Lisbon Airport: How to get to the city centre, all options

Humberto Delgado Airport is located just 7 kilometres north of Lisbon city centre, making it one of the closest airports to a European capital. This proximity means short journeys, regardless of the transport method you choose, but also a number of roads with heavy traffic during peak hours, which is worth considering in your planning.

If you're travelling alone with light luggage, the metro is the simplest and most economical solution. Couples or small groups often prefer the Aerobus express bus, which drops passengers off at central locations without transfers. Families with lots of luggage are better off with a taxi or pre-booked private transfer, while for late-night arrivals, a taxi remains the most reliable option as the metro and Aerobus do not operate 24 hours a day.

Below we analyse each option, with journey duration, cost, and practical details, so you can reach your accommodation without unnecessary hassle.

Summary comparison of options

Mode	Duration	Cost	Frequency	Operating Hours
Metro (Vermelha line)	20 to 30 minutes to the centre with possible interchange	Approx. 1.80 to 2.50 euros (with Viva Viagem card)	Every 5 to 9 minutes	06:30 to 01:00
Aerobus express bus	25 to 40 minutes depending on stop	Approx. 4 to 4.50 euros	Approx. every 20 minutes	Approx. 07:30 to 23:00
Carris urban bus	30 to 45 minutes	Approx. 2 to 2.50 euros	Every 15 to 20 minutes	Morning to late evening
Metered taxi	15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic	Approx. 10 to 18 euros to city centre	Immediately available	24 hours
Private transfer or shuttle	15 to 25 minutes	Approx. 20 to 40 euros per vehicle	By reservation	24 hours

Train or metro from the airport

Lisbon's red metro line (Vermelha) has a station directly inside the airport, named Aeroporto, and connects to the rest of the network at Alameda station, where you can change for the green or blue lines if your destination is in Baixa or Rossio. The total journey to the city's central points takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Tickets

You'll need the rechargeable Viva Viagem card, which costs approximately 0.50 euros and can be purchased from the automatic machines at the station. A single metro ticket costs around 1.80 euros, while if you plan to use multiple forms of transport during the day, the Navegante daily ticket for around 6.80 euros is often more cost-effective.

Stops and frequency

Metro trains run every 5 to 9 minutes during peak hours, which makes travel reliable even without planning. Please note that the network closes around 01:00 in the morning, so for late-night flights, you'll need an alternative solution.

Bus and express lines

The Aerobus is the official express bus of the airport and has two lines: one that terminates at Cais do Sodré, passing through Rossio and Praça dos Restauradores, and a second one to Sete Rios station. It's convenient because there are few stops, and they are designed for tourists with luggage.

Price and ticket

The ticket costs around 4 to 4.50 euros and can be purchased at the information kiosk in arrivals or directly from the driver. Services run approximately every 20 minutes, but the line does not operate 24 hours a day, so check the timetable before relying on it for a late-night arrival. The bus has a dedicated space for large luggage next to the entrance, which is practical if you're travelling with cabin-sized suitcases or equipment such as a baby pushchair.

Other Carris lines

If you prefer an even more economical option, the regular urban Carris lines, such as 744 and 705, connect the airport to various parts of the city with a ticket costing approximately 2 euros, although the journey is slower due to more stops.

Taxi from the airport

Official taxis are parked outside arrivals and operate with a meter, not a fixed price like in other European cities. For a journey to the city centre, the cost usually ranges from 10 to 18 euros, depending on the final destination and traffic conditions.

Luggage charges and surcharges

There is a small additional charge of approximately 1.60 euros for each piece of luggage placed in the boot, which applies to all official taxis in the city. Night journeys, between 21:00 and 06:00, as well as weekends and holidays, incur a surcharge of approximately 20%.

Ride-hailing apps

Uber, Bolt, and Free Now apps operate normally in Lisbon and usually offer a more predictable price than a metered taxi, especially during peak hours. Pick-up is at a designated point outside arrivals, with clear signage. It's advisable to agree on the exact meeting point via the app before leaving the arrivals area, to avoid confusion with drivers waiting for customers.

Private transfer and shuttle

If you're travelling with small children, with a lot of luggage, or simply want zero stress upon arrival, a private transfer with a pre-determined price is worth the investment. Your driver will be waiting for you in arrivals with a sign bearing your name, will monitor your flight for any delays, and will take you directly to your accommodation. The cost ranges from 20 to 40 euros per vehicle, depending on the car type and distance, a price that is often worthwhile if you are three or four people.

Shared shuttles are cheaper, around 10 to 15 euros per person, but the journey becomes slower due to multiple stops at different accommodations.

Before deciding on your mode of transport, it's a good idea to consider the weather during your travel period. In times of heavy rain or snow, roads become congested and journeys by taxi or bus can be significantly delayed, so the metro or train remain more reliable options as they are not affected by road traffic. Similarly, during morning and afternoon peak hours, traffic around the airport noticeably increases, which is worth budgeting for if you have a connecting flight or a tight schedule.

Car rental, when is it worth it?

