What this solves
Landing at Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) at 23:40 with two suitcases and a 5-year-old is a different problem than landing at 07:15 with a backpack. The "just take the metro" advice that works for one is exactly wrong for the other.
This tool ranks the six realistic airport-arrival options (Metro Vermelha, Aerobus Line 1, Aerobus Line 91, Uber, Bolt, taxi) using four inputs that actually change the answer: hour of day (because Avenidas taxi ranks change), radio/Metro closure window, number of suitcases (Metro has no lifts at some stations), and the Bairro of your hotel (because Cais do Sodré and Saldanha are not equally served).
The default output is the cheapest option that lands you at your hotel under 60 minutes for your inputs, but the widget also exposes a "fastest" and a "least-walking" view.
Pick your arrival profile
How to read the result
The output is a ranked score, not a recommendation. The top option is the cheapest that lands you at your hotel in under 60 minutes; for "Fastest" it ignores price. Two nuances change the math at the margins:
- Aerobus Line 1 runs to Cais do Sodré (city centre, west). Aerobus Line 91 runs to Gare do Oriente (metro hub, north). The single-line oversight ends at Cais do Sodré; the Line 91 segment of road is roughly 8 km further but in the opposite direction. Most guidebooks only describe Line 1 and assume Line 91 is the same — they are not.
- Uber / Bolt prices are estimates, not guaranteed. Surge at 17:30–19:00 can multiply the number 2–3x. The Lisbon airport taxi rank is regulated and metered — €1.50 bookings on a working day, not the airport.
2026 reference data
| Option | Single | Online | Travel time (midday) | Walk at end |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Vermelha (Aeroporto → any) | €1.85 | €1.85 | 20–35 min | 5–15 min |
| Aerobus Line 1 (→ Cais do Sodré) | €5.20 | €3.65 | 35–50 min | 3–10 min |
| Aerobus Line 91 (→ Gare do Oriente) | €5.20 | €3.65 | 25–35 min | 5–12 min |
| Uber / Bolt (avg to centre) | €10–18 | €10–18 | 15–30 min | 0 min |
| Lisbon taxi (rank, regulated) | €15–22 | n/a | 20–35 min | 0 min |
| Lisbon Card 24h (incl. metro + train) | €24 | €24 | incl. | incl. |
Travel times assume normal traffic. Marvila, Expo, or Oriente districts: routes published Metro Vermelha is fastest. Cabo Ruivo, Lumiar: Line 91 + metro is usually 10 min faster than Line 1 + metro.
Limitations
- Surge on Uber / Bolt is not modelled. A 18:30 landing in November often multiplies the standard fare 1.8–2.5x. If the app shows >€25 to your hotel, take a taxi.
- Taxi luggage surcharge (€1.60 per large bag over the seat) is not always enforced but is legal. Three big suitcases in a taxi adds €4.80 off.
- Metro Vermelha (red line) closes from roughly 00:30 to 05:30. Aerobus last departure is around 23:00. If you land late, your only realistic options are Uber / taxi.
- Some Lisbon Metro stations have no lifts (e.g. Martim Moniz exit to Rua dos Sapateiros). If you have a heavy suitcase, the route advertised as "3 min walk" can become a 15-min carry.
- The tool does not model strikes (CP / metro strikes happen 1–2x per year) or road closures on Avenida da Liberdade.
FAQ
Is the metro from Lisbon airport safe at night?
It's a normal metro line with normal passenger density. Single travellers at 23:00 will not be alone in the carriage. It's safer than the long walk from Cais do Sodré to Alfama.
Do taxis at the airport always use the meter?
Legally yes. In practice, a driver offering a "fixed price" to the centre is negotiating outside the meter — it's usually €15–18 (close to the metered fare). If the driver asks €30, the meter at €18.
Is Aerobus worth €5.20 vs €1.85 metro?
Only if you have 2+ suitcases and your hotel is in Cais do Sodré / Baixa. Otherwise the metro is the same journey in 5–10 min less time.
Can I buy a Viva Viagem card at the airport?
Yes — at the Metro station ticket office (24/7). The €0.50 card cost is refunded if you return it. Most 24h Lisbon Card holders don't need it.
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Sources & methodology
- Metro de Lisboa (metrolisboa.pt) — 2026 single, 24h and Viva Viagem prices.
- Aerobus Lisbon (airlinesiberia.pt / aerobus.pt) — Line 1 and Line 91 routes and departure windows.
- Visit Lisboa taxi guidance and current regulated airport fees.
- Direct rides (no metro assist) and station walk times measured from public timetables, 2026.