Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Belém: complete transport guide
Belém is Lisbon's monumental riverside district, home to the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the original Pastéis de Belém bakery. It sits 9 km south-west of the airport along the Tagus river. There is no Metro stop in Belém itself — most options require a tram or bus transfer downtown.
How do the options compare?
| Option | Operator | Duration | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Red → Blue Line + Tram 15E from Cais do Sodré | Metropolitano de Lisboa + Carris | 60 min | €3.20 | Metro every 5–8 min, tram every 10 min |
| Carris bus 728 direct to Belém | Carris | 50 min | €2.30 | Every 12–15 min |
| Metered taxi to Belém | Lisbon licensed taxi operators | 25 min | €18–24 | On demand |
| Uber / Bolt / FreeNow to Belém | Uber, Bolt, FreeNow | 25 min | €12–18 | On demand via app |
| Carris bus 728 (long route) | Carris | 65 min | €2.30 | Every 12–15 min |
Metro Red → Blue Line + Tram 15E from Cais do Sodré?
Take the Red Line from Aeroporto to São Sebastião, change to the Blue Line toward Reboleira, and alight at Cais do Sodré. Catch tram 15E westbound to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos / Belém. This combination keeps you on regulated public transport throughout.
- Operator: Metropolitano de Lisboa + Carris
- Duration: 60 min
- Price: €3.20
- Frequency: Metro every 5–8 min, tram every 10 min
- Where to board: Metro Aeroporto station
- Notes: Buy a Lisboa Viva or Viva Viagem rechargeable card at the airport (€0.50) and load €2.30 onto it; tram fare is included.
Source: Metro Lisbon
Carris bus 728 direct to Belém?
Carris urban bus 728 connects the airport with Belém via Praça do Comércio. Direct service with no transfer required.
- Operator: Carris
- Duration: 50 min
- Price: €2.30
- Frequency: Every 12–15 min
- Where to board: Bus stops level 0 outside arrivals
- Notes: Pay with Lisboa Viva or contactless. No luggage racks — bring carry-on only.
Source: Carris bus 728
Metered taxi to Belém?
There is no fixed airport-Belém tariff; meters run normally. Expect €18–24 depending on time of day, with the €1.60 luggage surcharge.
- Operator: Lisbon licensed taxi operators
- Duration: 25 min
- Price: €18–24
- Frequency: On demand
- Where to board: Official rank outside terminal arrivals
- Notes: Confirm the meter is running. Daytime ride should not exceed €25 unless there is a traffic jam on the 2 de Abril bridge approach.
Source: ANA passenger information
Uber / Bolt / FreeNow to Belém?
Bolt and FreeNow are typically cheapest; Uber covers more vehicle classes. All three drop directly outside the Jerónimos Monastery if you specify 'Mosteiro dos Jerónimos' as destination.
- Operator: Uber, Bolt, FreeNow
- Duration: 25 min
- Price: €12–18
- Frequency: On demand via app
- Where to board: TVDE area at terminal arrivals
- Notes: If you book through Uber Comfort or Bolt XL, expect a +30 % uplift for the extra leg-room version.
Carris bus 728 (long route)?
Carris line 728 connects the airport with Belém via Praça do Comércio. It is direct but slow; useful only if you have very light luggage and a strict budget.
- Operator: Carris
- Duration: 65 min
- Price: €2.30
- Frequency: Every 12–15 min
- Where to board: Bus stop level 0 outside arrivals
- Notes: Pay with Lisboa Viva card or contactless. No luggage racks — bring carry-on only.
Source: Carris bus
When should you pick each option?
- Metro + Tram 15E: Cheapest reliable option; best if you arrive at the airport with a Lisboa Viva ready.
- Metered taxi: Best for early-morning arrivals with heavy luggage before tram services start (06:00).
- Uber / Bolt: Cheapest door-to-door for groups of 2–3 outside surge times.
- Carris bus 728: Backpacker budget option only; not recommended with checked bags.
What are the practical tips?
- Visit the original Pastéis de Belém bakery (Rua de Belém 84-92) early in the morning to avoid the queue that builds after 10:00.
- Belém Tower closes Mondays; combine with Jerónimos (also closed Mondays) and plan the trip Tue–Sun.
- Tram 15E westbound from Cais do Sodré can be very crowded; consider boarding eastbound first to grab a seat, then ride back.
- If you have late afternoon flight, take Uber/Bolt back from Belém to LIS — tram 15E in evening traffic can take 50 min.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the fastest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Belém?
- The fastest option is Metered taxi to Belém (Lisbon licensed taxi operators) with a typical duration of 25 min.
- What is the cheapest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Belém?
- The cheapest option is Carris bus 728 direct to Belém (Carris) at approximately €2.30.
- Is there a Metro stop in Belém?
- No. The closest Metro is Algés (outside Belém, on the L48 surface train) or you transfer to tram 15E from the Blue Line at Cais do Sodré or Baixa-Chiado.
- Does tram 15E run at night?
- Tram 15E runs from approximately 06:00 to 00:30. After that take a taxi or rideshare from central Lisbon to your accommodation in Belém.
