Lisbon Airport Taxis Switch to Fixed Fares From 15 October 2026: €16 or €19 by Day on Weekdays, €20 or €23 at Night and Weekends
Taxis from Lisbon Airport into the city of Lisbon charge fixed fares from 15 October 2026: according to Portuguese media reports on the agreement, a trip to Zone 1 costs €16 and to Zone 2 €19 on weekdays between 07:00 and 22:00, rising to €20 and €23 at night, at weekends and on public holidays, with supplements and tolls included and no meter running.
The agreement was signed by Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa), the taxi associations ANTRAL and the Portuguese Taxi Federation (Federação Portuguesa do Táxi), the Lisbon Tourism Association (Associação Turismo de Lisboa) and the airport operator ANA. Diário de Notícias reported the signing on 11 September 2026. On 14 October 2026, Observador reported that the fixed fares take effect on 15 October, but that some supporting measures, including number-plate access control and fare display panels in the arrivals hall, are not yet in place; the taxi sector expects full operation in early November.
A taxi is only one way into the city. This guide compares taxis, the Metro, buses and ride-hailing side by side, explains how the fixed fares and Metro tickets work, and then looks at how short-term visitors and people moving to Portugal might choose.
Key Points
- Who should pay attention: travellers arriving in Lisbon for a holiday or business trip and heading into the city from Lisbon Airport for the first time; people moving to Portugal who are flying in to look for a home or have just arrived; anyone arranging an airport pick-up route for family or friends.
- From 15 October 2026, taxis leaving the Lisbon Airport taxi rank charge a fixed fare in two zones, covering up to four passengers with normal luggage. Trips from the city to the airport are still metered.
- The Metro Red Line starts at Aeroporto station inside the airport. A single ticket costs €1.90, plus €0.50 for a navegante card, and the Metro runs from 06:30 to 01:00 every day.
- The fixed fares are new and the scheme is still being completed: reported prices for destinations outside Lisbon differ between sources, so confirm the fare and your destination’s zone before you get in.
Lisbon Airport to the City: Four Options Compared
The taxi column is based on Portuguese media reports of the agreement; Metro and bus fares follow the official Lisbon Metro fare table effective from 1 January 2026; bus routes follow Carris’s official route pages; and the ride-hailing column follows Lisbon Airport’s official guidance:
| Option | Cost | Where to board | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (fixed fare) | €16–€23 to the two city zones; €20–€28 for vehicles carrying more than four passengers | Taxi rank outside arrivals | Lots of luggage, groups, late arrivals |
| Metro Red Line | €1.90 single + €0.50 navegante card | Aeroporto station at the airport | Light luggage, destination near a Metro station |
| Carris bus | Same €1.90 single ticket as the Metro | Airport bus stops | Destinations on a bus route |
| Ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt) | Quoted in the app | Pick-up area on P2, Level 2 (arrivals level) | App users who want a price upfront |
Under Portuguese rules, ride-hailing is known as TVDE (Transporte em Veículo Descaracterizado a partir de plataforma Eletrónica, transport in unmarked vehicles booked through an electronic platform). Lisbon Airport advises booking taxis and ride-hailing only at the official points or through an app, and never accepting offers from people approaching you inside the terminal.
Lisbon Airport Taxi Fixed Fares: Zones, Times and Larger Vehicles
Which parishes are in Zone 1 and Zone 2
The fixed fare depends on the parish (freguesia) of your destination. The zone lists below follow RTP and Observador, which agree:
| Zone | Parishes included |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Alvalade, Areeiro, Avenidas Novas, Beato, Lumiar, Marvila, Olivais, Parque das Nações, Penha de França, Santa Clara |
| Zone 2 | Ajuda, Alcântara, Arroios, Belém, Benfica, Campolide, Campo de Ourique, Carnide, Estrela, Misericórdia, Santa Maria Maior, Santo António, São Domingos de Benfica, São Vicente |
Zone 1 broadly covers the northern and eastern districts closer to the airport. The historic centre parishes of Santa Maria Maior and Misericórdia, and Belém to the west, are in Zone 2.
Fares by time and vehicle
Fares below follow RTP’s report of the agreement, in euros:
| Time | Standard taxi Zone 1 | Standard taxi Zone 2 | Vehicle carrying 5+ passengers Zone 1 | Vehicle carrying 5+ passengers Zone 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 07:00–22:00 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 23 |
| Night 22:00–07:00, weekends, public holidays | 20 | 23 | 24 | 28 |
The standard fare covers up to four passengers and the luggage that normally fits in the car. The larger-vehicle fares apply only when more than four passengers are actually carried. According to Carlos Silva, president of the Portuguese Taxi Federation, speaking to the Lusa news agency, the fixed fare includes all supplements and tolls, and drivers may not add anything on top.
Vouchers, payment and direction
- Voucher or pay the driver: you can buy a fixed-fare voucher at the Lisbon Tourism desk in the arrivals hall (the Ask Me Lisboa tourist office) and hand it to the driver, or pay a participating taxi directly.
