What is the fastest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Caldas da Rainha?

The fastest option is Metro Blue Line + Rede Expressos from Sete Rios (Metropolitano + Rede Expressos) with a typical duration of 1 h 30 min.

What is the cheapest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Caldas da Rainha?

The cheapest option is Metro Blue Line + Rede Expressos from Sete Rios (Metropolitano + Rede Expressos) at approximately €9.00.

How long is the bus from Sete Rios?

About 1 h 5 min direct via A8 motorway.

Can I do Caldas and Óbidos in one day?

Yes — they are only 7 km apart, connected by frequent regional buses. Half-day each.

Is there thermal-spring access?

Yes — Caldas da Rainha Spa (Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor) offers wellness day-passes. Book online for treatments.

Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Caldas da Rainha: complete transport guide

Caldas da Rainha is a small spa town 90 km north of Lisbon, founded in 1488 by Queen Leonor of Aviz around its thermal springs. Famous for traditional Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics and a vibrant daily fruit-and-flower market. From Humberto Delgado Airport allow 90 minutes via bus or train.

How do the options compare?

Option	Operator	Duration	Price	Frequency
Metro Blue Line + Rede Expressos from Sete Rios	Metropolitano + Rede Expressos	1 h 30 min	€9.00	Every 1–2 h
Metro + CP train via Cacém	Metropolitano + CP	2 h	€10.00	5–6 trains/day
Direct metered taxi (A8 motorway)	Lisbon licensed taxi operators	1 h	€75–100	On demand
Uber / Bolt direct	Uber, Bolt	1 h	€55–75	On demand via app
Rental car from airport	Hertz, Avis, Europcar	1 h	€30–55/day + €7 tolls	24/7 at terminal

Metro Blue Line + Rede Expressos from Sete Rios?

Metro Red Line from Aeroporto to Saldanha, Blue Line to Jardim Zoológico (Sete Rios terminal). Rede Expressos coach direct to Caldas da Rainha bus station.

Operator: Metropolitano + Rede Expressos
Duration: 1 h 30 min
Price: €9.00
Frequency: Every 1–2 h
Where to board: Aeroporto Metro → Sete Rios
Notes: Cheapest scheduled option. Bus station is 5-min walk from the historic centre.

Source: Rede Expressos

Metro + CP train via Cacém?

Metro Red Line to Saldanha, Yellow Line to Rossio, CP Sintra-line train to Cacém, then CP West-line train to Caldas da Rainha.

Operator: Metropolitano + CP
Duration: 2 h
Price: €10.00
Frequency: 5–6 trains/day
Where to board: Aeroporto Metro → Rossio
Notes: Slower with transfers; cheaper to buy combined CP ticket.

Source: CP urban trains

Direct metered taxi (A8 motorway)?

A8 north with tolls (~€7 each way). Meter T2 plus tolls.

Operator: Lisbon licensed taxi operators
Duration: 1 h
Price: €75–100
Frequency: On demand
Where to board: Official rank at arrivals
Notes: Useful for groups of 4.

Source: ANA passenger info

Uber / Bolt direct?

€15–25 cheaper than the metered taxi.

Operator: Uber, Bolt
Duration: 1 h
Price: €55–75
Frequency: On demand via app
Where to board: TVDE area at arrivals
Notes: Long-distance route — pre-book in app.

Rental car from airport?

For Caldas + Óbidos + Foz do Arelho beach combo, rental car is most efficient. Free parking near the historic centre.

Operator: Hertz, Avis, Europcar
Duration: 1 h
Price: €30–55/day + €7 tolls
Frequency: 24/7 at terminal
Where to board: Rental pavilion
Notes: A8 toll one-way ~€7.

When should you pick each option?

Metro + Rede Expressos: Cheapest and most reliable.
Metro + CP train: Use only if Rede Expressos is fully booked.
Metered taxi: For groups of 4 or with luggage.
Uber / Bolt: Cheaper than taxi door-to-door.
Rental car: Best for Caldas + Óbidos + beach combo.

What are the practical tips?

The daily Praça da República fruit-and-vegetable market is one of Portugal's oldest (since 1485) — best on Saturday mornings.
Try the local cavaca dos parreiras (sweet pastry) at one of the bakeries around the central square.
The Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics factory has a small museum with the iconic cabbage-leaf plates.
Foz do Arelho beach is 6 km west — combine for a beach+town day.

Data last verified: 2026-05-13.