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Lisbon is hands down one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities I’ve ever visited. From its stunning architecture and rich history to the delicious food and amazing coastal views, this city has it all. During my trip to Lisbon, I quickly realized that renting a car would be the best way to truly experience everything this fantastic destination has to offer. Whether you’re planning to explore the city or venture out to the surrounding areas, a car rental gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about renting a car in Lisbon, based on my own experience.
Why You Should Consider Renting a Car in Lisbon
Portugal car rental
When I first arrived in Lisbon, I was tempted to just rely on public transport, but after a bit of research, I realized renting a car would give me far more freedom. Here’s why:
Freedom to explore at your own pace: Having a car meant I didn’t need to stick to a rigid timetable or depend on crowded buses and trams. I could explore Lisbon at my own pace and take detours whenever something interesting caught my eye.
Day trips to hidden gems: One of the best parts of renting a car in Lisbon is the ability to head out for day trips. I was able to easily drive to Sintra to see the fairytale-like palaces, head to the coastal town of Cascais for some beach time, and even visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It was all within a few hours of Lisbon, and having a car made it so easy to explore.
Perfect for groups and families: If you're traveling with a group or family, renting a car is definitely more convenient (and sometimes cheaper!). It’s easier to manage luggage, and you won’t have to worry about squeezing into crowded public transport.
Lisbon Tram
Plus, I found that the roads around Lisbon were really well-maintained, and the scenic drives were just incredible.
If you're wondering how to rent a car in Lisbon, let me walk you through the process from my experience!
How to Rent a Car in Lisbon: My Step-by-Step Guide
Renting a car in Lisbon was super easy, and I’ve got a step-by-step guide to help you out if you’re not sure where to start:
Research and compare rental companies: At first, I used to spend lots of time looking at the websites of different car rental companies before booking my car. That gave me idea to create a website for easy and quick car rental comparison and Auto Jardim was born. Now you can easily compare deals from some of the biggest car rental companies, such as Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, and Avis.
Check the requirements: Each rental company had slightly different requirements, but most of them wanted me to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. If you're coming from outside the EU, you might need an international driver's license, but it's always a good idea to check with your rental company first.
Book in advance: I found that booking the car online in advance saved me money, and it also gave me peace of mind knowing I had the car ready as soon as I arrived. Many companies offer discounts for early bookings, so I made sure to secure mine ahead of time.
Pick up the car: I picked up my car at Lisbon Airport, which was incredibly convenient. Most rental companies have locations in the city as well, but if you’re flying in, grabbing your car at the airport is super easy.
Understand insurance and fuel policies: Make sure to read the fine print. Most rentals include basic insurance, but I opted for additional coverage just to be safe. I also asked about the fuel policy (most companies go for full-to-full), so I knew exactly what to expect when I returned the car.
Step-by-step process of renting a car in Lisbon
Top Car Rental Companies in Lisbon
When it comes to car rental in Lisbon, there are plenty of reliable and reputable companies to choose from. Here are some of the best car rental companies in Lisbon:
Europcar: Known for its excellent customer service and a wide variety of vehicles, Europcar offers affordable options for both short-term and long-term rentals.
Sixt: Offering premium cars and luxury vehicles, Sixt is a great option for those looking for a more upscale experience in Lisbon.
Hertz: With convenient locations throughout Lisbon, including at the airport, Hertz is a trusted option for both tourists and business travelers.
Avis: Avis offers a wide range of vehicles at competitive prices, perfect for those looking for both budget-friendly and high-end rental options.
When choosing a Lisbon car rental company, consider comparing prices, vehicle availability, and customer reviews to ensure you get the best deal for your needs.
The Cost of Renting a Car in Lisbon (+ Money Saving Tips)
Rental car in Lisbon
I know cost is a big concern when renting a car, so here's what I learned about pricing and how to save extra money:
Car type: I went with an economy car, which was the most budget-friendly option. If you’re looking for something fancier, there are plenty of premium cars available, but they can be a lot more expensive.
