Car Rental at Lisbon Airport

Airport travel guide

A fascinating city and favorite travel destination of millions around the world, Lisbon is not only Europe’s westernmost metropolis, it is also one of its most fun ones. Combining all the landmarks of a former imperial capital with youthful exuberance and a markedly laid-back approach to life, this is one of those rare cities that truly has something for every visitor. Better yet, a number of fun destinations for day trips are just a short drive away. These are five of the best attractions in and around Lisbon:

• Lisbon Cathedral. One of the most notable churches in all of Portugal, Lisbon Cathedral was built in the 12th century (thus making it the oldest in the city) and has remained a symbol of the capital ever since. A mixture of Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic styles, it stands at the location of an even older church site. The cathedral is best known for its impressive facade, but its cloister and interior are just as pleasing to look at. A short walk from the cathedral is one of the very best viewpoints in Lisbon — the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
• Bridges. Lisbon is home to two of Europe’s most impressive bridges, a travel experience that can be enjoyed with a rental car. The Vasco da Gama Bridge, named after the famous explorer, is one of the longest in Europe, while the 25th of April Bridge, which bears the name of the date when Portugal’s last dictatorship was overthrown, has been called Europe’s answer to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Both bridges cross the Tagus river. The bridges are commuter bridges, so avoiding peak hours is a must. Both bridges are also toll bridges, so you’ll need to bring change or check if your rental supplier offers a local toll device.
• Belém. Belem is a laid-back area on the banks of Lisbon’s Tagus River. Fortifying the coastline is the 16th-century Tower of Belém, a short walk inland leading you to the UNESCO World Heritage site Jerónimos Monastery. After all that history, a wonder among Belém’s tiled houses will lead you to the original bakery, and the origin of world famous Pastel de Nata, Pastéis de Belém.
• National Museum of Archaeology. Also located in Belém (in fact, in the western wing of the aforementioned monastery), but deserving of a special mention, this is both one of the largest and most interesting museums in Lisbon. Established in the late 19th century and instantly recognized for the white facade of its beautiful building, it provides a comprehensive insight into the history of Portugal that spans millennia, and also has interesting collections on Ancient Greece, Egypt, and other locations and eras.
• Sintra. Situated on a mountain top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Sintra is a World Heritage site and one of the most popular day trips from the capital. The area is known for the romanticist Pena National Palace, the impressive Moorish Castle, and other architectural wonders, beautiful parks, and nature areas. The fierce Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, offers impressive views of the often wild Atlantic coast. The drive from Lisbon takes only about 35 minutes.

Top international routes

• Paris
• Madrid
• Funchal
• Barcelona
• London
• Amsterdam
• Ponta Delgada
• Porto
• Rome
• Milan

Main airlines

TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Lufthansa, and Ryanair

Terminals

The two passenger terminals are Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the main airport building and hosts most flights. Terminal 2 primarily hosts low-cost carriers such as Eurowings, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Vueling e Wizz Air. The terminals are less than 2 km (1.2 miles) apart and are connected by a free shuttle bus service that complete the three-minute journey between the terminals every 15–20 minutes.

Location

Lisbon Airport is only 7 km (4.3 mi) from the city center. Av. Gago Coutinho is the main street leading from the airport to the city. It is accessible by a wide range of public transport, including a metro connection and multiple city buses.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $12 per day
• Medium cars - from $14 per day
• SUVs - from $12 per day
• Large cars - from $28 per day
• Station wagons - from $30 per day
• Convertibles - from $28 per day
• Vans - from $70 per day
• Premium cars - from $42 per day

Car rental desks

Many are located in the Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall. Others are near the Terminal 1 exit, and several other companies operate a meet-and-greet service, meeting you at the terminal and taking you to their locations. The drop-off area may vary by company. Find out which are the easiest to find and more in our list of the best rental companies in Lisbon.

Services and facilities

In both terminals, there are several restaurants and snack bars, currency exchanges with ATMs, shops (some duty-free), a luggage storage area, a help desk, a post office, and facilities for travelers with disabilities. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

BP Lisboa-Aeroporto at Nova Rotunda Aeroporto de Lisboa (on Av. de Berlim) is less than 1 km from Lisbon Airport and open 24/7. There are many other gas stations nearby.

Popular one-way rentals

• Porto (307 km / 191 miles)
• Faro (275 km / 171 miles)
• Albufeira (254 km / 159 miles)
• Lagos (298 km / 185 miles)
• Madrid (622 km / 386 miles)
• Portimão (276 km / 172 miles)