Welcome / Lisbon / Airport to City

Getting from Lisbon Airport to the City

Justine Mellor

July 10, 2024

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is located approximately just 6 km from the bustling centre of Lisbon. You have four modes of transport available when travelling from Lisbon Airport to the city: taxi, private transfer, metro, or bus. The most convenient methods to get to the city are by airport taxi or private transfer, as these services are quick and door-to-door.

Alternatively, the cheapest and fastest mode of public transport is the metro. You can take the red Lisbon metro line straight to the city centre in 20 minutes. Plus, if your hotel is located in other destinations throughout the city, you can still hop on the red line and then transfer onto the green or blue lines once you’ve reached the centre.

There are also a few urban bus routes operating from the airport but journey times are much longer. Although the night bus is especially useful if you’re landing in the early hours of the morning when the metro is not running.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Lisbon at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€12.50	20min	24/7
Private Airport Transfer	€26	20min	24/7
Metro Red Line	€3.22	20min	06:30–01:00
Urban Bus 783	€3.22	35min	05:05–00:00
Urban Bus 744	€3.22	40min	05:35–20:50
Night Bus 208	€3.22	40min	23:30–04:30

How to get from Lisbon Airport to the city by taxi

One of the most convenient ways to reach Lisbon’s downtown area is by taking an airport taxi. Lisbon taxis are available 24/7 at the airport and are either cream-coloured or black with green roofs. All you have to do is exit the terminal and get in the queue at the taxi stand outside. Without heavy traffic, the ride from Lisbon Airport to the city takes approximately 20 minutes.

Lisbon Airport to city centre taxi fares

Lisbon taxi prices are calculated using a taximeter, which means your final fare will depend on the time of the day and the distance travelled. Fixed fares are not available, although you can always ask for an estimated price.

Therefore, the estimated cost of the journey is €10-€15. Likewise, if you’re travelling at night (21:00-06:00) or on the weekend, it will cost closer to €20.

*Extra costs for factors like luggage and tolls may also be added to your final fare.

Photos (4)

Taxis at Lisbon Airport

Cost

€12.50

Trip Duration

20 Min

During peak season, waiting times for an available taxi can be significantly longer than usual.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Lisbon Airport’s taxi ranks are located just outside both terminals (T1 and T2). Simply follow the ‘taxi’ signs. Be aware that the Arrivals Hall for both terminals is situated on the ground floor of T1. So if you’re landing at T2, you’ll have to transfer to T1 anyway and hop in a taxi from there.

*Humberto Delgado Airport is often busy, and since all arrivals exit from Terminal 1, you may have to wait in line for a while to get a taxi.

Convenience

Taxi services in Lisbon are much more convenient than other transfer options from the airport since they can take you straight to the door of your hotel or apartment. In addition, they run 24/7 and the local fares aren’t very expensive, making them the optimal choice for most travellers landing at Lisbon Airport.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling as a group, splitting the cost of the taxi from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon may be almost as cheap as public transport.

Useful Tips

Make sure your driver resets the taximeter before you start your journey.

If you’re travelling beyond the city limits, the price of tolls will be added to your final fare.

Taxis in Lisbon can fit up to 4 people with 3 pieces of luggage.

Never accept taxi services from random individuals inside or outside the airport premises. Just head to the official taxi rank.

Most of Lisbon taxi drivers know at least basic English, however, it is recommended to have the details of your destination written down.

Airport taxis in Lisbon typically accept card payments, however, it’s best to carry some cash in the local currency just in case (€).

Perfect for families who want added privacy and safety and great for groups, as you can split the fare.

How to get from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon city centre by private transfer

The best way to get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre is by private transfer. Rather than waiting at the taxi rank in the summer heat, you can get straight into a waiting vehicle if you pre-book a private transfer.

Private transfers, such as Welcome Pickups’ personalised services, are widely considered to be the most comfortable and convenient option when arriving in new city. They offer plenty of perks to eliminate any stress and make your journey as seamless as possible:

Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support

By opting for a private transfer, you can organise everything in advance so that you don’t have to worry about a thing on the day. Plus, your trained driver will even give you a mini tour of the city as you make your way to your hotel and offer local recommendations, so that you can make the most out of your stay.

How much is a private transfer from Lisbon Airport to the city?

The best thing about booking a private transfer in advance is that you get a fixed quote ahead of time. This means that instead of stressing over the taximeter, you can pay for your transfer ahead of time to avoid any anxiety on the day.