Duration: The longer you rent, the better your daily rate will be. I rented for a week, and the daily rate was much cheaper than if I’d just rented for a couple of days.
Seasonal pricing: I visited Lisbon in the spring, which was considered shoulder season. This meant lower prices compared to the summer months when demand is higher. So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, try to avoid the peak tourist season to save on rental costs.
Additional fees: Keep in mind there might be extra charges for things like insurance, GPS, or child seats if you need them. Renting from the airport also comes with extra fees, so it’s worth checking out rental locations in the city to see if you can save some money.
Car rental considerations
Driving in Lisbon: What You Need to Know
Driving a rented car
Before I started driving in Lisbon, I made sure to familiarize myself with the local traffic rules and driving conditions:
Traffic rules: Lisbon follows standard European traffic laws, so speed limits are generally around 50 km/h in the city and 90-120 km/h on highways. Always check the signs, and be mindful of pedestrians—Lisbon is known for its narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly zones.
Narrow streets and steep hills: The streets in Lisbon’s historic districts can be incredibly narrow and winding. I had to be cautious while driving, especially on hills. It was definitely a unique driving experience!
Parking: Parking in Lisbon can be tricky, especially in the city center. I found that street parking can be expensive and hard to find during peak hours. There are also parking garages, but they can add up over time.
Toll roads: There are toll roads in Portugal, and I used Via Verde, an electronic toll system, to pay for them. It’s really convenient, but make sure you understand the system before heading out since failing to pay for the roads can lead up to paying fines.
Major toll roads in Portugal:
A1 between Lisbon and Porto
A28 between Porto and Valença
A22 between Faro and Portimao
A2 between Lisbon and Algarve
Best Day Trips from Lisbon by Car
A view of Sintra on a sunny day
One of the highlights of renting a car in Lisbon was the freedom to go on incredible day trips. Here are some of my favorite places to visit:
Évora (1.5 hours): If you're into history, Évora is a must-visit. This UNESCO World Heritage city is filled with ancient Roman ruins, medieval streets, and beautiful architecture.
Sintra (40 minutes): Sintra is like stepping into a fairy tale, with its stunning palaces like Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. It was definitely worth the short drive from Lisbon.
Cascais (30 minutes): I spent a lovely day in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town. It’s perfect for a relaxing beach day or exploring the charming streets. Also, I’ve pilled up the best spots for parking in Cascais to help you navigate more easily.
Cabo da Roca (45 minutes): Visiting Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, was one of the highlights of my trip. The views are breathtaking and well worth the drive.
Renting a car in Lisbon is the ideal way to experience the city and explore the beautiful surroundings. With the flexibility to visit nearby attractions and the freedom to go at your own pace, car rental opens up endless opportunities for adventure. Don’t miss out on the convenience and excitement of exploring Lisbon by car. Ready to start your journey? Book your car rental in Lisbon today and discover everything this vibrant city has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions, so you don't have to look anywhere else for the right answers.
If you’re from outside the EU, it’s a good idea to have an international driver’s license, but check with the rental company to be sure.
You’ll typically need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Lisbon. Some companies may require drivers to be 23 or older, so double-check the policies.
Many companies prefer a credit card, but some will accept a debit card with certain conditions. Just make sure to confirm with your rental company.
Absolutely! Lisbon is generally safe for drivers, but you should be cautious on the narrow, hilly streets.
My name is Aistis, I am a 32 from Lithuania. I started traveling 12 years ago when I took one of my first trips with Erasmus+ programs. My goal is to see the world and share the experience with my readers.
Currently, I’ve been to 51 Countries and still counting. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my content and car rental tips as well as comparisons and who knows maybe we will meet somewhere in the near future.
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Auto Jardim - Instead of renting cars directly we give access to the car hire companies comparison form which can find you the cheapest and highest quality options without any additonal or hidden fees.
