How to Get from Lisbon Airport to the City Center?

If you're planning a trip to Lisbon and flying is your choice of travel, you might be wondering how to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center, right?

Worry not! At FRS, we've put together a guide detailing the journey from Lisbon Airport to the heart of the city, presenting you with various transportation options available. This way, you can quickly get to your accommodation and start enjoying your vacation as soon as possible.

First Things First, How Far Is It from Lisbon Airport to the City Center?

Lisbon International Airport (LIS), one of the most significant airports in Southern Europe and the busiest in Portugal, is located just 7 kilometers from the city center. This means you can reach your destination in just a few minutes.

Also known as Portela Airport, it offers excellent connectivity. Next up, we’ll go through how to travel from Lisbon Airport to the city center using the metro, taxi, and bus. Let’s get started!

Taking the Metro from Lisbon Airport to the City Center

How to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center by metro

A cost-effective option is to take the metro from the airport to the center of Lisbon. You'll need to hop on the Red Line (linha vermelha), which connects the airport directly to the city center, starting from Terminal 1. If your flight lands at Terminal 2, there's a free shuttle bus that connects the two terminals seamlessly.

The specific stop you'll need may vary depending on where your accommodation is located, but the "Rossio" stop is right in the heart of Lisbon, allowing you to reach your destination in just a few minutes. There are 14 stops in total from the airport, with the journey taking about 30 minutes.

If you're planning to head to another part of the city center from there, the Saldanha or Alameda stations are convenient options, offering connections to other parts of the city.

As of today, a metro ticket from the airport to the city center costs three euros, plus an additional 0.50 euros for the “Viva Viajem” card. This card is essential for using public transport and can be used throughout your trip.

Taking a Taxi from Lisbon Airport to the City Center

Another quicker and more comfortable option, though at a higher price, is to take a taxi to the center of Lisbon.

There is usually a plentiful supply of taxis at the doors of both terminals at the airport, so finding one should not be a problem.

While the cost may vary depending on your exact destination, traffic conditions, and the number of bags you have, the typical taxi fare from Lisbon Airport to the city center ranges from about 20 to 30 euros. Our advice is to ask about the fare before getting in the taxi to ensure you are not charged more than expected.

How to Get from Lisbon Airport to the City Center by Bus

Another affordable and convenient alternative is to travel to the center of Lisbon by bus from the airport. For this, you'll need to head to Terminal 1.

With different options available, our advice is to take an Aerobus, which is much faster than the public bus, and only slightly more expensive.

Currently, there are two Aerobus lines departing from the airport to the city center, both equipped to handle luggage without any issues.

Line 1: makes a total of 10 stops over an approximately 35-minute journey, with buses running every 30 to 45 minutes. It operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Line 2: goes directly to Sete Rios train station without any stops, taking about 25 minutes. Buses leave hourly from 9:45 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Now that you know how to travel cheaply from Lisbon Airport to the center, all that's left is to enjoy your trip and this wonderful Portuguese city, full of charm and culture.

Among the many possibilities it offers, do not miss the chance to take a boat ride on the Tagus River in Lisbon, allowing you to see the city's major historical monuments from a unique perspective.

If you're looking for something more romantic or special, you can also embark on an exciting sunset cruise in Lisbon, enjoying breathtaking views as the sun sets on the horizon.

And if you love history and architecture, you must take the Lisbon to Belem boat tour, one of the city's most emblematic neighborhoods, where you will find treasures like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem, both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We hope this guide helps you reach the center of Lisbon from the airport, choosing the most suitable option based on your needs, allowing you to start enjoying your trip in just a few minutes.