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Lisbon · LIS

Lisbon airport car hire, from £15/day.

Compare live LIS prices from 900+ rental companies in one search — full price upfront, free cancellation, and none of the fuel or insurance add-ons at the desk.

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Free cancellation on most bookings Full price shown upfront
LISHumberto Delgado, Lisbon's sole airport
Close to cityJust 7 km from the city centre
From £15per day for a compact, booked ahead
Drive rightPortugal drives on the right-hand side
The guide

Hiring a car at Lisbon Airport

Lisbon is the starting point for some of Europe's best road trips — from the palaces of Sintra to the beaches of the Algarve and the vineyards of the Douro Valley. Comparing prices before you fly lets you lock in the lowest rate with free cancellation, skipping the inflated counter prices and insurance upsells at the terminal.

Where you collect the car

Lisbon Airport is close to the city centre, just 7 km away. Car hire desks are in the arrivals area. Some suppliers operate from a nearby car hire centre accessible by shuttle. Follow the "Rent-a-Car" signs from arrivals.

What it costs

Compact car hire at LIS starts from around £15/day, making Portugal one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe for car hire. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead is ideal. Summer (June–September) is peak season.

Driving from Lisbon

Portugal drives on the right. The A1 motorway connects Lisbon to Porto. Portuguese motorways use electronic toll systems — many have no physical toll booths. Your hire car may come with a Via Verde transponder, or you may need to register your number plate online to pay tolls. Ask your supplier about the toll arrangement. Lisbon's city centre has narrow, steep streets — a car is not recommended for the old town.

Save the most at Lisbon

  • Book 3–4 weeks ahead.
  • Choose full-to-full fuel.
  • Skip desk insurance.
  • Clarify the toll payment method with your supplier before driving.
  • Use the car for exploring outside Lisbon (Sintra, Algarve, Douro) — not the city centre.

For the full playbook, see our money-saving tips and price guide by region.

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Good to know

Lisbon airport car hire — FAQs

How much does car hire at Lisbon Airport cost?
Compact car hire starts from around £15/day. Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe for rental. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead gives the best rate.
How do Portuguese motorway tolls work?
Many Portuguese motorways use electronic-only tolling (no booths). Your hire car may include a Via Verde transponder, or you may need to register online. Ask your rental company how tolls are handled — this is essential before driving.
Is it worth hiring a car in Lisbon?
For the city itself, no — central Lisbon is hilly, narrow, and best explored on foot or by tram. But a car is excellent for day trips to Sintra, the Algarve coast, or the Douro Valley.
Can I drive from Lisbon to the Algarve?
Yes. It's roughly 2.5–3 hours south via the A2 motorway. A hire car is the most flexible way to explore the Algarve's beaches and coastal towns.
Do I need a vignette for Portuguese motorways?
No. Portugal uses per-use electronic tolling, not a vignette. But you must have a valid toll payment method — ask your supplier.