Car hire Lisbon

Avis car hire in Lisbon

A stunning city set on seven hills, Lisbon is bathed by the sun and flanked by the Tagus River (Rio Tejo). Portugal’s capital is certainly the most cosmopolitan and diverse city in the country, and its people, traditions and cultures lend an unforgettable atmosphere to its cobbled streets.

Lisbon’s charming old neighbourhoods are nothing if not seductive – walk from the Chiado to Alfama for stunning views, the sound of fado (the famously mournful musical genre) providing a melancholic soundtrack. What else? Wander through the Belém area to gobble up an irresistible custard tart … and be sure to visit the Lisbon Oceanarium and explore the more contemporary side of the city in the Parque das Nações.

Given Lisbon’s size, our hire cars are the perfect way to get around this fascinating city.
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Your top rental locations in Lisbon

Plan your journey in Lisbon

Lisbon is a capital city unlike any other found in Europe. It's a picturesque town set on the mouth of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo). During your stay you'll discover fado music, vintage trams and an abundance of seafood. Built on a series of hills the city is made up of several neighbourhoods, each with their own unique characteristics.

The Bairro Alto provides shops and a lively nightlife. Park up and head towards the small bars and eateries.

Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon. It's also the place to go to listen to some of the best fado performances in the whole of Portugal. The lower town of Baixa has plenty of galleries, restaurants and the famous Elevador de Santa Justa, Lisbon's eccentric version of Paris’ Eiffel Tower.

Take a trip to Belém and see the Monument to the Discoveries, which symbolises the country’s golden age of exploration. Head across the road to the Monastery of Jerónimos, an impressive World Heritage monument and resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama. Don’t leave Belém without trying the pasteis de nata (custard tarts) at Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. The queues may be long, but the local pastries are definitely worth the wait.

There's so much to discover in Lisbon. Hire an Avis car to see the city in style and comfort.

Road trips from Lisbon

Lisbon is conveniently located in the centre of the west coast of Portugal, making it a good starting point for road trips further afield. The city is blessed with miles of pristine coastline and some of the top beaches are only a 30-minute drive away. A drive in your hire car provides scenic views throughout your journey.

Cascais
A short 30-minute car ride away from Lisbon is Cascais. Sun-seekers head to Guincho beach to soak up the rays or catch some excellent surfing waves. Those keen to explore the area can visit the old town, which is dotted with designer boutiques and alfresco seafood restaurants. A visit to Cascais is perfect for a leisurely day out.

Sintra
The attractive town of Sintra is only a 30-minute drive away in your rental car from Lisbon. The area was linked to Portuguese rulers who constructed extravagant palaces. Major attractions to see include the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Pena Park and the Moors castle. Visit the gardens at the Quinta da Regaleira estate, which has a series of labyrinthine caves. In the evening make your way to the cliffs of Cabo da Roca lighthouse to see the sun set over the horizon.

Porto
For a longer road trip experience, head out early in the morning in your rental car from Lisbon to Porto. With its winding medieval streets, Art Deco architecture and location on the River Douro, Porto has plenty of charm to delight those who visit. The 13th century church of São Francisco and the former Jewish neighbourhood of Miragaia are worth stopping by. The latter is full of quaint cafés and restaurants serving traditional local fare.

Portugal is yours to discover. All you have to do is drive.

Driving rules in Portugal

Which side of the road?
In Portugal, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger
If you're caught committing a driving offence, the police can issue an on-the-spot fine
As you approach toll booths on motorways, don't use the green lanes. These are reserved for drivers using an automatic e-toll payment system. (Please speak to an Avis representative when collecting your rental car if you would like us to register you for this service)

Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
Rural areas: 90 km/h (55mph)
Motorways: 120 km/h (74 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
Children aged under 12 and less than 135cm must be seated in appropriate child restraint for their size
Children aged under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.