From Lisbon Airport to the Train Station – How to Get There by Metro, Bus, and Taxi

Take the Metro from Lisbon Airport to the main train station; it’s the fastest option and runs directly from landing. The Vermelha line reaches central stops in about 15–20 minutes, avoiding traffic and parking hassles. If you’re watching sunsets from the platform, you’ll still have a smooth ride and a quick transfer to the long-distance trains.

Bus option offers a budget-friendly route to central hubs. Buses serve the airport area and connect to main stations, with journeys typically 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Without rush, this can be comfortable; for a group, it often costs less per person than a taxi. We recommend checking live times on operator websites offering details to compare with the metro.

Taxi rides from the airport to the main train station take 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost around €15–€25 in daytime, higher at night or on holidays. Official taxis queue at arrivals; booking with a local firm via their websites or apps is easy, and many services list details such as fixed rates to the station. Some drivers from alfa platforms can manage a groep with luggage more comfortably.

Where you land at the train station, you’ll find quick access to shopping and several city viewpoints along the river. This is a place where travelers with different needs can choose their pace: the metro for speed, a taxi for comfort, or a bus for budget. For up-to-date details and transfer options, check the operator websites offering schedules. If you’re in a groep of friends or family, you’ll appreciate the flexibility and the chance to plan a short side trip to a sunset spot after you land.

Direct Metro from LIS: which Red Line stops connect to the city’s main train hubs

From LIS, take the Red Line to Saldanha for a fast jump into the centre, then switch to the lines that lead to the city’s main train hubs. This route is definitely the quickest way to reach long-distance departures without driving or paying for a taxi. If you’re travelling with children or a group, the idea is to book ahead and use the same route for a smoother transfer at the hub you choose.

At each step, expect a straightforward connection: you can walk a short distance between platforms or use a neighbouring interchange to reach Intercidades services and the alfa-pendular trains. The Red Line connection is designed for daily use, and you’ll notice the option is cheaper than driving. They’re designed for quick departures, with a warning about occasional timetable tweaks, so check the live board just before you depart. It’s a solid option for travellers carrying a bit of cash or using a transponder card, and the route is close to the centre, making it a stress-free idea for a first-time trip to Lisbon’s rail hubs.

Red Line stop	Closest main train hub	Opmerkingen
Aeroporto	Oriente (intercity and alfa-pendular departures)	Direct bilingual departures for intercidades; use the transponder or cash; observe daily schedules and potential changes.
Saldanha	Oriente or Santa Apolónia via transfer	Fast access to centre; cheaper option for many travellers; walking time to the hub is short, they booked ahead for a smooth transition.
Alameda	Oriente via connecting lines	Good for daily travel, close to the centre; if you need to reach intercidades, this stop offers a convenient transfer point and a quick exit.

Red Line to Santa Apolónia and Oriente: step-by-step transfer tips

Right away, ride the Metro Red Line from Lisbon Airport toward the city center to keep your options open for two central hubs: Santa Apolónia and Oriente. The signs inside the station are clear, and the routes run through those districts located along the river and in the bustling central area.

Quick overview: Santa Apolónia sits on the Blue Line near the cais and central riverside streets, while Oriente is a major east hub with connections to long-distance trains, buses, and other metro lines. Look at the maps posted in each station and follow the blue or red signs to avoid extra walking.

To reach Santa Apolónia (Blue Line transfer):

1. From the airport, take the Metro Red Line toward the city center until you reach the interchange where the Blue Line runs; the signage will show Santa Apolónia as the destination on the Blue Line.
2. Stand on the Blue Line platform and board toward Santa Apolónia. The transfer corridor is located in the central area, with clear look-and-go indicators for the Blue Line.
3. Exit at Santa Apolónia. The station is located near the central riverside, and from the exit you can reach Cais do Sodré directions or connect to CP trains for a complete travel option across Portugal.

To reach Oriente (stay on Red Line or transfer as needed):

1. Continue on the Metro Red Line in the direction of the eastern terminus until you reach Oriente; this is a quick, direct leg through the main urban districts.
2. At Oriente, follow the signs to the intermodal hub. You can connect to Alfa Pendular services for high-speed travel, or to Rede Expressos PT buses if your plan is to fly from the nova network of stations or to other cities.
3. If you plan a broader trip, Oriente also links to central Lisbon metro lines and the airport corridor, giving you a flexible case for flying or continuing by train.

