Lisbon Airport (LIS), also known as Humberto Delgado Airport or Portela Airport, is located just 7 km from the city centre of Lisbon. Getting from Lisbon Airport to the city centre is easy, affordable, and quick. Here’s how you can do it.
The airport serves one of the highest passenger numbers in Europe, exceeding 20 million every year. Popular European flights from LIS include destinations like Madrid, Paris, and London. Additionally, there are significant intercontinental connections, including popular routes to Brazil, Dubai, and Luanda.
Lisbon Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), the main terminal used by most airlines, and Terminal 2 (T2), which primarily serves low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet.
Lisbon Airport is well-connected to the city centre by various means of transportation. Please note that most services depart from T1.
If you arrive at T2, you must use the free shuttle bus that connects the two terminals. Taxis are available at both terminals.
How to Get from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon City Center
1. Metro, The Cheapest and Most Comfortable Option
The metro is the cheapest way to travel from the airport to the centre of Lisbon. The metro station is conveniently located in the T1 arrivals hall.
To reach central stations like Rossio or Baixa/Chiado, take the red line from the airport and transfer at Alameda to the green line, heading towards Cais do Sodré. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
The airport station is part of the red line that goes to São Sebastião, connecting with other lines at Alameda (green line) and Saldanha (yellow line).
You can buy a Navegante card (a rechargeable electronic card) at ticket vending machines for €0.50. A single ticket costs €1.85.
Alternatively, you can pay using a contactless bank card by swiping it through the readers at the metro access machines.
The metro is highly recommended if you’re looking for a cost-effective option, especially for areas such as Saldanha, Parque das Nações, or São Sebastião. However, it may not be suitable if you carry heavy luggage or travel during rush hour.
The metro operates from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM with a frequency of about 6-10 minutes.
More info: https://www.metrolisboa.pt/
Be sure to check out this post: “Where to Stay in Lisbon.”
2. Regular Buses: Useful Depending on Your Destination
Several bus routes operated by Carris connect Lisbon Airport with various parts of the city:
- 705: Oriente-Aeroporto-Rome/Areeiro
- 722: Praça de Londres-Aeroporto-Portela
- 744: Marquês-Aeroporto-Moscavide
- 783: Amoreiras-Aeroporto-Portela
- 208: Night bus to Cais do Sodré and Oriente
The 208 night bus is particularly helpful if you need to travel to the airport outside of metro hours.
Together with the metro, buses are one of the cheapest options. A single ticket costs €1.85, plus €0.50 for the Navegante card.
On the bus, you can also pay with your bank card by swiping it through the machine or by buying a ticket from the driver, who only accepts cash.
The travel time is typically around 30 minutes.
More info: https://www.carris.pt/
3. Taxi, A Comfortable Way to Travel
Taking a taxi can be convenient if you prefer not to wait for the metro or have too much luggage for the bus.
Lisbon taxis are required by law to use a taximeter. Ensure the driver uses one (you should usually not have any issues). The typical fare to the city centre is around €10-20, depending on traffic and final destination.
4. Private Transfers: A Premium Service
Some private companies offer private (or shared) transfers from Lisbon Airport to the city centre or other areas.
Drivers will meet you at arrivals with a sign and transport you directly to your accommodation in either a private vehicle or a shared minibus, depending on the service you choose.
Benefits include comfort, excellent service, and protection from being overcharged by unscrupulous cab drivers.
I usually use Welcome Pickups for my transfers.
5. Car Rental at Lisbon Airport
Renting a car is unnecessary if you only plan to visit Lisbon. However, it can be a worthwhile option if you’re considering exploring other parts of Portugal, such as Sintra, Cascais, or Porto.
The leading car rental companies, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz, are in the arrivals terminal. Be sure to compare prices online to secure the best deal.
– The Best Car Rental Deals at Lisbon Airport
6. Uber and Bolt: Alternatives to Taxis
Uber and Bolt are reliable alternatives to traditional taxis in Lisbon. The vehicles are usually clean and often brand new, making them a good option for transportation from Lisbon Airport to the city centre.
There is a designated pick-up point for Uber and Bolt just outside the arrivals area.
Fares vary depending on your destination and fluctuate based on demand, typically aligning with taxi fares. It’s advisable to check fare estimates when you arrive at the airport.
The benefit of using these services is that you can avoid unscrupulous taxi drivers, and no hidden fees are charged to your final bill. The pricing system is transparent and secure. However, be aware that there may be a longer wait during peak times.
You will need the respective app and data on your mobile phone to use Uber or Bolt.
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