- Electronic payment: participating taxis must accept electronic payment, including bank cards and MB Way (a widely used Portuguese mobile payment app), and may not charge more depending on how you pay.
- Only from the airport: the fixed fare applies only to trips starting at the airport taxi rank. Trips from the city to the airport follow the normal metered rules.
- Destinations outside Lisbon: the agreement also covers some destinations outside the city, but reported figures differ. For Oeiras, Diário de Notícias reported €36.80 while other reports give €36.95, and Observador reported that trips towards Loures are still metered. If you are heading outside Lisbon, confirm the price at the desk or with the driver before setting off.
Why fixed fares were introduced
Diário de Notícias reported that Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, said the aim is to end problems of insecurity and scams at the airport. Observador reported that in August 2026 the Public Security Police (PSP) inspected about 100 taxis at the airport and found 67 infractions. The agreement also includes an accreditation system for the airport taxi rank and dress and vehicle standards for drivers; Observador reported that in the first phase all taxis working the airport rank must charge the fixed fares, including those not yet accredited.
Taking the Metro From Lisbon Airport: Red Line, Tickets and Hours
How to ride the Red Line
The Metro Red Line (Linha Vermelha) starts at Aeroporto station at the airport and ends at São Sebastião. You can change to the Yellow Line at Saldanha and the Blue Line at São Sebastião, and Oriente station connects with national trains. According to the Lisbon Metro, trains run every day from 06:30 to 01:00, including weekends and public holidays.
Fares and cards
All fares below come from the official Lisbon Metro fare table effective from 1 January 2026:
| Ticket | Price (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| navegante occasional card | 0.50 | Reloadable card, paid once on first purchase |
| Carris/Metro single ticket | 1.90 | One journey within 1 hour of first validation, valid on Metro and Carris buses; not valid for consecutive Metro rides |
| 24-hour ticket (Carris/Metro) | 7.25 | Unlimited travel for 24 hours after first validation |
| Zapping stored value (per Metro journey) | 1.72 | Top up €3, €5, €10 and so on up to €40 |
| Bank card tap (per Metro journey) | 1.92 | Tap the same card on entry and exit |
The official fare table reminds passengers to take out the card they want to use and tap the same card at entry and exit, rather than tapping a whole wallet.
Taking a Carris Bus or Ride-Hailing From Lisbon Airport
Carris bus routes
According to Carris’s official route pages, these buses stop at the airport: route 744 (Restauradores–Moscavide, via Marquês de Pombal), route 783 (Amoreiras–Prior Velho, via Marquês de Pombal), route 705 (Estação Oriente–Estação Roma-Areeiro) and route 208 (Cais do Sodré–Estação Oriente). Buses use the same €1.90 single ticket as the Metro. Frequencies and timetables vary by season, so check the Carris website or app before travelling. Buses are shared with everyday commuters, which makes large suitcases less convenient.
Uber, Bolt and other ride-hailing
According to Lisbon Airport, the ride-hailing pick-up area is on Level 2 of the P2 car park, the arrivals level, while drop-offs for departures use the Drop Off car parks near the departures area. Fares are quoted in the app; there is no official fixed fare, so this guide does not list figures. Follow the signs at the airport for the exact pick-up point.
Short-Term Visitors and New Residents: Choosing How to Leave Lisbon Airport
Short-term visitors: think about luggage and arrival time
If you have light luggage, arrive in the daytime and are staying near a Metro station, the Metro is the cheapest option at €2.40 per person for a single ticket plus the card. If you have large suitcases, are travelling as two or three people, or land after the Metro closes at 01:00, a fixed-fare taxi lets you know the price before you get in, and splitting it narrows the gap with everyone taking the Metro.
People moving to Portugal or house-hunting: get a card, then consider a monthly pass
If you are spending a few weeks in Lisbon looking for a home, you will probably move between parishes. For single taxi trips from the airport to a viewing, check whether the parish is in Zone 1 or Zone 2. Once you settle and use public transport daily, the 2026 Lisbon Metro fare table lists a personalised navegante card for €7 (available at Aeroporto station), which can be loaded with a monthly pass: navegante municipal, valid within a single municipality (Lisboa, Amadora or Odivelas), costs €30 a month, and navegante metropolitano, covering the wider Lisbon metropolitan area, costs €40.
Common Misconceptions About Lisbon Airport Taxis
- Misconception: taxis from the city to the airport are also fixed-fare. The fixed fare applies only to trips starting at the airport taxi rank. Tip: the return trip is metered, so budget for it.
- Misconception: you must buy a voucher to get the fixed fare. Vouchers are sold at the arrivals desk, but you can also pay a participating taxi directly. Tip: confirm your destination and the price before you set off.
- Misconception: drivers can charge extra for luggage or late at night. The fixed fare includes supplements and tolls and covers up to four passengers with normal luggage; time differences are already reflected in the night and weekend fares. Tip: only larger vehicles carrying more than four passengers have higher fares.
