Lisbon Airport Shuttle Bus — Carris Routes 783 728 744

Lisbon Airport Bus Services — Carris City Lines, Night Service and Inter-Terminal Shuttle

Bus services at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) have been operated entirely by Carris, the city's public-transport authority, since the privately-run Aerobus shuttle was discontinued in 2023. Today, three urban Carris lines and one round-the-clock night bus connect the airport with central Lisbon and the wider Lisbon-Cascais axis. Together with the free inter-terminal shuttle that links Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the bus network offers an inexpensive, well-signposted way to reach any neighbourhood in the city.

What buses run between Lisbon Airport and the city?

Three Carris urban lines stop directly outside arrivals at Terminal 1, plus one 24-hour night route. Each accepts the Lisboa Viva or Viva Viagem rechargeable card, or contactless payment at the validator on board.

• Carris 783 — the most useful general-purpose line; runs between the airport, Marquês de Pombal and Cais do Sodré via Avenida da Liberdade. Service every 12–15 minutes, daily from approximately 05:30 to 00:30.
• Carris 728 — direct from the airport to Belém via Praça do Comércio. Useful for travellers heading straight to the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower or the Pastéis de Belém bakery. Every 12–15 minutes.
• Carris 744 — to Marquês de Pombal and Estrela via Saldanha. Convenient if you transfer to tram 28 for upper Alfama or Bairro Alto.
• Carris 208 (night service) — round-the-clock line between the airport, Oriente, Praça do Comércio, Cais do Sodré and Gare do Oriente. The only public-transport option after the Metro closes at 01:00.

How much do Lisbon Airport buses cost?

A single Carris ticket costs €2.30 when paid with contactless card or Lisboa Viva zapping credit. The 24-hour Carris/Metro day pass is €6.80, useful if you plan multiple rides on arrival day. The Lisboa Card (24h €22 / 48h €37 / 72h €46) includes unlimited Carris and Metro travel plus entry to dozens of monuments.

Note that Carris buses do not have dedicated luggage racks. Large suitcases are permitted but must be held by the passenger; bus drivers can refuse boarding if a bag would block the aisle. Travellers with two or more medium-sized bags are usually better off with the Metro, a metered taxi, or a ride-hail service.

Where to board Lisbon Airport buses?

All four Carris lines stop at the dedicated bus area on level 0 outside Terminal 1 arrivals. Follow the signs marked "Autocarros / Buses" once you exit the customs hall. The stops are clearly numbered (each line has its own pole) and the next-arrival display is updated in real time.

For Terminal 2 (used by low-cost carriers including Ryanair and easyJet), take the free inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal 1 first. The shuttle runs every 12–20 minutes and is signposted from arrivals.

Carris 783 — the airport line for most travellers

Line 783 is the closest equivalent to the discontinued Aerobus service. It runs along a high-frequency corridor between the airport and the city centre, stopping at all the locations most visitors actually need:

• Aeroporto (airport bus stops level 0)
• Areeiro
• Saldanha (Metro Red & Yellow lines)
• Marquês de Pombal (Metro Blue & Yellow, top of Avenida da Liberdade)
• Restauradores (Metro Blue, southern Avenida da Liberdade, near Bairro Alto)
• Cais do Sodré (Metro Green, CP Cascais line, tram 15E to Belém)

The full route takes about 40 minutes in normal traffic, longer in evening rush hour. Buses run every 12–15 minutes from approximately 05:30 to 00:30. Real-time arrival information is available in the Carris mobile app and at the airport stop displays.

Carris 728 — direct to Belém

If your hotel or first sight is in Belém — the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower or the original Pastéis de Belém — Carris 728 is the only public-transport option that does not require a transfer. The route runs from the airport through the city centre and along the river to Belém. Total time is about 50 minutes from airport to the monastery.

Carris 744 — for Estrela, Marquês and tram-28 connections

Line 744 serves Saldanha and Marquês de Pombal, then continues south-west to Estrela and Belém. It is most useful if you plan to ride the heritage tram 28 to upper Alfama, Castelo de São Jorge or Bairro Alto — pick up tram 28 at Praça Luís de Camões or Largo do Chiado after getting off the bus at Marquês.

Carris 208 — the 24-hour night service

When the Metro closes between 01:00 and 06:30, Carris night-bus line 208 is the only public-transport connection to the airport. It runs every 30 minutes between Cais do Sodré, Praça do Comércio, Gare do Oriente and the airport. The route is signposted with an owl symbol on Carris maps.

The night bus is operated by full-size articulated buses with CCTV and shares stops with daytime services. It is widely used by airport workers, late arrivals and early-morning departures — a safe and well-patronised option even at 03:00.

Inter-terminal shuttle between T1 and T2

A free shuttle bus connects Terminal 1 (the main building) with Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers). It runs every 12–20 minutes, takes about 7 minutes one way and is signposted in arrivals at both terminals. The shuttle is the only practical way to move between terminals — they are separated by the runway and cannot be reached on foot.

How Lisbon Airport buses compare to other transport options?

Buses are the cheapest option but rarely the fastest. Here is the trade-off matrix:

• Bus (Carris 783, etc.): €2.30, 40–50 minutes, no luggage rack. Best for backpackers and carry-on-only travellers on a budget.
• Metro Red Line: €1.65, 25–35 minutes to most central destinations, lift access at almost all stations, takes large suitcases. Best for most travellers.
• Metered taxi: €12–16 to central Lisbon, 20 minutes, takes any luggage. Best for groups, late-night arrivals or heavy bags.
• Ride-hail (Uber, Bolt, FreeNow): €8–12, 20 minutes, takes any luggage. Best for solo travellers off-peak and door-to-door service.

Tickets and payment

Carris no longer sells single-ride tickets on board. Use one of:

• Contactless bank card at the on-board validator — €2.30 single. Easiest option for short visits.
• Viva Viagem rechargeable card (€0.50) loaded with zapping credit at any Metro or Carris ticket machine. Single ride deducts €2.30.
• Lisboa Viva annual card — for residents.
• Lisboa Card — 24/48/72-hour tourist pass that includes unlimited Carris and Metro plus museum entries.

You must validate on every boarding — including transfers and the return leg of a return ticket. Carris inspectors fine €60 for unvalidated travel.

What is no longer running?

For travellers checking older guidebooks: the Aerobus shuttle (lines 1 and 2 run by a private operator) was permanently discontinued in 2023. The aerobus.pt domain is no longer affiliated with the service. Carris urban buses replaced it under the same fare zone as the Metro.

Frequently asked questions about Lisbon Airport buses

Is there still an Aerobus from Lisbon Airport?

No. The Aerobus service was discontinued in 2023. Carris urban buses 783, 728, 744 and night line 208 now cover all the routes the Aerobus used to serve.

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

The Metro Red Line at €1.65 is the cheapest scheduled option. If you transfer to the Blue Line at São Sebastião, you reach Baixa-Chiado in 30 minutes. Carris buses (€2.30) are slightly more expensive but offer different stop patterns.

Can I take Carris buses with luggage?

Yes for carry-on suitcases and backpacks, but buses do not have dedicated luggage racks. Two large suitcases per traveller is the practical limit. For more luggage, choose the Metro or a taxi.

What time does the last bus leave the airport?

Daytime lines 783, 728 and 744 run until approximately 00:30. After that, the night bus line 208 takes over until 05:30, when the daytime network resumes.

How do I get to Belém by bus from the airport?

Take Carris 728 directly from the airport to Belém via Praça do Comércio. Total journey is about 50 minutes with frequencies of every 12–15 minutes.

Where to find current bus schedules?

The official source for live Carris bus schedules, route maps and delays is the Carris website and the Carris mobile app. The airport's bus stop displays show the next three departures in real time. For Metro information, consult Metropolitano de Lisboa.