Ericeira Car Rental Portugal 2023: What you need to know
So you’re thinking of getting an Ericeira Car Rental in Portugal?
If you’re planning on traveling away from big cities like Porto or Lisbon, a car rental is your best bet since public transport can be time-consuming, uncomfortable and often unreliable.
Renting a car for your arrival can be done online or once you’ve arrived in the blink of an eye, but watch out for some of the costs that brokers and local companies can try and saddle you with. This blog post looks at the different options and how much you should be paying for it all.
In a rush?
In case you don’t have time to read it all, here are our top recommendations for a car rental in Portugal.
🚙 Zest Car rentals – We love this company for renting from Lisbon online while planning your trip. They allow you to compare different local companies and have a great filter for things like a free extra driver, no security deposit, or unlimited miles.
You can also clearly see what type of insurance is included, the fuel policy and mandatory local charges like airport pick up and drop off. We love how clear and user-friendly the site is and have always had stellar experiences renting with them.
🚗 Discover Car Rentals – Although cars can only be rented from Lisbon, this is another really easy platform to use and I have personally called the 24/7 support line as well as used the chat service, which truly are available 24 hours.
The comparison and filter features are similar to Zest Car Rental, but they also have free cancelation on all cars and generally have the best prices on the market. I also loved paying with PayPal last time we used it!
Ericeira Car Rentals in Portugal 2023
Is it recommended to rent a car in Portugal?
You obviously need to get from the airport to your accommodation. Renting a car in Lisbon to get to any surrounding villages is a good idea. Public transport isn’t always reliable or available, and you definitely get to see more in a car.
If you are staying in Ericeira, it will take you a few hours on arrival, plus your travel time, so calculate about 2 and a half hours from landing until your check-in time at your accommodation. This is a great option if you are planning on exploring places such as Obidos or Sintra as day trips, or want to check out nearby beaches on your own.
If you plan on staying put, then a car rental isn’t necessary since you can walk or take a bus pretty much anywhere. Parking in the village is nearly impossible anyways, so you’ll end up getting that exercise in!
If you decide against a rental, a taxi or Uber from the airport to downtown Lisbon costs about 20 Euros. Keep in mind that some hotels offer free airport shuttles too.. For around 50 Euros you can get an Uber to Ericeira and arrive about 2 hours after landing. You might then decide to get an car rental for a day or two to explore a specific area. This is often the preferred, cheaper option.
If you will be spending any time in Lisbon, just remember that a rental car comes with several caveats, such as where to park it and how to pay for your parking. Finding parking in the city center takes forever and can be frustratingly complicated because of the different parking zones all written in Portuguese.
Lisbon does have an Epark app which makes feeding the meter unnecessary, but many visitors decide to leave their rental in one of the downtown parking lots, which costs about 6 Euros per day. Public transport and walking is definitely the best option!
Another huge consideration is traffic. There is oh so much traffic in Lisbon. I say save yourself the trouble and get an Uber! You’ll pay about 5 Euros per ride downtown.
Are there Cheap Car Rentals in Ericeira?
Depending on the time of year and the length of your trip, a rental goes from 15 Euros/day all the way up to 120 Euros/day.
Try Go Ericeira, they have always provided us with great service for decent prices, and are a local company. I especially like that the car is delivered by the owner, Diogo! It just makes it feel more authentic to me!
Can I drive in Portugal with a US license?
If you are Canadian or American, by law you don’t need an International Driving Permit to drive in Portugal. However, many companies request one, and if you would like to drive anywhere outside of Portugal you will need one.
I recommend looking into it when preparing for your trip. Companies generally demand that drivers be at least 21, but even if you are over 21, they’ll still require that you hold a driver’s license for over a year to allow you to rent.
Rent a Car Ericeira: Car Rental Insurance
Most of us don’t want the hassle of thinking about car rental insurance and end up renting with an international broker. This usually includes insurance and can be done from home in just a few clicks.
