Renting a Car in Lisbon as a Tourist

Lisbon Car Rental for Tourists — Smart, Safe, and Easy

Visiting Lisbon and thinking of renting a car? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of travelers use Lisbon as their gateway to explore Portugal by road — from the beaches of the Algarve to the vineyards of the Douro Valley.

But before you get behind the wheel, there are a few things every tourist should know. In this complete guide, we’ll cover the rules, documents, insurance, tolls, parking, and more — to ensure your road trip goes smoothly.

📋 Can Tourists Drive in Portugal?

Yes. Most foreign visitors can legally drive in Portugal, provided they meet the following requirements:

💡 Tip: Always carry your passport, license, and rental contract when driving.

🚗 What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car in Lisbon?

To rent a car, you’ll need:

• A valid driver’s license
• A credit card in the main driver’s name (some companies accept debit cards)
• Passport or national ID
• Rental confirmation (digital or printed)

🛣️ Road Rules in Portugal: What Tourists Must Know

⛽ Fuel Policies & Types

• Most cars run on diesel or unleaded petrol — double-check before filling up
• Fuel is expensive in Portugal: expect €1.70–€2.00 per liter
• Use Full-to-Full fuel policy for best transparency

🚧 Tolls & Via Verde – What Tourists Should Know

Portugal has both manual tolls and electronic-only toll roads.

Via Verde is an electronic toll system that:

• Automatically charges tolls without stopping
• Is often pre-installed in rental cars (check the terms!)
• Usually costs an extra €1.50–€2.50/day

💡 If your car doesn’t have Via Verde, you’ll need to pay online or at post offices for tolls taken — which is less convenient.

🅿️ Parking in Lisbon – Easy or Nightmare?

Lisbon is notoriously difficult for parking in the city center:

• Most areas are paid parking zones (blue lines)
• Use apps like EMEL ePark or EasyPark
• Public garages available in Baixa, Chiado, Avenida da Liberdade
• Avoid parking in Alfama or Bairro Alto — streets are too narrow
• Illegally parked cars are towed quickly

✅ Consider booking a hotel with private parking

🧾 Insurance: What’s Required?

Basic insurance is included by law, but rental companies often offer (or push) upgrades:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – reduces your liability
• Super CDW / Full Coverage – covers most damages
• Theft Protection – usually included, but always check

💡 You can use credit card insurance if supported — bring proof and decline CDW at the counter.

💳 Can You Rent a Car in Lisbon Without a Credit Card?

Some companies allow debit card rentals, but:

• You may need to purchase full insurance
• Deposit amounts will be higher
• You must book with that company directly — not through third-party platforms

Best providers for debit card rentals:

• Centauro
• OK Mobility
• Drive on Holidays

🌍 Is Driving in Portugal Safe?

Yes — driving in Portugal is generally safe and straightforward. Roads are modern, signs are well-marked, and major highways are in excellent condition.

Just avoid:

• Narrow roads in old neighborhoods
• Driving during rush hours in Lisbon (8–10 AM & 5–7 PM)
• Parking in illegal spots

✅ Final Checklist for Tourists Renting a Car in Lisbon

✔ Valid driver’s license + passport
✔ Book in advance for best price
✔ Choose Full-to-Full fuel policy
✔ Clarify toll payment (Via Verde?)
✔ Download Google Maps or Waze offline
✔ Avoid renting from companies with poor reviews (check Trustpilot)