Lisbon Airport: Transport and Tips
Landing at Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado, LIS)? You are in luck: this is one of Europe’s closest major airports to a city center, only about 6–7 km from the Baixa. First, search and book your flight to Lisbon with TopTravelCentre; then read on for the cheapest and easiest ways into town.
Because the airport is so central, every option is short and affordable — a quick metro ride, a short taxi hop or the Aerobus. Here is how they compare.
Quick comparison: Lisbon Airport to the center
| Option | Price (indicative) | Time to center | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Red line | ~€1.80 | ~30–35 min | Best value |
| Aerobus | ~€4–€6 | ~20–40 min | Av. da Liberdade, hotels |
| Taxi | ~€10–€20 | ~15–20 min | Speed, groups |
| Uber / Bolt | ~€8–€15 | ~15–20 min | App convenience |
Prices are indicative; verify current fares before you travel.
1. Metro Red line — the cheapest option
The Metro Red line (Linha Vermelha) runs straight from the airport to São Sebastião, where you transfer to the Blue or Yellow lines to reach Baixa-Chiado, Rossio and the rest of the center. A single ride costs about €1.80 loaded onto a reusable Viva Viagem / Navegante card (the card itself costs about €0.50 and you top it up). Trains run from about 6:30 am to 1:00 am.
This is the best-value option, though you will usually need one transfer to reach the oldest parts of the center.
2. Aerobus — handy for central hotels
The Aerobus (lines 1 and 2) links the airport to Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, Rossio, Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré, with a single ticket around €4–€6. The trip takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. It is a good pick if your hotel sits along Avenida da Liberdade or near Rossio and you want a no-transfer ride.
For two or more travelers, a taxi or Uber can cost about the same as two Aerobus tickets, so compare before you board.
3. Taxi and Uber / Bolt — fastest
A taxi from the airport to the center costs about €10–€20 on the meter, plus a small airport pickup supplement, with the trip taking just 15–20 minutes. Uber and Bolt operate widely in Lisbon at comparable prices of about €8–€15, and the airport has a designated ride-app pickup area.
Because Lisbon Airport is so close to the center, a taxi or ride-app is often the smartest choice for couples, families and anyone with luggage — fast and inexpensive.
Tips to save at Lisbon Airport
- Buy a Viva Viagem / Navegante card for cheap metro and bus rides across the city, not just the airport.
- For two or more, skip the Aerobus — a taxi or Uber costs about the same and is faster.
- Mind the metro hours — it closes around 1:00 am; late arrivals should take a taxi or Uber.
- Go easy on the hills with luggage — central Lisbon is steep; a short taxi ride to your door beats dragging bags up cobblestones.
- Pair your trip with a route. See our cheap flights Madrid–Lisbon guide, then search your Lisbon–Madrid flight in seconds.
Related reading
- How to find cheap flights: the complete guide — tactics that pair with smart airport planning.
- Layovers and connections in Europe — useful if Lisbon is a stop on a longer trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from Lisbon Airport to the center?
The Metro Red line at about €1.80, loaded onto a reusable Viva Viagem / Navegante card.
How much is a taxi from Lisbon Airport to the center?
About €10–€20 on the meter plus a small airport supplement, taking 15–20 minutes.
How far is Lisbon Airport from the city center?
Only about 6–7 km — among the closest major airports to a European capital’s center.
What time does the Lisbon metro run?
From about 6:30 am to 1:00 am. For very early or late arrivals, take a taxi or Uber instead.
How much is the Aerobus?
About €4–€6 one-way, running to Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, Rossio and Praça do Comércio.
Are Uber and Bolt available at Lisbon Airport?
Yes. Both operate widely, with fares of about €8–€15 to the center and a designated pickup area at the airport.
Ready to travel?
You now know the cheapest and fastest ways from Lisbon Airport into the city. The last step is the flight itself — compare every airline in one search:
👉 Search and book your flight to Lisbon with TopTravelCentre — all airlines at once, the best price in seconds.
Prices and schedules verified against operator sources; treat all fares as indicative.