How to Get From Lisbon Airport to the City Center: All Options Compared
From Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Lisbon’s airport is one of Europe’s most central — only 7 km from the city center and connected directly to the metro. For most travelers, the metro is the obvious answer; for travelers with bags or late-night arrivals, taxi or Bolt is fast and cheap.
Metro (Red Line)
Time: 20-25 min to Saldanha; 30 min to Baixa-ChiadoCost: €1.85 ($2) including reusable Viva Viagem card
Best for
Solo travelers and couples with manageable luggage
How it works
Follow metro signs from arrivals. The Aeroporto station is the terminus of the Red Line. Transfer at Alameda (Green Line) for Baixa-Chiado or Saldanha.
Pros
Cheapest option. Frequent (every 5-8 min). Traffic-free. Direct or one-transfer to most neighborhoods.
Cons
Heavy luggage is awkward on stairs. Stations have no air-con in summer.
Aerobus (special airport bus)
Time: 30 min to BaixaCost: €4 ($4.30) one-way
Best for
Travelers heading to Rossio, Restauradores, or Cais do Sodré
How it works
Two routes (Line 1 to Cais do Sodré, Line 2 to Sete Rios). Buses every 20 min.
Pros
Direct to central tourist areas. Luggage racks. Easier than metro with bags.
Cons
Slower than metro in traffic. More expensive.
Taxi
Time: 15-25 min depending on trafficCost: €10-20 ($11-22)
Best for
Couples, families, late-night arrivals
How it works
Official taxi rank outside arrivals. Drivers are metered; a luggage surcharge (€1.60) applies.
Pros
Cheap by Western European standards. Door-to-door. Available 24/7.
Cons
Some drivers attempt to refuse short trips or quote ‘fixed prices.’ Insist on the meter.
Bolt or Uber
Time: 15-25 minCost: €8-18 ($9-20)
Best for
Travelers who prefer fixed app-based pricing
How it works
Download Bolt (most popular in Portugal) or Uber. Pickup at the designated ride-share zone — not the taxi rank.
Pros
Fixed upfront price. English-speaking app.
Cons
Surge pricing during peak hours. Pickup zone is a 2-min walk from arrivals.
