November 10, 2025, afternoon. We finally escaped the gloomy skies of London and touched down in Lisbon.
Outside the window, the sky was a piercing southern European blue, bathed in dazzling sunlight. While I was still savoring the lingering memory of the British Airways flight—especially the surprisingly good meal and views (read the full flight review here)—my mind as a traveler had already switched to the next mission.
That mission: “How to move from Lisbon Airport to the city center smoothly and safely.”
In my hand was a suitcase with a handle that had snapped back in London. Seeing it circulate on the baggage claim belt, still holding together, I let out a sigh of relief. It survived. Thank goodness.
However, the real battle begins here. Lisbon is known as the “City of Seven Hills.” It is paved with “calçada” (cobblestones)—beautiful to look at, but brutal for luggage. We had two suitcases, one of which was already wounded. Choosing the metro in this situation would be like starting a boot camp immediately upon arrival.
On the other hand, jumping into one of the taxis lined up outside the arrivals hall made me hesitate. Based on past experiences and countless testimonies from other travelers, airport taxis in Lisbon unfortunately have a high risk of charging “tourist prices.” Meters that aren’t turned on, unnecessary detours, mysterious surcharges… I didn’t want to stain the beginning of my trip with unpleasant negotiations.
The conclusion was simple. Uber was the only choice.
The fare is fixed in advance, the accounting is clear, and it overcomes language barriers like a modern magic carpet. However, the Uber pickup point at Lisbon Airport is a bit of a trap for first-timers. It is located in a somewhat counter-intuitive spot. If you vaguely follow the flow of people after exiting arrivals, you will end up in the wrong place.
In this article, I will guide you through the exact route to the Uber pickup point at Lisbon Airport using photos I took myself. I want to convey not just the information, but the experience, in true Photomo style. Read this, and you will be able to head out into the streets of Lisbon via the shortest route without getting lost.
Arrival Hall: The First Fork in the Road
After collecting your checked baggage and passing through customs, you will emerge into the Arrivals Hall. Here, many people instinctively head towards the exit straight ahead or to the right, where the taxi signs are. However, trust CityNomix on this.
Upon exiting Arrivals, turn immediately to the LEFT.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, look to your left, and you should see the green logo of Starbucks Coffee. That is your first landmark. Then, look up slightly.
Pay attention to the sign above Starbucks. You will see the logos for ride-sharing apps like “Uber” and “Bolt” displayed quietly but clearly. This is the entrance to the sanctuary we are aiming for.
This area has a unique sense of openness. High ceilings, white steel beams, and travelers from all over the world crossing paths. If you look up, you can see the second floor.
That is likely the departures level. Check-in counters for airlines like British Airways are probably lined up there. Observing the layered structure of the airport where arrivals and departures, meetings and farewells intersect, we simply trust the “Uber” sign and proceed.
By the way, the word “LISBOA” dances on the glass walls in this hallway, heightening the realization that you have truly arrived. The signs for Uber and Bolt are helpful up to this point.
However, this is where it gets a little tricky. As you proceed through the building, the path seems to lead outside, but you are not quite “outside” yet.
Aiming for the Fated “P2 Parking”
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are not allowed to enter the general taxi stand (right in front of the arrivals lobby). The designated pickup location is the “P2 Parking (Parque 2)” area.
Following the signs, you will see a somewhat bleak exit. It is marked by a yellow pillar that says “piso level 2”.
Passing through these automatic doors, you enter a connecting passage leading to the parking lot. First-time visitors might feel anxious, wondering, “Is this really the right way?” It is a pragmatic space smelling of concrete and exhaust fumes, far removed from the glamorous duty-free area.
Nevertheless, do not fear. Just follow the path. It feels like heading up a slope and deeper into a parking garage.
The view immediately after exiting looking something like this:
Behind the pillar in the foreground is a covered, dimly lit area. That is the “P2 Parking,” the Uber pickup point. You will likely see many people looking at their smartphones, scanning for cars. That is the goal.
Tips for Booking Your Uber
Once you arrive at the P2 Parking, open the app and request a ride. Here is some advice from CityNomix.
1. Confirm the Pin Location
When you select “Lisbon Airport” in the app, it should automatically suggest “P2 Car Park” or similar as the pickup point. Make sure the pin on the map matches your actual location.
2. Use Pillar Numbers
The parking lot is large and crowded with similar-looking cars. The stopping positions often have numbers or letters. When it is busy, send a message to your driver saying something like “I am near pillar B4.” This drastically increases the probability of a smooth meeting.
3. Coordination with the Driver
My driver this time was extremely kind and experienced. As soon as he arrived, he called me. When I told him my location number, he parked the car and actually walked over to find me. “If I drive too far in, it’s hard to get out,” he laughed. As he loaded my suitcases into the trunk and I stepped into the car, I felt the tension of the journey melting away.
From here, I will explain other transport options from Lisbon Airport based on frequently searched keywords. For those who want to compare options fairly, I have organized the information below.
