Lisbon Airport Taxi Services: Availability And Convenience

Lisbon Airport, also known as Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), offers a range of transportation options for travellers, including taxis, buses, subway, rental cars, shuttle buses, and overground trains. Taxis are readily available at the airport and provide a quick and convenient way to get to your destination. In this article, we will explore the taxi services at Lisbon Airport, including their availability, pricing, and important tips for a smooth journey.

Taxi availability at Lisbon Airport

Lisbon Airport, also known as Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), offers a range of transportation options for travellers, including taxis, buses, subway, rental cars, shuttle buses, and overground trains. The airport is located just 7.8 miles or 12.5 kilometres from the city centre, making it a quick and convenient journey by taxi.

Taxi Options

Lisbon Airport provides several taxi options to accommodate different needs and preferences. Standard taxis are the most common type and can accommodate up to four passengers. Executive taxis offer a more luxurious experience with premium cars and higher levels of comfort and service. Additionally, taxi apps such as Uber and Bolt are available for passengers who prefer to book rides directly from their smartphones.

Taxi Stands

The taxi stands at Lisbon Airport are conveniently located outside the arrivals and departures terminals. These areas are clearly marked, making it easy for passengers to find them after exiting the baggage claim area. There are separate queues for standard and executive taxis, and taxi dispatchers are often available to assist passengers in choosing the appropriate service based on their destination and budget.

Taxi Fares and Pricing

Taxi fares in Lisbon are regulated and based on a combination of a base fare and distance or time charges. The base fare during the day is approximately €3.25, with a kilometre charge of around €0.47. There is also an additional airport supplement of €1.60. Fares may vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and specific routes taken. It is recommended to ask the driver for an estimated fare before starting the journey and to ensure that the meter is visible and running.

Tips for Taking a Taxi

When taking a taxi at Lisbon Airport, it is important to follow a few tips to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Firstly, always ask the driver to turn on the meter at the start of the journey to track the cost and avoid potential overcharging. Additionally, be aware of potential scams and tricks by some taxi drivers, such as charging exorbitant fares or taking a longer route to increase the fare. It is recommended to print out the name and address of your accommodation and a map of the route to avoid these issues.

In conclusion, taxi availability at Lisbon Airport is plentiful, and taxis are a convenient and affordable option for travellers. By following the provided instructions and tips, passengers can ensure a safe and pleasant journey to their destination.

Taxi scams to avoid

Lisbon Airport provides several transportation options to get to the city centre, including taxi services, which are readily available and can be an affordable and quick option. However, there have been reports of taxi scams at the airport, so it is essential to be vigilant to avoid being overcharged or scammed. Here are some common taxi scams to watch out for and some tips to protect yourself:

Unmetered Taxis:

Some taxi drivers may offer a fixed package rate instead of turning on the meter. They might claim that the meter is broken or that the package rate will be cheaper. This is often a scam, as all official Lisbon taxis are required to use their meters. Insist on the driver turning on the meter before starting your journey, and if they refuse, find another taxi.

Long Routes:

Lisbon is not a large city, so a typical taxi ride from the airport to your hotel should not cost more than €30-35. Some drivers may take a longer route to increase the fare. To avoid this, use a map application on your phone to estimate the travel time and distance to your destination. Let the driver know that you are familiar with the city and the expected travel time.

Unofficial Taxis:

Be cautious of individuals approaching you inside the airport or near tourist spots, offering cheap taxi rides. These are often unlicensed and uninsured drivers operating fake taxis. Official and registered taxis have a number on the side of the vehicle and a visible license. Only take taxis from the designated taxi ranks at the airport to ensure you are using a legitimate service.

Tourist Guide Scams:

Avoid asking taxi drivers for recommendations for restaurants, bars, or tourist attractions. Some drivers may recommend places that pay them a commission, resulting in you paying higher prices. Stick to your planned destinations and politely refuse any offers or suggestions from the driver to take you elsewhere.

Tipping Scams:

Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Portugal, but rounding up the fare is common for excellent service. However, some taxi drivers may falsely claim that tipping is required by law or insist on a higher tip than you are comfortable with. Be firm and only pay what you believe is appropriate.

General Tips:

• Always ask for the expected fare before getting into the taxi.
• Print out the name and address of your accommodation, along with directions, to show the driver.
• Be aware of the typical fare ranges for your journey, so you can identify overcharging.
• Use a map application to follow your route and ensure the driver is taking the most direct path.
• Ask for a receipt at the end of your ride, which should include the driver's information, in case you need to file a complaint.
• Consider using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt, which offer transparent pricing and convenient payment options.

