Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, on the Tagus River. Most ships dock at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal, officially Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, beside the Alfama district. This page covers the port, maps and meeting locations, general port information, and how to get to the city center, Belem and the airport.
Most ships dock at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal, officially Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, at Doca Jardim do Tabaco. Ships dock alongside, so no tendering is required. Some ships may use the nearby Santa Apolonia quay, and smaller ships or overflow may use terminals farther west near Alcantara. Your cruise line will confirm which terminal your ship is using.
Where you meet your private driver or guide
Exit your ship and walk along the elevated passenger bridge to the terminal building. Walk through the terminal toward the main exit. Your driver or guide will be waiting immediately outside, holding a welcome sign with your name on it.
Video Flyover of the Lisbon Cruise Port
This aerial flyover shows your arrival at the Lisbon cruise terminal, the walk from the ship along the passenger bridge, and where drivers and guides meet passengers.
Aerial imagery: Google Earth
Lisbon Cruise Port Location
Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, Doca Jardim do Tabaco, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 1100-651 Lisboa, Portugal
About Lisbon Cruise Port
Lisbon's main cruise terminal sits on the Tagus River beside the Alfama district, close to the historic center. The terminal is modern and spacious, and most of the old city is within walking distance.
How the Port Is Laid Out
Most ships dock at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal, officially Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, at Doca Jardim do Tabaco.
Ships dock alongside, so no tendering is required.
Passengers walk from the ship along an elevated passenger bridge that connects to the terminal building.
Some ships may use the nearby Santa Apolonia quay, and smaller ships or overflow may use terminals near Alcantara, farther west along the river. Your cruise line will confirm which terminal your ship is using.
Inside the Terminal
The terminal building is modern and spacious.
Facilities include restrooms, free Wi-Fi, a duty-free shop and a light security check.
The terminal also has cafes and restaurants, and a taxi and ride-hailing station.
The terminal has a public terrace with views over the Tagus River and Alfama.
Walk through the terminal toward the main exit. Drivers and guides wait immediately outside.
Distance to the City
The Alfama district begins just outside the terminal, about a 5 to 10 minute walk.
Baixa and Praca do Comercio are about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the terminal.
Alfama is hilly, with steep, narrow streets and cobblestones, so wear comfortable shoes.
Lisbon Airport
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is about 5 to 6 miles (8 to 10km) from the terminal.
By taxi or ride-hailing, allow roughly 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Getting Between the Port and the City
The terminal is close to the old town, so many passengers walk or use a short taxi ride. Timetables change, so confirm current details before you travel.
Walking
Alfama begins just outside the terminal, about a 5 to 10 minute walk.
Baixa and Praca do Comercio are about a 15 to 20 minute walk.
The streets in Alfama and the way up to the castle are steep, so allow extra time.
Metro
Santa Apolonia station, on the Blue Line, is about a 5 minute walk from the terminal.
The station is also a railway station with trains on the Northern Line.
From Santa Apolonia, the Blue Line runs toward the city center.
Tram
Tram 28 runs through Alfama, Graca and Baixa, and is one of the most popular scenic routes in Lisbon.
It can be crowded when a large ship is in port, so consider going early in the day.
Tram 15 from the city center reaches Belem.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
A taxi and ride-hailing station is at the terminal.
Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lisbon.
From central districts such as Baixa, Rossio and Chiado, a taxi to the terminal takes about 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Private Driver or Guide
Many passengers book a private driver or guide who meets them at the terminal exit and takes them to Belem, Sintra, Cascais or other sites.
A private vehicle lets you set your own pace and return to the ship in good time.
About Lisbon and the Surrounding Area
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. It is built on hills above the Tagus River, and a port day can combine the old town with Belem and the palaces of Sintra.
A Brief Introduction
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, on the north bank of the Tagus River near the Atlantic.
The city is built on hills, with viewpoints, steep streets and historic trams.
Alfama is the oldest district, with narrow lanes, small squares and a view over the river.
The currency is the euro, and cards are widely accepted.
Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit
Alfama, the old district beside the terminal, with narrow streets, small squares and Fado music.
Praca do Comercio, the large riverfront square, and Baixa, the grid of streets behind it.
Sao Jorge Castle, the hilltop castle above Alfama with views across the city.
Belem, about 4 miles (7km) west of the port, with Belem Tower, built in 1520, and the Monument to the Discoveries.
Tram 28, the historic yellow tram that climbs through the old districts.
Planning Your Time
Alfama, Baixa and Praca do Comercio can be explored on foot in a few hours from the terminal.
Belem is a separate half day trip, since it is on the western side of the city.
Sintra is a longer outing. Trains from Rossio station take about 40 minutes, and the palaces are best seen on a full day, so check your ship's all aboard time before you plan.
Streets in the old town are steep and cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes.
Nearby Destinations
Sintra, a hill town with the colorful Pena Palace and other royal residences, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Cascais and Estoril, coastal towns reached by train in about 30 minutes.
Belem, with the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do drivers and guides meet passengers at the Lisbon cruise port?
Exit the ship, walk along the elevated passenger bridge to the terminal building, and walk through the terminal toward the main exit. Your driver or guide will be waiting immediately outside, holding a welcome sign with your name on it.
What is the official name of the Lisbon cruise terminal?
The Lisbon Cruise Terminal is officially called Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa. It is at Doca Jardim do Tabaco, on Av. Infante Dom Henrique.
Is Lisbon a tender port?
No. Ships dock alongside, so no tendering is required.
Is there a passenger bridge at the Lisbon cruise terminal?
Yes. At the main terminal, passengers walk from the ship along an elevated passenger bridge that connects to the terminal building.
What facilities are in the Lisbon cruise terminal?
The modern terminal is spacious and has restrooms, free Wi-Fi, a duty-free shop and a light security check. There are also cafes and restaurants and a taxi and ride-hailing station.
Which terminal will my ship use in Lisbon?
Most ships use the Lisbon Cruise Terminal at Doca Jardim do Tabaco. Some ships may use the nearby Santa Apolonia quay, and smaller ships or overflow may use terminals near Alcantara. Your cruise line will confirm your terminal.
How far is the Lisbon cruise terminal from the city center?
The Alfama district begins just outside the terminal, about a 5 to 10 minute walk. Baixa and Praca do Comercio are about a 15 to 20 minute walk.
Is Lisbon walkable from the cruise port?
Largely, yes. Alfama, Baixa and Praca do Comercio can be reached on foot. The streets in Alfama are steep and cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes.
Is there a metro station near the Lisbon cruise terminal?
Yes. Santa Apolonia station, on the Blue Line, is about a 5 minute walk from the terminal.
Can I take a taxi or Uber from the Lisbon cruise terminal?
Yes. A taxi and ride-hailing station is at the terminal, and Uber and Bolt are widely available. A taxi from the central districts takes about 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
How far is Lisbon Airport from the cruise terminal?
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is about 5 to 6 miles (8 to 10km) from the terminal. By taxi or ride-hailing, allow roughly 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
How far are Belem and Sintra from the Lisbon cruise port?
Belem is about 4 miles (7km) west of the port, and tram 15 from the city center reaches it. Sintra is a longer trip, with trains from Rossio station taking about 40 minutes.
