Using Uber in Portugal

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Written by: | Last updated on February 8, 2024 | Est. Reading Time: 9 minutes

Not long ago, Uber faced a ban in Portugal. Fast forward to today, and it operates seamlessly in several Portuguese cities. Whether you’re in the bustling streets of Lisbon, the historic lanes of Porto, or sun-drenched paths of the Algarve, Uber’s there for you.

I’ve used Uber (and other taxi apps like Bolt and Freenow) all over Portugal, as well as traditional taxis. If you haven’t used any of these apps, it really is one of the easiest ways to get around Portugal, particularly if you don’t speak the language and are nervous about phoning a taxi company.

Other taxi apps:

  • Bolt, once known as Taxify, is a very popular taxi app in Portugal.
  • Free Now, previously known as MyTaxi, is less popular than Bolt or Uber, but could be a good backup option.

For longer distance trips (e.g. Lisbon to the Algarve) it may make more sense to pre-book a taxi or airport pickup in advance using a company like Welcome Pickups.

Lyft is not available in Portugal.

Is Uber Cheaper than a normal taxi service?

Portugal’s taxis are reasonably priced. While Uber might be a tad less expensive, the difference isn’t stark. It’s not the significant cost-cutter you’d find in other nations.

However, Uber does bring additional perks:

  • No risk of drivers quoting inflated fares for tourists.
  • Drivers can’t detour to rack up the fare; every move is monitored. If they do, you can raise it with Uber.
  • Book a ride without any knowledge of Portuguese or needing a local taxi number.
  • Get estimates on journey duration.
  • Know your taxi’s arrival time.

How do I download Uber? How do I download an app?

Using Uber in Portugal is a convenient way to get around various cities. Here’s a quick guide on how to use Uber:

  1. Download the Uber App:
    • For Android users, you can download the Uber app from the Google Play Store.
    • iPhone users can find the Uber app on the App Store.
  2. Sign Up and Log In:
    • Open the Uber app after installation.
    • Sign up for a new account using your email address and phone number.
    • Once registered, log in to your Uber account.
  3. Set Your Location:
    • Ensure your device’s location services are enabled.
    • Open the Uber app, and it will automatically detect your current location using GPS.
  4. Enter Your Destination:
    • Tap the “Where to?” field and enter your destination’s address or name.
  5. Select a Ride Option:
    • Uber offers various ride options, including UberX (standard), Uber Comfort, Uber Black (premium), and more. Choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
  6. Request a Ride:
    • After selecting your ride option, tap “Confirm” to request a ride.
    • You’ll be able to see the estimated time of arrival and the fare upfront.
  7. Wait for Your Driver:
    • The app will display your driver’s name, photo, and vehicle details.
    • You can track your driver’s progress on the map.
  8. Enjoy Your Ride:
    • Once your driver arrives, hop in and enjoy your journey.
    • Payment is typically cashless through the app, so no need for physical currency.
  9. Rate Your Trip:
    • After your ride, you can rate your driver and provide feedback through the app.
  10. Payment:
    • Your payment method (credit card, PayPal, or other options) is linked to your Uber account, and the fare is automatically charged at the end of the trip.

Remember that you can always check the app for ride estimates, ride history, and any ongoing promotions or discounts.

Download the Uber app for Android or iPhone to get started with hassle-free transportation in Portugal.

Where is Uber available in Portugal

According to Uber’s website, Uber is operational in an impressive range of locations across Portugal including:

