Car Hire in Lisbon

About Lisbon

Lisbon is stylish and contrasting. You can easily explore this charming, hilly city on foot or take the iconic tram number 28. This tram has been rumbling through the streets of Lisbon since before World War II, serving many beautiful neighbourhoods, such as Alfama and Baixa. It stops near the famous shop called A Vida Portuguesa, where you can buy just about anything your heart desires. And the best part? It's all local. Head to Commerce Square and admire the many remarkable buildings there. And last but not least, visit the Padrao dos descobrimentos in the Belem district, a monument commemorating the Portuguese explorers' departure for the New World.

If you are considering renting a car in Lisbon and exploring the surrounding cities, you will have no problems. There are a variety of car rental companies, such as SadoRent, Centauro, Europcar and others.

Basic info and car hire in Lisbon

• Location: North-west of Portugal.
• Population: 2.971,587 (2021)   
• Official language: Portuguese and Mirandese.
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Weather: Mediterranean climate. Warm summers (above 68°F / 20°C), mild winters (54°F / 12°C) and pleasant spring and autumn (above 59 °F / 15°C). Read more about the weather in Lisbon »                   
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants and cafés are mostly equipped with Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions: Roads are quite poorly maintained in some areas.
• Car hire in Lisbon: Prices for a daily rental are 9€ in summer, 7€ in autumn and 6€ in winter and spring. The most common location for vehicle pickup is Lisbon Airport. Please note that rental prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to get a cheap last-minute deal. Find the best deal on car hire in Lisbon!

Driving in Lisbon    

There are two toll systems in Portugal. The traditional one is called Via Verde (Green Lane). These toll lanes are marked with green V signs. You can pay with cash, credit cards or prepaid cards while driving. To use a Via Verde lane, you must purchase or rent an electronic transponder or vignette at all CTT Post Office and Via Verde stores. Do not use the Via Verde lanes if you do not have the Via Verde transponder. Other roads have electronic tolls only, meaning there are no toll booths and you cannot pay while driving. The devices placed at the beginning of these highways detect passing vehicles. They are marked with a black car with three expanding bars. Most car rental companies in Portugal have Via Verde transponders pre-installed in their vehicles. If you want to rent a car in Portugal, you should still check with the car rental company about how their systems work with both toll systems.

Driving in Lisbon is challenging as drivers are impatient and there is little road signage. Heavy traffic can also be a problem. However, car rental in Lisbon is easy and affordable. The best time to visit Lisbon (weather-wise) is spring, as temperatures are not as high as in summer. However, summer is the peak season. The maximum BAC is 0.05% for drivers of private vehicles. There is a zero-tolerance law for novice drivers who have held a licence for less than two years and for young drivers under 21.  

• Age limits: 21 (minimum age may vary according to car hire companies. A Young Driver fee will apply to drivers under 25 years of age. In order to hire a car, it is required that a driver has held a driving licence for more than one year).
• International Driving Permit: Yes, if you are a non-EU licence holder.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driving licence and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in Portugal).
• Additional requirements: Warning triangles, reflective vests and hands-free equipment with hearing aids are required while driving and talking on the phone
• Children in the car: All car occupants must wear a seatbelt. Children under the age of twelve or shorter than 4ft 11in (1.50 metres) can only travel in the front passenger seat if they are in a special rear-facing children’s seat.
• Driving side of the road: Right.
• Lights: Headlights are not turned on unless you are in a tunnel or during conditions of poor visibility.
• General speed limits: 75mph (120kph) on motorways, 55mph (90kph) outside cities and 30mph (50kph) in residential areas.
• Parking ideas: Parking your car in the historic centre is almost impossible due to the narrow streets, but there are many underground car parks and there are pay and display car parks marked with blue lines where you can leave your hire car.

What to see in Lisbon

Watch the city unfold before you as you enjoy the view from St. George's Castle. Next, stroll along the cool Rossio Square - its funky stone pavement will make you giddy. A look at Casa dos Bicos (House of Spikes) is pretty unique, too. Tip: The name could not be more apt. Stop for a coffee on Avenida Rua Augusta and check out the vertical Santa Justa Elevator, built-in 1902 and still running!