Getting from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon Cruise Terminal

The Port of Lisbon is located approximately 10 miles from Lisbon's International Airport (Portela Airport - LIS). Travel time between the airport and the pier is approximately 20 to 30 minutes (up to 40 minutes during morning traffic and/or construction).  The port of Lisbon features three cruise terminals – Alcântara, Rocha Conde de Óbidos and Santa Apolónia – and are located near the historical and cultural centre of the city (approximately 1.25 miles), affording visitors easy and quick access to places of interest.

There are multiple options to get from the Lisbon Airport to the Lisbon cruise ship terminal. They include cruise line bus tranfer, private shuttle bus, private town car/limo, taxi and car rental. Below are the estimated costs of the various modes of transportation between Lisbon cruise ship terminal and the Lisbon International Airport, and some helpful advice for your consideration about each option. Check out all the transportation options -- you might be surprised about which mode of transport between the Lisbon Cruise Ship Terminal and Lisbon Airport is the best value.

Taking the Cruise Line transfer between Lisbon Cruise Ship Terminal and International Airport

Cost for a one-way cruise line transfer between the Lisbon Airport and Lisbon cruise ship terminal:  Mercedes (1 to 3 persons) - from $22 USD per person; Minivan (4 to 7 persons) - from $13 USD per person; Minibus (8 to 15 persons) - from $14 USD per person. If prior arrangements have been made for a cruise line transfer, an English/Portuguese speaking driver will be waiting for you at the exit of Lisbon International Airport or the Lisbon Cruise terminal carrying a sign with your name. During the transfer, your driver will explain you some useful tips about what to do and to see in Lisbon. Please note that gratuities are not included in the fare. A benefit of cruise line transfers is that they watch your flight for delays. Within reason, they may delay the departure of the ship if your flight is late.

Taking a Taxi Cab between Lisbon Cruise Ship Terminal and Lisbon International Airport

Taking a taxi cab between the Lisbon International Airport and Lisbon cruise ship terminal should run about 20 euros for a 1-way trip. If you have 5 or 6 people in your group, ask the dispatcher for a larger vehicle such as a Suburban. For a larger group, you are better off taking a Super Shuttle to the port. Taxis in Lisbon are beige and have the word TAXI on top. Taxi rides normally start around 2 euros and the distance is metred from then on. As when traveling by taxi anywhere, make sure you don't forget anything as it is extremely difficult to find the same taxi again and, if you do, it's very rare your things are where you left them.

Taking a Shared Private Shuttle between Lisbon Cruise Ship Terminal and Lisbon International Airport

Generally, shared private shuttles (i.e.: Super Shuttle) between between the Lisbon Airport and Lisbon cruise ship terminal are only economical (versus the cruise-line provided transportation) if you have a larger group. The Super Shuttle is $14 per person and is the best option for a party of 5 or more. You can request the entire van, and they will take you directly to the port.

Taking a Rental Car between Lisbon Cruise Ship Terminal and Lisbon International Airport

For the passengers who prefer driving themselves to the ship terminal, there are several car hire companies available at the airport. Information on car hire services can be obtained from the help desks available at the airport. There are several car hire companies within the airport including Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and Budget among others. The charges for hiring a vehicle depend on your destination. To Lisbon, the average charge is 80 euro per week. Most rental car agencies have shuttles to take you to and from the ship. 

Please note the following: In order to rent a car in Portugal, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Seatbelts are mandatory. Child seats are mandatory for children up to age 4. Speed limits in Portugal are as follows: City 30mph/50kph Open Roads 55mph/88kph Highways 75mph/120kph. Traffic travels on the right. In traffic circles, vehicles inside the circle have the right of way. Drivers must yield to disembarking tram passengers. Gas stations are open from 7am to 10pm with many stations located on the highway open 24 hours. The unleaded gas price is approximately US$4 per gallon (this price fluctuates!). There is a toll highway, the "Auto-Estrada," that goes from Lisbon to Porto. Do slow down and take the ticket because without a ticket, there is a heavy fine. "Blue zone" parking exists in many Portuguese towns and you can obtain a cardboard disc, free of charge, from either the police or local motor club offices. Central Lisbon offers very little on-street parking.

Taking a Town Car/Limo between Lisbon Cruise Ship Terminal and Lisbon International Airport

A chauffeur-driven town car between Lisbon Cruise Ship Terminal and Lisbon International Airport is the most stress-free option, though probably the most expensive. This will average about $125 one-way to the port. You do ride in a nicer vehicle and don't have to bother with waiting for other people to board. For 4 people going between the airport and cruise ship terminal, this is as economical as the taxi option. Larger vechicles (Suburbans) are available for an additional charge for larger parties.

Notes about chauffeurs and tour guides in Portugal:
All official chauffeurs and tour guides in Portugal are independent professionals. 

Official tour guides in Portugal have attended the University and Tourism (4 years) and are also required to take an intensive one-year course in the Superior Tourism School . After rigorous training and a demanding final exam, tour guides are awarded "carteira profissional guida intéprete" and are required to have this license with them at all times while working. Professional drivers are also required to go through training and must also carry with them the "carteira profissional motorista de turismo." Both of these certificates are to: guarantee quality of service, indicate reliability of information provided on a tour, professionalism, certify that the driver/guide has been thoroughly trained on the vehicle they command.

Chauffeurs have excellent driving records and are fully licensed, bonded and insured. They are professionally attired, security conscious, knowledgeable, educated, caring, reliable, honest, and courteous, . Their professionalism, adherence to chauffeur protocol and driving skills will immediately earn your trust and confidence.

Many tourism companies sell private tours (with or without transportation) online. All tourism companies are obliged to have a license (example: License nº101/2009) issued by the Tourism of Portugal Organization and must publish this license on their website. If a license or certificate is not published on a website, there's a good chance they are operating illegally. You can check out tourism companies by contacting the Tourism of Portugal Organization. It is recommended that if a license or certificate is not provided, do NOT hire. Be aware that people selling tours with private vehicles online are most likely operating illegally...always verify legitimacy by locating their credentials.