How to Get from Humberto Delgado Airport to Belém

This is the most efficient and authentic way to reach Belém using Lisbon's integrated network. It involves one metro transfer and a final leg on a train, tram, or bus.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Buy a Viva Viagem Card at the ‘Aeroporto’ metro station machines (€0.50 for the card itself). Load it with a “Zapping” balance (pay-as-you-go) for flexibility. Alternatively, just tap your contactless bank card.
2. Take the Red Line (Linha Vermelha) from ‘Aeroporto’. The direction is “São Sebastião”.
3. Transfer at Alameda station to the Green Line (Linha Verde), direction “Cais do Sodré”. This is an indoor, cross-platform transfer (very easy).
4. Choose your final connection to Belém from Cais do Sodré:
   • Train (Best Option): Take the Cascais suburban train (light blue line) 2 stops to ‘Belém’. Journey: 5 mins, frequent service. Covered by the same metro/bus ticket if using “Zapping”.
   • Tram 15E (Scenic Option): The iconic yellow tram runs along the river to Belém. Journey: 15-20 mins. Can be crowded with tourists.
   • Bus 728 or 714: Alternative surface options.

Route	Total Time	Estimated Cost	Key Advantage
Metro (Red→Green) + Train	35-45 min	~€2.85*	Fastest public transport combo, reliable
Metro (Red→Green) + Tram 15E	45-60 min	~€2.85*	Scenic river route, iconic experience

*Cost assumes “Zapping” fare (€1.85 per metro/train ride, €1.65 for tram/bus). First metro leg + train/tram = two fares.

Pro Tip:

For a slightly different route, take the Red Line to Oriente (one stop past Alameda) and transfer to a regional train to Alcântara-Mar, then a short bus/taxi to Belém. This is less direct but useful if you’re visiting the Oceanarium or Gare do Oriente.

Reference: Official Metro Lisbon Network Map – Metro Lisboa.

The Aerobus is a dedicated airport shuttle bus with luggage space and WiFi, designed for tourists. It doesn’t go directly to Belém but gets you close.

How it Works:

Take Aerobus Line 1 (Red Route) from outside both Terminals 1 and 2. Get off at its final stop, “Cais do Sodré” (the same transport hub mentioned above). From there, take the Cascais train (2 stops), tram 15E, or bus 728 to Belém (5-20 mins).

Service	Airport to Cais do Sodré	Total to Belém	Cost (2024)
Aerobus + Train	~30-40 min	~40-55 min	~€6-8 total

Key Advantages & Drawbacks:

• Pros: Dedicated luggage racks, hop-on-hop-off style ticket valid for 24/48hrs, scenic route through downtown, free WiFi, stops near other hotels.
• Cons: More expensive than metro, subject to Lisbon traffic delays, doesn’t eliminate the final transfer to Belém.

Best for: Tourists with heavy luggage staying in the Baixa/Chiado area before going to Belém, or those wanting a simple, pre-paid shuttle option.

For direct convenience, especially with luggage or a group, taxis and app-based rides are excellent.

Taxis:

• Official Rank: Follow signs to the regulated taxi rank outside Arrivals. Use only licensed white or black/green taxis.
• Fare to Belém: €15-25. Ensure the meter is running (Tariff 1 on weekdays/daytime; Tariff 2 at night/weekends/holidays). There is a fixed fare for some city zones, but confirm with the driver.
• Surcharges: +€1.60 for luggage in the trunk, +€0.80 for departure from the airport.

Uber, Bolt, Free Now:

Often cheaper than taxis (€12-20 to Belém). Designated pick-up points are at the parking lots near Terminals 1 and 2. The app will guide you. Wait times are typically 3-7 minutes.

Service	Travel Time	Cost Range	Best For
Official Taxi	20-35 min	€15-25	Immediate departure, no app needed
Uber/Bolt	20-35 min	€12-20	Lower cost, upfront pricing, cashless

Warning: Avoid unsolicited offers from drivers inside the terminal. Only use official ranks or pre-booked services.

A pre-booked private car is the premium option. The driver meets you at arrivals with a sign.

• Cost: €35-€60+ for a standard sedan to Belém, depending on the company and service level.
• Advantages: No waiting, fixed price, meet & greet, child seats available, assistance with luggage, suited for groups (larger vans available).
• Booking: Use reputable companies like Booking.com's service, Welcome Pickups, or GetTransfer.

Verdict: Not cost-effective for solo travelers or couples, but highly recommended for families with young children, late-night arrivals, or groups of 4+ where the cost can be split.

This table summarizes all options to help you decide.

Method	Total Time	Approx. Cost (One Way)	Best For	Complexity
Metro + Train	35-45 min	€2.85	Budget travelers, solo travelers, efficient travel	Medium (1 transfer)
Metro + Tram 15E	45-60 min	€2.85	Sightseeing en route, photographers	Medium (1 transfer)
Aerobus + Train	40-55 min	€6-8	Tourists with luggage, first-time visitors	Low-Medium (1 transfer)
Taxi (Meter)	20-35 min	€15-25	Groups of 3-4, lots of luggage, door-to-door ease	Very Low
Uber/Bolt	20-35 min	€12-20	Tech-savvy travelers, cheaper door-to-door	Very Low
Private Transfer	25-40 min	€35-60+	Families, luxury travel, large groups, special needs	None (Pre-booked)

Our Recommendation: For most travelers, the Metro + Train combo offers the best balance of cost, speed, and authentic experience. Use a taxi/ride-share if your priority is convenience or you arrive late at night.

Luggage & Logistics:

• Luggage Storage: If you go straight to Belém from the airport, note that major attractions like Jerónimos Monastery have strict bag size limits and no left luggage. Consider storing bags at the airport (ANA Lockers) or using a city-center locker service first.
• Rush Hour: Avoid the metro between 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM on weekdays if you have large suitcases.

Ticketing Savvy:

• Contactless is King: Simply use your physical debit/credit card or phone (Apple/Google Pay) to tap in and out of metros and buses. It calculates the cheapest fare automatically with a daily cap.
• Viva Viagem Card: If you prefer a dedicated card, buy one and load it with “Zapping” credit. Avoid the 24-hour public transport pass for just this journey—it's not cost-effective.
• Belém Attractions: Buy combined tickets online in advance for the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the National Archaeology Museum to skip massive queues. Check the official Turismo de Lisboa site.

Navigation in Belém:

The Belém train station is centrally located between the monastery (east) and the Belém Tower & Monument to the Discoveries (west). It’s a pleasant 10-15 minute walk between these sites along the river. Tram 15E stops at all major points.

Must-Do in Belém:

No trip is complete without a Pastéis de Belém from the iconic bakery (Antiga Confeitaria de Belém). The line moves fast—it’s worth it!