Child car seats at Lisbon Airport

Updated 25 September 2026 · by GetVoolo, Lisbon

Short answer: in Portugal, children under 12 and under 135 cm must ride in an approved child seat, in the back. Taxis and ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt) are exempt, as long as the child doesn’t sit in front. So a taxi at the airport rarely has a child seat, and that is legal. Legal isn’t the same as safe: if you want a seat, bring your own or pre-book a driver who brings the right one.

What the law says (Article 55 of the Portuguese Highway Code)

Children under 12 and under 135 cm must use an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight.
They ride in the back seat. Only children under 3 may ride in front, in a rear-facing seat with the front airbag switched off.
In taxis and ride-hailing cars (Uber, Bolt and other platforms), children may ride without a child seat, as long as they are not in the front seats.
The fine is €120 to €600 per child carried incorrectly.

Your options at Lisbon Airport

Taxi rank

No booking

Rarely has a child seat. It is legal to carry your child without one, in the back, belted where the belt fits.

Uber / Bolt

Through the app

The same exemption as taxis. Don’t count on a car seat: if you need one, bring your own.

Hire car

You drive

The law applies in full: the child seat is your responsibility. Rental companies hire out seats as an extra; book it in advance.

Pre-booked driver

Booked before you fly

On GetVoolo you enter how many child seats you need when you post the trip, so drivers bid knowing it. Larger families can choose a van for up to 7.

Bringing your own seat

Many airlines carry car seats and pushchairs at no extra charge, but the rules vary — check with yours before you fly. A seat that fits with the car’s seat belt works in most cars; ISOFIX isn’t always available. Fitting it takes a few minutes, so allow for that at the airport.

Tips for arriving with children

When you book, give each child’s age and weight so the driver brings the right type of seat.
With more than two children or a lot of luggage, choose a van rather than a standard car.
Give your flight number: with children every delay hurts more, and the driver tracks the landing.
If you take a taxi without a seat, sit the children in the back and use the belt wherever it fits.

Frequently asked questions

Do taxis in Portugal have to provide a child seat?

No. The Portuguese Highway Code lets taxis and ride-hailing cars carry children without a child seat, as long as they are not in the front. That is why most taxis at the airport don’t have one.

Does Uber in Lisbon have child seats?

Don’t count on it. Uber and Bolt have the same legal exemption as taxis, and a car with a child seat isn’t guaranteed. If you need one, bring your own or book a driver who brings one.

Until what age is a car seat required in Portugal?

Until the child is 12 or 135 cm tall. After that, the law no longer requires a child seat in a private car.

Can a child sit in the front seat in Portugal?

As a rule, no: children under 12 and 135 cm ride in the back. The exception is under-3s in a rear-facing seat with the front airbag switched off. In taxis and ride-hailing cars without a child seat, children may never sit in front.

How do I ask for a child seat on GetVoolo?

When you post your trip, enter how many child seats you need. Drivers see this before they bid, so the offers you get already include them. Add the children’s ages and weights too.

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