Transport from Lisbon Airport to City: A Comprehensive Guide

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Lisbon Airport is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) north of the city center, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

The airport is connected to the city center by the A8 highway, which is a major motorway that allows for quick and efficient travel.

You can take a taxi from the airport to the city center for around 20-25 euros, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance through a taxi company.

Transport Options

Getting to Lisbon city center from the airport is relatively easy and affordable. You can take a taxi, which costs around €25 to €35, but be sure to switch on the meter and ask for a receipt to avoid being overcharged.

Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall, and a ride to the city center takes around 15 to 20 minutes. If you're on a budget, you can take the Terravision bus, which costs €18 each way and runs from 8 am to 9 pm.

A woman interacting with a taxi driver on a busy Lisbon street.
Credit: pexels.com, A woman interacting with a taxi driver on a busy Lisbon street.

If you prefer a more convenient and tourist-friendly option, consider taking the Aerobus. Tickets can be purchased online, at the airport, or directly from the driver, and the bus operates every 20 minutes from 8 AM to 9 PM, stopping at key locations such as Entrecampos and Marquês de Pombal.

Here are some transportation options from Lisbon airport to the city center:

  • Taxi: €25-€35, 15-20 minutes
  • Terravision bus: €18 each way, 8 am-9 pm
  • Aerobus: €4 single journey or €6 return, every 20 minutes 8 am-9 pm
  • Uber: around €10-€15 to the city center
  • Bolt: slightly cheaper than Uber, typically around €8-€13

Taxi

Taxi is a comfortable and relatively inexpensive option to get around Lisbon. You can expect to pay around €25 to get to the city center.

If you're arriving at the airport, you can pick up a taxi at the rank located outside Terminal 1. Be prepared for long lines at peak arrival times.

A journey to downtown Lisbon (Baixa) typically takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around €15 in light traffic. If your destination is outside Lisbon, like Cascais, expect to pay around €40.

You can also use a prepaid pass at the cab stand to know the exact amount and avoid any last-minute surprises.

Public Buses

Airport
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Public buses from Lisbon Airport are a great option for travelers on a budget. They offer a cheap and accessible way to get to your destination, with tickets costing just €2.

You can purchase a ticket from the driver, or use your Viva Viagem card. The key routes include the 744, which goes to Marquês de Pombal, and the 783, which goes to Amoreiras.

These buses offer scenic views of Lisbon, making them a great way to see parts of the city en route.

If you're traveling light, you can take the commuter bus 744, which goes down the city's main avenues to Restauradores Square in the center. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and the bus passes by the airport every 20 minutes on weekdays and about 30 minutes on weekends.

Here are the key facts about public buses from Lisbon Airport:

  • Cost: €2 per ticket
  • Key routes: 744 (to Marquês de Pombal), 783 (to Amoreiras)
  • Journey time: 30 minutes (744 bus)
  • Frequency: every 20 minutes on weekdays, every 30 minutes on weekends

Transfer Services

Booking a transfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel is undoubtedly the most comfortable option. A driver will pick you up at the airport with a sign with your name on it, so you don't have to worry about anything.

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You can book a transfer from Lisbon airport to the hotel using a reliable private transfer service like Welcome Pickups. They offer English-speaking drivers who are knowledgeable about Lisbon and can provide you with useful tips about the city.

Here are some benefits of booking a private transfer:

  • Book your transfer online in advance, providing your flight details and destination.
  • Upon arrival, your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, often with a sign bearing your name.
  • Enjoy a direct ride to your accommodation without the hassle of navigating public transport or finding a taxi.

Hassle-Free and Pre-Arranged

If you're looking for a hassle-free and pre-arranged transfer from Lisbon airport, booking an airport transfer service is a great option.

You can book your transfer online in advance, providing your flight details and destination.

Upon arrival, your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, often with a sign bearing your name.

Enjoy a direct ride to your accommodation without the hassle of navigating public transport or finding a taxi.

A fixed price is agreed upon in advance, so there are no surprises.

You can expect a personalized service with a driver waiting for you.

This option is ideal for families, groups, or those with heavy luggage.

Scene capturing an airport terminal exterior with people interacting and taxis parked at Tokyo airport.
Credit: pexels.com, Scene capturing an airport terminal exterior with people interacting and taxis parked at Tokyo airport.

Some transfer services even offer English-speaking drivers who can offer you useful tips about the city.

Here are the key benefits of booking an airport transfer service:

  • Book your transfer online in advance.
  • Fixed price agreed upon in advance, no surprises.
  • Personalized service with a driver waiting for you.
  • Ideal for families, groups, or those with heavy luggage.

Santa Apolonia Cruise Terminal

If you're arriving in Lisbon by cruise ship, you'll be docking at the Santa Apolónia Cruise Ship Terminal. It's located in a very central area, within walking distance of downtown.

The terminal is situated near the Santa Apolónia train station, making it easy to get around the city. You can also take a taxi from the terminal to your next destination.

If you're planning to explore Lisbon further, you can take the metro from Santa Apolónia, which is the last stop of the blue line.

Private Transfers

Private transfers offer a convenient way to get from Lisbon airport to your hotel, with a driver waiting for you at the airport or at your hotel with a sign bearing your name.

You can book a private transfer service in advance online, often for the same price as a regular taxi.

A reliable private transfer service like Welcome Pickups will have an English-speaking driver knowledgeable about Lisbon, who can offer you useful tips about the city if asked.

