Transfer vs. Other Ways to Get from Lisbon Portela Airport
Lisbon Portela Airport named after Humberto Delgado is the biggest international airport in Portugal with a passenger traffic of more than 16 million people a year. Tourists are heading to Lisbon in order to take a leisurely stroll through the city streets, have a look at historical architecture and take a ride on a legendary yellow tram. Other beautiful towns Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Corroios and Almada are only half an hour drive away from Portela Airport.
How to get from Lisbon Airport to city center or the other way round
At Portela there are too civilian terminals: one for domestic flights, the other one - for international. The airport is located within the city limits: it is only 6 km away from the center. One can get to the center by:
- shuttle bus, which departs every 20-25 minutes from 07:00 to 23:00. Aerobus №1 (91) goes to the downtown, to the railway station Cais do Sodré. The stop is opposite the arrival hall. Tickets can be bought at the airport, from the driver or online in advance;
- subway. It is open from 06:30 to 01:00. The station (Aeroporto) is located right in the airport (follow the signs). Trains depart every 3–12 minutes. The central station is called Saldanha;
- Carris buses №№705, 722, 744, 783. They go to the city center from 06:00 to 21:00. Buses arrive at intervals of 10-30 minutes. There is night route as well, Carris Night Bus №208, which goes from 00:30 to 05:35. Tickets can be bought in ticket machines, airport ticket offices and from the driver;
- taxi from Lisbon Airport to city center, which can be taken on the spot or ordered via the app;
- transfer, pre-booked online.
To pay the subway and Carris bus fare you should buy a transport card Viva Viagem Card (0,50 euro) for each person, and choose how to top it up: by money (Zapping) or trips. After midnight it is only possible to leave the airport by transfer, taxi or night bus Carris Night Bus.
Transfer vs. Taxi from Portela Airport, taken on the spot or via the app
Advantages of a private transfer
No need to wait. The line at the airport counter is the same as a virtual one in the taxi app — you will have to wait anyway. But, transfer will pick you up as soon as your flight lands.
You can choose a car. It is not possible to hail a taxi in the street of Lisbon — there are special taxi ranks. You will be provided a car in the order, but only the one available at the moment.
Disadvantage of a private transfer
Minimum 15 euro more expensive. The trip with the official taxi to city center will cost from 12 to 20 euro, the same price as with Uber. The transfer from Lisbon Airport to city center will cost 36 euro.
Transfers from Lisbon Airport vs. Subway
Advantages of a private transfer
No need to climb a mount with luggage. Lisbon stands on the hill and all the streets are paved with stone blocks. Here, 300 meters with your suitcase will feel like kilometers of a challenging path. With our transfer you will travel directly to the door of your hotel, and our driver will help you with luggage.
Without changes. If you decided to get to your hotel by subway, you will probably have to make several changes. Plan your route in advance and write down the stations you need. It will be much easier with the transfer: from the airport you will be taken directly to your hotel.
No need to use Viva Viagem card. If you plan to use public transport often, it makes sense to buy a transport card topped up with trips. If you are mostly going to walk, take a ferry or suburban train, choose Zapping system (money in the account). Every card has its advantages and disadvantages, so tourists recommend to buy both. For those, who are puzzled by transport cards system, there is a transfer.
Disadvantage of a private transfer
Much more expensive. One-way subway ticket costs 1,90 euro with Viva Viagem card.
Transfer from Lisbon Airport vs. Bus and Shuttle bus
Advantages of a private transfer
4 times as fast. When travelling by bus or shuttle bus, waiting time alone will take no less than 20 minutes, and the way itself — additional 40 minutes. Transfer needs only 15 minutes to take you from the airport to the city center.
Spacious trunk at your disposal only. Luggage compartment in Carris buses is limited to 50х40х20 cm. In shuttle buses there is a separate compartment provided for your belongings, but it is still not very convenient: you will have to pull your suitcase out of the pile of others. Transfer of Economy class has only 3 places for luggage, and they are all at your disposal.
Disadvantage of a private transfer
More expensive. One-way adult ticket on Aerobus shuttle bus costs 3,50 euro, for a child (under 14 y.o.) — 2 euro. Carris bus ticket will cost 1,8 euro without Viva Viagem transport card.