- Misconception: you can only pay in cash. Participating taxis must accept bank cards and MB Way and may not charge more depending on payment method. Tip: if a driver refuses electronic payment, report it at the desk.
- Misconception: everything is already fully in place. Observador reported on 14 October 2026 that access control and fare panels are expected to be fully operational in early November. Tip: in the early weeks, follow the guidance given on site.
Lisbon Airport to the City: Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Two travellers landing at 11pm and staying in the Baixa. The Metro is still running, but each has a large suitcase and changing lines with stairs is awkward. The Baixa is in the parish of Santa Maria Maior, in Zone 2, so the night fixed fare is €23, shared between them. Make sure the car comes from the official taxi rank, and do not follow anyone offering rides inside the terminal.
Scenario 2: A business traveller with only cabin luggage staying in Parque das Nações. Parque das Nações is in Zone 1, so a weekday daytime taxi costs €16; the Metro Red Line to the Oriente area costs €1.90 plus €0.50 for the card. With time to spare, the Metro works well; when rushing to a meeting, a taxi may be easier.
Scenario 3: A couple moving to Portugal, spending two weeks in Lisbon house-hunting. They take the Metro into the city on arrival and ask about navegante cards at Aeroporto station. While viewing homes across different parishes, a 24-hour ticket can be useful; once they choose where to live, they can pick a navegante municipal or metropolitano monthly pass depending on their commute. On days they take a taxi from the airport straight to a viewing, they can check which zone the parish is in.
Lisbon Airport to the City: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?
From 15 October 2026, trips from the airport taxi rank cost €16 to Zone 1 and €19 to Zone 2 on weekdays between 07:00 and 22:00, and €20 and €23 at night (22:00–07:00), at weekends and on public holidays. The fare covers up to four passengers with normal luggage, including supplements and tolls. Larger vehicles carrying more than four passengers cost €20 to €28.
How do I pay the Lisbon Airport taxi fixed fare?
You can buy a fixed-fare voucher at the Lisbon Tourism desk in the arrivals hall (the Ask Me Lisboa tourist office) and hand it to the driver, or pay the driver directly. Participating taxis must accept electronic payment such as bank cards and MB Way and cannot charge more depending on how you pay.
Is a taxi from Lisbon city to the airport also a fixed fare?
No. The fixed fare applies only to trips starting at the airport taxi rank. Trips from the city to the airport are metered under the normal rules, so the cost depends on distance, time and traffic. You can budget for it in advance or take the Metro Red Line to Aeroporto station.
How do I buy a Metro ticket at Lisbon Airport?
At the ticket machines in Aeroporto station, buy a navegante occasional card for €0.50 and load a single ticket (€1.90, valid on the Metro and Carris buses), a 24-hour ticket (€7.25) or Zapping credit. You can also tap a bank card at the gates for €1.92 per Metro journey, using the same card on entry and exit.
Is the Metro still running if I land late at night?
According to the Lisbon Metro, trains run until 01:00 every day, including weekends and public holidays, and if you enter before 01:00 you can still reach any station on the same line. For later arrivals, take a fixed-fare taxi (€20 to Zone 1 or €23 to Zone 2 at night) or book a ride-hailing car in an app.
Where do I get an Uber or Bolt at Lisbon Airport?
According to Lisbon Airport, the ride-hailing pick-up area is on Level 2 of the P2 car park, the arrivals level. Fares are quoted in the app; there is no official fixed fare. The airport advises booking taxis and ride-hailing only at the official points or through an app, and not accepting offers from people inside the terminal.
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Important Disclaimer
This article is general information and does not constitute legal or financial advice, nor does it represent the position of any government body, airport or transport operator. The taxi fixed-fare details are based on Portuguese media reports on the agreement published in September and October 2026, as the agreement text was not publicly available; Metro and bus information is based on the official 2026 Lisbon Metro fare table and Carris route pages. Supporting measures for the fixed fares are still being introduced and reported fares for destinations outside Lisbon vary, so please follow signs at the airport and the latest notices from Lisbon City Council and each transport operator.
Information is current as of 15 October 2026; please check the latest official notices from Lisbon City Council, Lisbon Airport and the Lisbon Metro.
References
Diário de Notícias – Tarifa fixa no aeroporto de Lisboa. Apanhar um táxi vai custar pelo menos 16 euros (11 September 2026) / RTP – Táxis no aeroporto de Lisboa vão passar a ter taxa fixa a partir de outubro / Observador – Preço fixo dos táxis no aeroporto de Lisboa em vigor na quinta-feira, ainda sem todas as medidas (14 October 2026) / Metropolitano de Lisboa – Fares (effective from January 1st 2026) / Metropolitano de Lisboa – Timetables / Metropolitano de Lisboa – Nine Years of the Alameda–S. Sebastião Section / Carris – Route 744 / Carris – Route 783 / Lisbon Airport – Public Transport / Turismo de Lisboa – Useful Information