  • Lisbon: The bustling capital city of Portugal, known for its historic charm, vibrant culture, and stunning views over the Tagus River.
  • Porto: Portugal’s second-largest city, famous for its rich history, exquisite wine, and picturesque Douro River landscapes.
  • Algarve: A renowned coastal region, popular for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and Mediterranean climate.
  • Aveiro: Often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro boasts picturesque canals, colourful Moliceiro boats, and delectable seafood.
  • Braga: Known for its religious heritage, Braga is home to iconic churches, historic architecture, and lively festivals.
  • Coimbra: A city steeped in academia, Coimbra is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and a charming old town.
  • Evora: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Evora showcases well-preserved Roman ruins, medieval streets, and a rich cultural heritage.
  • Guarda: Portugal’s highest city, Guarda offers breathtaking mountain scenery, historic architecture, and a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Leiria: A picturesque town known for its medieval castle, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the Silver Coast beaches.
  • Viana do Castelo: A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches, historic sites, and traditional fishing culture.
  • Vila Real: Surrounded by stunning vineyards, Vila Real is a gateway to the Douro wine region, known for its wine production.
  • Viseu: A charming city in central Portugal, Viseu boasts historic squares, a captivating cathedral, and a laid-back ambiance.
  • Beja: A historic town with a rich Moorish heritage, Beja offers a glimpse into Portugal’s past through its architecture.
  • Bragança: Nestled in the rugged landscapes of northern Portugal, Braganca PT is known for its medieval castle and rural charm.
  • Castelo Branco: A city with a relaxed pace of life, Castelo Branco is surrounded by olive groves and known for its castle.
  • Pacos de Ferreira: Famous for its furniture industry, Pacos de Ferreira offers a glimpse into Portugal’s craftsmanship.
  • Portalegre: Nestled in the Alentejo region, Portalegre is known for its traditional crafts, historic buildings, and natural beauty.
  • Santarem Portugal: A charming city on the banks of the Tagus River, Santarem Portugal is famous for its Gothic architecture and agricultural heritage.
  • Santiago do Cacem: Located on the Alentejo coast, Santiago do Cacem offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Most of these locations are cities. In certain locations, such as the Algarve, you may have to wait longer to get an Uber in rural locations. Near the Algarve’s coast, there are normally lots of Ubers.

If you’re travelling in rural parts of Portugal, it’s also good to have Bolt and FreeNow on your phone, just in case you can’t get an Uber.

As of late 2023, Uber and Bolt are not available in Madeira or the Azores. If you need a taxi, you will need to phone a local taxi company (or have your hotel or accommodation do it for you).

Uber at Lisbon Airport

At Lisbon Airport, the Uber (and Bolt, Freenow, etc) pickup area is at the departures area in Terminal 1 near the Kiss & Fly car park (also known as Parque P1 Partidas).

  • Head up the escalators (you’ll see a sign saying ‘check in’ above the stairs next to it). These are located above the car rental area.
  • Pass the Heineken bar on your left and go through the automatic doors marked ‘Salida’ or ‘Exit.’
  • Once outside, you will need to use the pedestrian crossing to cross over to the Kiss & Fly car park. This is just after the bus stop.

This is where the driver should pick you up, and most likely will. If you have any problems, try phoning the driver or send them a message through the app. 

Uber at Porto Airport

At Porto airport, the Uber (and Taxify, Cabify, etc) pickup area is front of the arrivals entrance on the first floor. Uber will tell you to go to the “Kiss and Fly” car park, which isn’t really signposted. 

Basically, you walk outside the arrivals entrance/exit and go to the island in the middle of the two-lane road. Ubers normally come down the lane on the side furthest from the airport entrance but, standing in the middle, you’ll be able to look out for it on both sides. 

Uber Tipping Etiquette

Tipping in Portugal can be a confusing topic as there isn’t really a tipping culture in the same way as there is in other countries like the United States or, to a lesser degree, the United Kingdom. Many American websites suggest tipping between 10% and 20% as standard, depending on the quality of service, and 30% for longer trips.

In Portugal, there isn’t a set rule or percentage. The biggest rule about tipping in Portugal is that tips are always appreciated. Wages are low in Portugal, and people work hard, and every little helps.

Before Uber came along, some people would round up and tip a Euro or two or tell the driver to keep the change. These days, most people tip inside the Uber app. As there isn’t a tipping culture in Portugal, you can choose whether to round up or tip a percentage. 10%, which would be considered low in the US, would be appreciated in Portugal.

Should we be supporting Uber?

Taxi drivers in Portugal aren’t fans of Uber. They’ve gone through the process of getting licences, and now they see newcomers arriving without the same effort. This sudden competition has understandably ruffled feathers.

While I get their concern, I can’t entirely side with them. The taxi world in Portugal could use some updates.

For example, in Lisbon, taxis sometimes overcharge tourists or take longer routes. I’ve experienced it myself.

Down in the Algarve, getting a taxi after dark can be a hassle. A lot of drivers finish up before midnight, which leads to some resorting to drink-driving. With Uber around, there are more transport options late into the night.

So, have taxi drivers stepped up their game in response to Uber? Have they become more transparent with pricing? Or ensured availability late at night? Not really.

