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Getting There & Away in Lisbon

How do you get to Lisbon?

Getting There7.9/10Easier to reach than about 75% of cities
Main airport
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: lisbonairport.pt, lisbonexplorers.com

Good to know

Good to Know

  • Airport metro is fastest/cheapest to city center (€1.90, ~20–30 min). Tap credit card directly at reader for single journey.
  • Taxis: established reputation for meter scams. Insist meter is on from start or use Bolt/Uber instead.
  • Navegante card (€0.50) is reusable across metro, buses, trams, ferries. Load with single journeys or day passes for convenience.
  • Train to Sintra is simple, cheap (€2.45 one-way), and departs every 15–30 min from city-center Rossio station. Do not combine Sintra + Cascais in one day unless joining organized tour.
  • Ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (10–15 min, €1.55) is scenic alternative to land transport and gateway to Cristo Rei statue.
  • Lisbon has two main rail terminals (Oriente & Santa Apolónia) serving different regional routes; high-speed Alfa Pendular trains to Porto have free WiFi.
  • Car rental to day-trip Sintra/Cascais not recommended due to difficult parking. Train or guided tour preferable.
  • Portugal Railways (CP) bookings open 60 days in advance. Book popular routes (Porto, Faro) early in peak season.
  • Terminal 2 at airport has no metro or public buses; use free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 first.

Main Stations

  • Oriente Station (Gare Do Oriente)
    Routes
    High-speed Alfa Pendular trains to Porto (~3 hours), Faro (~3 hours). International connections to Spain/Madrid (via Entroncamento, Badajoz transfers).
    Description
    Modern hub (opened 1998); main international/intercity connections. Close to airport (2.4 km, €5–7 taxi). Metro Red Line access.
  • Santa Apolónia Station
    Routes
    Long-distance north (Porto, Braga); international routes including Madrid and Paris.
    Description
    Historic terminus (1865), east of city center. Tourist info office. Blue metro access.
  • Rossio Station
    Routes
    Local commuter trains to Sintra (~15–30 min frequency, ~40 min journey). Main rail gateway to Sintra.
    Description
    City center, Blue Line metro (Restauradores stop). Delightful historic station.
  • Cais Do Sodré Station
    Routes
    Local trains to Cascais & Estoril (~40 min journey). Also departure point for Tagus River ferries.
    Description
    Green metro line access. Major railway + ferry hub.

Key Domestic Routes

  • Comboios De Portugal (CP)
    Cost
    €2.45
    Route
    Lisbon to Sintra
    Frequency
    Every 15–30 minutes
    Journey Time
    ~39–47 minutes
    Notes
    Departs Rossio, Entrecampos, or Oriente stations. No advance booking required; buy at station or online.
  • Comboios De Portugal (CP)
    Cost
    €2.45
    Route
    Lisbon to Cascais
    Frequency
    Every 15–30 minutes
    Journey Time
    ~33–40 minutes
    Notes
    Departs Cais do Sodré station. Scenic coastal line.
  • Comboios De Portugal (CP)
    Cost
    €9.50
    Route
    Lisbon to Porto
    Frequency
    Multiple daily departures
    Journey Time
    ~2.5–3 hours (Alfa Pendular)
    Notes
    Promo fares from €9.50 (2nd class, advance purchase). Departs Oriente, Santa Apolónia, or other stations. High-speed Alfa Pendular (220 km/h, WiFi, comfortable seats) most popular.
  • Comboios De Portugal (CP)
    Cost
    €15
    Route
    Lisbon to Faro (Algarve)
    Frequency
    Multiple daily departures
    Journey Time
    ~3 hours
    Notes
    High-speed and regional options. Departs Oriente or Santa Apolónia. Scenic Algarve beaches.

International Routes

  • CP + Renfe (Spanish Railways)
    Route
    Lisbon to Madrid (Spain)
    Journey Time
    ~10–12 hours (current via Entroncamento/Badajoz)
    Notes
    No direct service currently. 3-train combo: Lisbon–Entroncamento–Badajoz–Madrid. Future high-speed line planned completion 2034. Book at cp.pt or Omio.com.

