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8.2 km • ~11 mins

How to Get from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Santa Apolónia Station

Lisbon Airport (LIS) is 8.2 km northeast of Santa Apolónia Station, on the Tagus riverfront. Journey times range from about 11 minutes by taxi or private transfer to about 35 minutes using the Red and Blue Metro lines.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 8.2 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Door-to-Door
11 mins •On Request
€25–€35 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the Arrivals hall and look for your driver holding a name sign at the Terminal 1 meeting point.
  2. Confirm your name, destination and pre-booked fixed price before leaving the terminal.
  3. The driver assists with luggage and drives directly to Santa Apolónia Station entrance.
  4. Pay by card or cash as agreed at booking and ask for a receipt.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

Fixed Fare
11 mins •Available 24/7
€19–€23 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit baggage claim into Terminal 1 Arrivals hall and use the official taxi rank outside the arrivals exit.
  2. Choose an accredited fixed-fare taxi, ask "fixed fare?" and check the distinctive sign before boarding.
  3. Tell the driver Santa Apolónia Station; the Zone 2 fixed fare is €19 day / €23 night, weekends and holidays.
  4. Settle directly with the driver (cards accepted) or buy a voucher at the Ask Me Lisboa desk before leaving.
  5. The trip takes about 11 minutes, fixed price includes luggage and all supplements.

Metro Red + Blue Line

Cheapest
35 mins •Every few minutes, 06:30–01:00
€2.40 (€0.50 card + €1.90 ticket)
Luggage: Hand luggage manageable; no racks
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. In Terminal 1 Arrivals, follow metro signs to the Aeroporto station (Red line) directly at T1.
  2. Buy a navegante card (€0.50) at the ticket machine/office and load a single ticket (€1.90) or zapping credit, or use a contactless bank card.
  3. Take the Red line (Linha Vermelha) towards São Sebastião and ride to the terminal station.
  4. At São Sebastião, transfer to the Blue line (Linha Azul) towards Santa Apolónia and ride to the final stop.
  5. Exit Santa Apolónia station; the train station entrance is directly there.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts in the Arrivals hall offering taxis; use only the official taxi rank or a pre-booked transfer.
  • Not every airport taxi participates in the fixed-fare scheme; ask "fixed fare?" and check for the accredited sign before departing, otherwise ensure the meter is on.
  • Accredited fixed-fare taxis must accept cards without surcharge and the price includes luggage and all supplements; refuse any extra charge.
  • Buy metro cards only from official machines in Aeroporto station, not from people selling around the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Lisbon Airport to Santa Apolónia Station?

The metro is cheapest: Red line from Aeroporto to São Sebastião, then Blue line to Santa Apolónia. A single ticket costs €1.90 plus the €0.50 navegante card (€2.40 total); with zapping it is about €1.70 per trip.

How long does a taxi take and what does it cost?

A taxi from the official rank takes about 11 minutes. Accredited fixed-fare taxis charge €19 (weekdays 07:00–22:00) or €23 (night, weekends and holidays) to Zone 2, which includes Santa Apolónia, with luggage included.

Is there a direct bus or airport shuttle to Santa Apolónia Station?

No direct airport bus or Aerobus service runs; Aerobus has been discontinued. Carris city buses 744 and 783 leave Terminal 1 but require a connection and are not suitable for large suitcases.

Does the Metro run at night?

The Lisbon Metro runs roughly 06:30–01:00 every day. For late-night arrivals outside those hours, use a fixed-fare taxi or pre-booked private transfer.

Can I pay by card for the metro and taxi?

Yes, metro ticket machines and gates accept contactless bank cards, and accredited fixed-fare taxis must accept card payments with no surcharge. Some ticket machines may also take cash.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or an accredited fixed-fare taxi is best: door-to-door, about 11 minutes, and luggage is included. The metro has no luggage racks and can be crowded at rush hour.

Nearby places

More transfers from Lisbon Airport (LIS)

Lisbon Cruise Terminal · 9.2 km Alfama · 8.1 km Praça do Comércio · 8 km Rossio · 7.4 km Chiado · 9.8 km Bairro Alto · 9.6 km Cais do Sodré · 10.6 km Avenida da Liberdade (Marquês de Pombal) · 10.3 km Sete Rios Bus Station · 7.8 km Parque das Nações · 4.1 km

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