Getting Around Lisbon
Lisbon offers visitors multiple ways to navigate the city, from an efficient public transportation network to taxis, ride-hailing services, and cycling. The city is compact enough in many areas to explore on foot, making it practical to combine walking with transit for longer journeys.
The Metro, Tram, and Rail Network
Lisbon's metro system serves as a backbone for public transportation. The metro includes several lines—among them the red Vermelha line, the green Verde line, and the blue Azul line—that connect major districts and transport hubs throughout the city. The metro is efficient for reaching central areas like Baixa-Chiado and Saldanha.
In addition to the metro, the city maintains tram services that provide another option for navigating neighborhoods, particularly in older quarters of the city.
Buses and Public Transit Passes
Lisbon operates an extensive bus network that reaches most parts of the city. The 7 Colimas transport card can be used across the bus system. A single metro or bus journey can be very affordable—fares start at less than €1.75 using the zapping functionality of the navegante card for metro travel.
For visitors planning multiple journeys, transport passes and cards offer better value than paying per trip. These cards can typically be purchased at airport post offices and transit stations throughout the city.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Traditional taxis operate throughout Lisbon and are legally required to use meters. Fares from the city center are typically modest, though meter use and posted fares should always be verified before traveling. A surcharge of €1.20 per item of luggage applies.
Ride-hailing services including Uber and Bolt operate in Lisbon and offer an alternative to traditional taxis. All ride-hailing vehicles must display a visible "TVDE" sign, and services must be requested through mobile applications. These services have a similar price range to taxis for journeys within the city.
Walkability
Parts of central Lisbon, particularly around districts like Baixa and Alfama, are walkable for visitors exploring neighborhoods and historic sites. The compact nature of these areas makes walking practical for short distances. However, Lisbon's hilly terrain means that some journeys are better suited to transit or taxis, particularly when traveling longer distances or carrying luggage.
Arriving from the Airport
Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto Humberto Delgado) lies approximately 7 kilometers from the city center and has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles all arrivals and serves most airlines, while Terminal 2 is used for departures by low-fare carriers. A free shuttle bus connects the terminals at 10-minute intervals.
Metro from the Airport
The red metro line terminates at Lisbon Airport station, making it a straightforward option for reaching the city. The journey to central Saldanha station takes about 16 minutes. Reaching Baixa-Chiado requires a line change but takes less than 25 minutes total. Metro fares are very affordable, starting at around €1.75 per journey.
Buses from the Airport
Several bus lines serve the airport, including lines 22, 44, 83, 705, 708, 744, 745, and night bus 208. Bus 44 offers a quick connection to Oriente railway station in about 10 minutes, from which you can access the metro system and continue to the city center. Bus fares are €2 per journey. Be aware that large luggage pieces are not permitted on these buses.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing from the Airport
Traditional taxis from the airport to the city center typically cost around €16, plus luggage surcharges. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt offer comparable fares of approximately €13 to the city center. A designated area for pre-reserved rides is available at the airport. Visitors should verify that taxis have working meters and should only use officially licensed ride-hailing services displaying the TVDE sign.
Cycling from the Airport
For visitors arriving for a cycling trip, reaching the city center by bicycle is feasible. After leaving the airport, follow Avenida Almirante Gago Coutinho heading toward the city center (marked by signage). This street becomes Avenida Almirante Reis and later Rua de Palma, which leads directly into Baixa.
Arriving by Train
Lisbon has two main train stations: Santa Apolónia in the city center and Gare do Oriente further out. The Alfa Pendular high-speed line connects Lisbon to major Portuguese cities including Coimbra, Porto, Braga, and Faro. Both stations have metro connections to help travelers reach their final destinations within the city.