One-Way Car Rental from Lisbon to Madrid | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Lisbon to Madrid

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).

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 Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 961-3748	US$ 296.68-3620.23	US$ 1066-3866	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 1213-1213	US$ 1014.79-3620.23	US$ 1330-1330	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 1004-3829	US$ 842.32-3620.23	US$ 1126-4216	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 1869-3857	US$ 1412.77-3620.23	US$ 2006-4187	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 1226-1226	US$ 296.68-1319.23	US$ 2119-2119	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 1928-4071	US$ 1412.77-3620.23	US$ 2146-4695	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 3768-3768	US$ 3620.23-3620.23	US$ 3977-3977	Adventure 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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

Notable Day Trips Around the Area:

Sintra Visit

1 hour from Lisbon

Explore the historic town of Sintra, known for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture.

Toledo Exploration

1 hour from Madrid

Delve into Toledo's rich medieval past and its famous steelwork.

Seville Excursion

2 hours from Lisbon

Discover Seville's iconic Alcazar, flamenco culture, and tapas.

Porto Discovery

3 hours from Lisbon

A northern gem famed for its riverscapes, port wine production, and historic landmarks.

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.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Sixt Rent a Car	$$	High-quality and diverse selection	Extensive coverage in Lisbon and Madrid	Flexible one-way rental options , Online check-in available , 24/7 customer support
Europcar	$	Comprehensive vehicle range	Strong presence throughout Portugal and Spain	Competitive pricing , Eco-friendly vehicle options , Short and long-term rentals
Hertz	$$	Premium and standard vehicles available	Reliable coverage across key urban locations	Free mileage on selected packages , Convenience in pick-up and drop-off points , Fast checkout services
Avis	$$$	Luxury car availability	International network with Lisbon and Madrid branches	Prestigious brands in fleet , Efficient guest service desks , Special perks for loyalty members

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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.

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