Getting around by taxi in Lisbon
The bustling city of Lisbon is one of the top destinations in Portugal, and the best way to see all the best sites and nearby towns such as Sintra and Cascais is by riding a Lisbon taxi. Taking a taxi not only saves you time, but local cabs are also very affordable compared to those in other European cities.
Taxis can easily be tracked down by hailing one from the street, calling a local company to request a pickup or locating a designated taxi rank. Of course, to travel at your own pace – if you know when and where you’ll be needing a ride – you can pre-book and pay for your trip with Welcome Pickups.
Taxis in Lisbon are easily recognised; they’ll either be cream or black and should always have a green roof, plus the driver’s registration details should be on display inside the vehicle. Note that no other vehicle is legally allowed to paint their vehicle in the same way, so you know when you are taking an official taxi.
Regular taxi sedans seat up to four passengers, while taxi vans can seat up to seven passengers, plus the driver. Fares are set by the government and all drivers are required to use a taximeter which means you won’t be offered a set rate fare, not even from Lisbon Airport to the city centre.
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WHAT'S THE COST OF A LISBON TAXI?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| LISBON CITY CENTRE TO CASCAIS | 21 € | 23 € | 27 MIN |
| LISBON CITY CENTRE TO BELEM FERRY TERMINAL | 7.50 € | 8.20 € | 15 MIN |
| LISBON CITY CENTRE TO AIRPORT | 10.30 € | 11.20 € | 14 MIN |
| LISBON AIRPORT TO SINTRA | 20 € | 22 € | 23 MIN |
| LISBON AIRPORT TO GARE DO ORIENTE STATION | 6 € | 7.50 € | 7 MIN |
| BELEM TOWER TO THE TIME OUT MARKET | 7.30 € | 8.20 € | 12 MIN |
| LISBON CITY CENTRE TO LISBON PORT | 11 € | 13 € | 15 MIN |
| LISBON CITY CENTRE TO THE TIME OUT MARKET | 4.10 € | 4.50 € | 10 MIN |
| LISBON PORT TO LISBON AIRPORT | 11 € | 13 € | 15 MIN |
Lisbon taxi prices
By law, all Lisbon taxi drivers are required to use a taximeter to calculate fares, based on distance travelled. However, be wary of drivers that do offer set-rate fees, as these are usually much higher than the taximeter price and technically aren’t legal. If you’re unsure and not comfortable negotiating the cost of your journey, simply wait for the next taxi to come along.
With a taximeter, the cost of your ride will depend on how far away your destination is, and the time of day you’re travelling:
Tariff 1 (weekdays 06:00 – 21:00)
Base Fare: €3.25
Price per km: €0.47
Waiting time per hour: €14.80
Tariff 2 (weekdays 21:00 – 06:00, weekends & holidays)
Base Fare: €3.90
Price per km: €0.56
Waiting time per hour: €15.80
Additional Charges
Keep in mind when using a taxi service in Lisbon that there are extra charges on top of each base fare for things such as luggage (€1.60), each minute stuck in traffic (€0.25), pets (€1.60) and telephone bookings (€0.80). For one-way trips that end outside the city limits, Tariff 2 will typically be charged unless it is a return journey, plus you’ll need to cover any road tolls.
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How to get a taxi in Lisbon
The easiest way to get a taxi in Lisbon is by hailing one from the street. There are thousands of easily identifiable taxis in the city centre, all you need to look out for is the ‘TAXI’ sign on the vehicle’s roof; if it’s lit up that means the taxi is available. Another option is to walk to a taxi rank; cab stands can be found near major transportation hubs like the bus station, train station, ferry terminal and the airport, outside of high-end hotels and close by to Rossio Square and central Restauradores Square.
How to get a taxi from Lisbon Airport
Airport taxis from both Terminals 1 and 2 depart from outside the Arrivals Hall from a dedicated taxi rank. Simply follow the ‘Taxi’ signs throughout the airport, you can’t miss it! If the line is really long and you don’t feel like waiting, try the taxi rank on the other side outside the Departures Hall since this line is typically shorter. Alternatively, pre-booked private taxis can be arranged through Welcome Pickups to take you from Lisbon Airport to the city centre, Sintra, Cascais or other nearby towns.
How to get a taxi from the Gare do Oriente station
The Oriente station is truly a sight to behold, so make sure you spare some time to look around. That being said, to get to your next destination or hotel by taxi, take the escalators or lifts down one level after disembarking your train, where you will find a dedicated taxi rank.
