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Discover locations in Lisbon

Rent a car in Lisbon with Europcar

With sweeping plazas, vintage streetcars rattling along cobbled streets, multi-colored boutiques, and trendy bars, Lisbon has undeniable charm. The seven hills overlooking the city all give great views of the capital and the surrounding countryside. 

Renting a car in Portugal gives the opportunity to explore further afield from Lisbon, and there is certainly plenty to see nearby. On the south coast of Portugal is Cascais (20 miles from the capital); and the lush greenery of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is also not too far away. 

The Europcar rental experience in Lisbon

Choose from a number of Europcar stations to collect your car in Lisbon. There is a branch at Lisbon Airport, and several downtown, including a 24-hour service. Wherever is most convenient for you, you will find a Europcar station to get your Portugal adventure started. 

If you are looking for something small to drive around the city, the Renault Clio 5P and Renault Twingo 3D are reliable options for economy car rental. Larger groups and families can choose the Renault Mégane or Audi A3 to travel in comfort and style.

Moving heavier loads? Europcar Lisbon also offers a fleet of vans, with small and large models. Renting with Europcar means the ultimate flexibility for your travels, with cars and vans available on a short- or long-term basis.

Driving in Lisbon

In addition to a valid driver’s license from your country of residence, it is a good idea to have your photo ID or passport with you at all times when driving through Portugal. 

In urban areas the speed limit is usually 50 km/h, but can vary as indicated by signposts. On rural roads it is 90 km/h and on freeways 120 km/h. Speed limits around residential areas and schools are usually 40 km/h.

On-street parking in the city center is difficult due to the narrow and steep streets. If you need to park downtown, it is advisable to use one of the underground garages. Paid parking hours are Monday to Friday, between 8am and 8pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 6pm. There is cheaper parking available in lots south of downtown, charging €5-6 per day.

There are several toll roads in Portugal with charges payable in cash, by credit/debit card or via an electronic system. There are different types of electronic tolls: Easy Toll, Toll Card, Toll Service and Via Verde Visitors. Easy Toll is connected to your credit card and automatically charges when you travel through tollgates; Toll Card and Toll Service use a prepaid voucher system, while Via Verde is a wireless device you attach to your car. 

Discover Lisbon and the surrounding area by car 

While you are in Lisbon, be sure to head over to Almada across the bay, where the Cristo Rei statue is located. Climb to the top of this sacred Catholic monument for exceptional views over the city. Just a 20-minute drive via the IP7 bridge road, which crosses the Tagus River, it is a stunning journey in itself. 

Lisbon’s location means you can really maximize your time in Portugal, exploring the nearby coastline and surrounding area. You should definitely visit the expansive Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and with Europcar car hire, it couldn’t be easier to travel there. Pena Palace (20 miles), Cresmina Dune, Praia do Guincho and the Palace of Sintra are just some of the magical attractions you can find nearby. 

The National Palace of Queluz, seven miles north of Lisbon, is a worthwhile day trip. Behind the stunning yellow and green exterior of the stately building is a collection of magnificent Baroque, Rococo, and neoclassical pieces. The manicured gardens are wonderful for an afternoon stroll. 

Driving on from Lisbon, you can visit Leiria (80 miles), a medieval university town, and the magical town of Tomar (85 miles). Both are around an hour and a half’s drive north of the capital.

A 15-minute drive from downtown is the beautiful palace of Ajuda, built in 1795 in a neoclassical style but with renovations since adding architectural features from different styles. The majestic interiors are open to the public, including several private chambers, and the staterooms where galas were held. The grounds include the Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, the first botanical garden in Portugal, known for its geometric layout. The Palace of Ajuda also houses a large collection of decorative arts dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries, including jewelry, textiles, furniture, paintings, and sculpture.

The chic seaside town of Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches and superior seafood restaurants. The chosen summer retreat of the royal family during the late 1800s, Cascais is still very cosmopolitan, with a picture-perfect historic center, sandy beaches, whimsical museums, and trendy boutiques. Make sure you visit the Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais and the Castro Guimarães Museum to appreciate their unique architectural styles. Cascais is a quick half-hour drive along the coast east of Lisbon. 

Things to see in Lisbon

This UNESCO protected city is full of diverse districts, each offering a unique perspective. Great things to see include the traditional Alfama, with its Moorish architecture and hilltop castle; the cultural offerings of Lisbon Baixa, with the Archaeological Centre dedicated to the ruins dating back to the Iron Age; and the oldest confectionery shop in the country, opened in 1829. The Belém neighbourhood houses the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a Unesco-listed monastery with awe-inspiring cloisters, gargoyles and Renaissance woodcarvings.

We are proud to be European leaders in car rental. To find out more about the Europcar car hire experience, be sure to visit our car rental page!

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Good to know

Car hire at Lisbon is made easy with Europcar.

Friendly service, new cars and low prices are part of our every day offer. Whether you are hiring a car for business or pleasure, or you need a car or van, Europcar has the right hire car at Lisbon for you.

Europcar is looking forward to serving you at its car hire branch: Lisbon. Remember to always bring your driving license, valid credit card and additional proof of identity (such as a passport if you are hiring abroad).

Europcar’s Green Programme: At Europcar, we understand the environmental impact of car hire. That’s why we have wholeheartedly embraced a sustainable development programme and are proud to be the first car hire company at Lisbon with certified commitments.