Lisbon city centre (Rossio/Baixa-Chiado area) is approximately 7 km south of the airport.

About Lisbon City Centre (Rossio/Baixa)

The Rossio and Baixa districts form the beating heart of downtown Lisbon, centered on the grand Praça do Rossio (Pedro IV Square) with its baroque fountain, the National Theatre, and iconic wave-patterned cobblestone pavement. The Baixa (Lower Town), rebuilt in an elegant grid pattern after the devastating 1755 earthquake, stretches south from Rossio to the waterfront Praça do Comércio on the Tagus River.

Rua Augusta, the main pedestrian street through the Baixa, passes under the iconic Augusta Street Arch (with its rooftop viewpoint) before opening onto Praça do Comércio, one of Europe's grandest waterfront squares. The area is lined with traditional shops, pastry cafés serving pastéis de nata, and historic establishments like A Brasileira café with its bronze statue of poet Fernando Pessoa.

From Rossio, Lisbon's most iconic experiences are within easy reach: the Elevador de Santa Justa (a neo-Gothic iron lift) connects to the Chiado shopping district above, while the narrow streets of the Alfama — Lisbon's oldest neighborhood — climb the hill to the east toward the São Jorge Castle. The Rossio train station, a stunning neo-Manueline building, offers quick connections to Sintra and other day-trip destinations.

Nearby Landmarks

Praça do Rossio Rua Augusta Arch Praça do Comércio Elevador de Santa Justa

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost EUR 15-20 (fixed fare)
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost EUR 8-12
Time 15-25 minutes

Arrivals level, designated rideshare area

Train (Metro Red Line)

Cost EUR 2
Time 20-25 minutes
Frequency Every 5-8 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Metro Red Line from Aeroporto station (Terminal 1). Change at Alameda for Green Line to Rossio/Baixa-Chiado. Buy Viva Viagem card (EUR 0.50) and load trips.

Aerobus Line 1

Cost EUR 4
Time 25-35 minutes
Frequency Every 20 minutes

Outside Terminal 1 Arrivals

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi EUR 15-20 (fixed fare) 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare EUR 8-12 15-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train EUR 2 20-25 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic
Bus/Shuttle EUR 4 25-35 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Lisbon metro operates until approximately 1:00 AM. After that, night buses (carreira routes) serve the city but do not go to the airport. Taxis from the airport are available 24 hours and cost €10-15 to the city center at night (metered with supplements). Uber and Bolt are available and often cheaper. The airport is close enough that late-night rides rarely exceed €15.

Luggage Tips

The metro is luggage-friendly with wide doors and no turnstiles (tap your Viva Viagem card at validators). Rossio area has cobblestone streets that make rolling luggage bumpy. The Baixa's flat grid streets are easier. For luggage storage, Lisbon has several third-party luggage services near Rossio (Stasher, LuggageHero) charging about €5-8 per day. Hotels typically store bags after checkout.

Accessibility

Lisbon Airport metro station is fully accessible with elevators. However, many of Lisbon's older metro stations have limited step-free access. The Red Line stations (Aeroporto to Alameda) are modern and accessible. Rossio area presents challenges due to cobblestones and hills, though the Baixa grid itself is mostly flat. The Elevador de Santa Justa has an elevator. Accessible tram services are limited.