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Plan Your One-Way Journey from Lisbon to Madrid

Explore the best route and rental tips for a seamless cross-border adventure

Document required for international visitors
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years.
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Portugal national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, AMEX, and JCB. Some policies require two credit cards.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 7.24-14.48 per day or capped amounts (e.g., US$ 125.03-130.32 per rental).
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years. Additional requirements: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence). EU Driving Licence is also accepted in some cases.
  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, AMEX, and JCB. Some policies require two credit cards.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 7.24-14.48 per day or capped amounts (e.g., US$ 125.03-130.32 per rental).
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One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 961-3748US$ 296.68-3620.23US$ 1066-3866Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 1213-1213US$ 1014.79-3620.23US$ 1330-1330Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 1004-3829US$ 842.32-3620.23US$ 1126-4216Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 1869-3857US$ 1412.77-3620.23US$ 2006-4187Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 1226-1226US$ 296.68-1319.23US$ 2119-2119Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 1928-4071US$ 1412.77-3620.23US$ 2146-4695Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 3768-3768US$ 3620.23-3620.23US$ 3977-3977Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-way fee: Most rental companies charge a fee for returning a vehicle at a different location. Check the pricing policy for transparency.
  • Cross-border restrictions: Verify if the rental company permits cross-border travel and whether it involves additional documentation or costs.
  • Driver eligibility: Confirm the minimum age and driving experience required, as well as the need for an international driving permit.
  • Pickup and drop-off timing: Ensure to schedule your timing as per the operating hours of the rental locations for a hassle-free experience.
  • Insurance and coverage: Understand the provided coverage and consider if purchasing additional insurance for the trip is necessary.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book early: Reserve your vehicle well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
  • Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with the best scenic or time-efficient routes between Lisbon and Madrid.
  • Refuel wisely: Take note of fuel policies and plan to refill the tank near the drop-off location to avoid extra charges.
  • Understand local driving rules: Research traffic regulations and parking norms in both Portugal and Spain to ensure compliance.
  • Budget for tolls: Account for highway tolls during your trip, as these can add up significantly.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Galp - Camino Cuartel, 9, Barajas, 28042 Madrid, Spain

Repsol gas station PILLAR - Av. General, 22, Barajas, 28042 Madrid, Spain

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed on highways.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

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Lisbon Parking

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid city center congestion.

Parking in Lisbon can be challenging in the city center. Expect to pay around €1.20 to €2.50 per hour for public parking.

Madrid Parking

Look for underground parking garages for safer and more secure parking.

Madrid offers various parking options, with costs ranging from €1.50 to €3.50 per hour depending on the area.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ElParking and Parkopedia can help locate and reserve parking spots in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have cash or a credit card available for toll payments.

Consider using a toll pass or electronic payment device to save time at toll booths.

There are several toll roads on the route from Lisbon to Madrid. Costs can range from €10 to €20 depending on the path taken.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Lisbon to Madrid:
Coastal Route via Faro and Seville
Scenic Drive 8-10 hours

This route takes you along the southern coast, offering mesmerizing sea views and warm weather destinations.

Faro , Seville , Merida
Direct Route via Central Spain
Urban Drive 6-7 hours

The fastest route connecting Lisbon and Madrid through prominent central Spain highways.

Evora , Badajoz , Toledo
Scenic Route through Mountainous Landscapes
Exploration Drive 10-12 hours

For travelers enjoying detours, this route provides mountain vistas and cultural gems.

Coimbra , Salamanca , Avila
Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the Right Route: Assess your interests—be it scenic landscapes, cultural sites, or quickest transit—to pick the most enjoyable path.

Budget Carefully: Understand costs for tolls, fuel, and possible overnight stays, especially on longer routes.

Check Rental Conditions: Ensure the rental agency allows cross-border travel and inform them beforehand of your destination.

Familiarize With Stops: Mark possible rest breaks, fuel stations, and sightseeing spots to ease the journey.

Plan Around Local Events: Research festivals or holidays along your itinerary which may impact travel or provide unique experiences.

Stay Safe: Understand local traffic rules, emergency contacts, and keep an offline map in case of connectivity issues.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

A guide to selecting the best car rental service providers that accommodate one-way rentals from Lisbon to Madrid.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Sixt Rent a Car$$High-quality and diverse selectionExtensive coverage in Lisbon and Madrid Flexible one-way rental options , Online check-in available , 24/7 customer support
Europcar$Comprehensive vehicle rangeStrong presence throughout Portugal and Spain Competitive pricing , Eco-friendly vehicle options , Short and long-term rentals
Hertz$$Premium and standard vehicles availableReliable coverage across key urban locations Free mileage on selected packages , Convenience in pick-up and drop-off points , Fast checkout services
Avis$$$Luxury car availabilityInternational network with Lisbon and Madrid branches Prestigious brands in fleet , Efficient guest service desks , Special perks for loyalty members
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Center Information in Madrid

Operating Hours:

Most rental services operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM throughout the week. Please confirm with specific companies for exact timings.

Location of Rental Car Center:

Rental car counters are located at Terminals 1 and 4 of Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttle buses available at frequent intervals to transport you to rental pick-up areas. Look for shuttle stops outside the arrivals zone.

Additional Facility Information:

Free Wi-Fi and customer lounges available at rental desks.

To save time, complete the reservation and driver profile online before arriving at the pickup center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for a one-way car rental from Lisbon to Madrid?

Typically, you will need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and your reservation confirmation. International travelers may also be required to present a passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Are there any additional fees for a one-way rental?

Many car rental companies charge a one-way fee, also known as a drop-off fee, to cover the cost of returning the car to the original location. It's advisable to check with the rental company for the exact fee details before booking.

Can I choose the pickup and drop-off locations within Lisbon and Madrid?

Yes, most car rental companies allow you to choose specific locations for pickup and drop-off within Lisbon and Madrid, such as airports or city centers. Be sure to select your preferred locations when booking your rental.

What is the recommended car type for this route?

For a journey between Lisbon and Madrid, you might prefer a comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicle, particularly for the distance involved. Compact sedans or midsize SUVs are commonly recommended.

Are there road tolls along the route from Lisbon to Madrid?

Yes, there are toll roads along the way. When renting your car, you can usually opt for an electronic toll payment device for convenience, which will automatically charge the toll fees to your account.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes