Lisbon Airport Transportation — All Ways from LIS
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) sits in the Portela district, only about seven kilometres from the city centre — one of the shortest airport-to-city transfers of any European capital. That proximity means every transport mode is viable: the metro reaches downtown in ~22 minutes for €1.85, a metered taxi costs €15–20, and Carris city buses cover the same ground for under €2.30. This hub compares every option and links to our detailed guide for each mode and destination.
All transport modes at a glance
| Mode | Price | Time to centre | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (Red Line) | €1.85 | ~22 min | Solo travellers, budget, daytime |
| Carris city buses (783, 728, 744, night 208) | €1.85–€2.30 | 25–40 min | Budget with luggage, night arrivals (line 208) |
| Taxi (metered) | €15–20 | 15–25 min | Groups, late nights, door-to-door |
| Bolt / Uber / FreeNow | €10–15 | 15–25 min | App users, upfront pricing |
| Private transfer (pre-booked) | Fixed fare | 15–25 min | Families, night arrivals, meet & greet |
| Car rental (on-site desks) | Varies | — | Day trips beyond Lisbon, flexibility |
Prices are 2026 values verified against operator tariffs; taxis add a €1.60 luggage supplement and a 20% surcharge at night (21:00–06:00) and weekends. Full fare tables are on the taxi guide and in the 2020–2026 transport price dataset.
Getting to the city centre
For Baixa, Chiado, Rossio or Bairro Alto, start with the dedicated airport-to-city-centre guide: it walks through the metro connection at Alameda/Saldanha, bus stops kerbside at arrivals, and what a taxi ride actually costs door-to-door. The metro runs 06:30–01:00; outside those hours your options are night bus 208, a taxi, or a ride-hailing app.
Popular destinations from the airport
- Sintra — five options compared: metro + CP train (€4.25 total), bus combinations, taxi and pre-booked transfer.
- Cascais — train from Cais do Sodré, taxi, and day-trip routing.
- Oriente train station — one metro stop or a 5-minute taxi; national and international rail connections.
- Day trips further out — Évora, Óbidos, Fátima, Peniche and more in the route guides hub.
Which option should you choose?
Cheapest: metro or Carris bus (€1.85–€2.30). Fastest door-to-door: taxi or ride-hailing (15–25 minutes to the centre). Late-night arrival: night bus 208, taxi rank outside arrivals (24/7), or a pre-booked transfer so a driver is waiting. Heavy luggage or a group of 3–4: a metered taxi at €15–20 often beats four metro tickets plus the walk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from Lisbon Airport to the city?
The Metro Red Line: €1.85, about 22 minutes to Saldanha or Alameda, trains every 6 minutes from 06:30 to 01:00.
How much is a taxi from Lisbon Airport?
€15–20 on the meter to central Lisbon, plus €1.60 luggage supplement. At night (21:00–06:00) and weekends the tariff rises about 20%.
Is there still an airport express bus (Aerobus)?
No. The Aerobus was permanently discontinued in 2023. Carris urban buses 783, 728, 744 and the 24-hour night line 208 now cover the airport–city routes.
How do I get from the airport at 3 a.m.?
Night bus 208, the 24/7 taxi rank at arrivals, or a pre-booked private transfer. The metro is closed between 01:00 and 06:30.
