Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Setúbal: complete transport guide
Setúbal is a working port city 50 km south of Lisbon, gateway to the Arrábida Natural Park and the dolphin-watching Sado Estuary. From Humberto Delgado Airport allow 90 minutes door-to-door — every option crosses the Tagus via the 25 de Abril or Vasco da Gama bridge.
How do the options compare?
| Option | Operator | Duration | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Red Line + Fertagus train from Roma-Areeiro | Metropolitano + Fertagus | 80 min | €5.40 | Fertagus every 30 min |
| Metro + Rede Expressos from Sete Rios | Metropolitano + Rede Expressos | 90 min | €6.50 | Every 30 min |
| Direct metered taxi (A2/A12 motorway) | Lisbon licensed taxi operators | 45 min | €55–80 | On demand |
| Uber / Bolt direct | Uber, Bolt, FreeNow | 45 min | €35–55 | On demand via app |
| Rental car from airport | Hertz, Avis, Europcar | 45 min | €30–55/day + €4 tolls | 24/7 at terminal |
Metro Red Line + Fertagus train from Roma-Areeiro?
Metro Red Line from Aeroporto to Roma-Areeiro (15 min), then Fertagus train across the 25 de Abril bridge to Setúbal (about 50 min). Quick and scenic.
- Operator: Metropolitano + Fertagus
- Duration: 80 min
- Price: €5.40
- Frequency: Fertagus every 30 min
- Where to board: Metro Aeroporto → Roma-Areeiro
- Notes: Fertagus tickets available at machines or contactless on board.
Source: Fertagus
Metro + Rede Expressos from Sete Rios?
Metro Red Line to Saldanha, Blue Line to Jardim Zoológico (Sete Rios terminal). Rede Expressos to Setúbal bus station.
- Operator: Metropolitano + Rede Expressos
- Duration: 90 min
- Price: €6.50
- Frequency: Every 30 min
- Where to board: Metro Aeroporto → Sete Rios
- Notes: Slightly slower than Fertagus train; ~€1 more expensive.
Source: Rede Expressos
Direct metered taxi (A2/A12 motorway)?
A2 across 25 de Abril bridge, A12 east to Setúbal. Meter T2 plus bridge toll (~€2 each way).
- Operator: Lisbon licensed taxi operators
- Duration: 45 min
- Price: €55–80
- Frequency: On demand
- Where to board: Official rank at arrivals
- Notes: Useful for groups or late arrivals.
Source: ANA passenger info
Uber / Bolt direct?
Typically €20–25 cheaper than the metered taxi.
- Operator: Uber, Bolt, FreeNow
- Duration: 45 min
- Price: €35–55
- 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 Setúbal + Arrábida + Sesimbra combo, a rental car is essential. A2 and A12 are both tolled — use Via Verde transponder.
- Operator: Hertz, Avis, Europcar
- Duration: 45 min
- Price: €30–55/day + €4 tolls
- Frequency: 24/7 at terminal
- Where to board: Rental pavilion
- Notes: Free parking at Setúbal port and most coastal viewpoints.
When should you pick each option?
- Metro + Fertagus: Fastest and cheapest.
- Metro + Rede Expressos: Slightly slower alternative.
- Metered taxi: For groups of 4 or late arrivals.
- Uber / Bolt: Cheaper than taxi door-to-door.
- Rental car: Best for Setúbal + Arrábida coast trip.
What are the practical tips?
- Try the choco frito (fried cuttlefish) — Setúbal's signature dish, served everywhere along the marina.
- Dolphin-watching trips in the Sado Estuary leave from the marina (90 min, €30–40).
- The Convento de Jesus has Portugal's earliest Manueline architecture.
- Avoid summer Friday afternoon traffic on A2/Ponte 25 de Abril — Lisbon weekenders escape south.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the fastest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Setúbal?
- The fastest option is Direct metered taxi (A2/A12 motorway) (Lisbon licensed taxi operators) with a typical duration of 45 min.
- What is the cheapest way from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Setúbal?
- The cheapest option is Metro Red Line + Fertagus train from Roma-Areeiro (Metropolitano + Fertagus) at approximately €5.40.
- Is there a train from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal?
- There is no direct train. From the airport take the Metro Red Line to Roma-Areeiro, then Fertagus train across the 25 de Abril bridge.
- Is Fertagus the same as CP?
- No — Fertagus is a private operator on the Lisbon–Setúbal cross-Tagus line. Tickets are separate from CP.
- How long is the bridge crossing on the train?
- About 5 minutes for the bridge section, with great views of the Tagus and the Cristo Rei statue.