How to get a taxi from Port of Lisbon
Most people who visit Lisbon either arrive by plane or by boat, in which case they usually dock at the Port of Lisbon. Taxis are conveniently located in front of the port as you exit and since drivers tend to know what time ships are docking, there are usually plenty lined up waiting for passengers. If you’re travelling into the city centre, you can expect the journey to take around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
How to get a taxi from the Time Out Market
No doubt after feasting on Lisbon’s best dishes at this famous market you’ll not be interested in walking very far. Luckily, there is a taxi stand located outside Cais do Sodré Station, which is located just across the road from the market towards the waterfront.
How to get a taxi from Belem Tower
Once you’re finished climbing the narrow stairs of this 16th-century fort, you might be lucky enough to find taxis waiting on the other side of Belem Tower Park. The tower is located on the outskirts of the city centre so if you’re headed that way, expect the journey to take around 15 minutes and cost €8.50. If there are no taxis there, you can walk 15 minutes to the impressive Jerónimos Monastery where there is a taxi stand located across the street.
Most popular Lisbon Taxi Apps
If your hotel isn’t in the city centre, or you find yourself a little off the beaten path, booking a taxi through a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Bolt may be more reliable than finding a taxi on the street. You can also order a regular taxi through the local taxi app, Taxi-Link. Furthermore, when you use a Lisbon taxi app you’ll have the benefit of a Lisbon taxi fare calculator that will show you a price estimate before booking.
For rides to and from the airport, a pre-booked airport taxi is the most convenient option since a driver will be waiting for you on arrival, or at a designated time and place. When you book with a company such as Welcome Pickups, you’ll also have the benefit of 24/7 customer service, a locked in competitive price with no hidden extras, and a personalised ride.
Useful Lisbon Taxi Numbers
If you’re not set up with a ride-hailing app or don’t have access to WiFi, you can always call a Lisbon taxi number directly to arrange a pickup. The most trusted cab company you can phone in Lisbon is Radio Taxis, which can be reached on +351 218 11 9000, +351 969 53 1660 or +351 919 78 1000. Keep in mind that there is an extra charge for using this service and requesting a pickup.
Alternative companies that you can call include:
- Radio Taxis de Lisboa: +351 218 119 000
- Coop Táxis: +351 217 932 756
- Autocoope: +351 217 933 919
- Teletáxis: +351 218 111 100
Booking your Lisbon taxi in advance
Whether you’re travelling late at night and want everything to run smoothly, or you simply like to plan and budget before you arrive in a new city, booking your Lisbon taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups is the best way to go about it.
No matter the destination, you can secure the best Lisbon taxi prices and a local English-speaking professional driver who is an ambassador for their city and wants to give you the best experience. That way you can ensure you get around at your pace, with safety, comfort and privacy throughout your trip. What is more, we offer 24/7 customer support, should you need to reach us.
Lisbon taxi tips
- Make sure that your driver resets their taximeter to the base fare before you set off.
- Write down your destination to avoid any miscommunication with the local Lisbon taxi drivers.
- Wheelchairs, baby seats and pushchairs can be transported at no additional cost.
- If you feel your driver is taking a longer route than what is necessary, check your location on Google Maps and kindly inform them of the best route.
- Receipts have to be provided when asked for by law, however, they are often handwritten on paper.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Lisbon
Although the standard Lisbon taxis you’ll find in the street don’t offer fully wheelchair-accessible vehicles, you can book accessible, ramp and/or electric lift-equipped vehicles through one of the following four companies:
- CoopTaxis: +351 217 932 756
- Auto Taxis Serra D’Arga: +351 213 970 900
- Retalis: +351 218 119 000
- TeletTaxis: +351 218 111 100
Make sure to inform them of your requirements, requesting an ‘adapted taxi’ to suit your needs. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
Lisbon Taxi Complaints and Safety
Not only do drivers need to register and display their official photo ID in Lisbon taxis, but all local cabs are regularly inspected by law, to ensure they are in top-notch condition. The only thing to note is, that Lisbon taxi drivers tend to drive fast and may seem a little erratic. However, this isn’t usually a reflection of your taxi driver’s skills.
If you do experience any issues during your journey, be sure to ask for your receipt and report any incidents to the local transport authorities or tourist police.