Tips when renting a car at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
- Booking ahead is key, especially in summer, at Easter, and on long weekends, when demand – and prices – go up fast.
- Always bring your driver's license and a credit card in the main driver's name. If you're coming from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit can be a good idea.
- In Portugal, people drive on the right and overtake on the left. Always respect road signs and speed limits.
- Many motorways and bridges use electronic tolls. At the rental desk, ask exactly how tolls are charged and what extra fee applies for the electronic device.
- Choose the right car for your trip. A small car is ideal for driving into the center and parking in historic neighborhoods like Alfama or Bairro Alto. If you're planning a longer road trip around the country, consider something more comfortable on the motorway, such as an SUV.
- Before you leave the car park, inspect the vehicle and take photos when you pick it up and when you return it.
Why Rent a Car at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Renting a car directly at Lisbon Airport is a convenient way to start your trip around Portugal. In Terminal 1 you'll find desks for several international and local companies, so you can compare options on the spot. Instead of relying only on taxis or public transport, a rental car lets you mix days in Lisbon with day trips to Sintra, Cascais, the Estoril Coast, or the Arrábida mountains without worrying about timetables or transfers. If your plan is to see more than just the historic center, having a car really makes a difference.
Driving from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) – Getting Started
The airport is very close to the city and well connected by road. From the rental car area, access is straightforward:
- To reach central Lisbon, most drivers take the 2ª Circular and then follow signs for "Centro" or "Avenida Almirante Gago Coutinho". The drive usually takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
- To head north (Porto, Coimbra, etc.), you'll link up with the A1 motorway.
- To go south, you'll use either the 25 de Abril Bridge (A2) or the Vasco da Gama Bridge (A12), both with tolls in the direction entering Lisbon.
Other popular routes from Lisbon Airport include Sintra, about 30-40 minutes via the IC19, and the Cascais and Estoril coast, around 30-40 minutes via the CRIL and A5. Setúbal and the Arrábida Natural Park are roughly 40-60 minutes away via the A2, while Évora and the Alentejo region are around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A2 and A6.
Explore Lisbon and Portugal from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
From the airport, it's easy to reach both the city center and some of the best spots in the region with your rental car. Lisbon itself combines historic districts, viewpoints, trams, and a lively riverside atmosphere - and with a car, exploring further afield is simple.
In and around Lisbon:
- Lisbon’s historic center - neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto are ideal for your first day of walking and viewpoint-hopping.
- Belém - visit the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and stroll along the riverfront.
- Parque das Nações - a modern riverside district on the Tagus, close to the main routes heading north.
Recommended day trips and scenic routes
- Sintra and its natural park – fairy-tale palaces, castles, and tree-lined roads through lush hills.
- Estoril Coast and Cascais – a coastal drive with beaches, cliffs, and elegant seaside towns.
- Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of mainland Europe, with dramatic cliff-top views.
- Serra da Arrábida – winding coastal roads, turquoise coves, and viewpoints over the Atlantic.
- Alentejo road trip – Évora and inland villages, with quiet roads and wide-open landscapes.
Drive on
