Car Rental in Lisbon

Where to drive

• Sintra and Cascais: Drive to the fairytale palaces of Sintra (≈30 km, 40 min) and the elegant coastal town of Cascais (≈30 km, 35 min) for a perfect day trip.
• Arrabida Natural Park and Sesimbra: Head south across the 25 de Abril Bridge to the stunning beaches and mountains of Arrabida Natural Park and the fishing village of Sesimbra (≈45 km, 50 min).
• Evora: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora in the Alentejo region, known for its Roman Temple and Chapel of Bones (≈130 km, 1 hr 30 min).
• Obidos and Nazaré: Journey north to the medieval walled town of Obidos (≈85 km, 1 hr) and continue to Nazaré, famous for its giant waves (≈120 km, 1 hr 20 min).
• Algarve Coast: For a longer trip, drive to the sunny beaches and cliffs of the Algarve region (≈280 km, 2 hr 45 min).
• Fátima: Visit the renowned Sanctuary of Fátima, an important pilgrimage site (≈125 km, 1 hr 15 min).

What documents you need

To rent a car in Portugal, you typically need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least 1-2 years. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your license is not in English or a Latin alphabet. You will also need your passport or national ID card and a major credit card in the main driver's name. The minimum age for rental is usually 21-23, with young driver surcharges often applying for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Lisbon vary significantly by season and vehicle class. You can find economy cars starting from around 10-15 EUR per day during the low season, while SUVs and premium models will typically cost upwards of 50-70 EUR per day. During peak summer months, expect prices to increase by 50-100% across all categories, with economy cars averaging 30-50 EUR daily.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Portugal, you drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are mandatory in tunnels and during poor visibility. All occupants must wear seatbelts. Children under 12 or shorter than 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Parking

Parking in central Lisbon can be challenging and expensive. Many street parking zones are paid (marked with blue or green lines) and operate on a pay-and-display system, typically from 9 AM to 7 PM on weekdays. Parking garages (parques de estacionamento) are widely available but can be costly. Consider parking on the outskirts of the city and using public transport to enter the center. Free parking is rare in popular areas.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasolina for petrol, gasóleo for diesel) is readily available at numerous stations throughout Lisbon and Portugal. Prices are comparable to other Western European countries, with petrol costing approximately 1.70-1.90 EUR/liter and diesel around 1.60-1.80 EUR/liter, subject to market fluctuations. Most stations accept major credit cards and cash.

Which car to choose

For navigating Lisbon's narrow, hilly streets, a compact or economy car is often the most practical choice. If you plan extensive drives along the coast or through the interior, a comfortable mid-range sedan or a small SUV could be beneficial. Manual transmission cars are very common and often cheaper, but automatics are increasingly available, especially from larger rental companies. For rural exploration, a car with good ground clearance might be useful, though not strictly necessary for most tourist routes.

Frequently asked questions