Taxi tips

Finding a taxi

Lisbon Airport provides several taxi options, including standard and executive taxis, which are readily available outside the arrivals and departures terminal. You can also pre-book your taxi or use taxi apps like Uber and Bolt.

Fares

The airport is only 7.8 miles or 12.5 kilometres from the city, so fares are typically affordable, ranging from €15 to €25, including luggage fees. The base fare during the day is €3.25, with a charge of €0.47 per kilometre. There is also an additional €1.60 surcharge for airport taxis.

Safety and scams

While most taxi drivers are honest, some may try to overcharge or take you on a longer route. To avoid this, ask for the expected fare before getting in and confirm your route. Only take taxis from the designated waiting areas, and be aware of any unnecessary speeding or lane changes.

Communication

Not all taxi drivers speak English, so it's helpful to have your destination address written down. Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can also be useful.

Payment methods

Most taxis accept credit cards, but it's always good to carry cash just in case.

Luggage and pets

There is a standard charge of €1.60 for luggage, regardless of the number of bags. The same fee applies to pets.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up the fare for excellent service is common.

How to hire a taxi at Lisbon Airport

Lisbon Airport, also known as Humberto Delgado Airport or LIS, offers a range of transportation options for travellers, including taxis, buses, subway, rental cars, shuttle buses, and overground trains. This guide will focus specifically on how to hire a taxi at Lisbon Airport.

Finding the Taxi Ranks

After landing at Lisbon Airport, clearing security, and collecting your luggage, follow the signs to the designated taxi pickup zones. These zones are located just outside the arrivals and departures areas. The airport provides clear signage, making it easy to locate the taxi stands.

Choosing a Taxi

Lisbon Airport offers different types of taxi services, including standard taxis and executive taxis. Standard taxis are the most common, usually part of a city-regulated fleet and are metered. They can accommodate up to four passengers. Executive taxis offer a more luxurious experience with premium cars and are typically more expensive.

If you prefer, you can also use taxi apps like Uber or Bolt to book your ride. These services offer competitive pricing and the convenience of cashless transactions.

At the taxi ranks, you may find taxi dispatchers who can assist you in choosing the right type of taxi based on your needs and budget. They can also provide information on estimated costs and wait times.

Boarding and Confirming Your Destination

Once you've chosen your taxi, the driver should assist you with your luggage and guide you to the car. Before departing, ensure that the taxi meter is reset to the base fare to avoid any billing discrepancies. Confirm your destination with the driver and ask for an estimated time of arrival.

Important Considerations

It is recommended to ask the driver to turn on the meter at the start of the journey so you can track the cost. Additionally, be aware of potential surcharges for luggage and travelling during night-time hours.

While most taxi drivers at the airport are honest, there have been reports of scams and overcharging. To avoid this, you can ask the driver for the expected fare before getting into the taxi. It is also a good idea to print out the name and address of your accommodation, along with directions, to prevent the driver from taking an unnecessarily long route.

Pre-Booking a Taxi

If you prefer to have a taxi ready upon your arrival, you can pre-book your taxi transfer with various companies, including Welcome Pickups, or use apps like Uber or Bolt. Pre-booking can ensure a seamless experience with no waiting times and reliable English-speaking drivers.

Taxi pricing information

Lisbon airport taxis are metered and the final fare is determined by the distance travelled and the waiting time. The Portuguese government sets the charging rates, and all taxi companies are subject to these legislated prices.

The taxi fare structure is as follows:

• Base Fare: This is the initial charge as soon as you begin your journey. The base fare during the day is approximately €3.25.
• Kilometer Charge: After the base fare, the charge per kilometre during daytime hours is around €0.47.
• Airport Supplement: Taxis from the airport include an additional €1.60 surcharge.
• Luggage Charge: There is a standard charge of €1.60 for luggage, regardless of the number of pieces.
• Phone Booking: If you book by phone, there is an extra charge of €0.80.

Let's say you are travelling from Lisbon Airport to Praça do Comércio, which is approximately 7 kilometres from the airport. The fare would be calculated as follows:

• Distance Fare: (7 km x €0.47 per km): €3.29
• Airport Surcharge: €1.60
• Total Estimated Fare: €3.25 + €3.29 + €1.60 = €8.14

Please note that fares can vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and specific routes taken. It is recommended to ask the driver for an estimated fare before starting your journey and to ensure that the meter is visible and running.

Additionally, most taxis accept major credit cards, but it is advisable to confirm the payment method with the driver beforehand to avoid any issues.

If you are travelling beyond the city limits, toll fees will be added to your final fare.

For a comfortable and stress-free journey, you may consider booking your private Lisbon airport transfer in advance with a trusted company. This option often provides fixed prices, establishing clear and predictable costs for rides to and from the airport.

Frequently asked questions