How to Get from Lisbon Airport to City Center

Transit Options from Lisbon Airport to City Center

One of the biggest advantages of Lisbon International Airport (LIS) is its proximity to the city. Located only 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Lisbon, Portela Airport allows travelers to reach the city center quickly and easily. Depending on your budget and comfort preferences, you can choose between taxis, private transfers, car rentals, metro, or buses.

Option	Price (€)	Price ($)	Duration
Taxi	10€ – 15€	10$ – 15$	20 min
Bus	1.80€ – 2.10€	1.80$ – 2.10$	35 min
Metro	1.80€	1.80$	30 min

Lisbon Airport to City Center by Taxi

Official Lisbon airport taxis (cream or black vehicles with a green rooftop light) are available outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Under normal traffic conditions, the ride to downtown Lisbon takes around 20 minutes.

Day fare: 10€–15€
Night fare (21:00–06:00, weekends & holidays): approx. 18€
Luggage fee: 1.60€ per item

Strollers, wheelchairs, and guide dogs travel free of charge, while pets incur a small supplement.

Our Tips:

Have your hotel address written down, as many drivers don’t speak English.
Always use official taxi ranks and ensure the taximeter is on.
All baggage claim areas are at T1, so taxis are most convenient from there.

Lisbon Airport to City Center by Bus

Several urban bus lines connect Lisbon Airport with the city. Buses are suitable if your accommodation is outside the historic center.

Bus lines: 722, 744, 783
Single onboard ticket: 2.10€
Rechargeable card fare: 1.80€

To use public transport efficiently, purchase a Navegante Occasional Card (0.50€) and load it with tickets or credit (Zapping system).

Our Tips:

Buses are not ideal for large luggage.
Night service is limited (Bus 208).
A Lisboa Card offers unlimited transport and free attraction entry.

Lisbon Airport to City Center by Metro

The Red Metro Line connects Lisbon Airport with the city. Although not direct to all downtown areas, it is fast and affordable.

Route: Airport (Red Line) → Alameda → Green Line → Cais do Sodré
Travel time: 30–35 minutes
Single ticket: 1.80€

Tickets must be loaded onto a Navegante Occasional Card. Children under 4 travel free.

Our Tips:

Limited space for luggage.
Each metro station features unique artistic design.
Contactless payments are accepted.

Car Rental from Lisbon Airport to City Center

Car rental is ideal if you plan to explore beyond Lisbon. Several rental agencies operate at LIS Airport.

Driving time to downtown Lisbon is approximately 20 minutes, but traffic and narrow streets can slow you down. Parking in the city center is limited and often reserved for residents.

Private Airport Transfers from Lisbon Airport

Private transfers offer the most comfortable and stress-free way to reach Lisbon city center. Your driver meets you at arrivals, assists with luggage, and drives you directly to your accommodation.

Meet & greet service
Fixed prices
English-speaking drivers
Ideal for families and first-time visitors

FAQ

How far is Lisbon Airport from the city center?

Lisbon Airport is basically located inside the city limits, within a 7-km/4.3-mile distance from Lisbon downtown. Thus, a taxi ride from Lisbon Airport to the city center lasts about 20 minutes, depending on traffic, while public transportation means (bus and metro) take 30-35 minutes to reach the heart of the city.

How to get from Lisbon Airport to city center?

After defining your needs and, of course, your budget, you can choose between a fast and comfortable airport taxi, a private airport transfer, or even a car rental for your transfer from Lisbon Airport to downtown. On the other hand, the public Carris buses offer affordable rides to Lisbon, whereas the efficient Lisbon subway provides cheap but indirect journeys to the heart of the city.

How much is the taxi fare from Lisbon Airport to city center Lisbon?

Lisbon taxis are metered. Therefore, their price is formed by the taximeter, based on the traversed distance and the ride’s duration. Nevertheless, a usual 20-minute taxi trip from Lisbon Airport to downtown costs 10€-15€/10$-15$ during the day and 18€/18$ during the night or on weekends and public holidays.