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If you're flying into Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), you're just 7 kilometers from the city center, making it super quick to reach, whether you’re staying for several days or only have a layover in Lisbon. Besides, Lisbon has a modern transport network with affordable metro lines, buses, and taxis. In this guide, you’ll find all the ways to reach the city, along with insider tips on how to skip carrying your bags around before check-in.
Store your luggage before your check-in in Lisbon
One mistake tourists often make in Lisbon is carrying suitcases through cobblestone streets or metro stations. If you have an early flight, LUGGit can pick up your bags from the airport and deliver them later to your hotel or Airbnb at check-in time. You can track your luggage location via the app and enjoy Lisbon hands-free from the moment you land!
Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit booking
How to reach Lisbon city center by metro
Lisbon’s Metro is the fastest and cheapest way to reach downtown. You’ll find the metro station on the arrivals level at Terminal 1, where you can take the Red Line that connects the airport to other lines. To reach downtown areas like Baixa-Chiado or Rossio, get off at Alameda and change to the green line. The total journey usually takes about 25 minutes.
A single trip costs 1.85€, which you can pay with a regular contactless credit card (or Apple/Google Pay) by tapping it at the validators. Alternatively, you can purchase a rechargeable Navegante occasional card, which you can buy at ticket machines in metro stations for 0.50€. The Navegante card is valid across Lisbon’s public transport network (including trams, buses, trains, and ferries). The Red Line metro runs approximately every 6 to 10 minutes from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM.
Tip: If you’re planning on using Lisbon’s public transportation a lot, you can purchase a 24-hour ticket for 7€, which gives you unlimited journeys on Carris (buses and trams operator) and Metro, networks for 24 hours.
How to reach Lisbon city center by bus
Lisbon’s yellow Carris buses are another option to reach the city center from the airport. Several lines operate from just outside the arrivals terminal. Among the most useful are Line 744, Line 722, and Line 783, which head toward Avenida da Liberdade and central Lisbon.
The trip usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and a single ticket costs 2.20€ if purchased on board (via cash or card) or 1.85€ when using a Navegante card. If your flight arrives late at night, the Night Bus 208 runs between the airport and Cais do Sodré from 11:30 PM to 5:30 AM. The maximum luggage size allowed on the buses is 50x40x20cm, so if you’re carrying large suitcases, this might not be a good option.
If you’ve heard about the Aerobus line connecting the airport directly to the city center, it has been temporarily suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to reach Lisbon city center by rideshare apps (Uber or Bolt)
Rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt operate in Lisbon and are often cheaper than taxis. If you’re not familiar with Bolt, it’s an European version of Uber, and often cheaper too. The ride from Lisbon Airport to downtown areas like Baixa or Chiado typically costs between 10€ and 20€, depending on demand and time of day, and takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Drivers pick up passengers from the designated ride-hailing area near the airport car park.
While Bolt tends to offer the lowest prices, Uber usually has the largest fleet, which can mean shorter waiting times.
How to reach Lisbon city center by taxi
You’ll find beige or black-and-green taxis waiting right outside both terminals, available 24 hours a day. The ride to central Lisbon usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs between 10€ and 20€. Keep in mind that there’s a surcharge for luggage (1.60€ per bag) and for airport pickup (0.80€).
Airport taxis are known to sometimes scam tourists. Always make sure to use the official taxi rank and avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers inside the terminal. Also, make sure that the taxi meter is running at the start of your trip.
How to reach Lisbon city center by train
There’s no direct train from Lisbon Airport to the city center, but you can reach Oriente Station (one of the city’s main transport hubs) in just a few minutes by metro on the Red Line. From Oriente, frequent trains run to destinations across Lisbon and beyond, including Cascais, Sintra, and Porto.
You can plan your journey and see routes on the CP (Comboios de Portugal) website. If you’re continuing your journey outside the capital, Oriente is the best place to connect with national and suburban rail services.
FAQs – Lisbon airport to city center
What’s the cheapest way to get to Lisbon city center?
The Metro (Red Line) is the most affordable and reliable option at 1.85€ per ticket.
How long does it take to reach the Lisbon city center?
Between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on your mode of transport.
Are there night transport options from Lisbon Airport?
Yes. Bus 208 runs overnight between the airport and Cais do Sodré.
What is cheaper in Lisbon, Uber or taxi?
Uber tends to be cheaper than taxis in Lisbon, but it depends on the time of day, as Uber increases prices during peak hours.
Are taxis in Lisbon cash only?
A lot of them, yes. If you’re planning on catching a taxi, it’s best to have some cash on hand.
Travel light in Lisbon with LUGGit
Whatever transportation you end up choosing, don’t let heavy bags slow you down from your Lisbon adventure. With LUGGit, you can explore the city freely and leave your luggage in the safe hands of our Keepers.
Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit booking
