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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Coimbra
Coimbra
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Coimbra
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Coimbra
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Coimbra
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Coimbra?
Coimbra, with its historical university and charming old town, offers much to explore. Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Historical Sites: Coimbra is steeped in history, and a car allows you to easily visit landmarks like the University of Coimbra, the Biblioteca Joanina, and the Sé Velha cathedral without relying on public transport schedules.
Discover the Region: With a car, you can easily explore the surrounding region, including the Roman ruins of Conímbriga, the Bussaco Forest, and the picturesque Serra da Estrela mountain range.
Flexibility and Convenience: Renting a car provides the flexibility to travel on your own schedule, stopping at points of interest along the way and enjoying the freedom to explore at your leisure.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Coimbra
Before booking a rental car in Coimbra, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
319.4 square kilometres (123.3 square miles)
Population
Approximately 143,000 residents
Time Zone
WET (Western European Time) / WEST (Western European Summer Time)
Ideal for
Exploring historical sites and the surrounding region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 8 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Coimbra require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some companies having a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain vehicle types. Young driver surcharges may apply for drivers under a certain age.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in a Latin alphabet. A passport or other form of identification is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance coverage, but additional coverage options such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, with many companies requiring renters to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, optional add-ons like GPS or child seats, and for driving in certain restricted zones.
Car Rental Prices in Coimbra – How Much Does It Cost?
The average daily rate for an economy-class rental car in Coimbra is from £18 / $22 / €21 per day.
Business:
from £45 / $56 / €53 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €41 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €47 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €29 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Coimbra?
Booking a car in Coimbra is simple if you follow these steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a small car for city driving or a larger one for exploring the region.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid any surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card when picking up your rental car.
General Information About Coimbra
Coimbra is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Driving in the city requires an awareness of local traffic regulations and parking options.
Coimbra is known for its historical University, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Exploring the city and its surrounding areas is best done with a bit of local knowledge.
Top Attractions to Discover
University of Coimbra
One of the oldest universities in the world, offering stunning views and historical architecture.
Biblioteca Joanina
A baroque library within the University, known for its exquisite design and collection.
Sé Velha
Coimbra's old cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several garages are available in the city centre, offering secure parking for a fee.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Park-and-ride facilities are located on the outskirts of the city, allowing you to park your car and take public transport into the centre.
Gas Stations in Coimbra
Major Brands
You can find fuel stations from brands like Galp, Repsol, and Prio throughout Coimbra and its surrounding areas.
Availability
Gas stations are generally easy to find, but it's a good idea to fill up before heading out on longer trips.
Payment
Most gas stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Coimbra
Driving During Rush Hour
Avoid driving during rush hours (8 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM) as traffic can be heavy.
Parking
Parking in the city centre can be challenging, so consider using public garages or park-and-ride facilities.
Traffic Regulations
Be aware of local traffic regulations, including speed limits and parking restrictions.
Pedestrians
Watch out for pedestrians, especially in the old town.
Key Transportation Hubs in Coimbra
Major Bus Stations
Coimbra Bus Station
Located in the city centre, serving regional and national routes.
Railway Stations
Coimbra Train Station
The main train station, providing connections to Lisbon, Porto, and other major cities.
Coimbra-B Train Station
A secondary station located a short distance from the city centre, serving high-speed trains.
Airports
Lisbon Airport (LIS)
The nearest major international airport, located approximately 200 kilometres south of Coimbra.
Porto Airport (OPO)
Another major international airport, located approximately 120 kilometres north of Coimbra.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Coimbra?
To rent a car in Coimbra, you'll need to meet certain requirements and have the necessary documents.
A valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in a Latin alphabet, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some having higher age requirements for certain vehicle types.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification is typically required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Coimbra as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Coimbra was lovely for a family vacation! Exploring the university was a highlight, though the cafe we tried was a bit underwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend in Coimbra! Having a car made exploring so easy. The historic center was amazing, though the crowds were a bit much.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 05.04.2025
Relaxing, pretty chill.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 23.02.2025
Beautiful Coimbra! So glad we stopped. Exploring with our rental car was a breeze.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Coimbra felt familiar, returning after all these years. The old town's beauty remains, though the souvenir shops felt a bit touristy.
Evelyn Diaz
Reviewed: 16.04.2025
Absolutely loved Coimbra! Getting around with a car was effortless, and the city itself was enchanting.
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 09.04.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 26.05.2025
Impromptu Coimbra trip: gorgeous! Exploring was effortless.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
Pretty laid-back place.
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Coimbra surprised me! So easy to navigate with a car, and the old town is stunning.
Ava Clark
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Pretty chill city.
Noah Evans
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Charming Coimbra! Perfect stop on our road trip; easy to get around.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.07.2025