Lisbon cruise terminal to the airport (and back)
Updated · by GetVoolo, Lisbon
Short answer: most cruise ships dock at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal at Jardim do Tabaco, next to Santa Apolónia station, about 10 km from the airport. A taxi or Uber/Bolt takes ≈15–20 min and the cruise port quotes ≈€10–15 plus luggage. The metro costs ≈€1.90 and takes ≈30–40 min + 5–10 min walk, one change. It's fine with a small bag, but hard work with big suitcases.
Your options compared
| Option | Price | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | ≈€1.90 | ≈30–40 min + 5–10 min walk, one change | Travelling light, daytime (the metro runs about 06:30–01:00) |
| Taxi / Uber / Bolt | ≈€10–15 plus luggage | ≈15–20 min | Most cruise passengers with suitcases |
| Pre-booked driver (GetVoolo estimate) | €21–€25 | ~22 min | Price agreed in advance, meet at arrivals, room for luggage, flight tracked |
Taxi and Uber/Bolt figures are the Lisbon Cruise Port's own estimate and exclude luggage supplements and night rates. GetVoolo instant prices are fixed when you book, tolls included; if you ask drivers for offers instead, they set the price.
Which terminal is your ship at?
Lisbon Cruise Terminal (Jardim do Tabaco / Santa Apolónia) handles most cruise calls. It's on the river at the edge of Alfama, a short walk from Santa Apolónia train and metro station and about 10 minutes on foot from the Baixa.
Alcântara, further west towards Belém, is used by some ships. Which berth your ship uses can change from season to season, so check your cruise documents and give the exact terminal when you book a car.
Embarkation day: airport to ship
- All flights arrive at Terminal 1. Taxis wait directly outside arrivals; Uber and Bolt pick up from their own area, not the kerb.
- By metro: red line from Aeroporto to São Sebastião, change to the blue line for Santa Apolónia, then walk 5–10 minutes to the terminal. One ticket covers the change. You can also pay at the barriers with a contactless bank card.
- Leave a buffer for a delayed flight. Missing boarding is far more expensive than a spare hour.
- If you pre-book a driver, give your flight number. GetVoolo drivers track the flight and wait up to 60 minutes free, counted from when you actually land.
Disembarkation day: ship to airport
- Getting everyone off the ship takes time. Check your cruise line's disembarkation schedule before choosing a flight; an afternoon departure is the common advice.
- The terminal has a taxi stand, and the port says Uber/Bolt have dedicated pickup points there. Expect queues when a large ship empties.
- With a pre-booked car, the price and pickup time are fixed before you leave the ship, so there's no queue.
- Flying later in the day? The terminal is a short walk from Alfama and the Baixa. Ask your cruise line or the terminal about luggage storage before you plan a last walk around the city.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lisbon Airport from the cruise terminal?
About 10 km. By taxi or Uber/Bolt it takes ≈15–20 min, depending on traffic. The main Lisbon Cruise Terminal is on the river at Jardim do Tabaco, next to Santa Apolónia station, on the edge of Alfama.
Can I take the metro from the cruise terminal to the airport?
Yes. Walk 5–10 minutes to Santa Apolónia metro station, take the blue line to São Sebastião, and change to the red line for Aeroporto, the last stop. One ticket (≈€1.90) covers the change, and the trip takes ≈30–40 min + 5–10 min walk, one change. It's workable with a small case; with big suitcases, the stairs and changes are hard going.
How much is a taxi from the Lisbon cruise terminal to the airport?
The cruise port quotes ≈€10–15 plus luggage for a taxi or Uber/Bolt, taking ≈15–20 min. The night tariff (21:00–06:00, weekends and holidays) is about 20% higher.
How long should I allow between getting off the ship and my flight?
Getting everyone off a large ship can take hours after it docks, and you still need to check in and pass security at the airport. That is why an afternoon flight on disembarkation day is common advice. Check your cruise line's disembarkation schedule before booking a flight.
Does every cruise ship dock at the same terminal in Lisbon?
No. Most ships use the main Lisbon Cruise Terminal at Jardim do Tabaco / Santa Apolónia, but some dock at Alcântara, further west towards Belém. Check your cruise documents for the terminal, and give that address when you book a car.
Airport to cruise port transfer
Price estimate and pickup details for this route.
See the routeLisbon Airport taxi prices
Fares, night rates and Uber/Bolt pickup.
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