Lisbon is one of Europe’s best-served capitals. Whether you’re coming from France, the UK, Germany or other parts of Portugal, there are several options for getting to the city.
Here we present you with all the practical solutions for organizing your arrival, depending on your point of departure and your preferences.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Lisbon
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- By plane: Humberto Delgado International Airport (LIS) is located ~7km from downtown – Compare available flights
- By car: from the A1 or A2 freeways; by rental car from the airport – Compare car rentals
- By train: from Porto (~3h), Coimbra (~1h45), Faro (~2h45) – See Comboios de Portugal timetable
- By bus from Europe: connections from Spain, France and other European cities – See FlixBus timetables
- Airport transfer: private shuttle or cab – See available transfers
You’ll also find our complete guide to what to do in Lisbon to help you plan your stay once you’re here.
WHERE TO STAY IN lisbon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The Baixa neighborhood in the heart of Lisbon –
Hotel da Baixa – See prices, photos and availability
Dare Lisbon House Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
The Alfama neighborhood, the oldest and most charming –
Hotel Poussada Alfama – See prices, photos and availability
The Chiado neighborhood, the most elegant—
Art Legacy Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Where to find Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, located on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, at the mouth of the Tagus River. The city’s geographical position is particularly advantageous: just a 2h30 flight from Paris, Madrid or London, it remains one of Europe’s most accessible capitals.
Within Portugal, Lisbon lies in the central-western part of the country. Here are the main distances from Portuguese cities:
- Porto → Lisbon: ~315km, approx. 3h drive or 2h45 by train
- Coimbra → Lisbon: ~200km, approx. 2h drive or 1h45 by train
- Faro (Algarve) → Lisbon: ~280km, about 2h45 by road or 2h45 by train
- Sintra → Lisbon: ~30km, approx. 40min drive
- Cascais → Lisbon: ~35km, approx. 40min drive
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
By plane: Humberto Delgado International Airport (LIS)
Lisbon International Airport is named after Humberto Delgado, a major figure in 20th-century opposition to the Salazar regime in Portugal. It is the country’s largest airport and one of the busiest on the Iberian Peninsula. Located just 7km from the city center, it offers direct connections from most major European cities, as well as from North America, Brazil and Africa.
Unlike other Mediterranean destinations, Lisbon has regular flights all year round, not just in the high season. In our opinion, this is one of the assets of the Portuguese capital for travelers wishing to visit outside the tourist season.
Main flight connections to LIS
- From France: Paris (CDG and Orly), Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Marseille, Toulouse (TAP Air Portugal, Air France, easyJet, Transavia, Vueling)
- From Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich (Swiss, easyJet, TAP Air Portugal)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Zaventem and Brussels-Charleroi (Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal)
- From Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf (Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, Eurowings)
- From the UK: London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted), Manchester, Bristol (TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways)
- From the Netherlands: Amsterdam (KLM, TAP Air Portugal)
- From the USA: New York, Boston, Newark (TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines, Delta)
Compare available flights to Lisbon.
Options for getting to the city center from the airport
The airport is 7km from the center. There are several ways to reach Lisbon, depending on your budget and the number of passengers.
By rental car
The main rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar, as well as local rental companies) have counters in the arrivals hall. We advise you to book in advance, especially in July and August, as rates rise rapidly and available vehicles are scarce. The journey to the city center takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Compare car rentals in Lisbon.
Good to know: Lisbon is a steep city, with a historic center that is often crowded. We recommend that you park as soon as you arrive at the hotel and then use public transport or walk to visit the city. The Lisboa Card gives you free access to all public transport, as well as to many museums.
By private transfer or shuttle
For added convenience on arrival, you can book a private transfer in advance. A driver will meet you at the terminal exit and take you directly to your accommodation. We like this option for families or groups, because the cost is divided between the passengers and you don’t have to worry about logistics after a long flight.
See available transfers from Lisbon Airport.
By metro
The metro’s red line links the airport directly to the city center. This is the most economical solution, and often the fastest at peak times. The station is located inside the arrivals terminal. We recommend you take the Lisboa Card, which includes public transport as well as numerous museums and cultural venues.
- Time: ~25-35min to Baixa-Chiado station
- Cost: approx. €1.65 (when purchasing a Viva Viagem rechargeable card)
- Frequency: every 5 to 10 minutes during the day
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By cab or VTC
Cabs waiting outside the arrivals terminal. The tariff is metered. A surcharge applies at night and on public holidays. Fares aren’t very high in Lisbon, but they do take cash for the most part. Bring some change. You can also use the Uber or Bolt apps, available in Lisbon.
