You go to visit Portugal and wish to be free in renting a car ? Here’s the key to car rental in Lisbon!
Lisbon , the capital of Portugal, is a small city compared to European capitals such as London, Paris, Rome or Berlin. However, traffic in Lisbon is considered difficult for several reasons: the streets are small, entangled, there are few parking places and trams greatly disrupt traffic fluidity. Many travellers prefer to use public transport. But if you decide to rent a car in Lisbon when you arrive at the airport, here are the providers to approach, the steps to be taken and some tips to satisfy your desires for freedom.
In Lisbon, rent a small car
The Lisbon city centre is very dry, concentrated, dense. The traffic is quite complicated and charged day and night. Parking places are, moreover, rare, and the slopes of the neighborhoods can be steep and narrow. A small car will be more convenient and cheaper.
Where to rent a car in Lisbon?
There are a multitude of car rental providers in Lisbon. It is comfortable to take the keys of your car rented as soon as you arrive at Lisbon Airport. Don't you go on the renters low-cost because it is cheaper, nor on the best-referenced sites. Choosing a vehicle requires time to compare rates and rental conditions. Go to the comparisons Rentalcars , Liligo or Kayak.fr or on the website of agencies having a window in the airport terminal: Goldcar, Hertz, Sixt Rent a Car, ACE Rent a Car, Budget, Avis or Europcar. You will have to discriminate between one or the other providers and seize the most advantageous offer.
Book your car in advance
Some renters knowingly swell rates after booking. The prices are 2 to 4 times more expensive when the demand is strong, so they are raised in the summer: avoid renting a car in Lisbon between late June and early September. It will be better to book in advance, and online. Of course, you can also book on site, at the airport or in an agency in the city centre, but it will be more expensive.
Compare car rentals in Lisbon
The issue of franchise
Another fundamental criterion of car rental in Lisbon (and everywhere else): the franchise. It is recommended not to subscribe to the option with franchise, but to take it on site to avoid a large amount being blocked on your bank card. On site, you will only have a slight extra cost but in the event of a collision or an accident, it might well save you exorbitant costs.
Fuel issues
The choice of fuel is important to optimize your rental costs: a diesel will be economical if you plan to drive a lot but, on the other hand, if you stay in Lisbon, then it will be better to prefer a petrol car. Some renters ask that the tank of the vehicle be empty when the keys are delivered: still it is necessary to consume everything, because the surplus will not be refunded. It is therefore recommended to avoid the option “full tank/empty tank”.
The question of mileage
Some offers have a limited mileage, with a mileage surcharge outside of the contract, a bit like the old telephone off plan. It is advisable to choose the “unlimited mileage” option to avoid surprises. If not, check that the proposed distance will suffice for the duration of the stay.
Extra driver or not?
Do not forget to check the conditions for driving to several. Sometimes a second driver is included in the fare, but for other car rental providers in Lisbon, the second driver is charged a few extra euros per day. It could be awkward to visit Lisbon and Portugal and to be the only one to drive!
Compare car rentals in Lisbon
Main photo credit : Flickr – Nicolas Vollmer
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