Getting to and from Lisbon Airport
Metro, Aerobus, taxi or rideshare — every way to get between Humberto Delgado Airport and the city centre, compared.
About Humberto Delgado Airport
Lisbon's airport (code LIS), officially Aeroporto Humberto Delgado, sits unusually close to the centre — about 7km (4.3 miles) from Baixa — which makes it one of the more convenient major-city airports in Europe to reach. There's a single passenger terminal complex (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by a free shuttle bus), so transfers are straightforward whichever airline you fly.
Metro (Red Line) — cheapest and usually fastest
The Lisbon Metro's Red Line has a station directly inside the airport terminal. It's the fastest way into the centre in most traffic conditions, reaching Baixa or Chiado (via a change at São Sebastião or Alameda) in roughly 25–35 minutes. You'll need a rechargeable Viva Viagem or Navegante card, sold at the station's ticket machines, which also covers buses and trams during your stay.
Aerobus — no transfers, more luggage room
The dedicated Aerobus service runs directly from arrivals to the main tourist areas (Restauradores, Rossio, Cais do Sodré) with generous luggage space and no need to change lines. It runs roughly every 20 minutes through the day and takes about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, which can be significant at rush hour.
Taxi and rideshare
A metered taxi from the airport to central Lisbon typically runs in a moderate, fairly predictable range in normal traffic — ask for the meter to be used, and note there's a legitimate small surcharge for luggage and for night trips. Rideshare apps operate at the airport too and are often a little cheaper than a taxi, with the fare fixed before you get in. Either is the easiest option late at night once the Metro has stopped running.
Which should you choose?
| Option | Time to centre | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | ~25–35 min | Light packers, budget-conscious travellers, daytime arrivals |
| Aerobus | ~30–45 min | Larger luggage, no interest in changing trains |
| Taxi / rideshare | ~20–35 min (traffic dependent) | Late-night arrivals, groups, door-to-door convenience |
Landing after the Metro closes?
The Lisbon Metro generally stops running well before dawn. If you're arriving on a late or delayed flight, plan on a taxi or rideshare rather than counting on the train — both operate at the airport around the clock.
Frequently asked questions
- How far is Lisbon Airport from the city centre?
- About 7km (4.3 miles) — one of the shortest airport-to-centre distances of any major European capital.
- Is there a direct train from the airport?
- The Metro's Red Line has a station in the terminal and reaches the centre with one change, in roughly 25–35 minutes; there's also a dedicated Aerobus coach with no changes needed.
- What's the cheapest way from the airport to central Lisbon?
- The Metro, combined with a Viva Viagem or Navegante card, is the cheapest option and usually the fastest during the day.