the process at the counter quicker than an espresso, it helps to arrive well prepared. The idea is to avoid getting stuck in paperwork while the sun outside is already inviting you to start exploring.
At Guerin, the process is simple and 100% digital, but it’s still worth knowing exactly what to expect.
Required documents
- To rent a car in Lisbon, you’ll need:
- A valid ID (Citizen Card or Passport).
- A valid driving licence.
- An accepted payment method.
- Booking confirmation.
At Guerin, the driving licence must be valid and issued at least two years ago. Licences issued in the European Union, European Economic Area and countries with international agreements are accepted.
Age requirements
The minimum age to rent a car in Lisbon is generally 21 years, though this may vary depending on:
Vehicle category.
Driving experience.
Specific rental conditions.
Some vehicles may have additional restrictions for younger drivers, so it’s always best to check in advance.
Payment and deposit
At Guerin, rental payment can be made using debit cards, MB Way or credit cards, provided the card is valid for at least 30 days after the end of the rental and has sufficient available funds for the deposit pre-authorisation.
However, for the security deposit, fuel deposit or excess liability, a physical and valid credit card in the name of the main driver is always required. All of this information is clearly detailed in Guerin’s rental conditions, so you know exactly how to proceed before booking.
Picking up your car at Lisbon Airport.
After exiting the arrivals area, you’ll find the car rental counters inside the airport. The pick-up process includes:
- Check-in: document verification.
- Deposit: processing the security deposit.
- Keys in hand: vehicle delivery.
Before driving off, it’s advisable to check the vehicle’s exterior and confirm the fuel policy.
To make things even easier, Guerin provides a practical guide explaining every step of the rental process from pick-up to return at one of its stations.
Returning the vehicle.
The car must be returned to the location specified in the contract, usually the dedicated car rental area at the airport. The vehicle should be returned with the agreed fuel level and in good overall condition. And at Guerin, you can do it completely autonomously, without wasting time.
Practical tips for renting a car in Lisbon without stress.
A few simple precautions can make the whole experience smoother:
- Book your car in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Check opening hours, particularly for late-night or early-morning flights.
- Choose a car that suits your travel plans (city driving, road trips, family travel).
- Read the rental conditions before travelling.
Extra peace of mind with Pack Platinum.
When renting a car in Lisbon, choosing the Pack Platinum gives you added comfort and protection throughout your trip. This option helps reduce concerns related to deposits, excess liability and unexpected situations, allowing you to enjoy the road with fewer worries from pick-up to return.
Lisbon is just the beginning of the journey.
Renting a car at Lisbon Airport is more than a practical choice. It’s the easiest way to travel with freedom, at your own pace, without depending on schedules.
With Guerin, the rental starts right at the airport: clear, simple and fully digital. So your only real decision is choosing your next destination. Because in Portugal, the road is part of the journey. And Lisbon? Lisbon is just the beginning.
With Guerin, the rental starts right at the airport: clear, simple and fully digital. So your only real decision is choosing your next destination. Because in Portugal, the road is part of the journey. And Lisbon? Lisbon is just the beginning.
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