Cheap car rental in Covilhã: steep motorable streets
Car rental in Covilhã is closely linked to travel in the Serra da Estrela, Portugal's largest mountain range. The city grew up around the textile industry and today combines converted historic factories, old quarters and university life.
Covilhã is situated on the mountainside. From here there are several roads leading up into the natural park. Car hire in Covilhã provides easy access to these landscapes and to small villages in the inland region of the country.
Renting a car in Covilhã to get around the city
The city has a relief marked by steep slopes. Streets, squares and historic buildings are distributed between different urban levels.
Renting a car in Covilhã makes it easy to move between areas such as the historic centre, the university campus and the viewpoints overlooking the valley. In addition, there are a variety of car rentals in Covilhã available for those spending several days in the Serra da Estrela and touring the region.
Pepecar's recommendations for car hire in Covilhã
Compact 4-seater car, perfect for a couple's getaway in Lisbon, Oporto or Algarve.
Use private or underground car parks to avoid regulated parking areas.
Hybrid or electric, ideal for touring city centres and historic areas.
Refuel at Galp, BP or Prio, with a wide national network and many 24h stations.
Tips for renting a car in Covilhã
Watch out for tolls
Use petrol station apps
Check local traffic regulations
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Covilhã
What documents do I need to hire a car in Covilhã?
In order to rent a car, you will normally be required to provide the following documents:
- National identity card or passport valid in Portugal
- Driving licence valid in Portugal
- Credit card in the name of the driver who made the booking.
What happens if the card isn't in the driver's name?
At the pickup location, you'll need to present a card in the name of the primary driver listed on the reservation. If you don't present the card, you may lose your reservation and be subject to a cancellation fee with no refund. You can use a different card to pay for the reservation online—that's fine!
Is it possible to hire a car in Covilhã without a security deposit?
In general, most car hire companies in Covilhã require a security deposit. The amount of the deposit may vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle. When returning the car in the same condition, the deposit is refunded.
How can I view, modify, or cancel my reservation?
You can view, modify, or cancel your reservation through the “Manage Reservation” section on the Pepecar website or by contacting Customer Service. Please note that modifications and cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of the service you booked. Some modifications may depend on the availability of the rental car office, and for certain reservations, cancellation or modification fees may apply.
What should I do if I'm having trouble contacting the pickup office?
If you're unable to reach the pickup office, please call our customer service department. Our representatives will help you get in touch with the operator and assist you with your issue.
What happens if the assigned car isn't available when I arrive?
The final vehicle assignment is at the discretion of the rental car company and depends on availability at the time of pickup. If the vehicle or category you reserved isn't available at the pickup location, they may offer you an equivalent or higher-class vehicle at no additional cost.
Customer reviews about car rental in Covilhã
Nieves Rosa Lorenzo Rodr?guez
12-03-2026
Speed of booking and clarity
Alfredo
14-03-2026
Fast and good explanation
Bartolomé
16-03-2026
Accessible, fast and easy to use site
Elena Angel Gutierrez
16-03-2026
Fast management Multiple offers
Elena Angel Gutierrez
17-03-2026
Easy to book, clear information
Robert K.
18-03-2026
Above all good offers, also a good search, easy to use and fast management. I also like the fact that you can see the company ratings in the search results.
Jose
19-03-2026
Easy to use, clear searches, prices without small print
DIEGO SANZ AYALA
19-03-2026
Thank you very much
Aurora
19-03-2026
Good choice of cars and ease of processing.
Antonia Jesus
21-03-2026
This is not the first time I have rented a car with you and I have never had any problems and it is always cheaper than on other platforms.
Cavinosch
21-03-2026
Very efficient and easy to handle
Pedro
21-03-2026
Speed of recruitment
ANA BELEN GUERRERO JAIME
22-03-2026
Hi. Easy to do online and very clearly explained.
Jose Manuel
22-03-2026
Very good!
Esperanza
23-03-2026
So far my experience is very good, because the information is detailed and transparent and helps to make a good choice, without final surprises, which is what bothers me the most when I rent a car. The management is easy and fast. Everything is ok
Lalo
23-03-2026
The booking website is agile and fast.
Rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 4137 reviews. See all reviews.
Routes from Covilhã in your rental car
Renting a car in Covilhã allows you to discover several inland Portuguese towns and natural mountain areas.
Some recommended routes include:
- Serra da Estrela (20-40 min):Natural park with high mountain roads, hiking trails and the highest point in mainland Portugal.
- Belmonte (25 min): Historic town with medieval castle and link to the navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral.
- Guarda (45 min): High altitude town with walls, gothic cathedral and traditional historic centre.
- Sortelha (1 h): Historic town surrounded by walls with well-preserved medieval architecture.
- Coímbra (2 h): University city known for its monumental heritage, academic tradition and topography.
These destinations show the character of inland Portugal, where historic cities, medieval villages and mountain landscapes coexist. Having a rental car in Covilhã allows you to explore these areas more easily and discover places that are part of the Serra da Estrela region.