.webp?1771874041)
Fiat 500
$2.41per day · $16.83 for 7 days
See conditions →Car rental in Portugal from $3/day
- No credit cardA debit card or cash works
- Up to 52% no depositdepending on the city
- Free cancellationon 36–64% of offers, depending on the city
- Pay 15–20% nowThe rest at pick-up, in cash or by card
Pick your dates to see exact prices and availability ↓
Cheapest cars from today's check
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Fiat 5002023 · Deposit required$2.41per day · 7 days_(2).webp?1771917689)
Ford Focus2023 · Deposit required$3.22per day · 7 days_(10).webp?1771947573)
Volkswagen T-Cross2023 · Deposit required$3.22per day · 7 days.webp?1771926275)
Ford Focus2023 · Deposit required$4per day · 7 days.webp?1771947482)
Volkswagen T-Cross2023 · Deposit required$5.38per day · 7 daysHow booking works
1
Choose a car
Compare offers from local rental companies and check the deposit, insurance and mileage before you book.
2
Pay a small part online
Usually about 15–20% of the rental price is paid when you book; 36–64% of offers can be cancelled for free in the cities we compare.
3
Pay the rest at pick-up
The rest is paid to the supplier when you collect the car: cash is accepted for 29–82% of cars and card payment for 100% in the cities we compare. No credit card is needed.
Cheapest cars in Portugal right now
Lowest 7-day prices from local suppliers.
Across 765 offers in 8 cities for 2–9 Nov: $2.41–$541 per day.
_(2).webp?1771917689)
Ford Focus 2023
$3.22per day · $22.49 for 7 days
See conditions →_(10).webp?1771947573)
Volkswagen T-Cross 2023
$3.22per day · $22.49 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1771926275)
Ford Focus 2023
$4per day · $27.99 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1771947482)
Volkswagen T-Cross 2023
$4per day · $27.99 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1771917565)
Opel Corsa
$4.03per day · $28.15 for 7 days
See conditions →Show other cars
.webp?1771947373)
Volkswagen T-Roc
$4.09per day · $28.62 for 7 days
See conditions →
Mercedes A200
$6.89per day · $48.20 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1771926904)
Ford Focus SW
$7.07per day · $49.45 for 7 days
See conditions →_(9).webp?1766071492)
Volkswagen Golf
$10.07per day · $70.44 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1766071005)
Volkswagen T-Cross 2023
$13.13per day · $91.90 for 7 days
See conditions →
Mitsubishi Space Star
$13.48per day · $94.34 for 7 days
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Kia Picanto
$13.48per day · $94.34 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1756222795)
Fiat Panda 2023
$13.48per day · $94.34 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1766071820)
BMW Series 1
$14.05per day · $98.35 for 7 days
See conditions →
Volkswagen Polo
$15.73per day · $110 for 7 days
See conditions →
Renault Clio
$15.73per day · $110 for 7 days
See conditions →
Skoda Fabia
$15.73per day · $110 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1766071897)
Nissan Juke
$15.77per day · $110 for 7 days
See conditions →_(1).webp?1678189490)
Fiat Panda 2019
$16.05per day · $112 for 7 days
See conditions →
Kia Xceed
$19.10per day · $134 for 7 days
See conditions →
Volkswagen T-Cross 2023
$19.10per day · $134 for 7 days
See conditions →
Ford Puma
$19.10per day · $134 for 7 days
See conditions →
Jeep Avenger
$19.10per day · $134 for 7 days
See conditions →
Fiat Panda 2021
$19.10per day · $134 for 7 days
See conditions →
Dacia Sandero
$19.42per day · $136 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1766072031)
Mini Countryman
$19.67per day · $138 for 7 days
See conditions →.webp?1771947288)
Opel Grandland
$22.08per day · $155 for 7 days
See conditions →
Fiat Tipo
$22.47per day · $157 for 7 days
See conditions →
SEAT Ibiza
$22.79per day · $159 for 7 days
See conditions →How much does it cost to rent a car in Portugal?
Renting a car in Portugal starts at $2.41 a day for a 7-day rental: the lowest price across the 26 pick-up places we compare. Depending on the city, a typical car costs $44.93–$90.14 a day.
| Pick-up places | 26 |
|---|---|
| Lowest / typical price per day | $2.41 / $44.93–$90.14 |
| Cheapest month to start (November–March) | November, from $2.34 a day |
| Compact car | from $2.41 a day |
| SUV | from $3.22 a day |
Portugal is not a single road trip: a drive from Lisbon to Porto and a rental on Madeira need separate plans. Compare local rental offers, choose your mainland or island pick-up point, then check the deposit, payment method and return address before booking.
