This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.
One of my favorite things to do when on vacation, is rent a luxury car and explore places off the beaten path. It adds a perfect layer to our escape. My husband and I have done it in Dubai, Monaco, New Zealand, London, and of course, Portugal.
If you are planning to rent a luxury car for your next trip to Lisbon, or other cities within Portugal, my experience might help you cross an item off your to do list.
Imagine cruising through the stunning landscapes of Portugal, the engine of a BMW purring beneath you. Luxury car rental in Portugal offers an unmatched experience, turning your vacation into a fancy, bougie adventure! If you know me, you know I love a bougie travel experience. I hope you do too!
We used Discover Cars for our latest adventure renting a luxury car in Lisbon. Discover Cars featured premium cars like Mercedes Benz, Audi, or Range Rover, ensuring a perfect blend of class and convenience.
Read the next section to see a picture of which fancy car we got!
We Started With DiscoverCars.com
For me, when I begin planning a luxurious road trip, selecting a reputable and reliable car rental service is crucial. I don’t want to have anxiety about hidden fees or scammers that try to take advantage of you when you return the car.
If you travel often, and are not familiar with popular brands within each country, DiscoverCars.com makes it easy for you to choose the best rental company.
DiscoverCars.com compares car rental deals from different companies. They make it easy by showing upfront prices that include all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras—no surprises!
Plus, they work directly with car rental companies to secure lower prices, so we always feel like we’re getting a good deal.
It is my preferred choice and helps make choosing a top tier car rental seamless. There is nothing I hate more than having to deal with a terrible rental company after a long plane ride WITH KIDS!
Here’s why we decided to go with them for our own luxury car rental adventure in Portugal.
Simplified Booking Process
DiscoverCars.com makes the booking process effortlessly straightforward. Their platform offers a user-friendly interface, allowing you to filter and compare numerous luxury cars—across various prime locations in Portugal, including Lisbon and Porto.
Here’s how to book:
Step 1: Head to DiscoverCars.com – Easy.
Step 2: Choose your pick-up and drop-off spots, along with your pick-up date – then hit “Search Now.”
Step 3: Check out the results and filter for Premium– Here is where you filter for Luxury/Premium Cars in order to find the luxury car rental in Lisbon or wherever you plan to visit in Portugal.
Then, choose suppliers with 8.0 or higher ratings. This is how you get the best rental car companies! Then add in your must-haves. We needed a booster seat, a child seat, and toll transponder. Then click “View.”
Step 4: Pick your car and review the details – You’ll get a page with all the specifics, and this is where you can add Full Coverage.
Step 5: Then Book It – Once you confirm, DiscoverCars.com sends a voucher you’ll need to show when you pick up the car. Give it a quick read because it has all the essential info about your trip!
Luxury Car Rental in Lisbon: Where to Pick Up and Drop Off
We now live in Lisbon, and live very close to the airport. We choose to pickup and drop off at the airport. If you are planning to pickup your car after arriving, the company supplying your car may or may not be located at the airport.
The Supplier for our car was called Drive on Holidays. If we arrived at the airport and wanted to get to the rental place, we would have taken a shuttle instead of using Bolt to go straight to their location.
Always read the Rental Conditions and your Confirmation page for detailed instructions on where to pick up your rental.
Also, if you want to drop off in a different location, Discover Cars will show you Suppliers with that option if you filter for it!
Coverage and Insurance Options for Peace of Mind
When renting a luxury car in Portugal, securing the right insurance is crucial. Sometimes suppliers often have high costs of insurance for luxury cars. If you don’t have your own insurance coverage, make sure you purchase insurance with the Supplier of the rental car.
It is important to note, although you are renting the car using Discover Cars, the Supplier of the rental car will be a rental car company with its own insurance package.
If you have your own coverage, that will save you money and you won’t need to purchase the insurance from the supplier.
I have my own rental car coverage through my credit card. I have the Chase Business Ink Unlimited, which provides rental car insurance if you pay using the card.
On top of your own insurance, Discover Cars provides what is called “Full Coverage.”