If your plan includes excursions outside Lisbon, such as Sintra, Cascais or the coast to the south, renting a car directly from the airport makes sense, as major companies have offices there. However, if you will mainly be staying in the city centre, a car will probably cost you more in parking and stress with the narrow and hilly streets than it will serve you, as the city is well covered by metro, tram, and buses. Many hotels in the historic centre do not have their own parking, so if you insist on a car you will need a public garage with an additional daily cost.

Late-night arrival, children, luggage and accessibility

If you land after 23:00, both the metro and the Aerobus will likely have closed, so a taxi or private transfer are the safest options as they operate 24 hours a day. Families with children and pushchairs will find the terminal equipped with lifts and ramps, and the airport metro station also has lifts.

For large luggage, a taxi or private transfer remains a more comfortable solution than the metro or bus, especially during peak hours when carriages fill with passengers. It's also worth remembering that several metro stations in the historic centre do not have lifts, so if you have difficulty with stairs, opt for a taxi for the last metres of your journey.

It's also a good idea to have some local currency cash with you, even if you plan to pay mostly by card, as some automatic ticket machines or smaller stations may not accept all cards or may have a temporary technical issue. Many ride-hailing apps and public transport websites also offer digital tickets via mobile, which saves time queuing, provided you have already downloaded the app and have an active data connection or local SIM card.

Total cost of travel

For a solo traveller with one piece of luggage, the metro is the most economical solution, costing around 2 euros. For two people, the Aerobus at 4 to 4.50 euros per person is convenient but not always cheaper than a shared taxi. For three or four people with luggage, a taxi at 10 to 18 euros total is often the most cost-effective option, as it's shared among the group and takes you door-to-door. These prices are as they were in September 2026; please check before travelling, as fares may be adjusted.

Another point travellers often forget is luggage and personal item insurance during transit from the airport. In busy stations and crowded buses, it's worth keeping your bag or wallet close and secure, especially during peak hours when congestion is higher. It's also useful to have photographed or noted your accommodation address in the local language, so you can easily show it to a taxi driver if needed.

Common mistakes travellers make

• Not purchasing the Viva Viagem card before boarding the metro, resulting in delays at the machine.
• Confusing the Aerobus with regular urban buses and not checking its schedule before relying on it at night.
• Getting into a taxi outside an official rank, risking a higher charge.
• Not accounting for luggage surcharges or night-time surcharges on the meter.
• Renting a car without knowing about the narrow, hilly streets of the historic centre.

Finally, if your trip includes a short stay before another flight or connection, it's worth allowing extra time for travel to and from the airport, especially if you are not familiar with the local transport network. A buffer of 30 to 45 minutes beyond the estimated journey time is usually enough to cover any small delays, finding a station or stop, and purchasing a ticket without stress.

Where to stay and what to read before your trip

Before booking accommodation, thoroughly check which areas of the city suit you best, depending on your chosen mode of transport. You can also combine your trip with other European destinations covered by Travelo.

• Where to stay in Lisbon: the best areas and hotels
• Where to stay in Porto, if you continue your journey north
• Where to stay in Madrid for another stop in the Iberian Peninsula
• Where to stay in Florence, if you continue to Italy
• Where to stay in Venice for another European city break
• Where to stay in Geneva if you are planning a combined trip

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?

The metro is the most economical option, costing approximately 1.80 to 2.50 euros depending on the final destination within the city. The Aeroporto station is located within the terminal, with a connection at Alameda station for central Lisbon points.

How long does the journey from the airport to Lisbon city centre take?

Depending on the mode of transport, the journey takes from 15 minutes by taxi without traffic to 40 minutes by bus. The metro is in the middle, at approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on the final destination and line changes.

Is there a fixed taxi fare from the airport?

No, Lisbon taxis operate with a meter and not a fixed price. For a journey to the city centre, the cost usually ranges from 10 to 18 euros, with a small additional charge for luggage and a surcharge for night-time hours or holidays.

Does the metro operate 24 hours a day?

No, the metro operates from 06:30 until approximately 01:00. If you arrive outside these hours, the best solution is a taxi or private transfer, which operate 24 hours a day without interruption.

Is it worth renting a car if I'm only staying in Lisbon?

Usually not, because the city centre is well covered by metro, trams, and buses, while the narrow and hilly streets make driving and parking difficult. A car is only worthwhile if you plan excursions to nearby destinations such as Sintra or Cascais. Major rental companies have offices within the terminal, so pick-up is easy without extra travel.

What about the Aerobus at night?

The Aerobus does not operate 24 hours a day; it usually starts early in the morning and stops late in the evening. For a late-night arrival or departure outside these hours, you will need a taxi or private transfer.

What is the best option for a family with young children?

A taxi or private transfer is usually the most comfortable option for families, as it avoids line changes and carrying luggage up stairs or in lifts. The cost is reasonable if shared among more people.

Conclusion

Lisbon offers several reliable options for getting from the airport to the city centre, thanks to the short distance of 7 kilometres. The metro remains the most economical solution for those travelling light, while the Aerobus offers convenience without transfers for small groups.

For families, late-night arrivals, or anyone who prefers zero stress, a taxi or private transfer remains the most practical solution, with a cost that is still reasonable compared to other European capitals. Choose according to the number of people, luggage, and your arrival time.