Car hire in Portugal by city: prices and deposits
Compare cars, daily prices and conditions across 26 mainland and island pick-up locations. Select your own dates to confirm availability.
Other pick-up locations (26)
| Pick-up city | Cars | From / day | No deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arco da Calheta (Madeira) | 23 | $21.52 | 48% |
| Calheta (Madeira) | 26 | $21.52 | 23% |
| Camacha | 8 | $61.02 | 0% |
| Camara de Lobos (Madeira) | 35 | $18.29 | 17% |
| Canico (Madeira) | 61 | $20.54 | 52% |
| Faial (Azores) | 3 | $37.58 | 0% |
| Faro | 66 | $3.77 | 0% |
| Funchal (Madeira) | 160 | $13.48 | 36% |
| Lisbon | 109 | $2.41 | 0% |
| Machico (Madeira) | 103 | $13.48 | 34% |
| Madalena (Pico) | 6 | $36.93 | 0% |
| Paul do Mar (Madeira) | 11 | $57.80 | 100% |
| Ponta Delgada (Madeira) | 15 | $57.80 | 100% |
| Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) | 9 | $22.99 | 33% |
| Ponta do Sol (Madeira) | 6 | $68.24 | 100% |
| Porto | 85 | $14.45 | 7% |
| Porto da Cruz (Madeira) | 6 | $68.24 | 100% |
| Porto Moniz (Madeira) | 19 | $57.80 | 58% |
| Ribeira Brava (Madeira) | 10 | $68.24 | 100% |
| Santa Cruz (Madeira) | 146 | $13.48 | 40% |
| Santana (Madeira) | 15 | $57.80 | 100% |
| Sao Joao da Madeira | 5 | $54.59 | 100% |
| Sintra | 12 | $59.11 | 0% |
| São Roque do Pico | 6 | $48.17 | 0% |
| São Vicente (Madeira) | 23 | $54.59 | 65% |
| Trofa | 6 | $73.06 | 100% |
Deposit, payment and cancellation in Portugal
up to 52% of cars need no deposit, depending on the city
29–82% of cars can be paid for in cash at pick-up, depending on the city
100% of cars can be paid for by card, in every city we compare
36–64% of offers can be cancelled free of charge, depending on the city
33–100% of cars can be rented without a credit card, depending on the city.
33–49% of cars have an automatic gearbox, depending on the city.
$13.49 per day when renting by the month.
Renting without a deposit in Portugal
In the cities we compare, 0–52% of cars can be rented with no deposit at all. Nothing is blocked on your card. The “No deposit” button above the search shows only these cars. Deposit terms appear in the booking conditions before confirming.
Car hire prices in Portugal
Prices by month in Portugal
Lowest and typical (median) price per day for a 7-day rental starting mid-month, as currently listed. Months far ahead have fewer cars listed yet.
The cheapest month of November–March is November.
- Oct$48.49from $5.27 · short notice
- Nov$62.92from $2.34
- Dec$76.61from $5.13
- Jan$68.59from $8.13
- Feb$58.24from $5.30
- Mar$67.93from $8.71
- Apr$80.06from $19.11
- May$80.06from $21.35
- Jun$80.06from $24.72
- Jul$108from $60.68
- AugFew cars listed yet
- SepFew cars listed yet
Cheapest of November–March: NovemberMost expensive of November–March: MarchTypical / dayLowest / dayFew cars listed yet
Show the numbers
| Month | Lowest / day | Typical / day | Cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | $5.27 | $48.49 | 106 |
| November 2026 | $2.34 | $62.92 | 195 |
| December 2026 | $5.13 | $76.61 | 221 |
| January 2027 | $8.13 | $68.59 | 197 |
| February 2027 | $5.30 | $58.24 | 173 |
| March 2027 | $8.71 | $67.93 | 172 |
| April 2027 | $19.11 | $80.06 | 60 |
| May 2027 | $21.35 | $80.06 | 48 |
| June 2027 | $24.72 | $80.06 | 48 |
| July 2027 | $60.68 | $108 | 39 |
| August 2027 | $125 | $141 | 4 |
| September 2027 | $93.54 | $106 | 4 |
Prices by car class in Portugal
Lowest price per day for a 7-day rental in each class and the number of cars currently listed.
| Class | Cars | From / day | Typical models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy & compact | 88 | $2.41 | Fiat 500, Ford Focus |
| Mid-size & family | 42 | $6.89 | Mercedes A200, Mercedes CLA, BMW Series 1 |
| SUV & crossover | 37 | $3.22 | Volkswagen T-Cross, Volkswagen T-Roc |
| Minivan & 7+ seats | 20 | $30.59 | Mercedes GLB, Peugeot Traveller, Toyota Proace |
| Premium | 13 | $23.49 | Mercedes CLA, BMW Series 3 |
A car can belong to several classes and is then counted in each of them.
