Automatic vs Manual Car Rental in Lisbon

Automatic or Manual — Top Tips for Renting a Car in Lisbon

If you’re planning to rent a car in Lisbon, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a manual or automatic transmission. While manual cars are the standard in Portugal, many international travelers prefer the convenience of automatics — especially when navigating unfamiliar roads or driving in cities like Lisbon.

In this guide, we’ll compare manual vs automatic car rentals in Lisbon, covering availability, pricing, driving comfort, and what’s best for different types of travelers.

⚙️ What’s More Common in Lisbon: Manual or Automatic?

Manual transmission is still the default option for most car rentals in Portugal.
However, automatic cars are increasingly available, especially at larger companies and Lisbon Airport.

📊 Comparison Table – Manual vs Automatic Rental Cars

💬 When to Choose an Automatic Car in Lisbon

✅ You’re not used to manual cars
✅ You’re from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia
✅ You’ll be driving in the city, hills (like Sintra), or during rush hour
✅ You want a stress-free experience on winding or unfamiliar roads

💬 When to Choose a Manual Car in Lisbon

✅ You drive manual at home and are comfortable with it
✅ You want to save money on rental and fuel
✅ You’re driving mainly on highways or outside urban areas
✅ You’re booking last-minute and automatics are sold out

📦 Availability – Where to Find Automatic Cars

You’ll have better luck finding automatic transmission vehicles if you:

• 📍 Book from Lisbon Airport (LIS), where fleets are larger
• 🕐 Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially in summer
• 🎯 Use filters on platforms like Discovercars or Rentalcars to select “Automatic Only”
• 🏷️ Choose brands with premium fleets: Sixt, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise

💡 Insider Tips for Booking Automatic Cars

1. Book early – Automatic cars sell out fast, especially during high season
2. Use the right filters – Choose “Automatic Transmission” in search tools
3. Expect to pay more – €10–€20/day more than manual cars
4. Confirm it’s truly automatic – Some listings show “semi-automatic” – not the same
5. Ask about toll device & GPS – Usually more common in higher-class vehicles

🧠 Real Traveler Advice

“Driving in Lisbon was much easier with an automatic — especially with the steep hills and traffic. Worth the extra €10/day.”

“Manual was fine for the highway to Porto, but in the city it would’ve been frustrating.”

✅ Final Verdict – Which One is Best?

If you want simplicity, safety, and smooth navigation in Lisbon, go for automatic.
If you’re on a budget and confident with gear shifting, manual is the cost-saving choice.