That being said, a private transfer from Lisbon Airport to your hotel will cost €26 during the day and €28 at night in a sedan. Likewise, if you’re travelling in a group of up to 8, you’ll pay €56 (day) and €62 (night).

You can book through our website or app within minutes. Just enter your personal details, flight number, and the pick up time to secure a quote. The quote is fixed, includes all surcharges, and is not subject to change. So even if the journey takes twice as long due to traffic, you won’t pay a penny more.

Cost

€26

Trip Duration

20 Min

*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from LIS Airport.

Where do I get a transfer from?

Instead of landing and joining the taxi queue, you can enjoy a personalised meet and greet in Arrivals. Your friendly English-speaking driver will be waiting for you outside Arrivals, holding a sign with your name on it. That way, there’s no way you’ll miss them! Following a friendly introduction, your driver will help you with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Whilst Lisbon Airport taxis are a good option, private transfers offer more convenience and comfort. The service tends to be more reliable and offers more value for money than a local taxi.

Booking a private transfer in advance saves time and ensures top-quality, reliable service with trained professionals. This helps to eliminate any travel stress on the day, allowing you to relax knowing that everything is already taken care of.

Editor’s Note

You should set the pickup time to 20-30 minutes after the landing time to leave enough time to clear any arrivals procedures.

Useful Tips

Sedans can seat up to 3 passengers and minivans can take up to 8.

You will receive an email including your driver's name, details, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one during the booking process online on our website or through our app.

You can contact your driver on Whatsapp for added peace of mind.

How to get from Lisbon Airport to city centre by metro

For a fast and cheap way to get around, we suggest using the subway in Lisbon. You can easily catch the metro from Lisbon Airport to the city centre, and it’s definitely worth seeing Lisbon’s famous metro stations – each with its own theme and decor.

The ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line (red line) takes you directly to the centre in 20 minutes, making just 10 stops along the way. You can get off at Saldanha, just a few minutes walk from Marques De Pombal.

*If you need to get further into the city to Cais do Sodre, you can take the red line to Alameda Station (9 stops) and then change onto the green line.

How much is the metro from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon?

The first time you use the Lisbon Metro system you will have to buy a re-loadable Viva Viagem card (Navegante card) for €0.50 which you can use throughout the public transport network of Lisbon during your stay. You can top it up at any point and then swipe it at the turnstiles for each trip. This is called ‘zapping’.

For the metro from Lisbon Airport to the city centre, a single zapping fare is just €1.61 and is valid for one journey on the metro network. If you do not buy the Viva card, you’ll pay €1.80 for a Carris metro ticket which is valid for 60 minutes on the metro.

*Re-loadable cards and tickets can be purchased from the ticket counters and automated ticket machines at the airport or any station.

Photos (5)

Lisbon Airport Metro

Cost

€1.61

Trip Duration

20 Min

Lisbon metro lines depart at 6-9 minute intervals.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Lisbon subway system runs from 06:30 until 01:00.

Where do I get the metro from?

Lisbon Airport metro station is located on the right side of the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1. It’s clearly signposted so you won’t have difficulties finding it. If you land at Terminal 2, you’ll have to take the airport shuttle bus to T1 Arrivals, as there is no Arrivals Hall in T2.

Convenience

Lisbon’s metro network is considered to be fast, reliable, and affordable. However, bear in mind that the service can get crowded during rush hours and there isn’t much space for luggage. But as long as you don’t mind carrying luggage and walking from the metro to your final destination, taking the subway is by far the most convenient public transport method if you want to keep your costs down.

Timetables

Lisbon Metro Timetable

Lisbon Subway Maps

Lisbon Metro Tickets

Editor’s Note

Please be aware that there are not many metro ticket machines at the airport and that there is only one ticket counter. Therefore, during rush hour you may have to wait in line for more than 15 minutes to buy a ticket.

Useful Tips

If you are using the 'zapping' payment method, the ticket is only valid for a single journey on the metro. Whilst the standard Carris metro ticket is valid for unlimited journeys. within 60 minutes

Children under 4 years of age travel for free.

You have to swipe your metro ticket card both when entering and when exiting the metro station.

Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of pickpockets.

You can buy €6.80 day ticket offers unlimited bus, tram, and metro trips for 24h. It must be loaded onto your Viva Viagem Card.

