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Compare rental car prices from leading providers in Lisbon with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up your rental car at Lisbon Airport (LIS) or city center spots like Marquês de Pombal and Oriente Station, then head out to Sintra, Cascais or Évora with easy highway access. Filter for automatics, child seats and a Via Verde toll device to make Lisbon driving and day trips smoother.

Map of campervan rental depots near 537584

Location	Pros	Cons
Lisbon Airport (LIS)	Wide selection of vehicles All major companies present Better availability of automatics Open late for evening arrivals	Airport surcharge (€15-30) Queues of 1+ hour during peak season Immediate city driving can be stressful Rental desks can be crowded
City Center (Marques de Pombal)	No airport fees Central location near hotels Generally shorter wait times More relaxed pickup experience	Limited operating hours (8am-7pm) Fewer vehicle choices Requires transport from the airport Navigating out of the center can be challenging
Oriente Station	Good if arriving by train Easier exit route to highways Less congested than downtown Some larger companies present	Limited selection Restricted hours on weekends Not centrally located for most tourists
Hotel Delivery	Maximum convenience No need to transport luggage Start directly from accommodation	Service fee (€20-30) Limited to certain companies Must be pre-arranged Not all hotels participate

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Lisbon?

On average, car rentals in Lisbon cost around €47 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €5 per day.

Low-cost rental tips

Compare pickup spots: LIS airport adds €15-30 and often long queues. If you’re staying in town first, pick up in the city or at Oriente to skip the airport fee.
Be flexible with dates: Weekend rates are often cheaper. Shift pickup/return by a day or adjust times to see price drops when you compare.
Time your booking by season: For July-August and Easter, book earlier to lock in a small car. In Nov-Mar, last-minute deals are common.
Choose manual and small: Automatics cost about 30-50% more. A small hatchback is cheaper and easier to park in Lisbon.
Skip paid extras: GPS is €5-10/day, use your phone. Hotel delivery adds €20-30. Via Verde costs €1.50-2/day, only add it if you’ll use lots of toll roads.
Rent only when you need it: Explore Lisbon car-free, then rent for day trips or when leaving. Central garage parking can run €15-25/day.

Local Driving and Parking

Area	Car Space Options	Cost	Tips
Baixa/Chiado	Underground garages Limited street spaces	Paid; hourly and daily rates apply	Praça da Figueira and Praça do Comércio garages are central. Street spaces are scarce and time-limited.
Alfama	Almost impossible street spaces Nearby garages	Paid; rates vary	Best to avoid driving here. Extremely narrow streets. Park at Santa Apolónia and walk up.
Belém	Large open lots Street spaces	Some free areas and paid zones	Good availability except on weekends. Free spaces near Jerónimos Monastery run out early.
Parque das Nações	Shopping center garages Street spaces	Paid; rates vary	Modern area with wider streets. Vasco da Gama mall has large garage.
Airport Area	Short-term spaces Car rental return	Paid short-term and daily	Follow signs for rental car return in P2 or designated areas. Some confusion possible between different company areas.

Zone System:
Lisbon uses a colored zone system:

Red zones - Maximum 2 hours, highest rate
Yellow zones - Maximum 4 hours, mid-rate
Green zones - Maximum 4 hours, lower rate
Pay via meters, coins or card, and display ticket on dashboard. Some areas support the ePark app.

Driving Restrictions:

Lisbon has a Low Emission Zone (ZER) in the city center. Most rental cars are new enough to comply.
Some historic areas have restricted access for non-residents (parts of Alfama and Bairro Alto).
Bus lanes are strictly enforced using cameras. Don't drive in them even if empty.
The 25 de Abril Bridge has tolls southbound.

Why rent a car in Lisbon

Rent a car so you can get to:

Sintra – palaces, Cabo da Roca
Cascais – Guincho, Boca do Inferno
Arrábida and Sesimbra – Portinho da Arrábida, Praia da Figueirinha
Óbidos – town walls, castle
Évora – cathedral, Chapel of Bones
Fátima – sanctuary

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Lisbon

FAQs

Do I really need a car while staying in Lisbon? No, you won't need a car just to explore the city center because Lisbon has excellent public transport. A car is most useful if you plan day trips outside the city or want to travel to other parts of Portugal.

What's the best approach if I want to explore Lisbon first, then travel elsewhere? Stay in Lisbon car-free for a few days and use public transport. You can then pick up a rental car when you're ready to leave. This helps you avoid parking challenges and fees.

Is parking really that difficult in central Lisbon? Yes, you'll find street parking is very limited and has strict rules. You should budget for garage parking (€15-25/day) if your accommodation doesn't provide it.

Can I drive to Sintra palaces? You can drive to Sintra town, but you'll find parking is limited near the historic center. To visit multiple palaces, you should park once and use the local tourist bus (434), which connects the main sites.

How do I handle getting lost in Lisbon's maze-like streets? Use GPS navigation, but be prepared for it to reroute you because of narrow or closed streets. Don't panic if you need to make unexpected turns. Lisbon drivers are used to tourists getting a bit lost.

Is it worth paying extra for a smaller car in Lisbon? Absolutely. A compact car makes it much easier for you to drive on narrow streets and find parking. A small hatchback is ideal for driving in Lisbon.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Lisbon? You will need a valid driver's license, passport and a credit card in the driver's name. Rental companies usually accept non-EU licenses, though it's a good idea to have an International Driving Permit if your license isn't written in the Roman alphabet.