If this is what you’re looking for, both Discover Cars and Zest Car has an excellent reputation in Portugal and is a very reliable broker. We have rented with them several times when friends and family have visited and have always found them to be excellent.
✅ Click here to rent with Zest Car Rental or Discover Cars.
Zero Deductible
In Portugal, all rental prices include full collision damage by law. It excludes some parts of the car like the windshield, mirrors, and scratches, but you can choose to get optional top-up insurance which covers it all.
Since accidents in Portugal are generally rare, and driving outside the city center is fairly straightforward, we don’t generally recommend it, but you might prefer getting it for peace of mind.
If you would like to rent a car with zero deductible, then make sure it is included in the price. Getting Zest car rental top-up insurance is hassle-free and cheaper than what is offered by the car provider and will cover most any damage with no ‘excess’ payment, or deductible in the USA.
‼‼ Watch Out! Many travelers depend on the car insurance which can be included on a credit card. Although convenient, these insurance providers are not permitted under Portuguese law, so are not an option.
About Credit Cards
Although you usually pay beforehand, many companies will also require a hold on your credit card to let you drive off into the sunset. Although some don’t require a security deposit, the amount can be as high as 1600 Euros!
Look up the hold they require before you leave home and make sure the card in question will have this amount available and is in the name of the main driver. Also, keep in mind that American Express is not usually accepted.
If you are looking to rent without a credit card, Centauro is the only rental agency I know of that will allow this, and only with full coverage and zero deductible.
Car Rental Ericeira Portugal 2023: Hidden fees
Damage
We’ve all heard of someone who’s been duped into paying atrocious fines for a scratch that wasn’t there! Protect yourself and thoroughly video both inside and outside of the vehicle before leaving the rental agency.
One Way Rental
You may be tempted to drive from one city to another and drop your car there instead. Drop-off in a different city usually costs from 100 to 150 Euros extra, and isn’t really worth it unless you have a very tight schedule to stick to.
Crossing the border into Spain for example, also raises the price exorbitantly, sometimes by as much as 500 Euros! You could fly there for a lot less than that!
Automatic Transmission
I remember being shocked by how few automatic cars there were to be found in Europe 20 years ago! This is still the case, and you will generally pay an extra 75 Euros for automatic transmission.
If like me, you never learned how to drive a stick shift, be aware that hilly Lisbon is definitely not the place to learn! That extra 75 Euro is well spent if it means a smoother ride!
Fuel Options
Avoid fuel options, since they come at a high cost per liter, and opt to return the car with the same amount of fuel in it.
After Hours Pick-ups/Drop-offs
Watch out for after-hour car collection fees- they can be high! If you are staying relatively close to the airport before catching a flight, it is often cheaper to take an uber or the hotel shuttle, which is usually free. Remember that Lisbon’s airport is right downtown, so getting from the center costs no more than 10 Euros by Uber.
Young drivers
There are usually extra fees for drivers between the age of 21 and 25, and most companies won’t rent to drivers younger than this. Goldcar and Centauro are the only companies I know of that rent to younger drivers (19 and above).
Car Rental Portugal 2023: Car Rental Extras
GPS
Driving in a foreign country is definitely a daunting experience and most of us feel more at ease when following a GPS. When renting a car in Portugal, these go for about 5 Euros a day, and can unnecessarily add to the cost of your car rental.
Instead of renting a GPS or SAT NAV, consider getting a phone network and using Google maps or Waze. You’ll find that having a Portuguese phone with internet access will not only be convenient on the road, but will also allow you to reserve restaurants, contact Airbnb hosts and hotels, and the likes.
Child Seats
Child seats generally go for between 5 and 75 Euros a day depending on the model, but if you are staying longer than a week it may be worth buying one since most Continente Supermarkets carry them for between 10 and 75 Euros.
Several different companies charge a flat fee of 35 Euros for the length of the rental. This is a reasonable charge since buying one will be about the same price.
