Getting There and Away

Written by Celine Fournier, Finn Weber
01/09/2025
Vibrant rooftops and historic architecture in Lisbon's scenic Alfama district.
Michał Ludwiczak, Pexels

Lisbon's primary transport hubs include Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) for air travel, and Gare do Oriente and Santa Apolónia train stations, which also serve as central points for long-distance bus services.

Flights:

Lisbon Airport (LIS) is well-connected. Direct flights from European cities typically range from 1.5 to 3 hours, while those from North America usually take 6 to 9 hours. From the airport to the city center, a metro ride on the Red Line takes approximately 20 minutes and costs €1.85 for a single fare, plus an initial €0.50 for a reusable Navegante card. Taxis offer a direct transfer in about 20 minutes for an estimated €12-€15, with an additional €1.60 luggage surcharge. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are also available, with fares typically around €7, though prices can vary based on demand.

Trains:

National train services, operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), connect Lisbon to other major Portuguese cities. High-speed Alfa Pendular trains offer routes to destinations like Porto and the Algarve, departing from Gare do Oriente and Santa Apolónia. While some travelers report positive experiences with punctuality and cleanliness, others have noted occasional delays and issues with service. For regional travel, trains to Sintra depart frequently (every 15 minutes) from Rossio Station, and services to Estoril and Cascais are available from Cais do Sodré, both of which can be paid for using a Navegante card.

Buses:

Long-distance bus services, including Rede Expressos/Renex for national routes and operators like Avanza and Eurolines for international destinations such as Spain and France, depart from Gare do Oriente. Budget-friendly options like Flixbus also operate, but some recent reviews highlight concerns regarding cleanliness, non-functional air conditioning, and potential delays on longer journeys.

Car Rentals:

Car rental companies such as Europcar, Alamo, Guerin, SIXT, Avis, Budget, and Hertz operate at Lisbon Airport and various downtown locations. Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring beyond the city, with options for one-way rentals within Portugal. It is advisable to consider a toll transponder for convenience.

Check out our other pages on Lisbon

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