How to Get from Lisbon Airport to the City Center: Cheapest, Fastest & Easiest Options
Lisbon City Center is only about 20 minutes by car or 35 minutes by metro. How you choose to transit from LIS to your accommodations will vary depending on how many travelers are in your party, budget, luggage and convenience.
Here is an overview of all your options to get from LIS Airport to the city center to help you decide which is best for you:
How to Get from Lisbon Airport to Downtown By:
Lisbon Airport Ride Share
🚗Uber or Bolt: This is my preferred way to get from the airport to Lisbon city center.
➕Pros
Upfront pricing. You know exactly what you will be paying for your ride.
Cost efficient. One of these rideshare options from Lisbon airport to will generally cost 8-12€ or less (depending on time and demand).
Convenience: These on demand car services don’t require any pre-booking or coordination ahead of time or upon landing.
Safety: The app communicates your destination to your driver and you can follow the route on your phone. You can also share your ride with a friend or family member.
➖Cons
The pick up area can be crowded and a bit chaotic
During peak times, it can take some time to get a car. You may face driver cancellations or delays. In the many, many times I have flow in to LIS, I have rarely waited more than 10-15 minutes, but on one especially busy occasion, I waited over 30.
You need to have phone service/data on arrival
⭐Pro Tip
Bolt is generally less expensive. If you wait to create an account upon landing, you will receive a significant discount on your first ride.
Where is the Ride Share Pick Up at Lisbon Airport?
To find the ride Uber and Bolt pick at Lisbon airport follow these steps:
Exit the terminal
⬅️Turn left toward the Starbucks
🍵Pass the Starbucks and exit the doors to the right
⬅️Turn left toward the P2 Parking lot
⭐Pro Tip
I notice this complete cluster every time I come in to LIS:
Everyone stops and gathers immediately after entering the parking garage, which makes it hard to see your ride approaching and then get to it because you have to fight through the crowd.
Walk down toward the end where the cars enter and it will make your pick up MUCH easier.
Lisbon City Center From the Airport by Metro
Ⓜ️The metro from Lisbon airport to the City Center is my preferred method of transportation when traveling light.
➕Pros
The Metro is the most affordable method of transportation at just 1,85€
It is only about 15 minutes longer than a car - and can be faster during rush hour
The Lisbon Metro is quite easy to navigate with just 1 transfer
The metro is clean and safe
➖Cons
It can be difficult to navigate with luggage
The metro can get a little crowded during peak times
It is not as comfortable as a private ride
Directions for taking the metro from Lisbon Airport to the city center:
Exit the terminal and turn right (there will be signs for public transportation), exit the doors to the far right and there you will find the entrance to the metro. Go down the escalators/stairs
🎫If you plan to use public transportation during your stay in Lisbon, it is advisable to obtain a Navegante card. There are machines to do so as you enter the station.
Click image below for more information on Lisbon public transportation and tickets.
💳You can also use any form of contactless payment to enter.
🚇To go towards Lisbon Downtown (Rossio, Chiado, Baixa, Barrio Alto) Use Google Maps to establish the stop closest to your accommodation
🔴Take the RED LINE (Vm) to Alameda
🚂This is also the line you will take to Oriente Station if catching a train or bus to Porto
🟢Transfer to the GREEN LINE (Vd) toward your final stop
🚂The Green Line will take you to Rossio Station, where you can catch the train to Sintra
⭐The transfer requires going up the escalator and back down - Do NOT exit the turn style.
Getting to Downtown Lisbon From LIS by Taxi
There are taxis available from Lisbon airport, however; there are some things to be aware of prior to taking a taxi to the city center.
While taxis are overall safe and reliable, there are also instances of taxi scams, fake drivers, and price inflation.
If you opt to take a taxi, here are a few important things to know:
🚖Only take certified taxis, from the TAXI LINE (see images). Do not accept rides from anyone who approaches you - certified drivers will not do this as it is illegal. The que at the taxi line can be very long, but does move rather quickly.
💶The base rate for a taxi is €3.25 and a price per km of €0.47 during the day (06:00 to 21:00), and a base fare of €3.90 and a price per km of €0.56 at night (21:00 to 06:00). *This is for a standard 4 person car.
🧳There is also an additional fee of 1,60€ - this is for ALL LUGGAGE, not per piece.
💳 Most taxis in Lisbon accept credit card payments, but it's always wise to confirm with the driver before starting your journey.
⚠️There is no “flat rate” taxi fare from the Lisbon airport to the city center. Make sure the driver has started the meter before your ride begins. A typical fare is approximately 15€. Even with traffic, the fare should never exceed more than 25€.
🪙Tipping is optional and is generally 10% or 1€ for great service. Do not let a driver bully you in to tipping.
Lisbon Airport to City Center by Private Transfer
Who doesn’t love walking out of the terminal and seeing someone standing there holding your name on a sign ready to comfortably take you to your destination?
Of course, a private transfer is the most luxury way to get from the airport to your accommodations, but it is also the costliest. With prices ranging anywhere from about 30€–75€+ depending on how many are in your party, luggage fees, destination and vehicle type.
🤵Determining if a private transfer is the best option for you
➕Pros
Convenience. Not having to wait for a car, wait in the taxi stand line or ger through the ride share crowd.
Vehicle Options. If you are traveling with a group or family, pre-booking a van may be the best option to accommodate your party size.
Luggage. If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, you can be assure the car you book can accommodate it
➖Cons
Price. This is generally the most expensive option to get from Lisbon airport to downtown.
Delays. It can be stressful to communicate and coordinate delays (especially with unpredictable lines at immigration) with your drivver.
However you decide to get from the Lisbon Airport to the City Center, or your nearby destination, you are on your way to an amazing trip and will enjoy all Portugal has to offer!
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I came to Portugal 4 years ago & fell in love.
Since then, I spend half the year in Portugal, exploring the country like both a local & a curious traveler—sharing insights on popular spots, gems, & where to eat, wander, & soak in the magic of everyday Portuguese life.
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