Why Renting a Car at Lisbon Airport Is the Best Way to Reach Lagos
When you land at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and plan to travel to Lagos, Algarve, one of the most popular questions is: Should I rent a car or use public transport?
The answer is simple: 🚘 renting a car at Lisbon Airport gives you freedom, comfort, and flexibility to explore Portugal’s scenic coastline at your own pace.
Instead of waiting for buses or changing trains, you can enjoy a direct 3-hour drive through Portugal’s modern highways, with the option to stop at beautiful places like Setúbal, Évora, or Albufeira along the way.
🚗 Driving Distance & Route from Lisbon Airport to Lagos
The trip from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Lagos is straightforward.
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Toll Roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon Airport → A2 → A22 → Lagos | ~300 km | 2h 50m – 3h 15m | Yes (Via Verde accepted) |
👉 The fastest route is via A2 (Lisbon to Algarve), then connecting to A22, which leads directly into Lagos.
If you prefer a scenic coastal drive, you can follow the N120 road, which takes longer (~4.5h) but offers charming villages, rolling hills, and breathtaking ocean views.
🌞 Why Lagos Is Worth the Drive
Lagos is one of the gems of the Algarve region. By car, you can easily access:
- 🏖 Praia do Camilo – postcard-perfect beach with dramatic cliffs.
- 🏝 Ponta da Piedade – breathtaking rock formations and sea caves.
- 🏄 Meia Praia – long sandy beach, perfect for surfing or family trips.
- 🍷 Local wineries – enjoy Portuguese wine tastings in nearby vineyards.
- 🏰 Old Town Lagos – cobblestone streets, lively nightlife, and traditional restaurants.
🚘 Car Rental at Lisbon Airport: What to Expect
When renting a car at Lisbon Airport, you will find both international brands and local rental agencies.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
Popular Car Rental Companies at Lisbon Airport
| Rental Company | Counter Location | Best For | Accepted Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Inside Terminal | Business & family cars | Credit only |
| Europcar | Inside Terminal | Luxury cars | Credit only |
| Sixt | Inside Terminal | SUVs & premium cars | Credit/Debit (with rules) |
| Guerin | Shuttle | Budget-friendly | Credit & some Debit |
| Discovercars (broker) | Online booking, pick-up at partner desk | Price comparison | Both (depends on supplier) |
💡 Tip: Book online in advance (especially for September–October) to get cheaper rates and secure availability.
💶 Car Rental Prices: Lisbon Airport → Lagos
| Car Type | Average Daily Price | Fuel Policy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Fiat 500, Renault Clio) | €25–€40 | Full-to-Full | Couples, solo trips |
| Compact (VW Golf, Ford Focus) | €35–€55 | Full-to-Full | Small families |
| SUV (Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008) | €55–€80 | Full-to-Full | Comfort & space |
| Luxury (Mercedes, BMW) | €90–€150 | Full-to-Full | Premium travel |
| Van (7–9 seats) | €75–€120 | Full-to-Full | Groups, surf trips |
⚠️ Prices in summer & early autumn (August–October) are higher, so booking 2–3 months in advance saves money.
🛂 Documents Required to Rent a Car in Lisbon
Before picking up your rental car:
- ✅ Valid driver’s license (EU/EEA accepted; non-EU may require IDP).
- ✅ Passport or national ID.
- ✅ Credit card in the driver’s name (for deposit).
- ✅ Rental voucher if booked online.
⛽ Fuel Stops on the Way from Lisbon to Lagos
You’ll find plenty of fuel stations along A2 highway.
| Fuel Brand | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Galp | Service areas along A2 | Fuel, rest area, shops |
| Repsol | Near Setúbal & Grândola | Fast service, coffee shops |
| BP | Along A22 | Fuel, food court |
| Prio (budget) | Near Algarve towns | Low-cost fuel |
👉 Expect petrol around €1.70–€1.90 per liter.
🚧 Tolls: How to Pay from Lisbon to Lagos
The fastest routes include toll roads.
- 💳 Pay with credit card or cash at toll booths.
- 📲 Use Via Verde device (offered by most car rental companies).
- 💡 Cost: ~€20–25 one way Lisbon → Lagos.
📅 Best Time to Drive Lisbon → Lagos
- Summer (June–August): Hot, busy, expensive rentals.
- September–October: 🌞 Perfect weather, lower prices, fewer crowds.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Rainy, but mild temperatures.
If you’re visiting in October, it’s an ideal balance – sunny but not too hot, and beaches are peaceful.
🚗 Parking in Lagos
Parking in Lagos is relatively easy compared to Lisbon.
| Location | Parking Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lagos Marina | Paid | €1–€2/hour |
| City Center | Street parking | Some free, some paid |
| Beaches (Meia Praia, Camilo) | Mix of free & paid | Seasonal |
| Hotels | Private parking | Often free for guests |
✅ Final Tips for Renting a Car in Lisbon for Lagos
- 📅 Book early online – saves money and ensures car availability.
- 💳 Use a credit card – required for most deposits.
- ⛽ Check fuel policy – “full-to-full” is best.
- 🚧 Don’t forget tolls – Via Verde makes driving smoother.
- 🛑 Drive carefully – speed cameras are common on A2/A22.
Conclusion 🌍
Traveling from Lisbon Airport to Lagos by rental car is the most convenient, flexible, and enjoyable way to explore southern Portugal. Whether you’re heading for the beaches, nightlife, or peaceful coastal drives, having your own car means freedom.
With proper planning, you can find affordable rentals, manage tolls easily, and enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful road trips. 🚗✨
