If you don't have a lot of luggage (in which case, a taxi would be the best option),
the best way to reach the center of Lisbon from the airport is taking the
AeroBus.
Once in the city, the Metro is the most efficient way to get around, especially to go between downtown and uptown.
For daytrips, consider the regular trains or the excellent express bus services. See more information below:
METRO (Subway/Underground)
Lisbon's metro (subway or underground) is modern, clean, and efficient. It runs from 6:30AM to 1:00AM, and many of its stations
are decorated with contemporary art, making it a tourist attraction in itself.
See a map of Lisbon's metro system to locate all of the stations
(and www.metrolisboa.pt for additional information).
Some stops to note:
Cais do Sodré: For trains to Cascais and Estoril, trams for Belém, and ferries to the Monument to Christ.
Entrecampos: For trains to Sintra.
São Sebastião: For the Gulbenkian Museum.
Jardim Zoologico: For the Sete Rios bus terminal for express buses to all over Portugal.
Colegio Militar-Luz: For the Colombo shopping mall and the Benfica stadium.
Oriente: For national and international trains, city buses, and all the Parque das Nações attractions.
TRAMS
Riding tram 28 just for the experience is a must in Lisbon.
Tram 15 is also the best way to reach Belem from
downtown.
You can hop on 15 either at
Figueira Square
or Comercio Square (getting off by
Jeronimos Monastery).
For tram 28, the best place to get on board is by
Miradouro das Portas do Sol (we suggest ending your journey by
Estrela Basilica).
TAXI
To reach attractions outside the center or to get around late at night (after 1AM when the metro closes), take a taxi. It should not cost more than 10
euros to go between anywhere within the city and the center (Baixa).
BUS and AEROBUS
CarrisTur's "Aerobus" & "AeroShuttle" services travel between Lisbon city centre and the airport.
They runs between 7:45AM and 8:45PM and the ticket is purchased on board.
The local Carris bus service also provides commuter buses between the airport and
downtown (numbers 44, 45 and 83 cost 1,30 euro) and there are some destinations within the city that are best reached by bus.
Here are some useful bus routes:
#727 - Passes by Marquês de Pombal Square and goes all the way to Belém, via Estrela and Lapa.
#37 - From Figueira Square to Saint George's Castle via Alfama, if you don't want to climb up to the castle.
But walk back down to the center, stopping at the viewpoints along the way.
#44 & 45 - From the airport via Saldanha, Avenida da Liberdade, to downtown.
EXPRESS BUSES
If you plan to travel outside of Lisbon, one of the best options is the
Express Buses service.
It connects Lisbon to any major destination across Portugal.
TRAIN
The nearest train
station to Lisbon airport is
Oriente in the
Parque das Nações
district, a short taxi ride away. There are links to several different destinations
outside and also within the city. Prices are fairly cheap (although not as cheap as the buses),
and the service is generally very prompt and of a good standard.
All trains going to destinations within Portugal also pass by Oriente Station, although they depart from Santa Apolonia Station, close to the city
center by Alfama.
WALKING
Walking around is actually one of Lisbon's biggest pleasures and it is the best way to experience the old quarters, all the way to the castle.
Several viewpoints offer refreshments, stunning views, and a break to sit down if needed. The hilly labyrinthine streets and their cobblestones
can be physically demanding, but these viewpoints are your reward. In between walks, an old tram is never too far away.