It is not insurance, but I think of it as gap “coverage” that will fill in the gaps that you might have to pay if you were to have a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in.
For example, Full Coverage covers the deductible for damage and theft, as well as costs related to repairs, towing, taxi expenses after an accident, key loss or lockout, and certain administrative fees associated with damage or loss of use.
This can give you extra peace of mind. But, always be sure to read your own insurance policies to see what is covered before you rent a car.
Not all policies are created equal, and details matter. For example, some might restrict coverage to specific incidents or exclude certain parts of the country. Make sure you clarify these details beforehand.
Driving Tips and Road Etiquette in Portugal
Freedom is at the heart of a luxury car rental, giving you the autonomy to explore Portugal’s hidden gems at your own pace.
But, before you go, here are a few essential tips to navigate the roads with confidence:
- Drive on the Right: You may know this already, but in Portugal, we drive on the right side of the road, just like in the US.
- Be Nice: We haven’t experienced this since moving to Portugal, but I’ve heard that road rage is an ever present issue here. Avoid it by being nice.
- Roundabouts and Signage: Roundabouts are common, and they might seem a little tricky at first. Remember that vehicles inside the roundabout have the right of way.
- Parking Insights: Parking can sometimes be confusing in bustling areas. We used parking garages when convenient and also parked on the street in Lisbon. We used the TelPark app to help ensure that we did not get tickets.
For more comprehensive guidance, you might find this article insightful.
Final Hot Tip: It is important to know that when you are filling your tank Gasóleo = Diesel and Gasolina = Gasoline.
Conclusion
Choosing the right luxury car can add a luxurious vibe to your trip. Companies like Discover Cars can help simplify that process, enabling you to focus on making unforgettable memories.
We got a Mercedes Benz SUV for our luxury car. We drove to several different cities over the course of the week. It was a fabulous ride and made our week of exploring unforgettable.
What luxe road trip are you planning next? Please share in the comments below. I need some ideas for our next trip!
Portugal Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Portugal?
It is strongly recommended. Non residents do not automatically receive free public healthcare, although private healthcare is available. Travel insurance covers emergencies, delays, and medical visits. If you require a Schengen visa, insurance is mandatory. Visitors Coverage is a highly trusted and recommended choice.
💳 Will my debit card or credit card work in Portugal, and do I need cash?
Most major credit and debit cards work in Portugal, including Visa, Mastercard, and many travel cards from US and UK banks. Some smaller cafés, markets, and rural spots still prefer cash, so carry a little on hand. To avoid foreign transaction fees, cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve are excellent options. For ATM withdrawals and currency exchange, use a Wise card. Wise usually provides better exchange rates than traditional banks and is widely accepted at Portuguese ATMs and anywhere debit and credit cards are accepted.
📲 Will my phone work in Portugal?
Many major carriers offer roaming plans, but costs vary. For affordable data, purchase a local SIM from Vodafone or MEO or use an eSIM like Airalo. Public wifi exists but is not always reliable, so a local data plan is ideal.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Portugal?
Yes. Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Portugal. Roads are well maintained. Expect toll highways and narrow streets in older villages. Automatic cars are limited, so book early. I recommend using Discover Cars to find the most reputable rental car company. Just filter for the company with the best reviews.
💧 Can you drink tap water in Portugal?
Yes. Tap water is safe throughout Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and most populated regions. In remote rural areas water systems may vary, so check locally if you are unsure. Many visitors prefer a filtered bottle because the mineral taste can be stronger in some areas, though generally safe.
🏩 Best way to book accommodations in Portugal
I use Booking.com and Hotels.com for hotels. Mostly Hotels.com because I love a rewards program! For unforgettable, luxury stays, I highly recommend Plum Guide for your stay. VRBO also works incredibly well for luxury stays, especially for families.
✈️ Best site to search for flights to Portugal
Skyscanner and Google Flights provide reliable fare tracking for Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Prices vary significantly by season, with summer being the highest.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Portugal?
US, UK, and most EU passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist stays within the 90-day Schengen limit. Stays longer than 90 days require a visa arranged before arrival.
