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Get useful expert tips about available options for a smooth process of getting from Lisbon International Airport to the city center from arrival to the final destination.
Intro
Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, also known as Portela Airport (LIS), has two public terminals, between which there is a free shuttle for visitors.
The most convenient way to get to the city center from Lisbon International Airport is to take a taxi. The cheaper alternative is a bus or metro, suitable for budget travelers.
In this guide, let’s have a closer look at all the possible ways to get from Lisbon airport to downtown. The most convenient one should be chosen individually after analyzing the pros and cons of every variant.
Key Takeaways
Lisbon Airport is located only 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown. The short distance to the capital of Portugal makes it easily accessible to visitors.
Lisbon Airport has the perfect travel-friendly infrastructure and numerous travel options to get to the city center:
- Taxi (€11-13/15-minute journey);
- Bus (€1.8/40-minute ride);
- Metro (€1.9/20-minute trip);
- Train (€2/10-minute trip);
- Car rental starts at €5/day;
- Private transfer from €30;
- Coimbra airport shuttle (€41/15 minutes ride);
The main priority in making a smooth journey from Lisbon Airport to the city center is careful planning.
All options for traveling in Lisbon, available nowadays, correspond to the highest standards of comfort.
Public transport is an affordable and reliable way to get to the destination point.
Transfers or car rentals, booked in advance, save time and money.
The final decision on transport options should be made after summing up such factors as budget, time on the road, and personal preferences.
How Far is Lisbon Airport from the City Center?
The airport is located north of Lisbon, in a small town called Portela, in the municipality of Lores. The distance from Lisbon downtown is only 7 km (4.3 miles), so it’s easy to get from the airport to the city center
Getting from Lisbon Airport to the City
Getting from the airport to the center of Lisbon is possible in a few ways. Visitors to the city can use one of the following:
- Metro, available from 06:30 to 01:00. The price is approximately €1.9 for 20 minutes on the road.
- Train from Oriente train station, available daytime. It’s 2.4 km from the airport, and travel to the center will take €1-2 and 7 minutes.
- Bus from Lisbon Airport. Bus No. 5, available from 06:40 to 20:10, and bus No. 208, available from 00:00 to 06:00. The price is approximately €1.8 for 40 minutes on the road.
- Taxi service, available 24/7. The price starts from €11 for 15 minutes on the road.
- Car rental, available 24/7. The rental price depends on the chosen car and the terms of the contract (from €5).
- Private transfer, which should be booked beforehand in order to save time and avoid any worries.
- Coimbra Airport Shuttle, available 24/7. The price is approximately €41 for 15 minutes on the road.
By Metro
The most affordable and easy way to get to the center of Lisbon is to take the metro. To get to the station, travelers should simply follow the signs "Metro” in the hall.
The airport and the city are connected by the red metro line. It does not go directly to the center, so you have to make a few changes on the route to get to any popular locations.
The most important interchange stations are Alameda, Saldanha, and Sao Sebastiao. In the metro building, you will see detailed maps to build your route.
If you plan to travel by metro for more than one hour, it’s recommended to buy a ticket for the whole day for 6 euros to save money.
Insider tip: You need to purchase a one-time Viva Viagem card for €0.50. The actual schedule can be found on the official website: https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/.
Schedule: Metro operates from 06:30 to 01:00
Route: Lisbon Airport – Sao Sebastiao
Journey time: 20 minutes
Fare: €1.9 (€0.5 – Viva Viagem card, €1.4 – travel
By Train
This travel option is not the most convenient and popular as it requires a change of transport, so it's not suitable for people with luggage, small kids, or animals. But it's still an available way that can be taken into consideration depending on your circumstances.
First of all, you need to get to the closest train station to Lisbon airport, Oriente, by taxi for €5-7, or by metro, as its red line connects both stations. As a result, the total sum is €7-9, which is less than a taxi, but more than direct public transport.
Oriente station is a modern transportation hub which is an attraction itself. Its striking architecture, designed by Santiago Calatrava, definitely deserves attention.
Insider tip: The actual schedule can be found on the official website: https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en.
Schedule: Every 10-20 minutes
Route: Lisbon Airport – Oriente – metro to the city center
Journey Time: 5-10 minutes
Fare: €2.00
By Public Bus
There is a convenient bus network to get to the center of Lisbon from the airport. The operating bus company is Carris, which offers a few buses from the airport to the center of Lisbon.
There are limits to the luggage size, and the available dimensions are 50x40x20 cm. Tickets can be bought directly from the driver or special machines.
The bus stop is located near the car park opposite the arrivals hall and T1 terminal. The numbers of buses that run between the airport and the center are 705, 722, 744, 783, and 208.
Insider tip: The full schedule can be found on the official website: https://www.carris.pt/en/bus/208/descendente/.
Schedule: Buses No. 705, 722, 744, and 783 operate from 06:00 to 21:00, and night bus No. 208 operates from 00:00 to 06:00
Route: Lisbon Airport – Estacao Roma Areeiro
Journey time: 40 minutes
Fare: €1.8
By Taxi
Taxi is the easiest, comfortable, and safest way to get to Lisbon. This option is the best for families with small children, big luggage, those who travel with animals, or simply evaluate comfort and time.
Uber or Bolt drivers stop at the Kiss & Fly Parking Lot. To get there, you need to take the elevator from the arrivals hall and go outside.
Insider tip: City taxi fare is calculated with the use of a taxi meter. Ask the driver to turn it on before the ride, and at the end ask for a receipt to protect yourself from increased taxi fare.
Schedule: 24/7
Route: Lisbon Airport - your destination point
Journey time: 15 minutes
Fare: €11-13
By Car Rental
For passengers who would like to rent a car at Lisbon Airport, it’s better to make arrangements beforehand through the official websites of the available companies. Car rental is also represented by a large group of companies at Lisbon Airport. To make your choice, simply come to the rental counters, located in the hall upon arrival.
But it is better to arrange everything in advance before going on vacation to be sure to pay less.
Rental prices start from €5 per day and €30 in low season.
Insider tip: If you plan to spend a long time in Lisbon, it's recommended to get a compact car because of the narrow streets and traffic jams.
Schedule: 24/7
Route: Lisbon Airport - your destination point
Journey time: 15 minutes
Fare: €5-30
By Private Transfer
The advantages of a transfer compared to a taxi are obvious. The service is suitable for people who value comfort and don't want to worry about the little things as it saves time and money.
Upon arrival, the representative of the transport company would meet the passengers with a sign at the airport or train station and escort them to the car.
The comfort from the very beginning of the journey is guaranteed. The price is indicated in advance.
Insider tip: You can book the most comfortable transfer by individual request directly with One Day Tours. Our prices start from €30. We guarantee a personalized approach and high-quality service. We provide enough luggage space to safely keep all your belongings.
Schedule: 24/7
Route: Lisbon Airport - your destination point
Journey time: 15 minutes
Fare: €30
Final Thoughts
Lisbon International Airport is projected with the thought about the comfort of its visitors. It’s conveniently connected to the city's public transport network, so getting from Lisbon Airport to the city or any other point is possible 24/7.
All the ways, mentioned above in the guidance, are relevant. The final choice is only a question of budget for traveling and personal preferences. Additional conditions, such as arrival time, luggage, the number of passengers, and their age, should also be taken into consideration. This is especially true for those who come to downtown for the first time and don’t want to spend much effort on arrangements
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