Guide to Car Rental in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the beautiful capital of Portugal, is a vivid city that combines rich history, traditional architecture and vibrant atmosphere. With vehicle rental in Lisbon, you can explore it easily and conveniently, discovering hidden gems and doing day trips that will uncover the beaty of the whole area. 

Read here the ultimate guide for renting a car in Lisbon and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Car hire in Lisbon is a simple procedure. The step-by-step rental process consists of the following:

1. Choose from Abbycar’s easy platform or in person in one of our rental locations the car type that meets your criteria according to your needs, travel plan and budget.
2. Provide a valid driving license, passport or ID and credit card.
3. A deposit amount will be blocked in your credit card, but not charged. This deposit will be charged only in case of damage.
4. You take the car after inspecting its situation and take photos to prove the existence of any pre-existing damage. You should also check the mileage and gas mileage.
5. You return the car at the drop-off point.

The essential documents you need to rent a car in Lisbon are:

• Driving license (International Driving Permit for foreign non-EU drivers)
• Passport or ID
• Credit card under the main driver’s name.

If you are looking for the best car rental deals in Lisbon, consider the following tips:

• Travel in the low or mid-season and avoid July and August.
• Book in advance.
• Check for online deals and discounts.
• Choose the same pick-up and drop-off point.
• Read the rental agreement to avoid hidden fees.
• Rent a small economy car.

The advantages of renting a car in Lisbon are:

• Flexibility to travel at your own pace and see as many points of interest as possible
• Convenience and avoidance of overcrowded public transportation
• Opportunity to travel easily with kids, pets etc.
• Exploration of off-the-beaten-path places that are not accessible by public transportation.

The disadvantages of renting a car in Lisbon are:

• Heavy traffic in rush hours
• Expensive parking
• Stressful driving style
• High travel cost.

However, keep in mind that Abbycar is one of the most affordable car rental companies in Lisbon and offers many deals and discounts to find the best car according to your budget.

Other transportation options you have:

• Public transportation: Lisbon has a good public transportation network, including buses, trams, and metro lines. The Carris trams are iconic and cover many tourist areas. However, as expected, public transport does not cover all areas and has specific routes and schedules. So, if you want to explore the wider area at your own pace, your own vehicle is necessary.
• Taxis and rideshare services: Taxis and rideshares services are easily available and convenient, but they are not the most cost-effective mode of transport in Lisbon, especially if you do many routes and long distances per day.
• Biking: In touristic destinations, you can rent a bike at low price. However, you should be very careful, as the traffic is heavy and Portuguese driving style is stressful. Plus, Lisbon has uphill, so you have to be in excellent physical condition.

The factors you should consider according to your travel plans and personal preferences, to decide whether to rent a car or choose an alternative transportation option are:

• Do you have kids or pets with you?
• How long will you stay in Lisbon?
• Do you want to stay in the city center or explore other areas as well?
• Do you want to go around also at night?
• How many persons travel together?
• What is your budget?

There are various rental agencies offering no deposit rentals in Lisbon. The options for renting without a deposit is to pay by cash or with debit card.

However, keep in mind that there are some terms and conditions for no deposit rentals. The most important are:

• Age Restrictions: There are car rental age restrictions in Lisbon. It is mandatory to meet a minimum age requirement, often 21 or 25, with a valid driver’s license to rent a car without deposit.
• Insurance Coverage: Most rental companies require insurance with full coverage to pay with debit card or cash.
• Geographic Restrictions: Driving the rental car outside a specified area or country might be prohibited or require additional fees and permissions, especially with no deposit.

In Lisbon, there is great availability of rental vehicles and various car hire locations to choose what is suitable for you.

The most useful tips for renting a car in Lisbon are:

• Obtain an International Driving Permit: It is required along with your national license if you are a foreign driver outside EU.
• Book in advance: Make the reservation early, especially in high season.
• Choose the right car: A small car to easily find parking in Lisbon is the best option.
• Best insurance: There are many options for car rental insurance in Lisbon. It is wiser to choose an insurance with wide coverage and low deductible, including theft protection.
• Check the car before pick-up: Inspect the rental car for damages before taking it. Take photos to prove its prior condition.
• Fill up the tank: The tank must be full before returning the car to avoid extra charges.
• Understand the rental agreement: Read thoroughly the Terms & Conditions and keep the contract.

There are two different methods for booking a rental car. In-person and online booking.

The advantages of online booking car rental in Lisbon are:

• You find all-year-long deals and discounts.
• The booking process is easy and simple. 
• You can compare the various car rental rates in Lisbon.
• The procedure at car rental location is fast and you avoid long queues especially at rush hours.

Regarding the reservation and cancellation policies, please consider the following:

• Reservations are made online with valid credit card to secure the booking.
• Depending on the rental agreement, payment can be made at the time of booking or at pick-up.
• Typically, there is free cancellation until 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up. After that, a cancellation fee may apply.

For car leasing at Lisbon airport, there are various payment alternatives for car rentals, such as debit card and cash. Abbycar is one of the rental agencies in Lisbon accommodating credit card-free rentals, as it accepts these alternative payment options.

However, keep in mind the following tips for renting a car with a debit card or cash: 

• Inform the rental office before your arrival about your desire to pay without a credit card.
• Ensure you have sufficient fund for the security deposit.
• You can pay only with Visa and MasterCard.
• You may be required to buy extra insurance with wide coverage, such as Super Collision Damage Waiver that eliminates the deposit amount.

The best car hire locations in Lisbon are:

• Lisbon Airport
• City center
• Main train station (Gare do Oriente).

Keep in mind that the areas with convenient access to major attractions are:

• Baixa-Chiado: Centrally located, this area is ideal for visiting landmarks, such as the Praça do Comércio, Santa Justa Lift and Rossio Square.
• Alfama: The oldest district in Lisbon, it is perfect for exploring the São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral and the winding, narrow streets filled with Fado music. It is also within walking distance to viewpoints, such as Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
• Bairro Alto: It is known for its vibrant nightlife and traditional Fado houses.
• Avenida da Liberdade: This central avenue is known for its luxury shops and hotels and is located close to Eduardo VII Park and the Marquês de Pombal Square.

The best tips for choosing a reliable rental agency are:

• Price comparisons and deals: Check the offers and discounts for the car category you want.
• Hidden fees: Read thoroughly the rental agreement to avoid hidden charges.
• Car fleet: Choose a rental company with new and safe vehicles and great variety to find the perfect car for you.
• Customer service and reliability: A worldwide reliable company with local partners is your safe option.
• Online booking: The easy and straightforward process of booking online in a user-friendly platform is the best choice to perfectly organize your trip and find the best deals.

Abbycar is one of the most affordable car rentals in Lisbon, with worldwide reputation, offering super deals all-year-long. Plus, it has great variety in new and modern vehicles, 24/7 road assistance and excellent customer service.

Explore the sights of Lisbon with Abbycar easily, safely and on a budget!