There is no luggage storage on Lisbon metro services.

Ideal for solo travellers, backpackers, and experienced travellers on a budget.

Lisbon’s underground metro system is only partially accessible, as elevators are often out of order. But the red line is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.

You can also purchase a Lisboa Card which includes free use of public transport and entry to certain sights and attractions. You’ll pay €27 for a 24-hour pass, €44 for a 48-hour pass, and €54 for a 72-hour pass.

How to get from Lisbon Airport to city centre by bus

A number of urban buses operated by Carris provide connections from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon city centre and beyond. Bus lines departing to and from the airport include 705, 722, 744, and 783. More specifically, buses 783 stops close to the city centre.

If you catch Bus 783 (Amoreiras – Prior Velho), the final three stops are located within the city centre. You can get off at “Amoreiras (C. Comercial)”, “R. Joaquim António Aguiar”, or “Mq. Pombal – R. Joaquim A. Aguiar”. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.

*Keep in mind that the trip duration depends on potential waiting times and traffic conditions.

How much is the bus from Lisbon Airport to city centre?

The cost of the urban bus from Lisbon Airport to the city centre is €1.61. However, just like the metro, you’ll need to buy a reusable Viva Viagem card (Navegante card) for €0.50 and top it up so that you can scan it for each trip. Likewise, you can buy your ticket on board from the driver for €2.10.

You can buy your tickets from the automated machines or ticket offices at the airport. Tickets are valid for an unlimited number of journeys within 60 minutes.

*Children under 4 years of age travel for free.

Photos (1)

Lisbon Airport Bus 783

Cost

€1.61

Trip Duration

35 Min

Bus 783 departs from LIS Airport every 25-30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus 783 runs daily from 05:05-00:00.

Where do I get the bus from?

Lisbon Airport’s bus stops are located just outside of the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1. If you land at Terminal 2, you must take the airport shuttle bus to T1 regardless, as there is no Arrivals Hall in T2.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Lisbon Airport to the city centre is cheap and a good option if you’re an experienced traveller trying to keep your costs down. However, taking the metro is better because the journey is shorter and costs the same.

On top of this, the buses get very busy during peak season and rush hours so it’s quite likely you’ll be standing upright for the duration of the trip. Or worse yet, you may have to wait for the next bus if it’s too full. It’s also worth mentioning that the urban buses don’t have much space for luggage, so if you’re travelling heavy, we don’t recommend taking the bus.

Timetables

Bus 783

Timetable

Lisbon Bus Tickets

Prices and Offers

Editor’s Note

If you want to spend less on your transfer and are not keen to get a taxi, the metro is a much better solution than the bus.

Useful Tips

Buying your tickets in advance can ensure better rates. If you don’t purchase a Viva Viagem and load your ticket fare in advance, a cash payment of €2.10 will have to be paid to the bus driver. This is valid for one trip, and only on that particular bus.

The Viva card can be topped up with tickets or money. If you top the card up with money, this is called 'zapping' and the minimum amount is €3 whilst the maximum limit is €40.

If you plan on using public transport throughout your stay, you can buy a 24-hour pass for €6.80.

If you’re carrying large luggage or travelling during rush hours, we do not recommend taking the urban buses.

Luggage must not exceed 50x40x20 cm.

If you need to buy a ticket once you’re in the centre, you can buy tickets from designated kiosks close to the stations, as well as using the machines or ticket counters at any station throughout the city.

Carris buses are accessible via the rear door. There is a button to open the door, and you can pull down the ramp to board the bus.

How to get from Lisbon Airport to the city by bus

If Bus 783 isn’t right for you, you can also catch the Carris bus 744 (Restauradores – Moscavide) to “Restauradores”, near the Chiado area.

The ride takes 40 minutes and goes through 17 stops, including “Saldanha”, “Av. República”, and “Av. Liberdade” in the centre.

We recommend checking Maps to figure out which station is closest to your hotel or final destination.

How much is the bus from Lisbon Airport to the Lisbon?

First, you have to buy a reusable Viva Viagem card (Navegante card) for €0.50 and top it up for each trip. That being said, you’ll pay €1.61 for the bus from Lisbon Airport to the city centre. You can also buy your ticket on board for €2.10.

Tickets can be purchased from the automated machines or ticket offices at the airport. They are valid for an unlimited number of journeys within 60 minutes.