Rent a Car Ericeira: Toll Transponder
Portuguese highways are truly excellent and generally a smooth ride, but unfortunately not free! This small device will allow you to pay all the tolls at once when you return the car.
It is by far the best way to deal with the umpteen tolls you will come across during your wanderings in Portugal and well worth the extra 13 Euros. Especially on longer trips such as from Lisbon to Porto, or if you plan on driving down to the Algarve.
You can opt for the device when reserving your car hire ahead of time, or get one as an add-on in the shop, but just remember that prices are generally more expensive on arrival.
Car Hire Ericeira Portugal FAQ
How to rent a car in Portugal?
When renting a car in Portugal, you will need your driver’s license, passport, and a credit card in your name if you need to leave a security deposit on the rental.
Make sure the amount to be blocked for the security deposit is available on the card, or it could be refused by the rental agency.
Although you are not required by Portuguese law to have an international driver’s license if you are from North America, many rental agencies ask for it, so make sure to have one made before leaving home.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Portugal?
In order to rent a car in Portugal, you must be at least 21 years old. You may also be required to have had your driver’s license for at least 1 year. Additionally, some car rental companies may add a surcharge if you are under 25 years of age.
How much is a car in Portugal?
Car rent prices vary depending on the type of car, duration of rent, and the season. Generally speaking, you can rent a vehicle for as little as € 10 per day with certain restrictions in low season. Depending on your needs, there are also discounts available on weekly or monthly rental prices.
Many car rental companies in Portugal and online brokers provide comprehensive insurance packages to cover any damages incurred while renting the vehicle. This increases the price of the hire but can save you a lot of money in the long run.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a month in Ericeira?
A rental car in Ericeira generally costs around $490 per month when rented long term.
Can I rent an automatic car in Ericeira?
Yes, you can! Most cars are manual transmissions, but automatic cars are available at a slightly higher price in Portugal. Because about 70 % of cars are manual, expect to pay a fixed rate of about € 75, or up to €10 more per day for an automatic transmission.
Since the number of cars is limited, book early for availability and a better price if this is what you prefer.
Is it cheaper to rent a car from an airport or a local location?
It is often cheaper to rent a car from an airport because the prices are set and generally do not vary. However, it is important to compare prices between airports and local rental companies to be sure.
Most local rental companies will be willing to match or beat the prices of airport rentals, so it is always worth asking. Additionally, renting a car from a local company may allow more personalized service and more flexibility with pickup and dropoff times.
You should also consider getting to the local location: sometimes the convenience of an airport car hire just can’t be beat!
How far in advance should I rent my car?
You should rent your car as soon as possible to ensure you get the best deal and availability, especially if you’d like an automatic car. Ideally, rent your car from 3 to 6 months before your arrival date.
This will help ensure that you get the model you want and don’t miss out on any special deals or promotions.
Is driving in Portugal difficult?
No, driving in Portugal is not difficult. The roads are well-marked and the scenery is beautiful, so it’s a great way to explore the area. That said, it’s important to be aware of some of the unique rules and regulations that apply when driving in Portugal.
For example, on certain roads, you may only use the right lane for passing, and you must always use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning. Another confusing difference is when entering a roundabout, drivers in Portugal must give way to the traffic coming from the right.
It’s also important to take special care when driving at night and make sure you have internet on your phone to access your GPS if you plan on venturing off the beaten track.
With a few basic tips and knowledge of local laws, driving in Portugal is an exciting and convenient way to explore the country.
The Wrap-up: Ericeira Rent a Car 2023
A car rental in Ericeira definitely has its benefits, like allowing you to visit other villages. But proceed with caution to make sure you don’t get taken on the price and get to see all the sites on your list. Hopefully, the above tips will help you choose wisely based on the type of trip you are planning and keep your costs to a minimum.
✅ Click here to book with Zest Car Rental or with Discover Cars.
