Lisbon Airport to the City Centre: Metro, Uber, Bolt, Taxi or Transfer

“What’s the best way from Lisbon airport into the city?” is one of the questions we see most in our groups. The good news: Lisbon’s airport is right on the edge of the city, so whatever you choose, you’ll be in the centre in 15 to 40 minutes.

Quick answer: travelling light and staying near a metro stop? Take the metro (under €3). Got big bags, kids or a late arrival? An Uber or Bolt (usually €10–20) or a taxi (around €15–20) is worth every cent.

Your options at a glance

Option	Rough cost	Time to centre	Best for
Metro (red line)	€0.50 card + €1.90 ticket	25–40 min	Light luggage, budget
Uber / Bolt	€10–20	15–25 min	Most travellers
Taxi	€15–20 + small luggage fee	15–25 min	No app, cash or card
Private transfer	From about €30	15–25 min	Families, groups, late flights
City bus (Carris)	€1.90 (city fare)	30–50 min	Very light luggage only

Prices checked October 2026. Fares change, so treat these as a guide.

1. The metro

The airport has its own metro station, Aeroporto, at the end of the red line. Follow the metro signs from arrivals in Terminal 1. Trains run from about 6:30am to 1am.

• Buy a navegante card (the reusable green card, €0.50) from the machines, then load a single ticket (€1.90) or put credit on it for “zapping” (€1.72 a trip).
• Change lines depending on where you’re staying: at Alameda for the green line (Baixa, Rossio, Cais do Sodré) or at São Sebastião for the blue line (Avenida, Restauradores).
• Each person needs their own card. You can’t share one card between two people on the same journey. More in our Lisbon public transport guide.

The catch: Lisbon is hilly and many stations have long stairs. With a big suitcase, the last 10 minutes on foot can be the hardest part of your trip.

2. Uber and Bolt

Both apps work well in Lisbon and are usually the cheapest door-to-door option for two or more people. Pick-up is not outside arrivals: follow the signs for TVDE (the Portuguese name for ride-hailing) to the pick-up zone in the P2 car park next to Terminal 1.

• Arriving at Terminal 2 (mostly low-cost airlines)? Take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 first.
• Prices rise at busy times. If one app is surging, check the other.
• Read our full comparison: Uber vs Bolt vs taxi in Portugal.

3. Taxis

The official taxi rank is right outside arrivals. Lisbon taxis are metered: expect around €15–20 to central neighbourhoods, a little more at night (9pm to 6am) and a small luggage supplement. Most drivers take cards, but ask before you set off.

Tip from the groups: make sure the meter is running when you leave, and have your address written down (or on a map) to show the driver.

4. Private transfer

A driver waiting with your name at arrivals is the least stressful option after a long flight, especially with kids, car seats or lots of luggage. Prices start at around €30 for a car into the city. Several of the drivers on our local guides page do airport pick-ups and can carry on to Sintra, Cascais or further afield.

5. City bus

Regular Carris city buses stop at the airport and charge the normal city fare. They’re fine with a small backpack, but they get crowded and aren’t built for suitcases.

Heads-up: lots of older guides still mention the yellow Aerobus airport shuttle. It no longer runs, so don’t go looking for it.

Which one should you pick?

• Solo with a backpack: metro.
• Couple or friends with suitcases: Uber or Bolt.
• Family with small children: pre-booked transfer (ask for car seats).
• Landing after midnight: taxi, Uber or a transfer. The metro stops around 1am.
• Picking up a hire car? The rental desks are at the airport. See our car rental guide, but you won’t need a car inside Lisbon itself.

Before you land

• Get mobile data sorted before you fly so you can book a ride the moment you land. See our eSIM guide.
• Download Uber or Bolt (or both) at home and add a payment card.
• Save your accommodation address offline.
• Choosing an area? See where to stay in Lisbon.
• Our free Portugal trip checklist covers everything else.

Flying into Porto or Faro instead? See Porto airport to the city and Faro airport to the Algarve resorts.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.