Cascais offers car rental options from both local and international companies. However, many tourists find it convenient to reserve a car in advance through rental company websites and pick it up upon arrival at Lisbon airport, for example.
Most car rental companies in Portugal have offices located directly at the capital's airport. It's important to note that due to high passenger traffic at the airport, there can be long queues at rental offices. For those who have just arrived in Lisbon and have pre-booked a rental car in Cascais with 24-hour delivery to the airport terminal, it might make sense to divide tasks - one person collects luggage while another waits in the rental office queue.
Many travelers recommend using public transportation as the best way to get around Lisbon. Those planning to visit one Portuguese resort without extensive travel throughout the country may consider skipping car rental in Cascais. For example, from Lisbon airport, you can take a bus or metro to the train station, from where there are numerous trains running daily to Cascais.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution when parking in Lisbon, as improper parking may result in having to locate the nearest police station and retrieve the vehicle from an impound lot. The fines are the responsibility of the tourists, and a portion of the reserved funds (at the time of rental) may be withdrawn from the bank card.
The cost of the cheapest car rental in Cascais is around 300 EUR per week, and during the off-season, prices can drop to approximately 150 EUR per week. You can check prices and find the car brand you need on the websites of rental companies like Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Guerin, Goldcar, and others. Rental companies typically block 50-200% of the car rental price on your card - finding car rental in Cascais without a deposit is rare.
Portugal has toll highways, so it's advisable to have a navigation system. In central Lisbon, the roads can be congested, parking spaces are limited, and Portuguese drivers are known for their impatience and haste - driving in the Portuguese capital can be a memorable experience for tourists, albeit possibly a nervy one.
However, renting a car in Cascais is a great option for active tourists and those traveling with children, as it provides flexibility and convenience when exploring Portugal's cities and attractions. Some rental companies offer additional services like child car seats, GPS navigators, and other devices, usually for a fee. Keep in mind that car rental in Cascais can be significantly more expensive for drivers under the age of 25, and tourists under 21 may even be denied rental cars altogether.
The national speed limits in Portugal are 90 km/h on regular roads, 50 km/h in cities, and 120 km/h on expressways.