Terminals

  • Cais Do Sodré
    Location
    City center, Green metro line access. Also railway station.

    Routes

    • Cacilhas
      Cost
      €1.55
      Frequency
      Every 7–15 minutes (peak: 7–8 min; off-peak: 15–20 min)
      Journey Time
      ~10–15 minutes
      Notes
      Most popular tourist ferry. Views of 25 Abril Bridge. Gateway to Cristo Rei statue. Electric ferries operate this route.
    • Montijo
      Cost
      €3.20
      Frequency
      Less frequent
      Journey Time
      ~25 minutes
    • Seixal
      Cost
      €2.80
      Frequency
      1–3 departures/hour
      Journey Time
      ~20 minutes
  • Terreiro Do Paço (Praça Do Comércio)
    Location
    Downtown, Blue metro line access.

    Routes

    • Barreiro
      Cost
      €2.85
      Frequency
      Peak: 6–7/hour
      Journey Time
      ~20–30 minutes
      Notes
      Uses faster catamarans. Longest route; views over Alfama.
  • Belém
    Location
    West side, near monuments.

    Routes

    • Porto Brandão & Trafaria (Almada)
      Cost
      €1.45
      Frequency
      Infrequent (one boat)
      Journey Time
      ~30–40 minutes
      Notes
      Scenic; passes Belém Tower. Destination less touristy.

Ticketing

Payment Methods
Navegante Occasional Card (€0.50 + credit load) or Viva Viagem card. Single paper tickets at machines/counters. Contactless bank cards NOT accepted.

Passes

Zapping
Pay €1.61 per trip (cheaper than single €1.55–3.20). Load card with €3–40 minimum.
24 Hour Pass
€10
Child Senior Discounts
Under 5 free; 4–12 half-fare; 65+ discounted.

Airport

Name
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Details
Two terminals; Terminal 1 (main, all major airlines); Terminal 2 (budget airlines: Eurowings, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling, Wizz Air). Free shuttle bus between terminals runs every 10-12 minutes.
Location
7 km from city center
Terminals
2

Ground Transport

  • Metro (Red Line)
    Cost
    €1.90
    Notes
    Purchase Navegante card (€0.50) at metro station or use contactless bank card. Single journey costs €1.90 (or €1.61 with Zapping if you load €20+ to card).
    Description
    Direct line to city center. Station at Terminal 1 arrivals. ~20-30 minutes to downtown. Operates 06:30-01:00.
  • Bus (Urban/intercity)
    Cost
    €2.10
    Notes
    Flixbus also operates (€18 per way). Most buses stop at Terminal 1 arrivals.
    Description
    Multiple routes serve airport. Bus 744: Moscavide–Restauradores (30-40 min). Bus 705: connects stations, weekdays only. Other lines: 783 (Amoreiras), 208 (night). Luggage limit 50×40×20cm on city buses.
  • Taxi
    Cost
    €15
    Notes
    Expect €10–20 depending on traffic/destination. Scam warning: ensure meter is on; avoid unmarked taxis. Ask for receipt.
    Description
    Official taxis queue outside terminals. Direct to city center.
  • Ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Cabify)
    Cost
    €12
    Notes
    Typically €8–15. Often cheaper than taxis, especially for 2+ passengers. Cashless payment required. Surge pricing possible during peak times.
    Description
    Modern alternative to taxis. Pickup from P2 Level 2 at Terminal 1 (Bolt designated area) or Drop Off 1/2 at departures.
  • Private Transfer
    Cost
    €35
    Notes
    Pricing varies by destination. Convenient for families or heavy luggage; requires advance booking (24 hours).
    Description
    Pre-booked door-to-door service available. Various companies offer fixed rates.

Sintra

Tips
Book major palace tickets (Pena, Regaleira) online in advance; timed entry required. Peak season morning slots sell out a week ahead. Allow full day for main sights. Sintra is hilly & can be tiring.
Distance
~20 km west
Travel Time
~40–50 minutes
Description
UNESCO World Heritage hilltop town. Palácio da Pena (Romantic palace), Castelo dos Mouros (9th-century Moorish fortress), Quinta da Regaleira (esoteric gardens). Lush microclimate.

