📝 Your Ultimate Guide to Car Rental in Lisbon City Centre
Yes, you can easily rent a car in Lisbon city centre from top companies like Europcar, Guerin, Hertz, Sixt, and more. With convenient pickup locations near Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, and Baixa, city-based car rentals are ideal for exploring beyond Lisbon — including Sintra, Cascais, or even a road trip to Porto or the Algarve. This guide includes prices, tips, parking rules, and the best providers.
📍 Where to Rent a Car in Lisbon City Centre?
Lisbon has multiple city-centre locations for car hire. The most popular pickup areas include:
| Location | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|
| Marquês de Pombal | Major transport hub, metro access, multiple agencies in one place |
| Avenida da Liberdade | Central boulevard, luxury and standard rentals available |
| Rua Castilho | Business district, convenient for hotels |
| Saldanha & Entrecampos | Great access for locals or longer stays |
| Baixa & Chiado | Close to downtown and tourists zones |
🧭 Tip: Use Google Maps or Booking platforms to filter pickup locations by proximity to your hotel or metro stop.
🏢 Top Car Rental Companies in Lisbon City Centre
| Rental Company | Location (Central) | Google Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guerin | Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade | 4.5/5 | Local favorite, friendly staff |
| Europcar | Rua Rodrigues Sampaio | 4.2/5 | Large fleet, flexible drop-off |
| Sixt | Avenida da Liberdade | 4.4/5 | Modern fleet, luxury options |
| Hertz | Rua Castilho | 4.0/5 | Global brand, business-friendly |
| Drive on Holidays | Rua Andrade Corvo | 4.3/5 | Affordable, debit card options |
💡 Most offices are open Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Some close Sundays or have reduced hours — check in advance.
💰 Average Rental Car Prices in Downtown Lisbon
| Car Type | Daily Price (Low Season) | Daily Price (High Season) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (manual) | €20–€35 | €30–€60 |
| Compact (auto) | €35–€55 | €50–€80 |
| SUV or Van | €50–€90 | €80–€130 |
| Luxury | €90–€150+ | €130–€200+ |
🧠 Book 2–4 weeks in advance for the best rates. Prices spike between June and September, during holidays, and long weekends.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
🔒 What You Need to Rent a Car in Lisbon
- ✅ Valid driver’s license (EU, US, UK, Canada accepted)
- ✅ Passport or government ID
- ✅ Credit card (some companies accept debit cards)
- ✅ Age 21+ (sometimes 23+)
- ✅ Booking confirmation (email or printed)
🧾 Optional: International Driving Permit (recommended if your license is not in English or Portuguese)
🚦 Driving & Parking in Lisbon City Centre
🚗 Pros of Renting in the City:
- Convenient if your hotel is nearby
- Great for day trips (Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal)
- Ideal for multi-city routes (Lisbon → Porto)
⚠️ Cons:
- Narrow streets in Alfama, Bairro Alto
- Limited public parking
- Some areas are residents-only (Zona de Residente)
- Traffic zones (ZTLs) may apply during certain hours
🅿️ Parking Tips:
- Use underground parking (Parques Tejo, Empark)
- Street parking is metered — download apps like ePark
- Avoid parking near major tourist zones unless early morning
🛣️ Best Day Trips by Car from Lisbon City Centre
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sintra | 30 km | 35–45 min | Palaces, castles, forest roads |
| Cascais | 32 km | 30 min | Beach town, scenic drive |
| Setúbal | 50 km | 45–60 min | Seafood, dolphin tours, nature |
| Évora | 135 km | 90 min | UNESCO site, wine region |
| Nazaré | 125 km | 90 min | Giant waves, coastal views |
🚀 Renting from Lisbon city centre gives you flexibility to explore without depending on group tours or schedules.
📝 Summary – Renting a Car in Lisbon City Centre
- ✔️ Multiple car rental agencies in the city, especially near Marquês de Pombal and Avenida da Liberdade
- 💳 Most companies require a credit card, but some accept debit cards
- 🅿️ Be aware of parking zones, metered streets, and narrow alleys in historic areas
- 🚘 Use rental car for day trips or onward journeys to Porto, Algarve, or Spain
- 🧭 Book in advance for better availability and lower prices
❓ FAQ – Car Rental Lisbon City Centre
Q: Can I rent a car in Lisbon without going to the airport?
A: Yes, several companies operate branches in the city centre near major hotels and metro stations.
Q: Is parking easy in Lisbon city centre?
A: Parking is limited. Use paid garages or hotel parking, and avoid driving in Alfama or Bairro Alto.
Q: Can I return the car to the airport after picking it up in the city?
A: Yes. Most providers allow one-way returns between city and airport locations (often for a small fee).
Q: Is it better to rent a car in the city or airport?
A: Airport has more inventory, but city centre is convenient if you’re already staying downtown.