Useful tips for a smooth transfer:

• Check the live boards at each station–those displays show departures for Santa Apolónia, Oriente, and the next Blue Line or Red Line trains.
• Move to the right on escalators when you’re waiting for trains to keep the flow quick and avoid crowding those stairs during peak times.
• Carry a compact card or app ticket; you’ll scan it once at entry and again if you transfer between lines at central hubs like Baixa-Chiado or Cais do Sodré.
• Those with luggage will find the airport-to-city route well signposted, with roomy corridors and frequent service. Look for Cais and Portela-related signage if you’re heading toward the riverfront.
• In the central zone, you’ll see references to the nova travel options; Oriente is your gateway to Alfa Pendular and other CP lines, as well as Rede Expressos PT buses for cross-country hops.
• Portugal’s transit culture is practical and helpful; if you’re unsure, ask a staff member or a fellow traveler for guidance–many people in those stations speak English and will point you to the right platform.
• Warning: during rush hours, trains fill quickly. If possible, choose off-peak times to move between Red and Blue lines and to avoid long waits at transfer points.

Schedule snapshot: first and last Red Line trains from the airport and typical headways

Take the first Red Line train from the airport around 06:15 to reach central attractions with minimal waiting; last trains depart around 00:50–01:10. Check the latest timetable before you travel to avoid surprises, especially on weekends or holidays. The red line is a reliable, efficient transportation option used by thousands of people daily, offering a swift route to downtown and major hubs without the burden of road traffic. The ride offers passing views of the river and skyline, a breathtaking start to your day.

• First train from Aeroporto: around 06:15; confirm on the day via the official app or station boards.
• Last train from Aeroporto: around 00:50–01:10; late-night service can shift by a few minutes.
• Typical daytime headways: about 6–9 minutes during peak hours; 9–12 minutes mid-day; 12–15 minutes in the late evening.
• Night service: trains run about every 15–20 minutes after roughly 23:00; check details for holidays or maintenance windows.

Practical tips for reaching your hotel and attractions

Use this guide to plan reaching amoreiras and other attractions. If your accommodation is near amoreiras, a short transfer from the Red Line can save much time and avoid bulky bus routes. For porto experiences in other cities, you can coordinate multi-city days with one transportation plan. The system uses vehicles that are modern and comfortable, and the service is used by tourists as well as locals. Although schedules can shift due to maintenance or events, check the latest details; thus, you can choose the best option for your needs and reach your destinations with confidence. Wherever you stay, this snapshot helps you maximize your days and reach attractions efficiently.

Bus routes from LIS to the train stations: stops, travel times, and boarding points

Recommendation: From portela, board a direct bus to Oriente for fastest access to the railway network into the capital. Buses run every 15–25 minutes; travel time is about 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Use a valid ticket or a low-cost Viva Viagem card; discounts for youth and seniors apply, and a portuguese Viva Viagem card is valid across buses and the metro. This stay option keeps costs down while you navigate the capital with ease.

Stops and destinations: Typical LIS-to-rail routes pass through the airport area portela and then head toward major hubs such as Oriente, Santa Apolónia, or Cais do Sodré (sodré). The line serving the district situated along the riverfront also touches areas near Entrecampos and the Sete Rios district, depending on the case. If you aim for the international trains, Oriente is the best entry. Some services follow a road that runs along the rios river banks, which can give you scenic views while remaining practical for your stay. The front of the terminal features clear signs for the airport-to-city lines, and front desk staff can help with maps and transfers.

Timings and practicality: A typical ride to Oriente takes 25–35 minutes in light traffic; Santa Apolónia is usually 30–45 minutes; Cais do Sodré requires about 40–60 minutes, which is longer in peak hours. If you stay near the markets along the river, you may need 50–70 minutes with transfers. If you travel alone with luggage, consider a taxi for the final leg, though this is a more expensive case. The road route is well developed and mostly flat, thus comfortable for most travelers.

Ticketing, discounts, and boarding points

Ticketing is straightforward: buy at the machine near the stop or use a mobile app; a Viva Viagem card is valid for multiple rides and allows discounts for eligible riders. Look for 1st2nd option signs at kiosks, and verify discounts with your portuguese ID if required. Boarding points are at the airport’s front curb at Terminal 1 (and Terminal 2 where indicated); boards are clearly labeled with the destination and route, and signs point to the bus lanes serving portela and onward routes toward the city’s railway network. For stays in the city, a low-cost option reduces spend while still offering reliable connections to trains, including the international lines through Oriente and central hubs. If you travel alone, the risk is lower with a direct route; however, check the timetable if you are traveling with a group and plan transfers accordingly. This setup provides easy access to attractions along the riverfront and other markets, thus supporting a convenient stay even if you only come for a day case.

