A complete guide to Lisbon Airport transfers: metro, buses, Aerobus, Terravision, taxis, Kiwitaxi private transfers, and car rentals — with travel times, prices, and insider tips.

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), also known as Lisbon Portela Airport, is the largest airport in Portugal and one of the busiest in Europe. It serves as the main hub for TAP Air Portugal, handling around 25 million passengers annually. The airport is located about 7-10 km from the city center, depending on your destination.

You can travel by public transport for budget-friendly options, take a taxi for a direct ride, book a private transfer for maximum comfort, or rent a car if you prefer to drive yourself.

Lisbon: The City of Light on the Atlantic

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe, blending centuries-old architecture with lively streets and modern urban life. Start exploring at Praça do Comércio by the river, or wander through the historic Alfama district.

Other highlights include:

São Jorge Castle for panoramic city views Baixa and Chiado districts, with shopping, cafés, and vibrant streets Palácio da Ajuda and National Coach Museum for cultural exploration Oceanarium for family-friendly adventures

Lisbon offers a charming mix of hills, colorful streets, iconic trams, and riverside promenades.

Cost: €32+ Waiting time: 5 min Travel time: 15-20 min Ideal Clients: Families, groups, travelers with lots of luggage

For the smoothest, stress-free journey, a Kiwitaxi private transfer is ideal. Drivers meet you at arrivals, assist with luggage, offer child seats, and drive directly to your hotel. Travel time is predictable, the price is transparent, and you can pre-book the exact vehicle type.

Cost: €1.50-€1.90 Waiting time: ~5-12 min Travel time: ~20 min Ideal Clients: Couples, solo travelers

The Red Line (Linha Vermelha) connects Lisbon Airport with central stations like Alameda, Saldanha, and Baixa-Chiado. To ride, you need a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) which can be reloaded for single trips or daily passes (€7). This card is also valid for buses and trams. Metro is fast, reliable, and budget-friendly.

Cost: €1.80-€4.00 Waiting time: ~10-20 min Travel time: ~40 min Ideal Clients: Budget travelers

Several Carris bus lines link Lisbon Airport with the city center. Night bus 208 operates roughly 00:00-06:00. Keep in mind luggage compartments are small (~50×40×20 cm), so travelers with large suitcases may prefer other options.

Cost: ~€25 Waiting time: 5-15 min Travel time: 15-20 min

Taxis provide a direct and flexible option. Prepaid passes are available at the airport cab stands for transparency. While convenient, fares may vary slightly depending on traffic, and taxis may lack child seats or extra amenities.

Price: from €25/day Rental period: from 1 day Requirements: Valid driver’s license, passport/ID, credit card

Car rental is perfect for travelers seeking flexibility. Insurance and unlimited mileage are usually included. Small cars are recommended for navigating narrow streets and finding parking in the historic center. Book in advance, especially in peak season.

Buy a 7 Colinas Card at the airport newspaper store for combined metro and bus travel. Recharge it for single trips or a full-day pass. This is the most budget-friendly option for travelers using multiple transport modes.

Ready to Head to Lisbon?

From Lisbon Airport, you can:

Take the metro for a fast, budget-friendly ride (~20 min, €1.50-€1.90) Take a local Carris bus for a cheap option (~40 min, €1.80-€4) Take a taxi (~15-20 min, €25) Book a Kiwitaxi private transfer for a stress-free, pre-arranged ride (~15-20 min, €32+) Rent a car for independence and flexibility (~€25/day)

Whichever option you choose, Lisbon awaits with its historic charm, stunning views, and vibrant culture. Enjoy your trip!