All-inclusive car rental in Lisbon

In short

An all-inclusive rental in Lisbon includes full insurance with zero excess - handy for day trips to Sintra and Cascais, while the hilly city centre is best left to trams and walking.

Lisbon spreads over steep hills above the Tagus, and within the city trams, metro and your own feet beat a car. The real value of a rental is escaping to Sintra’s palaces, the surf beaches of Cascais and the Atlantic coast.

A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, unusually close to the centre.

Good to know before you drive in Lisbon

Pick-up pointLisbon Airport (LIS)
City centreSteep & narrow - a small car is easier
Best day tripsSintra, Cascais, Setúbal, Óbidos
TollsSome electronic-only motorways

Getting out of Lisbon by car

Sintra, with its fairytale palaces, is about 30 minutes away, though the town itself gets congested - arrive early and use the official car parks. Cascais and the Estoril coast are a similar drive west.

Some Portuguese motorways are electronic-only; ask the supplier for a toll device so charges are billed to your booking rather than risking a fine.

Driving in the city

Lisbon’s centre is hilly with narrow, tram-lined streets, so a compact car is far easier to handle and park. Zero-excess cover removes the worry of a kerbed wheel or tight-street scrape.

Park in a secure car park rather than on the street, and use the car mainly for trips beyond the city.

Lisbon car rental - FAQ

Do I need a car in Lisbon itself?

Not really - trams, metro and walking are better in the hilly centre. Rent for day trips to Sintra and Cascais, where an all-inclusive booking with zero excess keeps things simple.

How do tolls work near Lisbon?

Several motorways use electronic tolls. Ask your supplier for a toll device so charges are added to your booking and you avoid fines.

Is Sintra easy to reach?

Yes, about 30 minutes by car, though it gets busy - go early and park in the town’s car parks.