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What is the best way to get from Lisbon airport to the city center?
Short answer: For most travelers it's the metro. The airport has its own station with a direct line to the center, and the Aeroporto–Saldanha line takes you downtown in about 20 minutes (checked Oct 12, 2026). Take a taxi or rideshare if you have lots of luggage or arrive very late.
The details
1. Metro (best for most people). Follow the signs to Aeroporto station on the Red Line. You need the rechargeable Navegante card, which costs €0.50 ≈ $0.56, and you load it with your fare (checked Oct 12, 2026). The card works on Metro and Carris buses.
The single fare is typically a little under €2 ≈ $2.25 on top of the card, last we checked. Trains typically run from about 06:30 to 01:00. Check current fares and hours at metrolisboa.pt.
For Baixa, Chiado or Rossio, change at Alameda to the Green Line. For Avenida da Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal, ride to São Sebastião and change to the Blue Line.
2. City bus (cheap, but only with small bags). City and intercity buses stop near the arrivals terminal, and city buses allow only luggage up to 50x40x20 cm (checked Oct 12, 2026). A standard suitcase won't fit those limits.
Daytime Carris routes typically include 705, 722, 744 and 783. Night bus 208 typically covers the hours when the metro is closed. Journeys usually take 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Check routes and fares at carris.pt.
3. Taxi or rideshare (best for bags, groups and late arrivals). You can always find a taxi at the airport, normally queueing outside (checked Oct 12, 2026). Taxis are metered. A central-Lisbon fare is typically somewhere in the teens to mid-20s of euros, depending on traffic, time of day and luggage. Uber and Bolt also operate.
4. Heading straight to another city. Gare do Oriente, the main train station in Lisbon, is about 10 minutes away by metro and a bit longer by bus (checked Oct 12, 2026). Trains to other parts of the country leave from there.
About the Aerobus. Older guides still describe a dedicated Aerobus. Recent guides say it no longer runs, so don't plan around it. Confirm with Carris or the airport if you see it advertised.
Tips
- Arriving at Terminal 2? The metro station is at Terminal 1. A free inter-terminal shuttle typically connects them, so allow extra time.
- Buy the Navegante card at the machines before you queue for the gates. Keep the card or ticket handy, because you tap it to exit as well as to enter.
- Add a day pass if you'll ride the metro, buses and trams again that day. Compare it with single fares at metrolisboa.pt or carris.pt.
- Landing after about 01:00 or before about 06:30? Skip the metro. Use a taxi or rideshare, or night bus 208 if you have only hand luggage.
- Use official taxi ranks only. Politely decline drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
FAQ
How far is Lisbon airport from the city center?
It's close, a short ride into town. The airport's site describes it as about 20 minutes from the center, which matches the metro journey. Taxi times depend on traffic, and rush hour can add noticeably to the trip.
Do I need cash for the metro?
You need a Navegante card, which the airport's site lists at €0.50 ≈ $0.56. Ticket machines at the station sell it and load fares. We'd keep a payment card handy rather than relying on cash, and check the machine's current payment options.
Is there a direct train from the airport to the center?
Not a mainline train. The metro is the rail link, and it connects to the Oriente station for national trains. From Oriente you can transfer to other metro lines or trains. The airport's site puts Oriente about 10 minutes away by metro.
Can I take a big suitcase on the bus?
Probably not. The airport states a 50x40x20 cm luggage limit on city buses. A normal checked bag is bigger than that, so use a taxi, rideshare or the metro if your bags are large.
What's the cheapest way into Lisbon?
The metro or a city bus, which typically cost about the same per ride. The metro is faster and not affected by traffic. Buses can be handy if one stops near your hotel and you carry only a small bag.
What if my flight lands at midnight?
The metro typically runs until about 01:00, so you may just catch it. If immigration or baggage delays you, a taxi or rideshare is the safest plan. Night bus 208 is an option with hand luggage only.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Lisbon guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Lisbon guide
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See every question about Lisbon → /answers/lisbon/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Metro fares, operating hours and bus routes are the most likely to change. Check the airport's public transportation page, metrolisboa.pt and carris.pt before you travel.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.lisbonairport.pt/en/lis/access-parking/getting-to-and-from-the-airport/public-transportation