- Duration: ~20-30min depending on traffic
- Cost: approx. €15-25 to the center
By train with Comboios de Portugal
The train is an excellent way to reach Lisbon from other cities in Portugal. The national airline Comboios de Portugal (CP) operates regular services from Porto, Coimbra and Faro. Trains are comfortable, punctual and often offer good value for money, especially if booked in advance.
Lisbon has several stations, depending on where you are coming from. Oriente Station, in the modern Nations district, is home to the majority of long-distance trains. The more central Santa Apolónia station is also served by numerous connections. The Rossio station, in the heart of the city, mainly serves Sintra.
Main rail links to Lisbon
- Porto → Lisbon: ~315km – approx. 2h45 to 3h by Alfa Pendular (fast train) – frequent departures throughout the day
- Coimbra → Lisbon: ~200km – approx. 1h45 by Alfa Pendular
- Faro (Algarve) → Lisbon: ~280km – approx. 2h45 to 3h depending on service
We recommend that you book your tickets in advance on the Comboios de Portugal website, especially for Alfa Pendular trains in high season, as they often sell out.
See timetables and book your train.
By bus from other European countries
For travelers who prefer an economical option from Spain, France or other European cities, the long-distance bus is an alternative to consider. FlixBus serves Lisbon from several major European cities, including Madrid, Sevilla, Paris and Porto. Journeys are longer than by plane or train, but fares remain affordable.
FlixBus buses usually arrive at Sete Rios Bus Station or Oriente Station, both of which are well served by the city’s public transport network. We find this option particularly interesting for an overnight journey from Spain, as it saves on one night’s accommodation.
- Sevilla → Lisbon: ~440km – approx. 5 to 6 hours travel time
- Porto → Lisbon: ~315km – approx. 3h30 travel time
See FlixBus timetables and fares to Lisbon.
FUN around Lisbon: activities
Lisbon by E-Bike
Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon
Dolphin watching
Kayaking in Arrabida
Surfing in Cascais
By car from Portugal or Spain
A car is a practical option if you want to explore Portugal at your own pace before or after Lisbon. Portugal’s motorway network is well-developed and in good condition. From Porto or the Algarve, take the A1 or A2 freeway, which leads directly to the capital.
From Spain, the most common route is via Sevilla (A6/IP7) or Badajoz (A6). We like this option for the freedom it offers, especially for stopping off in villages and landscapes you won’t see from a train or plane.
- Porto → Lisbon: ~315km – approx. 3h on the A1
- Faro (Algarve) → Lisbon: ~280km – approx. 2h45 on the A2 motorway
- Sevilla → Lisbon: ~440km – approx. 4h
Good to know: parking in Lisbon can be tricky in the historic center. We recommend that you park at your hotel on arrival and then use public transport to get around town.
Compare rental cars in Portugal.
Excursions from other towns in Portugal
If you’re already staying in another Portuguese city, Lisbon can be visited on a day trip from Coimbra, Sintra and Cascais. From Porto and the Algarve, the distance is longer and we recommend you plan at least one night’s stay to enjoy the capital to the full.
From Sintra and Cascais
From Sintra and Cascais, Lisbon is only 30 to 40 minutes by train. These two destinations are often visited on excursions from the capital.
DISCOVER Lisbon
From Porto
Porto and Lisbon are linked by frequent trains throughout the day. In 2h45 to 3h, you’ll arrive right in the center of Lisbon. We find this route one of the most pleasant in the country: comfortable, fast and without the constraints of driving. Note, however, that one day is not enough to discover Lisbon in its entirety, so an overnight stay is ideal.
From the Algarve (Faro)
From Faro, allow around 2h45 by train or car. A day trip is feasible, but we recommend spending at least two days to visit Lisbon with peace of mind, without having to run between sites.
See excursions from the Algarve to Lisbon.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
And once in Lisbon…
Once you’ve arrived in Lisbon, there’s a lot to discover! We have selected for you the best activities and addresses in the Portuguese capital.
- The Belem Tower, symbol of the age of great discoveries
- The Hieronymites Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Alfama district, with its typical alleyways and fado concerts
- Chiado and Bairro Alto for museums, cafés and nightlife
- Miradouros (belvederes) for panoramic views of the city and Tagus River
See our complete guide: what to do in Lisbon.
See our favorite hotels and neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Portugal
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- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Portugal
Driving tips
How many days