Best prices found by date
Prices found for the rental dates shown below.
| Car | Dates | From / day |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Kuga2023 · Faro | 21–28 Oct | $5.27$36.89 for 7 days |
| Fiat 5002023 · Lisbon | 15–22 Nov | $2.34$16.36 for 7 days |
| Fiat 5002023 · Lisbon | 15–22 Dec | $5.13$35.87 for 7 days |
| Fiat 5002023 · Lisbon | 15–22 Jan | $8.13$56.87 for 7 days |
| Fiat 5002023 · Lisbon | 15–22 Feb | $5.30$37.05 for 7 days |
| Fiat 5002023 · Lisbon | 15–22 Mar | $8.71$60.96 for 7 days |
When to book a car in Portugal
Cars still available and prices for a week's rental, by how soon you pick up.
| Pick-up | Cars | From / day |
|---|---|---|
| In 3 days22 Oct | 109 | $5.69 |
| In 7 days26 Oct | 144 | $2.73 |
| In 14 days2 Nov | 160 | $2.41 |
| In 30 days18 Nov | 203 | $2.41 |
| In 60 days18 Dec | 144 | $4.83 |
In the week starting 2 Nov, the cheapest day to pick up a car for a 7-day rental is Monday (from $2.41 a day) and the most expensive is Wednesday (from $3.22). Dates further ahead also fall into another season, so compare them with the prices by month.
How much will your trip cost?
Estimate from the lowest prices currently listed in Portugal. Your exact price appears in the search for your dates.
From —
Check exact prices for my datesEstimate only: the lowest daily price per class, adjusted for rental length with today's prices.
Car hire in Portugal: comparing prices and conditions
A low daily rate is the beginning of a comparison, not the whole bill. Set your dates and pick-up location, then look at the rental total alongside the deposit requirement, mileage allowance, insurance excess and any delivery or return charges. A deposit is security held for the rental; it is different from the booking payment.
Where to start: mainland Portugal, Madeira or the Azores
Lisbon, Porto and Faro are mainland pick-up locations in our listings. Lisbon and nearby Sintra can form one part of your plan; Porto puts the north on your itinerary, while Faro is in the Algarve. Choose where you actually arrive, then compare the return point with your onward travel.
Madeira has listings in Funchal and other island locations, including Calheta, Ribeira Brava and Santana. These are not stops on a drive from the mainland. On the Azores, pay attention to the island as well as the place name: Ponta Delgada on São Miguel is a different destination from Ponta Delgada on Madeira. The pick-up list also includes places on Pico and Faial.
Select the actual pick-up point in the search; the offer gives the handover instructions. Airport collection, an office meeting and hotel delivery are different arrangements.
Driving between cities and arranging the return
For a mainland itinerary, decide whether you will return to your starting city before booking the car. If you plan to collect in Lisbon and finish in Porto or Faro, search with that return location.
On an island, the same distinction matters at a smaller scale. Returning at your accommodation is a separate arrangement when you collect elsewhere. The offer gives the meeting address, return time, fuel policy and procedure for a late handover. Keep the supplier's contact details with your booking confirmation.
Building a Portugal road trip around your rental
Start with the places you want to stay, not a fixed daily mileage. A mainland plan can combine Lisbon and Sintra, continue towards Porto, or turn south towards Faro and the Algarve. Plot the actual roads and overnight stops before choosing the rental period.
For Madeira or the Azores, make a separate island plan. Group your intended stops by island, with your accommodation and collection point on the same one. Booking another car after a flight or sea crossing avoids relying on a vehicle transfer that your contract may not permit.
Choose the car for the passengers, luggage and roads in that plan. The offer states the transmission; reserve a suitable child seat if needed. An SUV label does not itself confirm four-wheel drive or permission to leave paved roads; both belong in the vehicle's terms.
Weather, island roads and choosing travel dates
On Madeira, mountain roads can have many bends, so allow your route to follow the conditions rather than a tightly packed list of stops. The same habit helps when a planned day depends on a mountain viewpoint or a walk.
For mainland travel, consult current weather and road notices too. Portugal's summer wildfire risk can affect a route; do not assume that a road shown on a saved map is open. Keep room in the itinerary to change direction when official restrictions require it.
