Lisbon Estoril Coast Tourism Guide - Lisbon Car Hire

Driving Around Lisbon & the Lisbon Region

Driving in Portugal, like Spain is on the right. Speed limits on motorways is 120 kph (74 mph), on the main roads it's 90 kph or sometimes 100 kph (56 or 52 mph). For general urban roads it's 60 or 40 kph (37 or 25 mph). Watch for slower speed limits though where roadworks are usually underway. Stick to speed limits, and carry your passport, Lisbon car rental documents and driving licence with you when out and about.

If you're stopped by police and you don't have these you may face a big fine. Police in Portugal and the Algarve have the authority to issue on the spot high fines! Seat belts must be worn by law in Portugal, including in the rear if they're fitted.

Driving in Lisbon city centre is not a pleasant experience, especially if you're new to the city. If you do need to drive to your Lisbon hotel in the centre, have a good map and a good idea of where it is before you set out!

Parking in the central areas of Baxia, Rossio and Alfama is a nightmare. Easier parking options exist to the north of the city around the Areeiro, Olaias and Eduardo VII Park (there's a big underground car park here). If you're coming into Lisbon for a daytrip opt for these parking options and take the Lisbon Metro into Baixa. Driving around Lisbon is easier, either pushing north on the main motorways or onto the ring roads to Sintra and Estoril. These though get conjested during rush hour periods in the morning from 7am to around 10am, and in the evening from around 4pm to 7pm.

Car Rental in Lisbon Airport & Road Safety in Portugal

Car Rental in Lisbon Airport is relatively efficient. Once at the car rental desk you'll need your UK driving licence (both photo card and paper copy), your passport, your visa card and usually your hotel/accommodation details to hand. Once you have your car rental documentation you'll be directed to the car rental carpark at Lisbon Airport (usually a lift down to the lower floors) where you'll pick up your car.

Make sure you check your car rental thoroughly for any damage, no matter how minor, and make sure it is recorded.

The legal minimum age for driving in Portugal is 18 years and you'll need a UK driving licence. Once you have your car hire in Lisbon, the car hire company should point out a few legal details pertaining to Portugal. As already stated if you are asked to produce your passport, driving licence and car rental details by Portuguese police and you don't have them on you, you could face a steep fine. Carry passport, rental documents with proof of insurance and your driving licence with you at all times whilst out and about in the Lisbon Region.

In all rental cars you should have a red warning triangle and illuminous reflective vest jacket - both of these must be used in the event of breakdown in Portugal. They can be a bit lapse car hire companies informing you about this fact! Ensure you have these in the vehicle before you drive off from Lisbon Airport. Portuguese police have the authority to fine on the spot for traffic offences such as speeding, driving under the influence of either drugs or drink, using mobile phones, parking illegally and not wearing seatbels in both the front and rear. Particular emphasis is placed on children wearing seatbelts. Fines for traffic offences are high! Check over the Portuguese Highway Code weblink right for more details, and the Foreign Office advice also linked right. The road accident rate in Portugal is higher than the UK, although efforts in recent years by Portuguese Authorities to reduce accidents have been working well. Pedestrians should also take care crossing busy roads, particularly late at night.