In fact, in October 2016, they protested against Uber by blocking Lisbon airport with their cars. That’s not improving service; it’s resisting change. Actions like these make me lean more towards using alternatives like Uber.

Have you used Uber (or any other taxi app) in Portugal? Let us, and other people visiting Portugal, know your experiences by leaving a comment below.

Written by

James Cave is the founder of Portugalist and the author of the bestselling book, Moving to Portugal Made Simple. He has visited just about every part of Portugal, including Madeira and all nine islands of the Azores, and lived in several parts of Portugal including Lisbon, the Algarve, and Northern Portugal.

You can contact James by emailing james@portugalist.com or via the site's contact form.

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Comments

  1. Using Uber in Portugal makes exploring the beautiful country even more convenient and accessible. It’s great to see how it has seamlessly integrated into Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto, providing travelers with a reliable and easy transportation option. Plus, the added perks like transparent pricing and language convenience make it a fantastic choice for getting around. Enjoy your adventures in Portugal with Uber!

    Reply
    • On the Uber app, there is an “Uber Pet” option which you can find by scrolling through the options (e.g. UberX Saver, Black, UberXL etc). This is a small bit more expensive than a standard Uber, but only by a few euros typically. However, you may find that it takes a little longer to get a ride in some places as not all Ubers will be registered as an Uber Pet.

      Reply
  2. Will an Uber pick you up from the train station in Albufeira Ferreiras to your hotel. I was thinking of taking the train as its very reasonable cost and quick, but the train station is a bit away from the beach hotels.

    Reply
    • Hi Ann,

      You’ll be able to get one from Lisbon, sure. There are Ubers around Sintra so I think you should be able to get one in Azenhas do Mar as well (although you might have to wait a bit). There are also taxi companies in Sintra that you could look up if you get stuck.

      Reply
    • Hi Rita,

      A lot of people ask about taking an Uber long distance in Portugal. It is theoretically possible, but it really depends whether you can find an Uber driver that wants to drive 533 km and then back again to get home.

      Uber is designed most for short term, however, you can book a transfer in advance from Porto to the Algarve with a company like Welcome Pickups. You can also compare prices with a service like Hoppa.com

      If you do decide to book with Uber, it’s probably best to pre-book rather than trying to find someone on the day that wants to do that distance. Uber estimates it’ll cost between €323 and 431.

      Reply
    • There are usually Uber cars in Portimão, which is close by but you’ll probably have to wait 10+ minutes for an Uber.

      There are also taxis in Alvor.

      Reply
  3. Looking forward to visiting Portugal for the first time and debating about a rental car vs Uber. Will Uber pick me up at the Lisbon Airport and drive me to Coimbra? Or take me from Coimbra to Evora, then Evora to Lagos? And what would the rate be for each of those trips?

    Reply
  4. I am coming to Portugal in March for part travel and part work. After travelling I will return my car rental to the airport in Porto. I will need to get to Bragga from the airport. What is the best method of transportation? Thanks

    Reply
  5. We have a 5am flight, will we be able to reserve an uber ahead of time (not sure how many drivers will be working at 2 to 3 am) like we can in the US?

    Reply
    • Hi Arlene,

      You were trying to use it in Portugal, right? Kapten is only available in the following cities currently Paris (France), Lyon (France), Cannes (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (United Kingdom).

      Or do you mean you had trouble signing up with a US address (and phone number)?

      Reply
  6. We just returned from 2 weeks of travel and had a strange experience with Uber. We were able to get around great with it except for when we wanted to call for a ride from the train station. This happened at Campanhã Station in Porto and Oriente Station in Lisbon. In those 2 instances the app would not show the map and would not allow me to schedule a ride, although it did show that it was picking up my location (with no map reference – just a moving arrow). Any thoughts on why this happened when trying to get a ride from the train station? We were able to get to the station and all other locations just fine with the app.

    Reply
    • Hi Caroline,

      That’s definitely strange.

      I took a Kapten (another taxi app) from Campanhã the other day without any problems, although I did have to go to the pickup point at Campanhã metro station 2 minutes away.

      Haven’t experienced what you’re talking about. Hopefully it didn’t affect your trip too much.

      Reply
  7. Where do I pick up Uber at Lisbon Airport in Terminal 2? The last time I arrive there it was confusing. Could you please help? I saw your note about T1 but I arrive in T2 by Easyjet from Luton.