By Private Transfer

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By Private Transfer, you can skip the long lines for taxis and avoid delays. You can book ahead online with services like Welcome Pickups, which is available in many cities, including Lisbon.

A reliable private transfer service will pick you up at the airport or your hotel, and you can even pay as much as a regular taxi.

An English-speaking driver will be waiting for you around the clock, ready to take you to your destination. They're often knowledgeable about the city and can offer you some useful tips about Lisbon if you ask.

A sign with your name on it will be held by the driver, so you don't have to worry about finding them.

Sintra

Sintra is a must-visit destination when traveling to Portugal. You can get to Sintra from Lisbon airport by taking the metro to Oriente.

The train from Oriente to Sintra departs every 20 minutes. This convenient schedule allows you to plan your trip with ease.

The train journey takes 47 minutes to reach Sintra, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

How to Use

A woman relaxes in an airport terminal waiting area, reading a tablet with luggage nearby.
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If you're looking for a convenient and affordable way to get around, consider using public transportation. To make the most of it, here's what you need to know.

First, load your Viva Viagem card with your chosen fare. This will make traveling on the metro a breeze.

You'll want to board the Red Line at the airport station, heading towards São Sebastião. From there, you can follow the signs to your destination.

Depending on where you're going, you might need to transfer lines. For example, if you're headed to Baixa-Chiado, change at Alameda to the Green Line (Linha Verde).

Here's a quick rundown of the metro schedule:

  • Frequent services run from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM.

Overall, the metro is a great option for getting around.

City Center Metro

The metro is the cheapest and quickest way to get to the city center from Lisbon Airport, taking just 15 minutes to reach Saldanha station, the financial center of Lisbon.

You can buy a one-way ticket for €1.40 or a daily pass for €6, which is applicable to other means of transportation like trains, trams, and buses.

Explore the illuminated futuristic architecture of a modern metro station in Hamburg, Germany.
Credit: pexels.com, Explore the illuminated futuristic architecture of a modern metro station in Hamburg, Germany.

The metro operates from 6am until 1am daily, so you can travel at a time that suits you.

Be prepared for long queues at the ticket machines, which can take around 15-20 minutes to get to your turn.

You can ride the metro for free with the Lisboa Card, which you can order and pick up at the arrivals hall.

If you don't have the Lisboa Card, you'll need to buy the magnetic Navegante card for €0.50 and charge it with your single fare of €1.85.

The Navegante card can be used for 12 months, so you can charge it with more trips later if you need to.

The metro is a convenient way to get to the city center, with the airport being the first station on the red line, which connects to the other three lines in the network.

Car Rental and Driving

If you're planning to drive from Lisbon airport to the city, you have the option to rent a car. A number of car hire companies operate at the airport.

The journey takes about 20 minutes in light traffic, which is a relatively short and convenient option.

By Car Rental

Credit: youtube.com, Renting a car in Portugal - Things you should know

Renting a car can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling with a group or prefer to drive yourself. The journey to your destination takes about 20 minutes in light traffic.

You'll find a number of car hire companies operating at the airport, making it easy to pick up your rental and hit the road.

By Car

Driving a rental car can be a fun and convenient way to explore a new area, but it's essential to know the basics before hitting the road.

Make sure to check the rental agreement for any specific rules or regulations regarding car rental in your destination country. Many countries have different driving laws and requirements.

The rental car should be equipped with a valid driver's license, a credit card for the deposit, and a valid passport. This is usually required by most car rental companies.

If you're not familiar with the local driving rules, consider renting a car with a GPS system to help navigate the roads. This can be especially helpful in unfamiliar areas.

Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Airport

In many countries, it's mandatory to drive on the right-hand side of the road, but some countries have left-hand traffic. Always check the local driving rules before driving.

The car rental company will usually provide a map or a list of recommended routes to help you get around. Take the time to study the map and plan your route in advance.

Be aware that some car rental companies may have specific requirements for driving on certain types of roads, such as highways or rural areas.

Alternative Destinations

If you're looking to experience a different side of Portugal, consider visiting the nearby towns of Cascais and Sintra, which are easily accessible from Lisbon airport.

Cascais is a charming coastal town with a rich history, just 30 minutes from the airport by car.

Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts stunning palaces and castles, including the Pena Palace, which is a must-visit.

Getting to Cascais or Sintra from Lisbon airport is relatively straightforward, with a range of transportation options available, including taxis, buses, and car rentals.

A woman gazes over the illuminated Lisbon cityscape at dusk, surrounded by trees.
Credit: pexels.com, A woman gazes over the illuminated Lisbon cityscape at dusk, surrounded by trees.

The Aerobus, a direct bus service, takes around 45 minutes to reach Lisbon city center, and can be a cost-effective option for travelers on a budget.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or private transfer, which takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and offers a more personalized service.

If you prefer to drive, car rental companies are available at the airport, with a range of vehicles to suit different budgets and preferences.

The scenic routes to Cascais and Sintra offer breathtaking views of the Portuguese coastline and countryside, making the journey an enjoyable part of the experience.

From Lisbon airport, you can also take a train to Lisbon city center, which takes around 15-20 minutes and offers a convenient and affordable option for travelers.

Nellie Kling

Copy Editor

Nellie Kling is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for clear, concise writing. She has honed her skills over years of experience, ensuring that every article she touches is polished and engaging. Nellie's expertise shines through in her coverage of cruise line news, where she provides insightful and well-researched content that captivates her audience.

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