GoToo · Portugal
Lisbon Airport to City Center: All Transport Options Explained
Lisbon Airport sits just 7 km from the city center. You can reach central neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado or Avenida da Liberdade by metro, bus, taxi, Uber or private transfer in 15-40 minutes depending on the option and your destination. The metro is the cheapest and often fastest for solo travelers or pairs staying near a station. Taxis, Ubers and private transfers make more sense if you have luggage, travel in a group or land late at night.
Metro: Fast and Direct to Many Central Stations
The red line (Linha Vermelha) connects the airport to several central stations. Trains run from around 6:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. every day, with departures every 6-9 minutes during the day. A single metro ticket costs €1.65 (as of early 2025), but you need a rechargeable Viva Viagem card (€0.50 for the card itself). You can buy and top up the card at machines in the arrivals hall.
From the airport, the metro reaches Alameda in about 10 minutes and Saldanha in 12. If you're staying in Baixa or Rossio, change at Alameda to the green line. For Cais do Sodré, change at Alameda then again at Baixa-Chiado. With one change, expect 20-25 minutes total. The metro works well if your accommodation is within walking distance of a station and you're not carrying heavy bags. Trains can be crowded during morning and evening peaks.
More detail on metro routes and connections is at Lisbon Airport to City Centre 2026, All Options Compared.
Aerobus: Direct Service to Major Hotels and Tourist Areas
The Aerobus is an express shuttle that stops at major hotels and squares along two routes. Line 1 serves Saldanha, Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, Restauradores, Rossio, Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré. Line 2 runs to financial and Expo districts. Buses run every 20-30 minutes from roughly 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., though schedules vary, so check closer to your travel date.
A 24-hour ticket costs around €4, and a 72-hour pass is about €9. You can buy tickets at the booth outside arrivals or online. Journey time to the center is typically 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. The Aerobus can be useful if your hotel is on the route and you want to avoid metro changes, but it is slower than the metro outside rush hour and runs less frequently.
Public Bus: The Cheapest Option
Regular Carris city buses serve the airport. The most useful routes are the 708, 722 and 744, which connect to different parts of the city and cost the same as any city bus: €2 on board or €1.65 with a Viva Viagem card. Buses run from early morning until late evening, with reduced frequency on weekends and holidays.
Public buses take longer than the metro, often 40-50 minutes to central areas, and require you to know which stop to get off at. They're practical if you're staying somewhere the metro doesn't reach and you're comfortable navigating public transport, but less convenient if you're tired or unfamiliar with Lisbon.
Taxi and Uber: Door-to-Door With Luggage
Licensed taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. Fares to central Lisbon usually range from €12 to €20, depending on your exact destination, time of day and traffic. Taxis use meters, and there's a small supplement for luggage. The ride takes 15-25 minutes in light traffic, longer during rush hour.
Uber and Bolt operate at the airport. Pick-up is from a designated rideshare area on the departures level (one floor up from arrivals). Uber fares are often similar to or slightly less than taxis, but can surge during busy times. You'll see the price in the app before you confirm, which removes uncertainty. Both taxis and rideshares work well if you have bags, travel with others or arrive late when the metro is closed.
A detailed cost and time comparison is at Lisbon Airport Taxi vs Uber vs Private Transfer: Which Costs Less?.
Private Transfer: Fixed Price, Meet and Greet
A private transfer means a driver waits in arrivals with your name, helps with luggage and takes you directly to your address. You book in advance and see the exact price before you pay, with no surprises. The journey time is the same as a taxi—15-25 minutes in normal conditions, but you don't queue or search for a car after a long flight.
Private transfers suit families, groups splitting the cost, or anyone who values simplicity and certainty. Drivers track your flight, so if you land early or late, they adjust. You can get an instant fixed price and book at gotoo.pt/booking.
Read more about what to expect at Lisbon Airport to City Centre by Private Transfer: What First-Timers Need to Know.
Which Option Makes Sense for You?
Your best choice depends on a few things:
- Budget: Metro and public buses are cheapest. Taxi, Uber and private transfers cost more but save time and effort.
- Luggage: With heavy bags or several suitcases, a taxi, Uber or private transfer is easier than stairs and changes on public transport.
- Arrival time: The metro runs until 1:00 a.m. If you land later, you'll need a taxi, Uber or transfer.
- Group size: Two people might find the metro or Aerobus practical. Four or more often pay less per person in a private transfer or taxi.
- Accommodation location: If your place is near a metro station, the red line is fast. If it's off the metro map, a door-to-door service saves walking.
For an overview of all times and typical costs, see How Long Does It Take to Get From Lisbon Airport to the City?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Uber from Lisbon Airport to city center?
Uber fares from the airport to central neighborhoods typically range from €10 to €18, depending on the exact destination, time of day and demand. You'll see the fare estimate in the app before you confirm the ride. Prices can be higher during surge periods.
How to get from Lisbon Airport to city centre at night?
The metro runs until around 1:00 a.m. If you land after that, take a taxi from the rank outside arrivals, book an Uber or Bolt from the rideshare pick-up area on the departures floor, or arrange a private transfer in advance. All three run 24 hours.
What is the cost of transport from Lisbon Airport to city?
A metro ticket costs €1.65 plus €0.50 for the card. The Aerobus is around €4 for 24 hours. Taxis run from roughly €12 to €20. Uber prices are similar. Private transfer fares vary by vehicle size and exact address, but you see the total price when you book.
How long does it take to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center?
By metro, expect 10-15 minutes to nearby stations like Saldanha, or 20-25 minutes with one change to reach Baixa. Taxis, Ubers and private transfers usually take 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. The Aerobus and public buses can take 30-50 minutes.
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