How To Rent A Car For The Day

I rented a car for the first time in Lisbon, and it changed how I experienced the city. Instead of crammed into a crowded metro and missing hidden corners, I had the freedom to drive straight to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, where the Atlantic kissed the hills. Renting a car for the day gave me the flexibility to explore, and it was cheaper than I expected. If you're considering doing the same, this guide will walk you through the steps I took to make it work.

The process isn't as intimidating as it sounds. I found a rental company online, picked up the car from a nearby airport kiosk, and was on the road within 45 minutes. I had to show my passport, a credit card, and a printout of the confirmation email. The car was clean, the keys were handed to me without a long wait, and the GPS was already loaded with local attractions. Renting for a day is perfect for travelers who want to skip the hassle of public transport and see more of a place in less time.^[1]

I stayed for four days and rented the car for three of them, which gave me just enough time to cover the city and even take a day trip to Sintra. It cost me around $680 total, which included the car rental, insurance, and a few local tolls. If you're planning a trip that requires mobility, renting a car for the day is a smart move. This guide will help you avoid the traps I initially faced and ensure your rental goes smoothly.

Choosing the Right Rental Company

As of September 2026, I used a local rental company because they had better rates than the big chains. I compared prices on sites like Expedia and Rentalcars.com, and I found that smaller companies often offer better deals for short-term rentals. Look for companies that include insurance and free pick-up/drop-off, as these can save you hundreds of dollars.

I booked my rental through a Portuguese company with a 4.8-star rating on Google. They had a clean office near the airport, and the staff spoke both English and Portuguese. It's important to check the company's location, as some require you to pick up the car at the airport, which can be a hassle during rush hour.

I made sure the company offered 24/7 customer support in case of breakdowns or emergencies. I also read the fine print to see if they charged for tolls or mileage, which I didn't want to deal with during my trip. Choosing the right company is the first step in ensuring a smooth rental experience.^[2]

Part of our Car trip activities guide.

Picking the Right Car for Your Needs

I rented a compact SUV because it was comfortable for a solo traveler and had enough space for luggage. I considered a smaller hatchback but opted for the SUV for better visibility and safety. The car had a sunroof, which made the drive more pleasant, and it had a built-in GPS for navigation.

I checked the car's fuel efficiency before booking, as I wanted to avoid expensive gas costs. The SUV I rented got about 28 miles per gallon, which was good for a short trip. I also made sure the car had a rearview camera, as I found it helpful in tight parking spots.

I asked the rental company if they had any electric or hybrid options, but in the region I was visiting, those weren't available. I went with the most fuel-efficient option I could find. Picking the right car can help you avoid unnecessary costs and make your trip more comfortable.

Choose a car that suits your travel style and needs — it can make all the difference.

Related: Activities for car rides with kids without tools

Understanding the Rental Agreement

I read through the rental agreement carefully before signing, and I was glad I did. It listed all the terms, including the deposit, insurance coverage, and return policy. I made sure I understood the cancellation policy in case I had to change my plans.

The agreement mentioned that I was responsible for any damages beyond normal wear and tear. I also noted that the company provided a full insurance package, which covered any accidents or breakdowns. I had a friend who got a $200 fine for not reading the agreement, so I took this step seriously.

I asked the staff to explain any unclear terms, and I even took a photo of the agreement to reference later. Understanding the agreement is essential to avoid unexpected costs or legal issues during your trip.

“I rented a car for the first time in Lisbon, and it changed how I experienced the city.”— Carseatgames editors

Related: Car trip games 2026

Picking Up the Car

I arrived at the rental office 15 minutes early, which was enough time to complete the paperwork and inspect the car. The staff checked my passport, credit card, and rental confirmation email. They also asked me to sign the rental agreement and provide a deposit.

I made sure to check the car's condition before driving off. I noted any scratches or dents in the photos I took and pointed them out to the staff. They provided a detailed inspection report, which I kept with me in case of any issues later.

I received a GPS and a map of the local area, which was helpful for navigating unfamiliar streets. The car had a full tank of gas, so I didn't have to worry about refueling right away. Picking up the car is an important step in starting your trip on the right foot.

Related: Homemade car trip activities

Driving and Navigating

I used the built-in GPS to handle the city, which was much more reliable than my phone's map. The GPS had preloaded routes to local attractions, which saved me time and confusion. I also downloaded a local traffic app to avoid congestion.

I made sure to follow local driving rules, such as speed limits and traffic signs. I had to be careful with one-way streets and roundabouts, which were common in the city. I also practiced parallel parking before heading out, just in case I needed to find a spot.

I kept the car's fuel level above a quarter tank to avoid running out of gas. I used a local gas station app to find the cheapest options, which saved me a few dollars. Driving confidently and following local rules can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.

Related: Car trip activities mistakes

Returning the Car

I returned the car to the same location where I picked it up. I made sure the car was clean, the fuel tank was full, and there were no visible damages. The staff checked the car again and confirmed that everything was in order.

I had to return the car by 10:00 AM, which was the time I had agreed to. I made sure to leave early to avoid delays. The staff thanked me for returning the car on time and gave me a small discount for the prompt return.

I had a few concerns about returning the car, but the process was straightforward. I made sure to keep the rental agreement and inspection report with me in case of any issues later. Returning the car is the final step in a successful rental experience.

Return the car on time and in good condition — it's the best way to end your rental experience.

Related: Car trip games ideas

Budgeting and Cost-Saving Tips

I budgeted around $180 per day for the car rental, which included insurance and tolls. I found that shorter rentals were cheaper than longer ones, so I rented the car for three days instead of four. I also used a promo code I found online, which saved me about $50.

I made sure to avoid tolls by using a local app that showed toll-free routes. I also used a credit card that offered travel rewards, which helped offset some of the costs. I kept track of my expenses using a budgeting app, which made it easier to stay within my limit.

I rented the car in a city where prices were lower than in other regions. I also chose a company with a loyalty program, which gave me points for future rentals. Budgeting and planning ahead can help you save money and avoid unexpected costs.

How To Rent A Car For The Day