Lisbon is easily accessible via its main airport, with efficient public transport links to the city center, supplemented by trains and buses from other European cities.
By Air:
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), also known as Lisbon Portela Airport, is located 7 km (4.3 miles) northeast of the city center, serving all commercial flights.
To City Center
- Metro: Upon exiting the arrivals hall at Terminal 1, turn right and follow the signs for the metro, marked by the red “M” logo. The station is located directly outside.
Take the Red Line (Aeroporto–Saldanha) to downtown stations such as Baixa-Chiado or Rossio. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes. If you need to transfer, you can do so at Alameda for the Green Line or São Sebastião for the Blue Line. Trains run every 6-9 minutes, from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM.
You can purchase a Navegante card from the ticket machines (with an English language option available) and load it with a single fare or a 24-hour pass, which also includes buses and trams. You can also use contactless bank cards for single fares by tapping them at the gates.
- Buses: Find the bus stop outside of Terminal 1. Lines 744, 783, and 708 connect the airport to the city center. Buy tickets at airport kiosks or from the driver onboard.
- Taxis: Exit Terminal 1 arrivals and proceed directly to the taxi rank located outside, available 24/7. Metered fares to downtown are € 20-25 (extra charges apply for luggage and tolls), with a travel time of 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Night fares (9 PM-6 AM) are 20% higher. Ensure the meter is on and request a receipt to avoid scams. Pay with cash, credit/debit cards, or mobile payments; confirm card acceptance.
- Ride-Shares: Uber, Bolt, or FreeNow pick up at the P2 parking lot (short-stay car park on the Departures floor, north of arrivals). Fares are similar to those of taxis; however, Bolt may be a more affordable option.
By Train:
Key stations to arrive at include Gare do Oriente and Santa Apolónia. Take a high-speed train from a major city within Portugal, like Porto or Faro, or a long-distance train from Spain. International high-speed train services connect Lisbon to cities such as Madrid, while domestic high-speed Alfa Pendular (AP) trains provide fast connections within Portugal. Tickets can be purchased via the CP website or at the station.
By Bus:
Sete Rios or Gare do Oriente terminals serve FlixBus or Rede Expressos from Madrid (8 hours), Porto (3.5 hours), or other regional destinations. You can purchase tickets online through the companies' websites or apps for the best fares, or at bus stations and sometimes on the bus itself.
Lisbon’s compact center is walkable, but its hills make trams, buses, and the metro more efficient for travel. The city’s transportation system features iconic trams, funiculars, and ferries, complemented by taxis and ride-sharing services for added convenience. Biking is less common due to steep terrain.
Tickets and Navegante Card:
The Navegante Occasional card is the recommended choice for public transportation. It costs €0.50 and is valid for one year. You can load the card with "Zapping" credit, which allows for pay-as-you-go travel on the metro, bus, tram, ferry, and trains, making it more economical than purchasing single tickets. Alternatively, you can load either a 24-hour pass or a 3-day pass directly onto the card.
To purchase the card, visit the metro stations or transport operator points. After buying it, you can load it with credit or a pass and use it to tap against contactless readers to access gates and board various modes of transport.
Metro: Four lines (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow) serve downtown and suburbs, operating from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM, with service every 5-10 minutes.
Trams: Lisbon's tram network consists of six main operational lines: 12E, 15E, 18E, 24E, 25E, and 28E. Most of these lines operate historic yellow trams, but Line 15E features modern articulated trams and connects the city center to Belém. The 28E line is the most famous, serving as a popular tourist route that winds through historic neighborhoods such as Alfama. Trams operate daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, running every 10 to 15 minutes. Due to its popularity and crowded conditions, it’s advisable to be cautious of pickpockets.
Buses: Carris operates more than 90 routes. Daytime buses run from approximately 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM, followed by a limited night bus service. Night buses, marked with the letter "N," operate during the hours when the daytime routes are not in service, providing transportation from approximately 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Bus: City Sightseeing or Yellow Bus Tours cover Belém, Alfama, and Parque das Nações, offering 24/48-hour tickets and audio guides. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes, from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Taxis: Metered, hail at ranks or via apps like Bolt, or FreeNow; short rides €5-10, night surcharges apply.
Ride-Shares: Uber/Bolt, book via app; fares similar to taxis, cashless.
Bike Rentals: Gira is a bike rental scheme in Lisbon that offers bikes for rent to both residents and tourists. Download the GIRA app, create an account, select a pass (daily, monthly, or annual), locate an available bike using the app's map, and then unlock it. When you're done, ride to the nearest GIRA station, park, and then rate your experience in the app to complete your trip.