Taxis from Lisbon Airport to Santa Apolónia or Oriente: travel time and fare ranges

Take an official taxi from the arrivals area for the fastest, door-to-door option. In light traffic, the ride to Santa Apolónia takes around 15-25 minutes, while the route to Oriente runs around 25-35 minutes; however, duration can extend by 10-15 minutes during peak hours or while passing through busy streets as you approach the center.

Fare ranges reflect the airport surcharge and potential tolls. Typical rides to Santa Apolónia run about €15-25; to Oriente about €20-35. Add the airport surcharge of around €3-4 and possible tolls, and the total can reach roughly €18-40 depending on route and traffic. The meter always shows the real price, so check it at the start to avoid fines. If you use alfa apps, you may see price estimates, but rely on the actual meter for the final fare. For those who want to compare options, official websites publish fare ranges for those destinations, and you can plan your arrival around those figures.

Those arriving for center-focused trips will find the taxi convenient for shopping and culture, and for other destinations you can reach those transfers in a single ride. The center is a natural starting point for those who want quick access to Intercidades and intercity trains at Santa Apolónia or Oriente; the ride to these stations is straightforward, often via the expressway and through east Lisbon neighborhoods, giving a valuable overview of the city as you travel. Over a single ride you can cover those destinations without multiple changes, though this may extend the duration in heavy traffic.

Practical tips for taxi travelers

Departures from the arrivals hall yield the fastest service; official taxis are clearly signposted outside the terminal. Use the queue and check the meter at the start. Card machines exist in many cars but not all; carry cash as a backup. If a card machine is not functioning, you can request another car or pay with cash. Look for the alfa logo and watch for other indicators of reputable service. If you want to compare, you can use websites to estimate prices, but always rely on the meter for the final fare. For onward travel, you can arrange a direct transfer to Intercidades trains and avoid extra transfers or delays. If your plan includes shopping around the center, a taxi remains a convenient choice that saves valuable time and keeps your day flexible.

Ticketing basics: buying and using passes for Metro, Bus, and Taxi to reach the train stations

Start with a Viva Viagem card and load a 24-hour ticket option if you plan several rides between the airport, central areas, and the train stations. This is cheaper for frequent travelling and works across Metro, Bus, and Tram, which helps when you need to hop between Saldanha, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré to catch a train.

Where to buy: at automatic machines in airport and city metro stations, at designated desks in central hubs, or online for pick-up. Machines sell single tickets and top-ups, and desks offer advice to those needing a quick solution. Cash and cards are accepted, and you can pick up a card or ticket in a few minutes, depending on queue length. If you stay several days in Lisbon, consider a days pass to cover multiple rides without touching the cash each time.

Using the card: tap in at metro gates or on bus readers; keep an eye on the balance and the days remaining on the pass. If you are travelling with others, you can each use a card or buy multiple tickets, which keeps doors to transfers open without delays. For those heading to the train stations, local stops like Chiado, Saldanha, or nearby central areas can be reached quickly, helping you choose the fastest route depending on time of day and traffic.

Using taxis: speed, safety, and costs

Taxis offer a fast alternative when you have luggage or time constraints. Official taxis line up at the airport doors and at designated ranks in central areas. Always check the meter or request an upfront quote if available. Warning: fares rise at night and during peak times, so ask for the approximate amount before you leave, especially if you are heading to the train stations such as Oriente or Santa Apolónia. A typical ride to central districts from the airport runs roughly from 12 to 25 euros, depending on traffic and the exact destination, with longer routes to areas like Saldanha or Chiado costing more.

Those travelling as a tour or with little luggage will find taxis convenient when you need to reach the train stations quickly after landing. If you plan to visit multiple cities or stay longer, a combination of metro and taxi can be a valuable strategy: use the metro for the central areas and a taxi for the last leg to the station, taking advantage of fixed stops and direct routes. Always verify the company name and license plate, and sell or rent a car only from reputable firms to avoid overpaying. This idea keeps your travel flexible and avoids unnecessary delays, whether you are coming from the sodré area or heading toward Saldanha and Chiado for your next leg.