Public transport in Lisbon is inexpensive and useful for negotiating the hills between attractions. The fastest way to get around is by metro, which covers most of the city. Complementing this is a network of trams, buses, funiculars and a vertical elevator to connect the high and low areas of the city. There is also a modern electric train that links the city to all the towns along the Portuguese Riviera, and ferries across the Tagus River. Trams and buses are inexpensive and the old trams have become a big tourist attraction. It is best to avoid public transport during rush hours though, as the crowded conditions are the perfect cover for pick pockets. Metered taxis are plentiful and affordable, and a popular means of transportation, but beware of drivers taking long, indirect routes. A car is not recommended for use around the city.
GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
The international access code for Portugal is +351. Pre-paid sim cards can be bought or rented at airports, and wifi is available in most hotels and some restaurants. Internet cafés are available in most towns and resorts.
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2018 | 2019 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Good Friday | 30 Mar | 19 Apr |
Easter Day | 1 Apr | 21 Apr |
Liberation Day | 25 Apr | 25 Apr |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1 May |
National Day | 10 Jun | 10 Jun |
Assumption of the Virgin Mary | 15 Aug | 15 Aug |
Feast of the Immaculate Conception | 8 Dec | 8 Dec |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
Lisbon weather is warm with sunny spring and summer days (June to August), when average temperatures frequently reach 82ºF (28ºC). Winter in Lisbon (December to February) is wet and windy, with average temperatures dropping to 46ºF (8ºC) lows. The best time to visit Lisbon is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October), because the weather is warm, hotels are cheaper, and the crowds are smaller than in the summer peak season.
The Metro operates from a station under the airport, running to the city between 6.30am and 1am. Carris coaches run every day between 5.35am and 12.30am, connecting Lisbon Airport to the city centre. The Aerobus also travels to the city centre every 20 minutes between 7am and 11.20pm.
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Guerin, Goldcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Taxis can normally be found outside both the arrival and departure terminals. Some taxis will charge extra for luggage and all will charge extra at night.
There is a free shuttle bus connecting the two terminals.
There are a range of passenger services at Humberto Delgado Airport including ATMs, bureaux de change, showers, a post office, left luggage, baby care facilities, meeting rooms and a help desk in both Arrivals and Departures. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops, including a duty-free. Disabled facilities are good and passengers requiring wheelchairs should contact their airline.
Short-term parking at Humberto Delgado Airport, in lot P1, starts at €0.85 per 15 minutes. Lot P2 is farther from the terminal building but slightly cheaper, and lot P3 offers long-term parking rates of €14 per day. Note that online discounts are available for pre-booked parking through the airport's website, starting at €5.
Free and unlimited wifi is available.