Taxi Lisbon Guide – Getting a Taxi in Lisbon Portugal
Taxi Lisbon Guide – Getting a Taxi in Lisbon Portugal
Tourist Information for a Taxi in Lisbon
Getting a taxi in Lisbon is an easy way to get around the city centre. Probably the most expensive form of transport, a Lisbon taxi is a safe and efficient way to get to the city’s many attractions with minimal fuss.
There are plenty of local taxis available as well as a host of taxi apps offering immediate transport in Lisbon. This guide looks the different options available for a taxi in Lisbon.
Lisbon Local Taxi Operators
Local taxis in Lisbon are easy to spot with a distinct colour pattern of a black body and green above the windows and on the roof.
You can hail taxis on the street, but the easiest way is to head to one of the official taxi ranks that are located across the centre.
Taxi ranks and queues are located outside all popular tourist attractions, as well as transport hubs in the city.
If you are hailing a taxi on the street then look out for the ‘Taxi‘ sign on the roof, if it is lit up then it is not available and already in use.
As of 2024 all taxis in Lisbon offer card payments and it’s the law to use a taxi meter to calculate fair price – do not pre-agree an amount as this will often result in a higher price. Most also take cash payments.
The availability of local taxi operators has been declining over the last few years due to the popularity of taxi mobile apps, however you should never struggle to find a taxi.
As a rule of thumb, any journey from one location to another in the city centre should be no more than €10, with a small 20% increase in price after 7pm.
Lisbon’s Main Taxi Rank Locations
Here are a selection of the major taxi ranks in the centre of Lisbon where you can always find taxis:
| Taxi Rank Location | Address | Nearby Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Rossio | Praça Dom Pedro IV | Rossio Square, Santa Justa Lift |
| Cais do Sodré | Praça Duque da Terceira | Time Out Market, Ribeira das Naus |
| Restauradores | Praça dos Restauradores | Avenida da Liberdade, Elevador da Glória |
| Marquês de Pombal | Praça Marquês de Pombal | Eduardo VII Park, Avenida da Liberdade |
| Santa Apolónia | Av. Infante Dom Henrique | National Pantheon, Alfama District |
| Praça da Figueira | Praça da Figueira | São Jorge Castle, Martim Moniz Square |
Lisbon Uber and Taxi Apps
There are multiple taxi mobile apps available to order and pay for taxis in Lisbon.
Of course the most popular option (and in my opinion easiest/best) is Uber. There is always a lot of availability for Uber across the centre of Lisbon, and you’ll never need to wait more than 5 minutes for a taxi nearby. They also offer very competitive rates, with Lisbon Uber’s being some of the cheapest I have used in Europe.
Lisbon Uber taxi’s are very popular with tourists, and offer an easy way to get a taxi, with location services preventing any language barrier mix-up, as well as simple payment options with a foreign card.
Other taxi app options in Lisbon include Bolt (known previously as Taxify) and Free Now. I have only used Uber myself so have no experience with these, so make sure to check reviews beforehand.
Do note, like many cities, there is a tension between local taxi drivers and Uber drivers in Lisbon, with demonstrations, protests and strikes happening frequently.
Taxi Lisbon Fare Prices 2024
This table shows the rough estimate of taxi Lisbon prices:
| Distance/Time | Local Taxis (Approx. Price) | Uber (Approx. Price) |
|---|---|---|
| Airport to City Center | €10 – €15 | €8 – €12 |
| 5 km (short trip) | €6 – €10 | €5 – €8 |
| 10 km (medium trip) | €10 – €15 | €8 – €12 |
| 20 km (long trip) | €20 – €25 | €15 – €20 |
| Hourly Rate | €20 – €25 | €18 – €22 (UberX) |
Uber prices can fluctuate based off demand, and type of vehicle requested. Prices can also increase when getting a taxi for more than 4 people, with excess luggage, or if the journey is late in the evening.
Taxi Lisbon Airport
Whilst there are a variety of public transport options available from Lisbon airport to the centre, after a long flight it’s sometimes nice to get a taxi to your hotel.
You can grab a taxi from the rank outside the airport, or you can order an Uber to pick you up. Uber pick-up tends to be cheaper, but pick-up can be a little bit of a pain, with Uber’s not allowed to pick up directly outside arrivals.
However there is a designated area for Uber drivers, and only adds about 5 minutes onto your onward journey using Uber. The Taxi rank with local taxis queuing is directly outside arrivals and very fast.
For a full guide on getting from Lisbon airport to the city centre or your hotel accommodation then check out our Lisbon Airport Transfer Guide.
Taxi Lisbon FAQs
Should I tip in a Taxi Lisbon?
Tips are not expected for taxi journeys like some countries, but if you’ve had a positive experience a tip is very much appreciated. Rounding up the fare amount, or adding 1 or 2 euros will make a local taxi driver’s day!
Are Lisbon taxis safe?
Yes, Lisbon taxis are a safe way to travel around the city, with all taxi’s regularly inspected, and all drivers expected to display their license and photo within the vehicle.
More on Visit-Lisbon
City Pass Deals
