If you don't have a lot of luggage (in which case, a
shuttle service or taxi would be the best option), the best way to reach the center of Lisbon from the airport is taking the metro (underground or subway) or the
AeroBus. Once in the city, the metro is the most efficient way to get around, especially to go between downtown and uptown.
For day trips, consider the regular trains or the excellent express bus services. More details below:
Renting a car to get around Lisbon isn't necessary, but some visitors may want to do this in order to quickly and easily visit outlying areas, get to most of the beaches, or to take day trips to other parts of Portugal. In this case, check out the best Lisbon car hire options here.
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.
Some stops to note:
Cais do Sodre: For trains to Cascais and Estoril, trams or trains to Belem, and ferries to Cacilhas (to visit the Monument to Christ).
Rossio: 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.
Ride the Metro for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
Riding tram 28 just for the experience is a must in Lisbon. Tram 15 is also the most popular 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).
Ride the trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card, or take a ride around Lisbon's historic areas on a hop-on hop-off tram tour: Lisbon Tram Tours
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.
The Aerobus service travels between Lisbon city centre and the airport.
The ticket is purchased on board.
The local Carris bus service also provides commuter buses between the airport and
downtown (number 744) 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 Belem, via the neighborhood of Santos.
#737 - Mini bus going from Figueira Square to Saint George's Castle via Alfama, if you don't want to climb up to the castle (but do walk back down to the center, stopping at the viewpoints along the way).
#744 - From the airport via Saldanha to Marquês de Pombal by Avenida da Liberdade.
Ride the city's buses for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
If you plan to travel outside Lisbon, one of the best options is the express bus service. It connects Lisbon to any major destination across Portugal.
The nearest train station to Lisbon airport is
Oriente in the
Parque das Nações
district, a short metro ride away. There are links to several different destinations
outside Lisbon 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 usually depart from Santa Apolonia Station, close to the city
center by Alfama.
Ride the trains to Sintra, Cascais, or Estoril for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
Walking around is actually one of Lisbon's biggest pleasures, and it's 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.
Lisbon car Hire
Airport Transportation
Private and Shared Airport Transfers
AeroBus Airport Bus
Stations and Transportation Hubs
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