Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS) sits just 7 km north of central Lisbon — close enough that most transfer options are fast and reasonably priced. The Metro connects directly to the city in under 35 minutes, taxis are metered and regulated, and private transfers can be pre-booked for a fixed price. This guide covers every option with 2026 fares, journey times, and which to choose depending on your circumstances.
Metro Red Line — Fastest and Cheapest
The Metro is the default recommendation for solo travellers and couples travelling light. The Red Line (Linha Vermelha) starts at Aeroporto station, directly accessible from the arrivals hall via a clearly signposted underground walkway. No shuttle bus is required.
Journey overview:
- Aeroporto → Oriente — 3 minutes. Oriente is a major transport hub if you are connecting to the Algarve or Porto by train
- Aeroporto → Alameda — approximately 7 minutes, where you change to the Green Line
- Alameda → Baixa-Chiado — approximately 10 minutes on the Green Line
- Total airport to Baixa-Chiado — approximately 25–35 minutes including wait time at Alameda
Fares as of 2026:
- Single journey: approximately €1.85
- Viva Viagem card (required, reloadable): approximately €0.50 one-off cost
- Day ticket (unlimited journeys): approximately €6.80
If you are staying in central Lisbon for several days, a day ticket or a 24-hour pass pays off quickly. Top it up at any ticket machine in the station — machines have an English option.
Operating hours: Approximately 06:30–01:00. No Metro overnight.
Limitations: The Metro has no luggage racks. During rush hour (08:00–09:30, 17:30–19:00), trains fill up and large suitcases become unwieldy. If you are travelling with significant luggage or have children, the Aerobus or a taxi may be more practical.
Aerobus — Comfortable and Luggage-Friendly
The Aerobus is a dedicated airport bus service that runs to key central Lisbon locations. It costs approximately €4 and accepts luggage without issue. Tickets can be bought from the driver or pre-purchased online.
Route 1 — Main tourist route: Aeroporto → Saldanha → Marquês de Pombal → Restauradores → Rossio → Praça do Comércio
Journey time: approximately 30–45 minutes (longer in peak traffic). Runs every 20–25 minutes, 07:30–23:15.
Route 2 — Northern/eastern Lisbon: Aeroporto → Alameda → Roma-Areeiro → Intendente → Arroios
Useful if your accommodation is in Mouraria, Intendente, or the university district. Journey time approximately 20–30 minutes.
Search hotels in Lisbon on Booking.com to compare rates and availability. Why choose Aerobus over Metro:
- Easier boarding with large bags or pushchairs
- Drops you closer to major tourist areas without changing lines
- No stairs underground (important for accessibility)
- Air-conditioned and comfortable
Note: Aerobus does not run overnight. The last departure is around 23:15 from the airport.
Taxi from Lisbon Airport
Taxis at LIS are metered, licensed, and regulated. The official rank is directly outside the Arrivals hall — look for the yellow-and-black taxi sign. Do not accept offers from drivers approaching you inside the terminal or baggage reclaim: official taxis only solicit from the rank.
Fare estimates to central Lisbon (as of 2026):
- To Baixa/Chiado: approximately €15–18
- To Alfama or Mouraria: approximately €16–20
- To Belém: approximately €20–28
- To Parque das Nações (Oriente area): approximately €10–14
- Airport surcharge: approximately €5 added to the meter fare
Luggage has no extra charge. Taxis accommodate up to 4 passengers. For groups of 4 with luggage, this is often competitive with the Metro per-person.
Tip: Ask the driver to confirm the meter is running (taxímetro ligado) when you depart. Journeys outside the city boundary (e.g. to Sintra or Cascais) are typically charged at a higher rate or negotiated in advance.
Uber and Bolt
Both Uber and Bolt operate legally at LIS. Pickup is from the designated app-taxi zone on Level -1 of the car park, accessed by following signs from the Arrivals hall (approximately 3–4 minutes walk).
Fare estimates to central Lisbon (as of 2026):
- UberX to Baixa: approximately €12–16 during normal hours
- Surge pricing applies at peak arrival times (especially mid-morning long-haul arrivals)
- UberXL for groups or large luggage: approximately €18–25
App-taxis are popular and generally reliable. The main drawback is the walk to the pickup zone — less convenient if you have heavy bags or travelling with elderly passengers. At busy times the wait can be 5–10 minutes.
Private Transfer — Pre-Booked Fixed Price
For guaranteed comfort and no surprises, a private transfer is worth considering — particularly for late-night arrivals, families with young children, or trips where you have confirmed departure times to meet.
How it works: You book in advance at a fixed price. A driver meets you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Flight tracking means they adjust for delays automatically. Luggage space is confirmed at booking — no negotiation needed.
Typical prices from LIS to central Lisbon (as of 2026):
- Saloon car (up to 3 passengers + luggage): approximately €25–35
- Minivan (up to 7 passengers): approximately €40–55
- Price per person drops significantly for groups vs. individual taxi fares
Kiwitaxi is the service we recommend for pre-booked transfers — fixed prices are confirmed at booking, and cancellation is typically free up to 24 hours before travel. See the booking widget below.
Porto Airport Transfer (OPO)
If you are flying into Porto — Portugal’s second city — rather than Lisbon, the same principles apply but distances are shorter.
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is 11 km northwest of Porto’s historic centre.
Metro Line E (Violet): Porto Metro connects the airport directly to Trindade station in central Porto. Journey time approximately 35–40 minutes, costing approximately €2.00 including the reloadable Andante card (€0.60 one-off). Runs approximately 06:00–01:00.
Taxi from OPO to central Porto: approximately €20–28 including a night surcharge or weekend surcharge where applicable. Uber and Bolt also operate at OPO from a dedicated pickup area outside Arrivals.
Private transfer from OPO: approximately €25–35 for a saloon to central Porto, rising to approximately €45 for a minivan.
Comparing the Options at a Glance
| Option | Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Red Line | ~€2.35 (incl. card) | 25–35 min | Solo travellers, couples |
| Aerobus | ~€4 | 30–45 min | Luggage-heavy, families |
| Taxi | ~€15–22 | 20–35 min | Groups of 3–4 |
| Uber / Bolt | ~€12–18 | 20–35 min | Flexible, late-night |
| Private transfer | ~€25–35 | 20–30 min | Guaranteed comfort, groups |
Night arrivals (after 01:00): The Metro does not run overnight. Taxis and rideshare remain available 24 hours. If arriving late, book a private transfer in advance to avoid peak surge pricing on Uber.
Early departures (before 06:30): Same advice — Metro is not an option. Taxis are reliable at any hour from Lisbon city centre; allow 30 minutes to the airport from Baixa in normal conditions.