From Lisbon Airport to the City Center
Transfers by Metro, Bus, Taxi, Uber & more
Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is well-connected to the city center and surrounding areas.
In our experience, it’s helpful to review your transfer options before travelling – this can save time, stress, and money once you arrive in Lisbon.
This guide offers a clear and concise overview of all main options, including travel times, fares, and how the Lisboa Card can be used.
#1 Metro – Fast and Inexpensive Connection to the City
The metro is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reach downtown Lisbon. The Red Line (Linha Vermelha) serves the airport directly at Aeroporto station.
- Travel time: About 25 to 35 minutes to the city center (e.g. Baixa-Chiado, with a transfer at “Alameda”)
- Fare: €1.80 for a single ticket (as of 2025)
- Hours of operation: Daily from approx. 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Lisboa Card: Metro included
Lisboa Card holders can use the metro for free, including the journey between the airport and the city. No additional ticket is needed.
Lisbon Airport has its own metro station (Aeroporto). The metro is a quick and inexpensive way to get to the city center (photo: © Artūrs Zvārgulis).
Potential Confusion: Line Colours and Symbolic Names
Lisbon’s metro lines were originally named after symbolic elements – for instance, the “Seagull Line” (Linha da Gaivota) or “Sunflower Line” (Linha do Girassol). These names were part of a visual design system based on animals and plants.
Today, the metro officially uses four colours to identify the main lines:
- Linha Vermelha (Red Line)
- Linha Azul (Blue Line)
- Linha Verde (Green Line)
- Linha Amarela (Yellow Line)
However, the older symbols and names are still visible on signage, maps, and platforms. This can lead to confusion, especially when a line is referred to both by colour and by its older symbol (e.g. “Blue Line” vs. “Seagull Line”).
Tip: Focus on the line colour and the terminus station when navigating. These indicators are consistent and clearly marked across the system.
➡️Download: Lisbon Metro Map
Save Time and Money with the Lisboa Card
The Lisboa Card is Lisbon’s official sightseeing pass. It includes unlimited access to public transportation – including the metro to and from the airport – as well as free or reduced admission to many attractions.
If you plan to visit several sights and use public transport during your stay, the Lisboa Card is a convenient way to save time and money.
⇾ More information: Is the Lisboa Card worth it? Our 2025 review with updated prices
Airport transfer by metro, local transport, admission to top attractions, day trip to the beach – all free with the Lisboa Card!
Our Tip: Buy the Lisboa Card Online – Save Time and Stress
- Order your Lisboa Card directly online – no extra fees
You can conveniently purchase the [Lisboa Card sightseeing pass] online, avoiding complicated ticket machines and fare systems. Save time and avoid unnecessary stress! - Easy & Secure Booking
The purchase is made through a website in English. In our experience, this reduces the risk of misunderstandings and makes booking easier for you. - Includes Metro Ride: Airport ↔ City Center
With the Lisboa Card, your airport transfer is free -no need for an additional ticket! The metro station is located right in front of the terminal.
#2 Bus – Lines 744 and 783 (Carris)
Carris, Lisbon’s public bus operator, runs several lines between the airport and various parts of the city.
Main routes to the city center:
- 744: To Restauradores, stopping at Saldanha, Av. da República, and more
- 783: To Amoreiras, via Campo Grande and Campo Pequeno
Note: The Aerobus is no longer in service
The Aerobus, once a dedicated airport shuttle with luggage space, was discontinued in 2023. It may still appear in older travel guides.
- Travel time: Approximately 35 to 55 minutes, depending on traffic and route
- Fare: €1.80 per ride (2025)
- Operating hours: Around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Luggage: Only small items (max. 55 x 40 x 20 cm) allowed
Several bus lines connect the airport with downtown Lisbon (photo: © Artūrs Zvārgulis).
Lisboa Card: Bus included
With the Lisboa Card, you can ride these buses free of charge. No separate ticket required.
Note:
These are regular city buses, not dedicated airport shuttles. They make many stops and do not allow larger luggage.
The metro is usually the more efficient option for airport transfers. However, for destinations not served by the metro, these bus lines can be a useful alternative.
➡️ Download: Route map and timetable for Bus 744
➡️ Download: Route map and timetable for Bus 783
#3 Taxi – Fast, but More Expensive
Taxis are available 24/7 at the arrivals terminal. They provide a convenient and direct ride into the city or to surrounding areas. All taxis are metered.
- Travel time: Around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic
- Fare: Around €18; expect a 20% surcharge at night, on weekends, or with large luggage
- Note: Always make sure the meter is turned on. Tourists are sometimes quoted inflated fixed prices.
Tip: If you’re travelling with children or heavy luggage, a taxi may be a comfortable choice – though it’s less predictable than the metro.
Taxis are available at the airport 24 hours a day.
#4 Ride-Hailing Services – Uber, Bolt, and Others
Services like Uber and Bolt operate in Lisbon and offer lower-cost alternatives to taxis. They are app-based and often just as convenient.
- Travel time: Typically 15 to 40 minutes, depending on time of day and traffic
- Fare: Around €9 to €18, depending on provider, route, and demand
- Pick-up point: Not at the taxi stand; pickup is at a nearby parking facility close to the terminal
#5 Private Shuttle / Transfer Services
For a more comfortable, scheduled, and wait-free option, you may book a private airport transfer in advance. Drivers meet you inside the terminal with a name sign and assist with luggage.
- Travel time: Around 25 to 35 minutes, depending on your accommodation’s location
- Fare: Starting at €26 per vehicle (not per person); higher for larger vehicles
- Booking: Available online in advance, with fixed rates and flexible cancellation
Travel in comfort from the airport to your accommodation with a private shuttle.
Advantages of pre-booked transfers:
- Fixed price: No surprises or hidden fees
- Vehicle selection: Vans for families or groups available on request
- No waiting: Skip the taxi queue and go straight to your destination
More about the Lisboa Card
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2025
What is the best way to get from Lisbon airport to the city center?
From Lisbon airport, you can easily get to the city center by metro (red line) in about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also take the city bus. The journey time by bus is longer and luggage transport is limited. Taxis and transport services such as Uber also offer a quick connection to the city center.
More information, current prices 2025 and tips on our website.
How much is the metro from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?
From Lisbon Airport, you can easily reach the city centre by metro.
Take the red line (Linha Vermelha) from the airport station and change at São Sebastião or Saldanha station to get to the centre. The journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and a ticket costs €1.80 in 2024.
Further information, maps and savings tips can be found on our website.
Aerobus Lisbon: a good choice for airport transfers?
There is no longer a special airport bus in Lisbon. The Aerobus was discontinued a few years ago. The new metro line is faster and more efficient.
Overview of transfer options, current prices 2025 and tips on our website.
Can I travel from the airport to the city center of Lisbon with the Lisboa Card?
Yes, you can travel from Lisbon Airport to the city center with the Lisboa Card. The card allows unlimited use of public transportation, including the red metro line (Linha Vermelha) that connects the airport to the city center. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
For more information on the different transfer options, current prices and practical tips for using the Lisboa Card, please visit our website.
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