Lisbon Humberto Delgado — Metro Red Line
Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) to Lisbon — Updated 2026
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) connects to the city via the **Metro Red Line** — €1.85 single fare (one of the cheapest airport metros in Europe), 20 minutes to Saldanha (central Lisbon connecting to Yellow Line) and Oriente station (Parque das Nações, AVE high-speed rail to Porto). The line opened in 2012 with the airport extension. Compared to other European capitals (Madrid €5+, Barcelona €5.50, Rome €14), Lisbon airport metro is exceptional value. For arrivals to a Bairro Alto / Chiado / Baixa hotel, take Red Line + transfer at Saldanha to Yellow Line southbound — total €1.85 + ~30 min.
Metro Red Line stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroporto | 0 min | Red Line terminus, basement of arrivals |
| Encarnação | ~3 min | Residential |
| Moscavide | ~5 min | Parque das Nações fringe |
| Oriente | 8 min | Parque das Nações + Vasco da Gama Bridge views + AVE rail to Porto |
| Cabo Ruivo | ~11 min | Residential |
| Olivais | ~13 min | Residential |
| Chelas | ~16 min | Residential |
| Bela Vista | ~18 min | Residential |
| Olaias | +1 min | Residential |
| Alameda | ~20 min | Transfer to Green Line (Baixa, Chiado) |
| Saldanha | +2 min | Transfer to Yellow Line (Avenida, Marquês de Pombal) |
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Metro Red Line vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Red Line | €1.85 | 20 min | Cheapest. Direct to Saldanha + Oriente. |
| Lisbon Card | €21/24h | Free metro | 24h pass covers metro + buses + trams. Worth it for 2+ day stays. |
| AeroBus 91 | €4.00 | 30–40 min | Direct to Cais do Sodré + Marquês de Pombal. 24/7. |
| Local bus 705 / 708 | €2.00 | 40–60 min | Local routes. Cheaper but slower. |
| Taxi (city) | €15–25 | 15–25 min | Door to door. Honest fares with meter. |
| Uber / Bolt | €10–18 | 15–25 min | App-based. Often cheaper than taxi. |
FAQ
How is Lisbon airport metro so cheap?+
Lisbon Metro doesn't apply an airport surcharge — the standard Zone 1 fare of €1.85 covers airport-to-city journeys. This is unique among European capitals (Madrid €4-9, Barcelona €5+, Rome €14, Athens €9). Lisbon's metro pricing reflects Portugal's lower-cost transport policy and the metro's public-good positioning. Combined with the convenience of integrated airport access, it's genuinely the best value airport metro in Europe.
Should I get a Lisbon Card?+
For 2+ day Lisbon stays: yes. The Lisbon Card (€21/24h, €35/48h, €44/72h) includes unlimited metro + bus + tram (including the iconic Tram 28) + free entry to 30+ museums + airport metro round-trip included. Pays for itself with 2 museum visits + airport access.
AeroBus 91 or Metro?+
Metro at €1.85 wins for value. AeroBus 91 at €4.00 is double the cost but offers: direct stops at Cais do Sodré + Avenida da Liberdade + Marquês de Pombal (saving you a metro transfer) + luggage racks + 24/7 service (metro closes 01:00). For late-night arrivals or hotels at Cais do Sodré, AeroBus is worth the €2.15 premium.
Connection from Lisbon airport to Cascais / Sintra?+
Take Metro Red Line to Oriente, then Comboios de Portugal train to Cascais (45 min, €4.55) or Sintra (45 min, €4.55). Sintra trains also depart from Rossio station — take Metro Red Line to Alameda, transfer to Green Line, to Rossio. For one-day day trips, this is the standard route.
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