Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Mafra: complete transport guide
Mafra is a small town 40 km north-west of Lisbon, dominated by the colossal 18th-century Palace and Convent of Mafra — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, famous for its baroque architecture, six-organ basilica and royal library. From Humberto Delgado Airport plan 90 minutes door-to-door.
How do the options compare?
| Option | Operator | Duration | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Yellow Line + Mafrense bus from Campo Grande | Metropolitano + Mafrense | 90 min | €7.00 | Bus every 1–2 h |
| Direct metered taxi (motorway A21) | Lisbon licensed taxi operators | 45 min | €55–75 | On demand |
| Uber / Bolt direct | Uber, Bolt, FreeNow | 45 min | €40–55 | On demand via app |
| Rental car from airport | Hertz, Avis, Europcar | 45 min | €30–55/day + €4 tolls | 24/7 at terminal |
Metro Yellow Line + Mafrense bus from Campo Grande?
Metro Red Line from Aeroporto to Saldanha, change to Yellow Line to Campo Grande terminal. Mafrense regional bus directly to Mafra centre.
- Operator: Metropolitano + Mafrense
- Duration: 90 min
- Price: €7.00
- Frequency: Bus every 1–2 h
- Where to board: Metro Aeroporto → Campo Grande
- Notes: Cheapest scheduled option. Schedules thin on Sundays.
Source: Mafrense bus
Direct metered taxi (motorway A21)?
A8 then A21 to Mafra. Meter T2 rate plus modest tolls (~€4).
- Operator: Lisbon licensed taxi operators
- Duration: 45 min
- Price: €55–75
- Frequency: On demand
- Where to board: Official rank at arrivals
- Notes: Useful for groups of 4 or rainy days.
Source: ANA passenger info
Uber / Bolt direct?
Typically €15–25 cheaper than the metered taxi. Specify Palácio Nacional de Mafra as destination.
- Operator: Uber, Bolt, FreeNow
- Duration: 45 min
- Price: €40–55
- Frequency: On demand via app
- Where to board: TVDE area at arrivals
- Notes: Pre-book in app — long-distance route.
Rental car from airport?
For Mafra + Ericeira (surf town, 10 min west) combo, a rental car is most efficient. Free parking at Mafra palace lot.
- Operator: Hertz, Avis, Europcar
- Duration: 45 min
- Price: €30–55/day + €4 tolls
- Frequency: 24/7 at terminal
- Where to board: Rental pavilion
- Notes: A21 toll one-way ~€2.
When should you pick each option?
- Metro + Mafrense bus: Cheapest scheduled.
- Metered taxi: Best for groups of 4.
- Uber / Bolt: Cheapest door-to-door for 1–3 travellers.
- Rental car: Best for Mafra + Ericeira combo.
What are the practical tips?
- The palace is closed Tuesdays — schedule Wed–Mon.
- The royal library has 36,000 books and bat colonies that protect them from insects.
- Combine with Ericeira (surfing UNESCO World Surfing Reserve) — 10 minutes by car.
- Saramago's novel 'Memorial do Convento' tells the story of the palace's construction; signed editions sold in the gift shop.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the fastest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Mafra?
- The fastest option is Direct metered taxi (motorway A21) (Lisbon licensed taxi operators) with a typical duration of 45 min.
- What is the cheapest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Mafra?
- The cheapest option is Metro Yellow Line + Mafrense bus from Campo Grande (Metropolitano + Mafrense) at approximately €7.00.
- Is there a train from Lisbon Airport to Mafra?
- No direct train. CP buses or Mafrense regional coaches via Campo Grande are the practical options.
- How early does the palace open?
- 09:30 daily except Tuesdays (closed). Last entry at 17:00.
- Can I combine Mafra and Ericeira in one day?
- Yes — Ericeira is 10 minutes west by car. By bus, change at Mafra centre to Mafrense line 416.
