Airport to City Center: Complete Transport Guide

Getting from Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Airport) to the city center is straightforward with multiple options to suit every budget and schedule. Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Comparison Table

| Transport Mode | Cost | Journey Time | Best For | |---|---|---|---| | Metro (Red Line) | €1.65 | 20-30 min | Budget travelers, light luggage | | Carris Bus | €2.00 | 35-45 min | Local experience, multiple stops | | Terravision Bus | €18 | 30-40 min | Direct to city center | | Taxi | €12-20 | 15-20 min | Comfort, heavy luggage | | Uber/Bolt | €10-18 | 15-20 min | App convenience, transparent pricing | | Private Transfer | €25-40 | 15-20 min | Premium comfort, groups |

Option 1: Metro (Most Popular)

Why Choose Metro?

Cheapest option for solo travelers
Fast and frequent service
Connects directly to main tourist areas
Operates early morning to late night

How to Take the Metro

Find the station: Follow red "M" signs from Terminal 1 arrivals
Buy a card: Purchase Viva Viagem (€0.50) at ticket machines
Load a ticket: Add single journey (€1.65) or 24-hour pass (€6.60)
Board Red Line: Direction São Sebastião
Transfer if needed:
- Green Line at Alameda for Baixa-Chiado
- Yellow Line at Saldanha for Marquês de Pombal

Journey Times to Popular Areas

Saldanha: 8 minutes (direct)
Marquês de Pombal: 11 minutes (direct)
Rossio: 16 minutes (1 transfer)
Baixa-Chiado: 20 minutes (1 transfer)
Cais do Sodré: 25 minutes (1 transfer)

Metro Tips

Avoid peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM)
Keep ticket until you exit
Large luggage allowed but can be challenging during rush hour

Option 2: Airport Buses

Carris Public Buses

Regular city buses connect the airport to various parts of Lisbon:

Bus 744

Route: Airport → Marquês de Pombal
Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
Operating hours: 5:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Cost: €2.00 (pay driver) or use Viva Viagem

Bus 783

Route: Airport → Amoreiras
Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
Operating hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Cost: €2.00

Terravision Express Bus

Route: Airport → Sete Rios → Marquês de Pombal → Cais do Sodré
Cost: €18 one-way, €32 return
Schedule: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (hourly)
Journey time: 30-40 minutes
Book online for guaranteed seat

Important Bus Notes

Luggage size limit: 50×40×20 cm for city buses
Terravision allows standard luggage
Night buses (208, 745) available but infrequent

Option 3: Taxi

Official Airport Taxis

Identification: Cream/beige color with "TAXI" roof sign
Where to find: Designated taxi rank outside arrivals
Payment: Cash or card (confirm before journey)

Taxi Pricing

Daytime (6 AM - 9 PM): €12-15 to center
Nighttime/Weekend: €15-20 to center
Initial fare: €3.25 (day) / €3.90 (night)
Per km: €0.47 (day) / €0.56 (night)
Luggage: €1.60 per piece in trunk

Taxi Tips

Only use official taxis from the rank
Ask for receipt ("recibo")
Agree on price for trips outside Lisbon
Tipping not required but €1-2 appreciated

Option 4: Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber/Bolt/FreeNow

Pickup location: Follow app signs to designated zones
Cost estimate: €10-18 to city center
Surge pricing: Common during peak times
Payment: In-app (card or PayPal)

Ride-Hailing Advantages

Price transparency before booking
No cash needed
Driver ratings for safety
Route tracking for peace of mind

Tips for Ride-Hailing

Book after collecting luggage to avoid waiting fees
Screenshot your booking for backup
Confirm license plate before entering
Airport pickup can add 5-10 minutes vs taxi

Option 5: Private Transfers

Pre-Booked Transfers

Best for groups or those wanting guaranteed comfort:

Cost: €25-40 depending on vehicle
Booking: Online in advance
Meet & greet: Driver waits in arrivals
Vehicle options: Sedan, minivan, luxury

When to Choose Private Transfer

Traveling with family or group
Arriving late night/early morning
Heavy luggage or special needs
Want stress-free experience

Special Considerations

Late Night Arrivals (After 1 AM)

Metro closed - not an option
Night buses limited (208, 745)
Taxis and Uber available 24/7
Pre-booked transfer recommended

With Heavy Luggage

Best: Taxi or private transfer
Good: Uber/Bolt with larger vehicle
Challenging: Metro during rush hour
Difficult: City buses with luggage limits

Groups of 3+

Taxi/Uber becomes cost-effective
Consider minivan for 4+ people
Private transfer offers best value for large groups

Travelers with Disabilities

Metro has elevator access at airport
Not all metro stations fully accessible
Taxis required to assist
Pre-arrange accessible transfer if needed

Money-Saving Tips

For Budget Travelers

Take metro with 24-hour pass (€6.60)
Share Uber/taxi with other travelers
Book Terravision online for discounts
Avoid taxi during night tariff

For Families

Children under 4 free on public transport
Family of 4: taxi often cheaper than individual metro tickets
Consider day passes if exploring immediately

Airport Facilities

Before You Leave

ATMs: Multiple locations for cash
Currency exchange: Available but poor rates
Tourist information: Get maps and Lisboa Card
Luggage storage: €6-10 per day if needed

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don't:

Accept rides from unofficial taxi touts
Buy tickets from scalpers
Leave airport without local currency
Book transfer without confirming Terminal 1 or 2

Do:

Keep receipt from any transport
Confirm price before taxi journey
Have hotel address written down
Download offline maps before leaving airport

Emergency Contacts

Airport Info: +351 218 413 500
Taxi Complaints: +351 217 932 756
Tourist Police: +351 213 421 623
Emergency: 112

Final Recommendations

Best Overall: Metro

For most travelers, the metro offers the best combination of speed, cost, and convenience.

Most Comfortable: Pre-booked Transfer

Worth it for early/late arrivals or when traveling with lots of luggage.

Best Value for Groups: Taxi/Uber

Split between 3-4 people, becomes very affordable.

Your journey from Lisbon Airport to the city center sets the tone for your visit. Choose the option that best fits your budget, schedule, and comfort level, and you'll be exploring Lisbon's charming streets in no time!