    Reply
    • If you’re landing at Terminal 2, you won’t go into Terminal 2 : a bus will take you to Terminal 1.

      So just follow the instructions for T1 and you’ll be fine 🙂

      Reply
  8. I am at this very moment trying to schedule an Uber in Porto. Uber won’t let me use my credit card. I called my card company and they said my card is fine. I went to Uber help and they don’t answer my query. I have tried to find a phone number for Uber, but there isn’t one as far as I can tell. Their customer service is horrible. It’s almost worth paying more to actually speak to the taxi company.

    Reply
  9. I use Uber all the time in Albuferia . The App is fantastic , tells you when your driver will arrive , the car reg & their name . A fantastic service

    Reply
    • I doubt any Uber driver would take you there as they would need to get back to Porto, and would likely be in an area where Uber doesn’t operate yet.

      You could get a transfer from a company like Welcome Pickups. They would be willing to drive you that far. You may also look at hoppa.com

      Alternatively, of course, there’s public transport. It would probably involve taking a train/bus into across the Spanish border to somewhere like Vigo and then getting connecting transport from there.

      Reply
  10. HI! I am traveling to Portugal alone in a little over 2 weeks. I’ll be going from the Lisbon airport to Sintra. Would you suggest the train or an Uber? If I take the train do I have to uber into Lisbon from the airport to get to a train?
    Later I will be going from Sintra to Nazare, any suggestions on how to best get there also?
    Thanks in advance!
    Vicki

    Reply
    • Hi Vicki,

      It depends what’s more important to you: comfort or price. Taking an Uber from Lisbon Airport to Sintra will definitely be the fastest and most comfortable way to get there, but it’ll obviously be more expensive than taking the train(s). Expect for pay around €24 for an Uber to Sintra.

      To get to Sintra by train, you’ll need to take the metro (or some other form of transport like an Uber) into Lisbon and then take the train: You can either go from Oriente train station (which is close to the airport) or Rossio. If you take the metro + a train, it’ll cost you €1.50 for the metro ticket and €2.25 for the train ticket + €0.50 for the rechargeable ticket.

      Getting from Sintra to Nazaré is a little more complicated. You can take the train from Sintra (which involves a few changes) but the main issue is that the Nazaré station isn’t in Nazaré. You’ll need to get a taxi from the train station to your accommodation.

      Alternatively, you could get the train some of the way (say to Caldas da Rainha) and then switch to a bus instead.

      Trains can be booked on cp.pt. Buses on rede-expressos.pt.

      Hope that helps.

      Reply
  11. Hi! I’m going to be in Faro early and I’m trying to find an alternative from renting a car, so I was wondering if I could use Uber to get to the beach… thanks, Paola 🙂

    Reply
  12. It’s a shame you can’t yet pre book uber in the Algarve. Drivers are losing fares.Therefore less money earned by them and punters have to go to regular taxi firms.

    Reply
    • Yes, definitely a shame.

      I wonder why that is. Maybe they need a certain number of drivers in an area before they allow that? Uber is still quite small on the Algarve.

      Reply
  13. Hi im coming to lagos in september and im going to the world superbikes in portimao..whats tge best way to go..taxi or uber?im a female age 55 and will be going alone so im a tad worried.

    Reply
    • Hi Julie,

      A lot of women travel alone in Portugal, and it’s a very safe country for doing so. It’s actually one of the safest countries in the world, alongside other countries like Iceland and New Zealand. Obviously, there are always concerns about travelling along but, if you’re going to do it, Portugal is the place.

      For me, I like the ease of booking Ubers, but I would recommend having the number of a taxi company as well as there are still only a limited number of Ubers in the Algarve.

      Taxi Arade is a taxi cooperative (they take calls on behalf of all the local taxi companies and find you a taxi), and they speak English. You can call them on 00-351-282460610.

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
  14. Hi James,
    Do you know approximately how much an Uber would cost from Burgau (Algarve) to Ericeira? Or the best train route? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi Debbie,

      I don’t know if you’ll get an Uber in Burgau as it’s a very small town, and I don’t know if they would drive all the way to Ericeira. You might find a traditional taxi locally that would do that, but you would need to ask them for a quote.

