Just wondering if I should go to airport or is there an easy place to rent in city center? We're staying in Chiado. Wanting to get the car and drive to The Algarve then come back to Lisbon for a night before departing from airport. Was thinking we'd keep the car til we get to the airport to fly out. Thanks for any thoughts.
Posted by
Big Island of Hawaii
835 posts
We didn't have a car in Lisbon, and I was very glad. Traffic is horrid! You can get around very easily and cheaply with Uber or Bolt.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3769 posts
Why not just take the bus to the Algarve? You can even catch a bus at LiS Airport in Lisbon and be in Faro or Lagos in just a few hours.
Rent the car in Faro or Lagos and return it before going back to Lisbon. www.AutoEurope.com brokers car rentals for the big agencies.
I agree with the post above— after visiting Portugal a few years ago— there’s no way I would drive in or near Lisbon. It’s total chaos on the narrow, steep streets and there’s no convenient place to park a car.
Posted by
62 posts
We stayed in Alfama for a few night then went to get the car from the airport. I'd recommend not staying right in Lisbon the night before your flight if you have the car. We had a late afternoon flight, so we were out past Evora, but I'd look into staying somewhere closer to Lisbon but not IN Lisbon if your flight is not super early in the morning.
Posted by
13 posts
If you're staying in Chiado, definitely avoid picking up a car in the city. The streets are narrow, hilly, and full of one-way roads that can easily frustrate even experienced drivers.
Most locals and frequent visitors will tell you it’s much easier to take an Uber or Bolt to Lisbon Airport and pick up your rental car there. The process is smoother, signage is clear, and you’ll be on the highway toward the Algarve within minutes — no city driving stress.
Also, as others mentioned, you don’t need a car while in Lisbon. The city’s public transport and rideshares are cheap and reliable. A nice option is to rent the car only once you’re ready to leave for the Algarve and drop it off at the airport before your return flight.