*Children under 4 years of age travel for free.

Cost

€1.61

Trip Duration

40 Min

Bus 744 leaves every 15-20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus 744 operates daily from 05:35 to 20:50.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stops at LIS Airport are situated outside of Terminal 1 Arrivals. If you land at Terminal 2, you will have to take the Lisbon Airport shuttle bus to Terminal 1, as there is no Arrivals Hall in Terminal 2.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Lisbon Airport to the city centre is affordable. However, the metro is a better choice as the journey is shorter and costs the same.

Plus, you may have to wait for the next service during peak season, as the buses fill up quickly.

Timetables

Bus 744

Timetable

Lisbon Bus Tickets

Prices and Information

Editor’s Note

Check the tips in the previous section as they apply to all Carris buses departing from the airport.

Useful Tips

Ideal for getting to alternative destinations outside of the immediate city centre.

Carris buses are accessible via a pull down ramp upon request from the driver. You will have to board via the rear door.

There is luggage space, although it is restricted and gets full very quickly during peak season.

How to get from Lisbon Airport to city by night bus

If you’re landing at night, the only public transport options available to you is the bus. You can take Carris bus 208 from Lisbon Airport to Cais Sodré.

There are plenty of stops along the way, so we recommend checking your final address to find the best option. Although bus stops “Pç. Figueira” and “Martim Moniz” are the most central.

How much is the night bus from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon?

You’ll pay €1.61 for the night from Lisbon Airport to the city. Just like the day buses, you’ll need to buy a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) and load it with money for each trip.

Tickets are valid for an unlimited number of journeys within 60 minutes and can be purchased from the automated machines or ticket offices at the airport.

If you don’t end up getting your ticket in advance, you can still buy your ticket from the driver on board for €2.10.

*Children under 4 years of age travel for free.

Cost

€1.61

Trip Duration

40 Min

Bus 208 typically departs once an hour, sometimes twice.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The 208 night bus operates between 23:30 and 04:30.

Where do I get the night bus from?

The airport bus stops are located just outside of the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1. If you land at Terminal 2, you will have to take the airport shuttle bus to T1 regardless because there is no Arrivals Hall in T2. The bus stops are clearly visible as you exit the terminal.

Convenience

Catching the night bus from Lisbon Airport to the city centre is really useful if you’re arriving when other bus and metro services are closed. However, the bus departs rather infrequently so you may end up waiting for some time. If you don’t want to hang around the airport at night, we suggest taking a taxi or private transfer.

Timetables

Bus 208

Timetable

Lisbon Bus Tickets

Prices and Offers

Editor’s Note

If you're arriving at the airport between 23:30 and 04:30, you're only options are to take a taxi, private transfer, or night bus. The night bus is the most affordable option.

Useful Tips

Luggage must not exceed 50x40x20 cm.

If you plan on using public transport throughout your stay, you can buy a 24-hour pass for €6.80.

Don't forget to validate your ticket on the bus.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Lisbon. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€21

NIGHTTIME

€21

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?

There are four ‘Lisbon Airport to city’ transportation options available: you can take a taxi, private transfer, bus, or metro. A local taxi will charge around €12.50 for a daytime trip and €20 for any trips between 21:00 and 06:00, taking around 20 minutes to reach the centre. You can also take the metro or a bus, both costing €1.61 if you use the re-loadable travel card. The metro is the best choice as it is faster than the buses and waiting times are lower.

How much is a taxi from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?

The average price you can expect to pay for your taxi from Lisbon Airport to the downtown area of Lisbon is €10-€15 for a daytime trip. A 20% price increase is to be expected for transfers between 21:00 and 06:00. Moreover, additional costs for factors such as tolls and luggage may apply, depending on the operator. It’s also worth remembering that traffic levels may cause the fare to be significantly higher.

How far is Lisbon Airport from the city centre?

Lisbon city centre is approximately 6 km away from Humberto Delgado – Lisbon Airport. So it takes around 20 minutes to cover the distance from Lisbon Airport to the city by taxi or private transfer.

How much is metro ticket from Lisbon Airport?

The price of a Lisbon metro ticket depends on which type of ticket you choose. First, you must buy a Viva card (€0.50) which you can top up at any point during your trip. With this card, you’ll pay just €1.61 for a single ticket. Valid only for one use on the metro. You can also buy a 24-hour pass for €6.60, valid on all public transport.

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