5 quick questions and answers about rent a car in Almada
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Almada is the gateway to Lisbon’s south bank — for commuters crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge every day or anyone heading for the beaches of Caparica. If you want to rent a car in Almada with clear terms, fast pick-up and transparent pricing, this guide is for you.
Find the answers to the most common questions about car hire near Lisbon, so you can decide and book with total confidence.
1) Where can I rent a car in Almada?
Book online with Drivalia and choose the most convenient station in Almada (Pragal). Check categories, extras and opening hours in real time, confirm your reservation, and pick up your vehicle without waiting in line. It’s the fast and transparent way to rent a car near the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Main advantages:
- Avoid queues and immediately confirm your vehicle for the desired date and time.
- Add useful services (tolls, equipment, or additional vehicle protection).
- Receive confirmation by email and, if applicable, go directly to the counter on the day.
Tip: If you need to cross the bridge during rush hour, choose a pick-up window with a 30 to 40-minute margin.
2) Is it better to rent an electric or a petrol car in Almada?
It depends on how you plan to use it. For city driving and short bridge crossings, renting an electric car in Almada helps reduce cost per kilometre and gives you access to the charging network available in the area.
For longer trips, a petrol or diesel car offers greater range and faster refuelling. Before deciding, check charging access, vehicle range and your planned route.
Checklist for renting an electric car:
- Charging cable included and, if applicable, a compatible adapter.
- Vehicle connector type: Type 2 (AC) / CCS (DC).
- App or card compatible with local charging networks and operators.
- Active payment method set up in the app (bank card or MB).
- State of Charge (SoC) on delivery and return policy (required charge level).
- Estimated range and planned route, with a safety margin.
- Nearby charging points along your stay or route, and available power (AC/DC).
Checklist for renting a petrol or diesel car:
- Fuel policy: full-to-full, almost empty-to-empty, return as received (or other).
- Correct fuel type: unleaded 95/98 or diesel.
- Average consumption and approximate range for your planned route.
- Included mileage and cost per additional kilometre.
- Active toll payment device, if applicable.
- Documents and safety items: warning triangle, reflective vest, and repair kit or spare tyre.
How to decide:
- Daily urban use: electric or hybrid — plan an overnight charge (at home/hotel) or opportunity charging during the day.
- Short bridge crossings and city driving: electric — check parking areas with charging points and authorised zones.
- Weekend trips to the beach: hybrid or electric with at least 300 km range — confirm charging stations near the access roads.
- Long routes outside the south bank: petrol or diesel — offers better range and faster refuelling.
- No easy access to charging: choose a combustion vehicle.
3) What are the best rental vans in Almada for group trips?
For groups, extended families or work teams, choose to rent a 7–9 seater van in Almada with suitable boot space. This way, you balance passengers and luggage, reduce fatigue on motorways, and gain extra flexibility during the journey.
What to consider:
- Seats and layout: folding seats help adjust space between passengers and luggage.
- Usable luggage area: real measurements matter more than catalogue litres — for example, medium suitcases and beach gear require good vertical clearance.
- Comfort on bridge/motorway: air conditioning and driving assist systems help reduce fatigue.
- Fuel use and tolls: taller vans pay the same toll on the bridge (up to Class 1); fuel consumption varies, and smooth driving makes a difference.
- Extras: additional protection (with or without deductible), automatic toll payment device, child seats or boosters, and other useful options.
4) Tolls and Via Verde on the 25 de Abril Bridge: how does it work with a rental car?
Add the toll service to your booking. The vehicle comes with an active device, your crossings are automatically recorded, and Drivalia will later charge them—usually in a single statement (depending on Via Verde’s transmission schedule). You can cross the bridge without stopping and simplify all payment management.
Advantages:
- Cross the bridge without stopping.
- Avoid fines for unpaid tolls on roads with electronic-only payment.
- Receive all tolls consolidated in a single final statement (if transmitted in full by Via Verde).
If you prefer, you can pay manually at toll booths where this is still possible—but always check in advance that your route does not include electronic-only sections.
5) Where to pick up your car in Almada, near the bridge
The most convenient option is in Pragal, near the Centro Sul roundabout, with direct access to the 25 de Abril Bridge. Pick up your car at the Drivalia Mobility Store without detours and get on the road in just a few minutes. Easy access via the A2 or IC20 from Lisbon, Caparica or Seixal.
How to get there:
- From Lisbon (25 de Abril Bridge): A2 → Almada/Pragal exit → Centro Sul roundabout.
- From Caparica: IC20 → Pragal.
- From Seixal/Setúbal: A2 towards Lisbon → Almada/Pragal exit.
Quick tips for a smooth pick-up:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Bring the main driver’s licence and credit card.
- Double-check the booking extras (tolls, child seats, protection options).
“My review is specifically to the Almada Team. Great staff with awesome communication and problem-solving mindset. Congratulations. - Sílvio Vieira ★★★★★ Google Review”
Next step: book and hit the road
Drivalia is an international mobility brand with a strong European presence, offering a full range of rental and subscription services. To rent a car in Almada without any hassle, book online, choose the most convenient branch, activate tolls and the right protection, and enjoy seamless mobility on Lisbon’s south bank.
