PerkJolt
How do I get from the Lisbon cruise terminal to the city and the train stations?
Short answer: At the main Lisbon Cruise Terminal, the Santa Apolónia station is next door. It has both mainline trains and the Metro Blue Line, which runs on into the city. If your ship is at Alcântara, further west, plan on the Cascais-line train, a Carris bus or tram, or a taxi. Look up your berth on your cruise line's port page before you plan anything.
The details
1. Find out which terminal you're using. Lisbon's port lists the Lisbon Cruise Terminal and the Santa Apolónia Cruise Terminal as its cruise facilities. The port's cruise page names the Lisbon Cruise Terminal and the Santa Apolónia Cruise Terminal. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Ships have historically also used Alcântara, which is further west. Berth assignments change from day to day, so your cruise line's port information is the final word.
2. Main terminal: Metro Blue Line. The port lists public transport at the terminal as buses, the Metro at Santa Apolónia on the Blue Line, and trains at Santa Apolónia Station on the Northern Line. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Santa Apolónia is the end of the Blue Line. Take it toward Terreiro do Paço (Praça do Comércio), Baixa-Chiado and Restauradores for the main sights.
3. Main terminal: the train station is attached. The port says the terminal is connected to Lisbon-Santa Apolónia Railway Station, which is on the Northern Line. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The terminal is reached from Avenida Infante Dom Henrique. It is about 8 km from Humberto Delgado International Airport. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The port also lists taxis and panoramic (hop-on hop-off style) buses among the terminal's services, so you can skip the Metro if you'd rather ride.
4. Walking. From this part of the waterfront, the Alfama and Baixa areas are close enough that many passengers walk. Allow longer than you think if you're carrying bags or have mobility limits, because Alfama is steep.
5. Alcântara berth: use the Cascais line. If your ship is at Alcântara, the closest suburban rail stop is Alcântara-Mar. CP's Cascais Line page lists Alcântara-Mar and Cais do Sodré among its stops, and Cais do Sodré is the Lisbon end of the line. (checked Oct 12, 2026) From Cais do Sodré you can walk or take the Metro to Baixa. Going the other way on the same line takes you to Belém. Carris buses and trams also run along the main road near this part of the port. Tram 15 and bus 728 are the usual choices toward Praça do Comércio or Belém. Check route maps and stops at carris.pt.
6. Which Lisbon station for which train. Station names trip up cruise passengers, so here is what is generally true:
- Santa Apolónia handles many long-distance trains to the north, such as Porto and Coimbra.
- Oriente (Gare do Oriente) in Parque das Nações is the other major long-distance hub. Services to the Algarve typically leave from here, not Santa Apolónia.
- Cais do Sodré is for the Cascais line.
- Rossio is typically used for Sintra trains. Sintra trains also run from Oriente.
Always confirm the departure station for your specific train on cp.pt when you book.
7. Fares. We have no current official fare table to quote. Single-ride prices, day passes and card fees change from year to year and differ between Metro, Carris and CP trains. Check metrolisboa.pt, carris.pt and cp.pt for current prices. A reloadable "navegante" card is generally what visitors use for Metro, buses and trams. Contactless card payment may be accepted on some services, so ask at the station.
Tips
- Use ship time wisely. Plan a return to the ship well before all-aboard. A station-to-ship walk is easy at the main terminal, but a delayed train from Sintra or Cascais is not an excuse the ship will accept.
- Check your berth the day before. The Santa Apolónia and Alcântara areas have very different transport options.
- Don't buy a long-distance rail ticket for later the same day without checking times and the departure station on cp.pt.
- Carry a bit of cash for taxis, but confirm the payment methods with the driver, and use the taxi stand at the terminal rather than an unsolicited offer.
- Avoid the busiest trams. Tram 15 can fill up when several ships are in, so consider the Cascais-line train to Belém instead.
FAQ
Can I walk from the Lisbon cruise terminal to the city center?
From the main terminal and Santa Apolónia area, many passengers walk toward Alfama and Baixa. It is not a flat route, and the time depends on your pace and luggage. From Alcântara, walking into the center is a long way, so use the train, bus, tram or a taxi.
Which train station is closest to the Lisbon cruise port?
For the main Lisbon Cruise Terminal, it's Santa Apolónia. The port says the terminal is connected to Santa Apolónia Railway Station. (checked Oct 12, 2026) For Alcântara, it's Alcântara-Mar on the Cascais line.
How do I get to Sintra or Cascais from the cruise terminal?
Cascais trains leave from Cais do Sodré, which you can reach by Metro or on foot from Baixa. Sintra trains typically leave from Rossio, with some from Oriente. Check cp.pt for current times, and leave plenty of buffer for the return to the ship.
Is there a Metro at the cruise terminal?
Yes, for the main terminal. The port lists the Metro at Santa Apolónia on the Blue Line as a public transport option. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Check operating hours on Metro de Lisboa's site before a late return.
Are there taxis at the cruise terminal?
The port lists taxis among services at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Fares and payment methods vary, so ask the driver before you set off.
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. Berth assignments, Metro and train timetables, and fares are the most likely to change. Check the Port of Lisbon cruise page, cp.pt and your cruise line's port information.
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.portodelisboa.pt/en/terminais-de-cruzeiro
- https://www.portodelisboa.pt/en/terminal-de-cruzeiros-de-lisboa
- https://www.cp.pt/info/en/w/cascais-line