To choose rental dates, compare the calendar for your own destination. A rate shown for one place and set of dates does not apply to every town or island. The cancellation terms show what changing the plan would cost.
Driving rules and documents in Portugal
Drive on the right and give way to traffic already on a roundabout. Wear seat belts, follow posted limits and use only hands-free phone equipment.
Bring your original driving licence and identification. Ask the supplier to explain the vehicle documents and insurance papers supplied with the car, and keep the rental agreement available. Licence acceptance and the supplier's age or experience requirements are separate questions. Check the current official rules for the country that issued your licence rather than assuming that a translation alone is enough.
Tolls and parking before you leave the collection point
Some Portuguese roads use electronic toll collection. Each supplier settles tolls its own way, and a device or administration charge can be separate from the road toll. Instructions for a foreign-registered vehicle differ from those for a Portuguese rental car.
Madeira's main roads and expressways have no tolls. Parking is a separate cost, and local signs show payment or resident restrictions. Return the car to the exact rental return bay, not a nearby public space.
Taking a rental car to Spain or another island
Tell the rental company at booking if Spain is part of your itinerary. Cross-border travel depends on its permission and the required documents, insurance and breakdown cover. A domestic booking does not establish any of those arrangements.
A ferry or a transfer between islands is the same: that journey must be permitted and covered. Do not plan to take a mainland rental to Madeira or the Azores without an explicit arrangement. Otherwise, book separate rentals for the separate destinations.
Car hire in Portugal: FAQ
Booking & payment
Can I book a child seat or hotel delivery?
The offer shows the extras and collection options for your destination and dates. Request the seat suitable for your child; a charge can apply. For delivery, agree the actual address and meeting time.
When should I book a car in Portugal?
Compare offers once you know your destination and travel dates, including the return plan. Availability and prices can change. Read the cancellation deadline and charges before paying, including the conditions for changing your dates.
Can I pay with a debit card or cash?
The online booking payment, the balance at collection and the deposit can have different requirements. If you want to use cash or a debit card, confirm that method for each payment and check whose name must appear on the card.
Can I rent a car in Portugal without a deposit?
The no-deposit filter shows those offers for your location and dates. Where a deposit is required, the offer gives its amount, payment method and release conditions. No deposit does not mean there is no insurance excess or liability for damage.
What is the difference between insurance excess and deposit?
The deposit is security for the rental; the excess is the amount you may have to pay under the insurance terms for a covered claim. They are not interchangeable. Read the cover, exclusions and any optional protection together with the rental terms, including how a damage claim is handled.
Prices
How much does car hire in Portugal cost?
On , the lowest listed daily rate across Portugal's pick-up locations is $2.41. Enter your location and dates to see the rental total, with insurance, mileage and collection or return charges.
Are tolls included in the rental price?
Check the offer and ask how this car's tolls are paid. Road tolls, device charges and handling fees are different items. Madeira's main roads and expressways are toll-free; do not apply that island rule to a mainland route.
Documents & drivers
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Portugal?
A valid EU driving licence is recognised in Portugal. For a licence issued outside the EU, check the Portuguese rules for its issuing country and confirm what the rental supplier requires. Bring the original licence; an International Driving Permit, if needed, accompanies it rather than replacing it.
Pick-up & return
Can I return the car in another city?
Search with the intended return location. A one-way route and its charge depend on the offer you book.
Other questions
Should I collect in Lisbon, Porto, Faro or Funchal?
Choose the destination where your trip starts. Lisbon, Porto and Faro are mainland options; Funchal is on Madeira. For an Azores rental, choose the island as well as the town so you do not book for a different destination.
Can I take a rental car from Portugal to Spain?
Ask the rental company when booking. Travel abroad needs its permission and confirmation of the documents, insurance and breakdown cover for your destination. Do not treat the ability to drive across a border as permission under the rental contract.
Can I use the same rental on the mainland and the islands?
Do not assume that a ferry journey or an island transfer is allowed. Get confirmation for the specific route before booking transport for the car. Separate rentals are an alternative when the supplier does not permit that journey.
Do I need an SUV for Madeira?
Choose for your planned roads, luggage and driving preferences, rather than the SUV label alone. The offer gives the transmission, vehicle specifications and any road restrictions. A larger car does not remove the need to take care on mountain bends, and an SUV is not necessarily four-wheel drive.
How we check prices
Prices, car counts and rental terms are based on offers from local rental companies. The date above shows our latest check. Unless stated otherwise, example prices cover a week from 2 Nov. The total for your dates and extras appears in the search before payment.
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