Why rent a car in Lisbon?
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most captivating capitals, known for its hilltop viewpoints, historic tram lines, vibrant food scene and the elegant Belém district along the Tagus river. A rental car gives you easy access to the wider region, including the palaces and gardens of Sintra, the surf beaches of Cascais and Ericeira, the medieval town of Óbidos and the vineyards of the Setúbal peninsula to the south.
Pick up your car in the city or directly at Lisbon Airport and start exploring Portugal immediately after arrival. For more destinations across the country, see car rental in Portugal.
Exploring Lisbon and the surrounding region by car
Day trips and routes from Lisbon
Lisbon is an excellent starting point for exploring Portugal by car. Sintra, with its fairytale palaces and dramatic hilltop setting, is just 30 km west via the IC19. The Setúbal peninsula and Arrábida Natural Park are about 50 km south and offer some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Portugal, with turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. The medieval university city of Évora is roughly 130 km east through the Alentejo plains, and the Comporta beach area, known for its unspoilt dunes, is around 90 km south via the A2 motorway. For more destinations, see car rental in Portugal.
Driving and parking in Lisbon
Lisbon’s hills and narrow streets make city driving challenging, but the city is manageable once you are familiar with the main routes. The waterfront Marginal road along the Tagus estuary is a scenic option into the centre. Several paid car parks operate near popular areas such as Belém, Parque das Nações and Marquês de Pombal. The A5 motorway provides a fast link westward toward Cascais and Sintra. Tolls on Portuguese motorways are electronic, ensure your rental car has a tolling device or check the rental conditions when booking. Pick-up is available at Lisbon Airport for a smooth start to your journey.
Best time to rent a car in Lisbon
Lisbon has a mild climate year-round, making it one of Europe’s most comfortable driving destinations even in winter. Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Summer is busy, particularly in Sintra and along the Atlantic coast west of Lisbon, where beach traffic can be heavy on weekends. For a quieter and more relaxed experience, visiting between October and April is recommended.
Car rental price in Lisbon
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Lisbon, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €158 |
| Mid-size car | from €228 |
| Large car / SUV | from €273 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
