What’s the Best Affordable Way to Travel Around Lisbon in 2025?
If you want the finest cuisine and cool weather in all of Europe, then you should come to Lisbon. Lisbon offers some of the best weather and food in Europe. Today, we’ll talk about how to travel around Lisbon very cheaply.
I’ve been living in Lisbon for three years now, so I’ll share my personal experience. Let’s explore the options we have:
- Rent a car
- Use the Metro
- Use Gira bicycle service
- Use ride-sharing services
Rent a Car in Lisbon
If you have a valid driving license and are comfortable driving, then renting a car is a great option. Car rental services in Lisbon are much cheaper compared to other European countries.
The best car rental companies in Lisbon:
If you prefer local companies, here is a list:
- Green Motion
- Klass Wagen
- TurisPrime
These companies offer highly competitive prices and hassle-free rental processes. You can even rent a car for as low as €5 per day, with luxury car options available.
If you prefer international car rental companies, here are the options:
These companies also provide affordable rental services. Based on my personal suggestion, if you’re traveling with more than five people, renting a car is the best option. It’s cheaper and offers a more peaceful travel experience in Lisbon.
Note: Lisbon’s roads are not straightforward. The city has mountainous roads and cobblestone streets, which can make driving challenging. If you are confident in your driving skills, then renting a car is a good option for exploring Lisbon.
Use the Metro in Lisbon for Exploring
The most popular and cheapest option for traveling around Lisbon is the Metro. If you have a MasterCard, Visa, or other credit card, you don’t need to buy a separate travel card. Just swipe your card, and the gate will open. The charge for one ride is €1.80.
If you plan to use buses and trains as well, you can buy a temporary card and recharge it according to your trip plan. This is safer because buses and trains sometimes don’t accept credit cards.
Explore Lisbon with a Bicycle – A Guide for Cyclists
Do you love cycling and want to explore Lisbon on a bicycle? Many people enjoy exploring new cities this way, and I’m one of them.
The best option for cycling in Lisbon is Gira. The company offers an annual subscription for only €25. If you’re planning to spend at least 10 days in Lisbon, I definitely recommend getting a yearly subscription.
If Gira isn’t an option for you, you can use other bicycle rental services like Bolt. However, these are slightly more expensive and not as widely available as Gira bikes, which are conveniently located throughout the city center.
Is It Affordable to Book a Cab in Lisbon?
Don’t have a driving license? Confused by the Metro routes? Can’t ride a bicycle? Then booking a cab is your best option. It’s cheaper than in other European countries.
Personally, I use Bolt whenever it’s raining or I need to reach my destination urgently. Bolt often provides discounts, making it very customer-friendly. For example, traveling around 5 km with Bolt costs between €3 and €4.50 on average, and sometimes even less.
Another great option is Uber, though it’s occasionally overpriced. I recommend avoiding local taxi services because they often charge unexpected extra fees, and many drivers don’t speak English, which can make it challenging to reach your destination.
My personal recommendation: Use Bolt for a hassle-free experience.