Lisbon Airport Metro: how it works
Learn how the Lisbon airport metro works, including tickets, prices, routes, travel times and when it is better than Uber or taxi.
Taking the metro from Lisbon Airport is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reach the city centre. The airport has its own metro station, so you do not need a shuttle bus or a long walk to get there.
In this article, you’ll learn how the Lisbon airport metro works, where to buy tickets, how much it costs, which line to take, and when it is better to choose Uber, Bolt or a taxi instead.
Quick answer: is there a metro at Lisbon Airport?
Yes. Lisbon Airport has a metro station called Aeroporto.
It is on the Red Line, also called Linha Vermelha. This line connects the airport with several important metro stations, including Oriente, Alameda and Saldanha.
The journey from Lisbon Airport to Saldanha takes about 20 minutes, according to the official Lisbon Airport information. From there, you can change to other metro lines depending on where your hotel is.
Where is the metro station at Lisbon Airport?
The metro station is at Terminal 1.
After you leave the arrivals area, follow the signs for Metro or M. The station is close to the terminal and easy to reach on foot.
If you arrive at Terminal 2, you first need to take the airport shuttle to Terminal 1. Terminal 2 is mostly used for low-cost departures, but most passengers arriving in Lisbon arrive at Terminal 1.
Which metro line goes from Lisbon Airport?
The airport is on the Red Line.
The station name is:
Aeroporto
From Aeroporto, the Red Line connects with:
Oriente — useful for Parque das Nações and train connections
Alameda — useful for changing to the Green Line
Saldanha — useful for changing to the Yellow Line and reaching central areas
For many visitors, Saldanha is the easiest reference point because it connects well with the rest of the city.
How much does the Lisbon airport metro cost?
A standard Carris/Metro ticket costs €1.90.
You will also need a Navegante occasional card, unless you already have one. The card costs €0.50 and can be reused during your trip.
So, if this is your first journey, the total cost is usually:
€2.40
That is €1.90 for the ticket + €0.50 for the card.
You can also use zapping, which costs €1.72 for a metro journey, or pay directly with a bank card at the metro gate for €1.92.
How to buy a metro ticket at Lisbon Airport
Buying a metro ticket at the airport is simple.
At the airport metro station, go to one of the ticket machines and follow these steps:
Choose English.
Select the option to buy a new card if you do not have one.
Choose your ticket type.
Pay by card or cash.
Take your Navegante card.
Tap the card at the metro gate.
If you are only going from the airport to your hotel, a single Carris/Metro ticket is enough.
If you plan to use public transport several times during the same day, the 24-hour ticket may be better.
Should you buy a single ticket, zapping or 24-hour ticket?
It depends on your plans for the day.
Single ticket
Choose a single ticket if you only need to travel from the airport to your hotel.
It costs €1.90 and is valid on Carris and Metro for 60 minutes after the first validation. It cannot be used for consecutive metro journeys.
Zapping
Zapping is prepaid credit that you add to your Navegante card.
For the metro, a zapping journey costs €1.72, so it is slightly cheaper than a single ticket.
This is a good option if you will use public transport a few times, but not enough to need a 24-hour ticket.
24-hour Carris/Metro ticket
The 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket costs €7.25.
It gives you unlimited travel on Carris and Metro for 24 hours after the first validation.
This can be worth it if you arrive early and plan to use the metro, buses, trams or funiculars several times on the same day.
24-hour Carris/Metro/CP ticket
The 24-hour Carris/Metro/CP ticket costs €11.40.
This can make sense if you are using the metro from the airport and also planning a train trip to places like Sintra or Cascais on the same day.
For most arrival days, however, the normal Carris/Metro ticket or zapping is enough.
Can you use contactless payment on the airport metro?
Yes. You can use a contactless bank card or phone to pay directly at the metro gate.
The current price for a metro journey with a bank card is €1.92.
This is useful if you want to avoid the ticket machines and only need a simple metro ride.
However, I would still recommend buying a Navegante occasional card if you plan to use different types of public transport during your stay, especially buses, trams or 24-hour tickets.
How long does the metro take from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?
The metro from Lisbon Airport to Saldanha takes about 20 minutes.
From there, the total journey time depends on where you are staying.
As a rough guide:
Airport to Saldanha: about 20 minutes
Airport to Baixa-Chiado: about 30–35 minutes with a change
Airport to Cais do Sodré: about 35–40 minutes with a change
Airport to Rossio: about 30–35 minutes with a change
Airport to Marquês de Pombal: about 30 minutes with a change
The metro is usually reliable, but allow extra time if you are carrying luggage or arriving during busy hours.
How to get from Lisbon Airport to popular areas by metro
Airport to Baixa-Chiado
Take the Red Line from Aeroporto to Alameda.
At Alameda, change to the Green Line towards Cais do Sodré.
