Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Évora: complete transport guide
Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage town in Portugal's Alentejo region, 135 km east of Lisbon. Its Roman Temple of Diana, 12th-century cathedral and the macabre Chapel of Bones make it a top inland day trip. From Humberto Delgado Airport allow 2.5–3 hours door-to-door, every option needs a transfer in central Lisbon.
How do the options compare?
| Option | Operator | Duration | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Red Line + CP intercity from Oriente | Metropolitano de Lisboa + CP | 2h 30min | €13.50 | 4–5 trains/day |
| Metro Blue Line + Rede Expressos bus from Sete Rios | Metropolitano + Rede Expressos | 2h 15min | €13.00 | Every 1–2 hours |
| Direct metered taxi (motorway A6/A2) | Lisbon licensed taxi operators | 1h 30min | €100–130 | On demand |
| Uber / Bolt / FreeNow direct | Uber, Bolt, FreeNow | 1h 30min | €70–95 | On demand via app |
| Rental car from airport | Hertz, Avis, Europcar, others | 1h 30min | €30–55/day + €10 tolls | 24/7 at terminal |
Metro Red Line + CP intercity from Oriente?
Metro Red Line from Aeroporto to Oriente (10 min), then CP intercidades (intercity) to Évora (~1h 45m). Comfortable seats, on-board café.
- Operator: Metropolitano de Lisboa + CP
- Duration: 2h 30min
- Price: €13.50
- Frequency: 4–5 trains/day
- Where to board: Metro Aeroporto station
- Notes: Book online for best prices. Some trains require Lisbon → Casa Branca change.
Source: CP intercity trains
Metro Blue Line + Rede Expressos bus from Sete Rios?
Metro Red Line to Saldanha, Blue Line to Jardim Zoológico (Sete Rios bus terminal). Rede Expressos coach direct to Évora.
- Operator: Metropolitano + Rede Expressos
- Duration: 2h 15min
- Price: €13.00
- Frequency: Every 1–2 hours
- Where to board: Metro Aeroporto → Sete Rios
- Notes: Faster than train on some schedules. Book online via rede-expressos.pt.
Source: Rede Expressos bus
Direct metered taxi (motorway A6/A2)?
Long-distance taxi using A2 then A6. Meter runs normally plus motorway tolls (~€10).
- Operator: Lisbon licensed taxi operators
- Duration: 1h 30min
- Price: €100–130
- Frequency: On demand
- Where to board: Official rank at arrivals
- Notes: Confirm 'autoestrada' route. Best only for groups of 4 with heavy luggage.
Source: ANA passenger info
Uber / Bolt / FreeNow direct?
Typically €20–30 cheaper than the metered taxi. Specify exact Évora address; some drivers refuse 100+ km routes.
- Operator: Uber, Bolt, FreeNow
- Duration: 1h 30min
- Price: €70–95
- Frequency: On demand via app
- Where to board: TVDE area at arrivals
- Notes: Pre-book in app to confirm; long-distance rides often need manual driver approval.
Rental car from airport?
For Évora + Monsaraz + Estremoz combo, a rental car is most efficient. A2/A6 are tolled (~€10 each way); use Via Verde transponder.
- Operator: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, others
- Duration: 1h 30min
- Price: €30–55/day + €10 tolls
- Frequency: 24/7 at terminal
- Where to board: Rental car area at terminal
- Notes: Free parking inside Évora's walls is limited; use Praça do Giraldo paid lot.
When should you pick each option?
- Metro + CP intercity: Most comfortable; scenic ride through Alentejo.
- Metro + Rede Expressos: Sometimes faster than the train; price similar.
- Metered taxi: Only worth it for groups of 4 or late-night arrivals.
- Uber / Bolt: Cheaper than taxi for door-to-door service.
- Rental car: Best for multi-stop Alentejo road trip.
What are the practical tips?
- The Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) is closed for lunch (12:30–14:00) — visit in the morning.
- Évora is best in spring or autumn — Alentejo summers reach 40°C.
- Book the Rede Expressos coach 1–2 days ahead in peak season; intercity trains book up earlier.
- Combine Évora with the megalithic Cromeleque dos Almendres (15 minutes by car) for a half-day trip.