Transport Options

  • Train (CP)
    Cost
    €2.45
    Frequency
    Every 15–30 minutes
    Journey Time
    ~39–47 minutes
    Departure Station
    Rossio (city center) or Entrecampos or Oriente
    Notes
    No booking required. Easiest & cheapest. Station ~1.5 km from town center; buses or local shuttles to main sights.
  • Ride-hailing (Bolt/Uber)
    Cost
    €35
    Notes
    Direct from hotel; avoids train crowds. Parking in Sintra difficult.
  • Guided Tour
    Cost
    €60
    Travel time
    8 hours
    Notes
    Includes transport, guide, often palace entry. Companies: Lisbon Riders, Inside Lisbon, Viator/GetYourGuide.

Cascais

Tips
Cascais works for beach afternoon after city exploration. No advance booking needed for train. Walking shoes recommended (generally flat). Praia da Cresmina & Praia de Guincho nearby for surfing.
Distance
~30 km south
Travel Time
~33–40 minutes
Description
Charming coastal resort town. Historic center, sandy beaches (Praia da Duquesa, Praia da Rainha), cafés, museums. Flat, easily walkable. Less crowded than Sintra.

Transport Options

  • Train (CP)
    Cost
    €2.45
    Frequency
    Every 15–30 minutes
    Journey Time
    ~33–40 minutes
    Departure Station
    Cais do Sodré (city center)
    Notes
    Scenic coastal line. Station within walking distance of main attractions. Ferry access to Cais do Sodré adds scenic Tagus crossing.
  • 24-hour Transport Pass
    Cost
    €11
    Notes
    Includes round-trip train to Sintra & Cascais.

Operators

Transtejo Soflusa (TTSL)

Description

Commuter ferries cross Tagus River. Practical transport + scenic experience.

Operating Hours

First ferry ~5:20–5:35 am, last ~01:20–01:40 am. Reduced services weekends/holidays.

Porto

Tips
Popular overnight or 2-day escape. Night trains historically available (Lusitania Trenhotel suspended 2020, not resumed).
Distance
~320 km north
Transport
High-speed Alfa Pendular train departs Oriente. Promo fares €9.50+. Book cp.pt or Omio.com. Scenic Douro Valley if overnight.
Travel Time
~2.5–3 hours (Alfa Pendular high-speed)
Description
Portugal's second city. Historic Ribeira district (UNESCO), Port wine cellars, Livraria Lello bookstore, coastal walks.

Cabo Da Roca

Tips
Windy, bring jacket. Photo stop only (~15 min). Best as part of larger day trip.
Access
Bus 1624 from Sintra (~35 min, €2.60) or Cascais (~30 min). Bolt/Uber from Sintra (~€5–10). Often combined with Sintra–Cascais itinerary.
Description
Westernmost point continental Europe. Rocky cliffs, lighthouse, monument, views. No major attractions at destination itself; primarily scenic.

Combined Sintra Cascais

Feasibility
Technically possible in one long day; not recommended.
Organized Tour
8–10 hour guided tour includes both + Cabo da Roca (westernmost point continental Europe). Hotels offer pickup. Cost ~€60–100.
Notes
Sintra needs full day (or 2) for castle-hopping. Cascais also deserves unhurried visit. Combined creates rushed experience. Better: separate days or organized tour.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.lisbonairport.pt
  2. 2.lisbonexplorers.com
  3. 3.lisbonlisboaportugal.com
  4. 4.heylisbon.com
  5. 5.seat61.com
  6. 6.raileurope.com
  7. 7.lisbonlisboaportugal.com
  8. 8.lisbonbyboat.com
  9. 9.portugalvisitor.com
  10. 10.visit-lisbon.net
  11. 11.lisbontravelplanner.com
  12. 12.lisbonportugaltourism.com
  13. 13.sintra-portugal.com
  14. 14.travelbooksfood.com
  15. 15.intothebloom.com
  16. 16.cascais-portugal.com
  17. 17.tradingeconomics.com

More About Lisbon

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.