Landed In

Arrival guide

Landed in Lisbon.

Getting from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) into the city, what money to carry, the apps locals use, and how to get online.

Lisbon airport is close to the center. Most trips into town take 15 to 30 minutes, so you can be at your hotel quickly.
Use only the official taxi rank or a ride app. Avoid anyone offering a ride inside the terminal, as they often overcharge.

From the airport to the city center

Cheapest

Lisbon Metro Red Line (Aeroporto station)

€1.80 to €2.20 ($2 to $3)

20 to 30 min

  1. 1From baggage claim, follow the Metro signs in the arrivals hall. The station is a short walk from the terminal.
  2. 2Buy a rechargeable Viva Viagem card at the ticket machines and load a single trip or a day pass.
  3. 3Take the Red Line toward São Sebastião. Change there to the Blue Line toward Baixa-Chiado or Santa Apolónia for the center.
  4. 4Tap in at the gates and keep your card until you exit.
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Easiest

Uber or Bolt

€8 to €18 ($9 to $20)

15 to 35 min

  1. 1Connect to airport Wi-Fi or your mobile data and open Uber or Bolt.
  2. 2Set your pickup to the airport rideshare point shown in the app. Signs in arrivals also point to it.
  3. 3Enter your city center address and confirm the price in the app.
  4. 4Check the plate and driver name before you get in.
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Fastest

Official airport taxi

€10 to €20 ($11 to $22)

15 to 35 min

  1. 1After customs, follow the Taxi signs outside arrivals to the marked rank.
  2. 2Join the queue and take the next cab in line.
  3. 3Tell the driver your city center hotel or neighborhood, and ask them to use the meter.
  4. 4Luggage may carry a small extra fee. This is normal.
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Cheapest

Aerobus or Carris city bus

€2 to €4 ($2 to $5)

30 to 50 min

  1. 1Follow the Bus signs outside arrivals to the stops.
  2. 2Pick a route that goes to central Lisbon, such as the Aerobus toward Cais do Sodré, or a Carris line. Check the signs or ask at the stop.
  3. 3Buy your ticket from the driver or load a Viva Viagem card.
  4. 4Get off near your hotel, using your maps app to track the stop.
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Want a driver waiting for you?

Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.

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Money

Euro

EUR

$1 is about €0.92

Cards

Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, including cafes, shops, and public transport. Carry a little cash for small kiosks and some tascas.

Tipping

Tipping is modest. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent at a sit-down restaurant is appreciated but not expected.

Cash

  • Keep a few euros in coins for tips and small purchases.
  • Some small cafes set a card minimum, often around €5 to €10.
  • Skip airport currency exchange desks. Rates are poor.

ATMs

  • Use Multibanco ATMs, which are common and reliable.
  • Decline dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in euros.
  • Withdraw at bank-branch ATMs rather than standalone machines in tourist areas.

Apps to download

Uber

Rides in Lisbon, often cheaper than taxis

App StoreGoogle Play

Bolt

Another rideshare option, often cheaper than Uber

App StoreGoogle Play

Google Maps

Must have

Navigation, metro, bus, and tram directions

App StoreGoogle Play

Citymapper

Detailed public transport routing

App StoreGoogle Play

WhatsApp

Must have

Messaging with hosts, restaurants, and tour operators

App StoreGoogle Play

Glovo

Food and grocery delivery

App StoreGoogle Play

Stay connected

Mobile coverage is strong across Lisbon. An eSIM is the easiest way to get data the moment you land. EU roaming rules apply if you have an EU plan.

  • Install an eSIM such as Airalo or Holafly before you fly and switch it on after landing.
  • Buy a prepaid SIM from a carrier like Vodafone or MEO at the airport or a city store. Bring your passport.
  • Use your home plan's roaming pass if it is reasonably priced.

Get your eSIM before you fly

Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.

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Good to know

  • Pickpocketing is common on Tram 28, in Alfama, and around Baixa. Keep phones and wallets in front pockets or zipped bags.
  • Street sellers may offer drugs in Baixa and Bairro Alto. Ignore them and keep walking.
  • Some restaurants place bread, olives, and cheese on your table. These are charged if you eat them, so send them back if you don't want them.
  • Lunch is often 12:30 to 2:30 pm and dinner starts late, around 8 pm. Many restaurants close between meals.
  • Cobblestone sidewalks and steep hills are slippery when wet. Take care walking, especially at night.
  • Tap water is safe to drink.
  • Greet people with a polite bom dia or boa tarde. A little effort goes a long way.

Emergency numbers

Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.