Lisbon Airport to City Center Train
Lisbon Airport is directly connected to the Metro’s Red Line (Linha Vermelha) at the “Aeroporto” station. The biggest advantage is cost performance. You can travel for about 1.80 Euros one way (plus the cost of the Viva Viagem card).
However, I want to emphasize this: “If you have heavy luggage, avoid it.” Many stations in Lisbon’s metro lack elevators or escalators. If you need to transfer, you may be forced to carry bags up and down stairs. Furthermore, if the walk from the station to your hotel involves cobblestone slopes, the journey becomes a punishment.
I recommend this for backpackers or light travelers, but those with suitcases should reconsider.
Lisbon Airport to City Center Uber
This is the method we chose. The benefits are overwhelming.
・Transparency: The price is fixed in advance, so no scams.
・Comfort: Door-to-door service directly to your hotel.
・No Language Barrier: The destination is set in the app, so no conversation is needed.
The fare from the airport to the city center (Rossio or Baixa) is usually around 15 to 25 Euros, depending on traffic. The travel time is 20 to 30 minutes. If traveling with two or more people, it can be as cheap as, or even cheaper than, the airport bus. Our trip took less than 20 minutes to the hotel. Thanks to the “god-tier” driver, we got off to the best possible start.
Lisbon Airport to City Center Travel Time
Let’s summarize the travel times.
Uber / Taxi: Approx. 20–30 minutes (without heavy traffic). During morning/evening rush hours, add 15–20 minutes.
Metro: Approx. 30–40 minutes. Including transfer times, it often takes longer than expected.
Aerobus: Approx. 40–50 minutes. It stops at major hotels, so it tends to be slower (Note: Operations are currently unstable, so check the latest status).
They say “time is money,” but for a tired body just after arrival, the speed of getting to the hotel in 20 minutes via Uber is invaluable.
Lisbon Airport to City Center Lisboa Card
The “Lisboa Card” is a must-have for Lisbon sightseeing. It offers unlimited travel on city transport and free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions.
You can purchase or exchange it at the tourist information office in the Arrivals Hall. You can start using it for the metro or bus immediately. If you plan to take the metro to the city, getting the card here is a smart choice.
However, the Lisboa Card cannot be used for Uber or taxis. A rational plan to save energy is to take an Uber directly to the hotel on the arrival day and start using the Lisboa Card from the next day.
Lisbon City Center to Airport Early Morning
If your return flight is early in the morning, transportation is a serious worry.
The metro starts running around 6:30 AM. If your flight is earlier than that, public transport is not reliable. There are night buses (like the 208), but considering safety and infrequent schedules, the hurdle is high for travelers.
Again, Uber is your strongest ally here. Uber tends to be readily available in Lisbon even early in the morning. If you are anxious, use the “Reserve” feature in the app to book a ride in advance. Driving through the silent cobblestone streets at dawn is surprisingly atmospheric.
Lisbon Airport to Rossio Station
Rossio Station is the heart of Lisbon. Many travelers book hotels in this area.
To get there by metro, the standard route is to take the Red Line to “Alameda,” transfer to the Green Line (Linha Verde), and get off at “Rossio.”
It sounds simple, but the transfer at Alameda involves a fair bit of walking. And the area around Rossio Station is a treasure trove of cobblestones. If you are heading to the Rossio area, Uber, which pulls up right to your hotel entrance, is the winner.
Lisbon Airport Hotels
If you arrive late at night and dread the trip to the city, or if your next flight is extremely early, staying near the airport is a valid option.
・Star Inn Lisbon Airport: Walking distance from the terminal, modern and comfortable.
・Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto: A high-end hotel right next to the airport.
With these hotels, you don’t even need an Uber. You can walk to check-in and immediately heal your travel fatigue.
Lisbon City Center to Airport Bus
Previously, the convenient “Aerobus” ran frequently. Since the pandemic, however, operations have been reduced or altered. If it is running, it is convenient with luggage racks, but be aware of potential long wait times due to reduced frequency.
City buses (Carris) like the 744 or 783 also go to the airport. However, these are for locals. Boarding with a huge suitcase during rush hour can be a nuisance to others. Furthermore, there may be restrictions on large luggage. The bus is an option for advanced travelers with light luggage and plenty of time.
Conclusion: Make Smart Choices for the Best Lisbon Experience
Lisbon is an incredibly stimulating city where light and shadow, old streetscapes, and new culture mix. Not stumbling on the very first step—the transfer from the airport—will greatly influence the quality of your stay.
Exit Arrivals, turn left. Look above Starbucks, and head to P2 Parking. Remember this route, and your Lisbon trip is practically guaranteed to start well.
As you watch the sparkle of the Tagus River and the Azulejo-tiled buildings flow by from the window of your Uber, I hope you savor the moment and think, “I’m so glad I came.”
Have a wonderful trip. Boa viagem!
