Lisbon Getting Around

Getting from Lisbon airport
Portela Airport is actually located inside the city of Lisbon, making it the ideal destination for a short weekend break. The airport is the main international gateway to Portugal – a major European hub – and is one of the largest in Southern Europe. A new Lisbon International Airport is being built in Ota and will eventually link with the new Portuguese High-Speed Train system.

Metro
The Metro connects the city centre with the upper and eastern districts, and the suburbs. Expansion projects will increase the network by almost one third, connecting the airport, and the northern and western districts. The four lines are described on Metro signage as Blue, Yellow, Green and Red; or Gaivota (Seagull line), Caravela (Caravel line), Girassol (Sunflower line), and Oriente (East line). Services operate from 0600 to 0100. Purchase a Sete Colinas electronic ticket (similar to London’s Oyster card) costing 0.50 Euros which can be charged up using machines that are available at every station. The ticket can also be used on the bus and tram networks.

Trams
The traditional method of public transport in Lisbon is the tram. Introduced in the 19th century, they were originally imported from the USA and called Americanos. The original trams can still be seen in the Museu da Carris (the Public Transport Museum). There are five remaining routes: 12, 15, 18, 25 and 28.

Taxis
Lisbon taxis are generally cheap. All new vehicles are caramel coloured while older vehicles are painted black with a turquoise/green roof; a number are still operating. Fares are calculated on the basis of an initial flat charge (called the ‘bandeirada’ or ‘flag-fall’), which applies for the first 260 metres of the journey. Meters are displayed in all licensed taxis, along with the driver’s identity card and tips are voluntary; 10% is the norm.

Sightseeing buses
Open-top tourist buses have boomed since 2000. Carristur services include the Circuito Tejo which travels via the north of the city and Estrela to Belém, before returning along the coast to Lisbon. Services are also run by CityLine and Cityrama who operate a four-hour Sintra tour in yellow single-decker coaches plus a tour of the former Expo 98 site.

Lisbon City Breaks  Getting Around Lisbon

Things To Do In Lisbon  Lisbon Weather