How to get to Lisbon

Picturesque Lisbon is the heart of Portugal, situated on the hilly coast of the Atlantic Ocean, where history intertwines with a modern rhythm of life. This sunny metropolis attracts travelers with its unique atmosphere, and the question of how to get to Lisbon is easily solved thanks to its developed transport infrastructure. You can reach the city in various ways: by flying in, taking a train or bus from neighboring regions, or embarking on a journey by car.

The fastest and most popular way to reach the capital is by air. The city is served by the international Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), which receives flights from all over the world and handles a high volume of passengers. The airport is conveniently located within the city limits, allowing for a quick transfer to the center.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into nearby cities if it suits your itinerary better. For example, flights are received by airports in the city of Cascais (23 km from the capital) or in Leiria (118 km), from where you can continue your journey by ground transport.

Although rail connections within the city itself have their own specificities, you can reach the region by train via neighboring transport hubs. Travelers often plan their route through scenic Cascais, located just 23 km from the capital.

Another convenient transfer point can be the city of Leiria, situated 118 km away. For those traveling from the south of the country, a trip via Portimão is an option, although it is located significantly further away.

Bus services allow you to comfortably reach the capital from different corners of the country. The popular route from the city of Cascais (a distance of about 45 km) will take you approximately 2.3 hours. If you are traveling from Leiria, be prepared for a journey of 150 km, which will last about 2.7 hours.

For tourists departing from the southern region, for example, from Portimão, the road will be longer: the bus covers the distance of 291 km in roughly 4.2 hours. This is an excellent opportunity to view the changing landscapes of Portugal from your window.

Traveling by car offers the freedom to choose your route and timing. The shortest path awaits those driving from the city of Cascais: the distance of 27 km can be covered in just 0.5 hours. A journey from Leiria (147 km) will take about 1.6 hours with clear roads.

If you are planning a trip from the distant Portimão, expect to spend approximately 2.7 hours on the road, covering a distance of 281 km. A taxi or car rental on these routes is a convenient, albeit more costly option compared to public transport.

To ensure your stay in Lisbon is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, we recommend paying attention to several important nuances.

1. Clothing and Footwear: The city is known for its hills and cobblestones, so comfortable flat shoes are a mandatory requirement. It is also worth bringing a light jacket or windbreaker, as evenings by the ocean can be cool.
2. Transport: The famous yellow trams and the metro are ideal for moving around the center. For fare payment, it is cost-effective to purchase a reloadable transport card (for example, Viva Viagem).
3. Finances: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is always better to have some cash with you for payments in small cafes or souvenir shops.
4. Health and Safety: Tap water is safe to drink, though many prefer bottled water. Pharmacies (Farmácia) are easily found by the green cross. Lisbon is a safe city, but in crowded places, one should keep an eye on personal belongings.
5. Communication: Portuguese is the official language, but in tourist areas, most locals speak English well. Learn a couple of phrases, for example, "Obrigado" (thank you); this is always appreciated.
6. Local Etiquette: The Portuguese are polite and hospitable. It is customary to greet people when entering a shop. Leaving a tip (5-10%) in restaurants is considered good manners if you enjoyed the service.
7. What to Avoid: Do not buy anything from street vendors intrusively offering "sunglasses" or other goods in the center (especially in the Baixa district) — these are often low-quality fakes or scams.
8. Extra Tip: Be sure to try the famous Pastel de Nata pastries. It is best to buy them in specialized bakeries and eat them warm, sprinkled with cinnamon.

By following these simple recommendations, you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the Portuguese capital while avoiding common tourist mistakes.