Get off at Baixa-Chiado.
This is a good route if you are staying near Baixa, Chiado or parts of Bairro Alto.
Airport to Rossio
Take the Red Line from Aeroporto to Alameda.
Change to the Green Line towards Cais do Sodré.
Get off at Rossio.
This is useful if you are staying near Rossio, Restauradores or Praça da Figueira.
Airport to Cais do Sodré
Take the Red Line from Aeroporto to Alameda.
Change to the Green Line towards Cais do Sodré.
Stay on until the final stop.
This is useful if you are staying near Cais do Sodré, Time Out Market, Santos or if you need the train to Cascais.
Airport to Marquês de Pombal
Take the Red Line from Aeroporto to Saldanha.
Change to the Yellow Line towards Rato.
Get off at Marquês de Pombal.
This is useful if you are staying near Avenida da Liberdade or Parque Eduardo VII.
Airport to Oriente
This is the easiest route.
Take the Red Line from Aeroporto and get off at Oriente.
No change is needed.
This is useful for Parque das Nações, the Oriente train station, or hotels near the river in that area.
Is the Lisbon airport metro good with luggage?
Yes, but it depends on how much luggage you have.
The metro is fine if you have:
One suitcase
A backpack
Light cabin luggage
A hotel close to a metro station
It can be less comfortable if you have:
Several large suitcases
A baby stroller
Mobility issues
A hotel at the top of a steep hill
Accommodation in Alfama, Graça or Bairro Alto with difficult access
Lisbon is hilly, and some older areas have narrow streets and stairs. Even if the metro gets you close, the final walk can be tiring with luggage.
When is the metro better than Uber or taxi?
The metro is usually better if:
You want the cheapest option
You are travelling alone or as a couple
You arrive during the day
Your hotel is close to a metro station
You do not have too much luggage
You want to avoid traffic
It is especially useful if you are staying near Saldanha, Alameda, Baixa-Chiado, Cais do Sodré, Rossio, Oriente or Marquês de Pombal.
For a full comparison, read Uber or metro from Lisbon Airport: which is better?.
When should you avoid the metro from Lisbon Airport?
The metro may not be the best choice if:
You arrive very late at night
You are travelling with small children and lots of luggage
You are staying far from a metro station
Your hotel is in a steep part of Alfama, Graça or Bairro Alto
You want the easiest door-to-door option
You are travelling in a group of three or four
In those cases, Uber, Bolt or a taxi may be easier. It will cost more, but it can save time and stress.
Is the Lisbon airport metro safe?
Yes, the Lisbon metro is generally safe and easy to use.
As in any city, keep an eye on your belongings, especially when the metro is busy. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded stations and trains, but the airport metro is not difficult or unsafe for normal travellers.
Keep your phone, wallet and passport secure, and avoid leaving bags open.
You can also read the full guide on tourist scams in Lisbon to avoid.
Does the Lisboa Card include the airport metro?
Yes. The Lisboa Card includes unlimited public transport in Lisbon, including metro travel to and from Lisbon Airport.
This can be useful if you plan to visit paid attractions and use public transport several times.
However, if you only need the airport metro and a few simple journeys, a Navegante card with zapping or single tickets may be cheaper.
You can compare the options in the guide: Lisbon Card: is it worth it?.
Final thoughts
The Lisbon metro from the airport is simple, cheap and useful for many visitors.
If your hotel is close to a metro station and you do not have too much luggage, it is often the best way to reach the city centre. The Red Line starts at the airport, tickets are affordable, and the journey to Saldanha takes about 20 minutes.
That said, Lisbon is a hilly city. If you are staying in an old neighbourhood with steep streets, or if you arrive late with heavy luggage, Uber, Bolt or a taxi may be easier.
FAQ
1. Is there a metro station at Lisbon Airport?
Yes. Lisbon Airport has a metro station called Aeroporto. It is on the Red Line.
2. How much is the metro from Lisbon Airport?
A Carris/Metro ticket costs €1.90. If you need a new Navegante occasional card, add €0.50.
3. How long does the metro take from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?
The metro from Lisbon Airport to Saldanha takes about 20 minutes. To areas like Baixa-Chiado or Rossio, expect around 30 to 35 minutes with a line change.
4. Can I pay contactless on the Lisbon airport metro?
Yes. You can use a contactless bank card or phone at the metro gate. The current bank card metro fare is €1.92.
5. Is the metro better than Uber from Lisbon Airport?
The metro is better if you want the cheapest option and your hotel is close to a metro station. Uber or Bolt is better if you have heavy luggage, arrive late, or want door-to-door transport.
Rafael Rocha
The Author
Having lived and studied in Lisbon for many years, a deep connection to the city grew naturally over time. Here I share practical guides and local recommendations to help you experience Lisbon better.
