Is There Uber in Lisbon? How to Get Around in 2024
Lisbon’s a city that has it all – a buzzy nightlife, beautiful architecture, and a thriving food and drink scene.
But before you can begin exploring, you’ll need to know how to get around. And one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is “is there Uber in Lisbon?”
I’ve visited to Lisbon twice, so I’m well versed on the best ways to get around the city.
In this guide, I’ll first cover whether there’s Uber in Lisbon, and then go through some alternative transport options for getting around.
Is there Uber in Lisbon?
Yes, there is Uber in Lisbon, so it’s really easy to get around whilst you’re in the city.
Where is Uber available in Lisbon?
Uber serves the whole of Lisbon, so you won’t have any issues getting a ride, no matter where you’re staying.
How much does Uber cost in Lisbon?
The cost of your journey will depend on where you’re going, but you can expect to pay about £13 from the airport to the city centre.
If you’re travelling within the city centre, you can expect to pay as little as £5 for a journey.
Arriving in Lisbon – how to get to your hotel
Lisbon’s airport is only 7km outside of the city centre, so it couldn’t be easier to get to your accommodation.
UBER
There’s Uber all over Lisbon and it’s a really easy way to travel from the airport to the city centre.
Order an Uber on the app when you arrive at the airport, you’ll pay about £13
taxi
Taxi’s will be waiting at the front of the airport when you arrive. Expect to pay between £10-£18
METRO
There’s a metro station at Lisbon airport, and the ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line will get you to the city centre in 20 minutes.
You’ll need to purchase a ‘7 Colinas’ / ‘Viva Viagem’ travel card from the ticket machines at the airport, which you then top up for your travel.
The card costs €0.50, a single fare is €1.45 and a 24 hour pass is €6.30.
Bus
There’s several public bus lines that will take you from the airport to the city centre, but you’re limited on the baggage size you can bring on board (maximum 50x40x20cm).
If you’re travelling with larger luggage, you can take the Aerobus (more on that below).
A ticket for the public bus costs €1.80 and timetables can be found here.
Aerobus
If you have larger luggage, you can take the Aerobus. There’s 3 lines depending on where you’re travelling to.
They depart every 20 minutes from 8am-9pm and take around 30 minutes to reach Lisbon city centre.
A one way ticket is €4.00 and a return is €6.00.
Types of Uber you can take in Lisbon
UberX Saver – If you don’t need to be picked up straight away, Uber offers a discount on the ride for you waiting a little longer
UberX – If you want to be picked up as soon as possible, UberX is the cheapest option
Black – Higher end cars with top-rated drivers
Green – Emission-free cars that are better for the environment
UberXL – For groups of up to 6 people
Comfort – Newer cars with more legroom
Is Uber safe in Lisbon?
Yes, it’s safe to use Uber in Lisbon. I’m a bit of an over thinker, so I’m always extra cautious, especially if I’m travelling alone.
Here are a few things I’d recommend doing to help you feel safer:
- Check the number plate matches the one on the app. I once ordered an Uber in Barcelona and the car showed up with different number plates. He said he’d “just got new plates” but I felt really uncomfortable and ordered a new Uber.
- Send your location to a friend. I always send my live location to a friend whenever I’m in an Uber. That way, I know someone else can track where I’m going.
- Follow the journey on your Google Maps. If I’m travelling alone, I always follow the route to make sure we’re going the right way. You can report anything that feels suspicious to Uber within the app.
- Check the Uber drivers rating. You’ll only see this after the Uber has been confirmed, but I never like to travel with a driver who has a low rating. The app doesn’t tell you the reason which is frustrating, but I don’t like to take the risk. You might get charged a small amount if you cancel, but it’s better to be safe.
Don’t feel bad about refusing to get in the car if you feel uncomfortable. Even if you do have to pay a cancellation fee, your safety is more important.
The best way to get around Lisbon
Once you’re in Lisbon, there’s lots of options for getting around the city.
The public transport system in Lisbon is really easy to use and affordable. There’s the metro, trams, buses and funiculars to help you get around.
You can buy a 24 hour, 48 hour or 72 hour public transport card ahead of time, which includes unlimited use of public transport AND:
- Free admission to 39 museums, historic buildings and more
- Discounts at loss of attractions
- Vouchers for shops
- Special offers in restaurants, shops and other venues
➡️ Book your public transport card ahead of time. You’ll get unlimited use of public transport during your trip, as well as free entry to attractions across Lisbon.
Walking
Lisbon is a really walkable city. It’s one of the best ways to get around the city and take in all of the sights.
Metro
The metro in Lisbon is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to navigate the city. There’s four lines – blue, yellow, green and red, and it runs everyday from 6:30am – 1:00am.
Tram
The iconic yellow tram is one of the best ways to get around the city.
The most famous is Tram 28, a historical tram line which takes a scenic route through many of Lisbon’s famous neighbourhoods, including Baixa, Graça, Alfama, and Estrela.
Alongside the historical trams, there’s a modern tram network to take you across the city.
You can purchase tickets on board the tram, costing €3.00 for a single journey. I’d recommend purchasing the 24-hour ticket we spoke about earlier, which is only €6.60 and covers all trams, metro and buses in Lisbon.
Hop-on Hop-off bus
It might be a bit cheesy, but when I’m visiting a city for the first time, I love a hop-on hop-off bus.
It’s a great way to get to the main tourist attractions, learn about the history of each one, and see the city as you drive around.
➡️ This hop-on hop-off Lisbon bus has over 3,000 reviews, over 20 stops across the city, offers flexibility with a 1, 2 or 3 day pass, and free cancellation if you change your mind.
Do you need a car in Lisbon?
No, in fact I’d recommend not hiring a car in Lisbon. Driving through the city is very stressful, and not necessary at all. The public transport system is really reliable, so you won’t need a car unless you’re planning on exploring more of Portugal.
If you are wanting to travel more of Portugal, I’d pick a car up on your last day in Lisbon, just as you’re ready to leave. This way you don’t have to worry about finding (and paying for) a parking space.
If you do want to hire a car, I’d recommend using Discover Cars to find the most affordable option. They compare lots of different providers to find you the best price.
Things to do whilst you’re in Lisbon
Try your hand at making your own Pastel de Nata, the delicious custard-based treats that originated in Belém, just 20 minutes from Lisbon.
➡️ 4.6 star rating
➡️ Includes drinks
➡️ Cooking class
➡️ Free cancellation
Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Sintra. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible architecture.
➡️ 2,000+ reviews
➡️ 4.7* rating
➡️ Roundtrip transport
➡️ Includes walking tours
Explore the best sights in Lisbon with a walking tour taken by a local guide.
➡️ 4.8 star rating
➡️ 6,000+ reviews
➡️ Includes a tram trip
➡️ Free cancellation
Uber in Lisbon – The Wrap Up
As you’ve gathered from this article, there is Uber in Lisbon, and it’s really easy to use.
Although the majority of Lisbon is walkable, you might want to use Uber if the weather isn’t good, if you’re heading out at night, or travelling from the airport.
Enjoy your trip!