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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 Car Hire Area |
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| Off-Site Depots (Prior Velho area) |
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| Lisbon City Centre |
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| Gare do Oriente Area |
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Companies operating directly at Lisbon Airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise/Guerin, Sixt and Goldcar, as well as several local agencies. Budget operators like GoldCar, OK Mobility and some local firms may be located off-site and require a shuttle bus.
On average, car rentals at Lisbon Airport cost around €48 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €5 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup. City branches often skip the airport surcharge (€15-30). If you’re staying in Lisbon first, take the Metro Red Line (€1.50) into town and rent the day you leave.
Consider off-site depots near Prior Velho. They’re a 10-15 min shuttle from LIS and can be cheaper than terminal desks. Good option if you’re travelling light.
Be flexible with pickup time. Avoid out-of-hours pickup after 10pm (€20-40). If you land late, grab the car next morning in the city. For June-August and Easter, compare early because last-minute prices spike.
Pick a smaller, manual car. Economy models are cheaper and easier to park in Lisbon. Automatics cost about 30-50% more.
Skip paid extras you don’t need. Use your phone for navigation instead of paying €7-12/day. Keep to one driver. For child seats, check the rental cap (€40-60 per rental) vs bringing your own.
Only add Via Verde if you’ll use electronic-only tolls. If you’re not driving the A22 in the Algarve, you can pay at booths and avoid the €1.50-2.50/day device fee. Also, refuel before return at cheaper stations like Prio (Prior Velho) or the Galp on Av. Gago Coutinho.
| Area | Parking Options | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Short-Term | P1/P2 parking structures | Closest to terminal. |
| Airport Long-Term | P3 parking lot | Shuttle service to terminal. |
| Baixa/Chiado | Underground garages | Historic centre. Narrow streets, limited street parking. |
| Parque das Nações | Street parking and garages | Modern district, wider streets. |
| Bairro Alto/Alfama | Very limited - use garages | Historic districts with narrow streets. Avoid driving here. |
| Belém | Street parking and lots | More space than central areas. Monument zone. |
Lisbon Parking Zones:
Local Driving Challenges:
Get a car so you can see:
Sintra - palaces, castles
Cascais and Estoril - beaches, marina
Évora - temple, aqueduct
Sesimbra and Setúbal - seafood, beaches

How far is Lisbon Airport from the city centre? It's about 7km from the city centre, and the drive takes 15-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Do I need to pre-book a car at Lisbon Airport? Yes, you should book ahead, especially during the peak season (June-September). Cars get booked out and prices go up a lot if you wait until the last minute.
Can I pick up at Lisbon Airport and return to another location? Yes, most companies let you rent one-way to other Portuguese cities. You'll pay an extra fee, which is usually €30-100 depending on the distance. Popular trips are from Lisbon to Porto or Lisbon to Faro.
Is there 24-hour pickup available at Lisbon Airport? Most big rental companies offer this service if your flight arrives late. You might need to let them know beforehand and pay an extra fee.
How does the toll system work from Lisbon Airport? On major highways like the A1, A2 and A5, you'll find normal toll booths where you can pay by cash or card. Some other highways (like the A22 in the Algarve) only have electronic tolls. For these, you'll need a special device called a transponder, so make sure you ask for one when you rent the car.
Is it worth driving in Lisbon itself? If you're just exploring the city, you'll probably find it easier to use public transport. We suggest you only rent a car for trips out of the city. You could rent a car when you're ready to leave Lisbon, instead of right when you arrive.
What documentation do I need to rent a car at Lisbon Airport? You'll need a current driver's licence, your passport and a credit card in your name. We also recommend an International Driving Permit if your licence isn't from the EU and doesn't use the Roman alphabet (like English).