We are driving from Lagos on September 11 and have a flight to catch in Lisbon on September 12 at 5 am. We are considering spending the night just south of the Rio Tejo and driving in the next morning to catch our flight. Is this advisable? Is the area safe?
Posted by
not here anymore
631 posts
Is the area safe? more detail needed, a town name perhaps.
BUT, 5am flight. So 4 am checkin? Is it a rental car that needs returning, say at 3am? say 40 minutes drive to get there.........
It's just occured to me, are you thinking of sleeping in the car?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I don't see that any of the car rental agencies at the airport are open before 6:00 (Budget) and most not until 7:00 or later. I'd rather take care of refueling and get rental papers signed off the night before. And sleep in a hotel, even if you get there late and have a short night. The night before a flight, I usually have some re-packing to do for fragile souvenirs, liquids, etc. I know it's not glamorous.
Your airline should tell you the check-in and boarding deadlines. They're usually earlier for boarding a direct, trans-Atlantic flight than if the first flight leg is within Europe.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Steve B -
The thought of sleeping in the car did cross our minds, but based on others advice it seems advisable to turn in the car the night before and try to find a place to spend the night as close to the LIS as possible. Problem is, most rooms near the airport are booked!
Sandy
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Laura,
What you say makes sense. I'm having trouble finding an open hotel room near the airport that isn't $700/night. There must be some big event in town at that time. Any suggestions?
Sandy
Posted by
CA
2152 posts