      Public transport makes more sense. Burgau is quite a small place, and doesn’t have a train station (I’m not sure if it has a bus station either). Your best bet is to head to Lagos and, from there, take the bus or train to Lisbon. There are local buses from Burgau to Lagos (see eva-bus.com) or you could take a taxi (and maybe you’ll find an Uber too). You’ll then need to go to Lisbon’s Campo Grande station where you can get a bus to Ericeira.

      Another option would be to rent a car in Lagos.

      Hope that helps.

      Reply
    • I don’t know if an Uber driver will go that far. Nazaré doesn’t have Uber yet, so they would then have to drive back to Lisbon to get their next job.

      If you want a taxi, take a look at one of the airport transfer companies at Lisbon airport. Alternatively, you could get the bus (book at https://www.rede-expressos.pt) or the train* (cp.pt).

      *There’s no stop in Nazaré, so you can take it to either Famalicao da Nazare or Valado and then get a taxi. As this is an extra bit of hassle, it probably makes more sense to get the bus than the train here.

      Reply
  15. Hi there, do you know the laws with Uber and child seats in Portugal? We are travelling with a 1 year old in July and will use Uber but they are not giving us a clear answer, just that we must check local laws.

    Reply
    • As far as I know Ubers are unlikely to have child seats in Portugal, and there’s currently no way of requesting an Uber with a child seat. Unfortunately, I don’t think taxis normally have child seats either.

      Some airport transfer companies, on the other hand, have child seats which will get you from the airport or train station to your hotel. Two other solutions would be to 1) bring a child seat with you or 2) get an inflatable child seat from Amazon (not sure if they’re suitable for 1 year olds).

      You’re not the only one who’s asked this. It seems there’s quite a demand for a taxi company (or taxi app) where you can request child seats but so far I haven’t found one.

      Reply
      • Hi James, thanks for coming back to me. Will Uber takes a 1 year old on laps? What are the laws in Portugal with taking a child not in a car seat?

        Reply
        • As I understand it, since taxis don’t have to have child seats (and most don’t) then this is the only way you could be expected to travel around. Although you can, I don’t think people bring their own child seat with them.

          Reply
  16. Has anyone used Uber to get from the Lisbon Airport to Óbidos? I don’t imagine it would be an option out of Óbidos but I’m wondering if Uber might be an option to get there. Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Karen,

      I don’t think Uber operates in Óbidos yet, you’re right. Uber says it can do the trip (estimated at around €60), but I guess it depends whether any drivers would accept it. They would then be up in Óbidos where they aren’t able to pick anyone up.

      An airport transfer would also be an option, but I think that would cost around 50% more so €90ish according to Welcome Pickups. They would definitely take you, though.

      Worth mentioning that you can get the train there from Lisbon. It takes longer than going by car, but a ticket is less than €10 per person.

      Reply
  17. Hey,

    Is UberXL running in the algarve yet? We will need a 6 seater just for local trips from our villa in Falesia to Villa Moura/ old town albufeira?

    Or are there any other apps where you can request 6 seaters?
    Thanks,
    Louisa

    Reply
    • Yes, there are UberXL cars in the Algarve and around Albufeira.

      Most of the other taxi apps haven’t launched in the Algarve yet, so I would stick with Uber.

      Reply
  18. Hi James,
    How much for a cab be/ or Uber be from Ribeira area to the airport in Porto. Have to be at airport 6:30 am!

    Thanks,
    Joan

    Reply
  19. Hi. Generally useful but your reference to the Kiss and Fly carpark is not useful. Can you specify the number eg P2? Or say it’s x metres away from the main taxi stand etc?

    Reply
  20. Hi James,

    I will be in Porto this June, and my flight is arriving at 1 a.m. What kind of transport you would recommend to get to the city center? Uber (or another app) or taxi? Or maybe there is some night public transportation to get around?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi Kate,

      There’s a metro line from the airport to the city centre, which is the best option for most people. If you have limited time or a lot of luggage, an airport transfer or an Uber might be a good idea, but for most people the metro is perfectly fine.

      Reply
  21. Hi James,
    I will be in Algarve in June 2019. I was looking for a private transfer from Lagos to Carvoiero but all I found are transfers from Faro Airport to destination or vice versa as indicated in their websites. I have an Uber app but as I was doing my research, Portugal banned Uber. Also, I found this GetTransfer.com service but the reviews are not good. And with regular taxi, I think I need to call them for their service and another problem is, I will not have my roaming on, I am from Canada. What will be the best option? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi Joyce,

      Uber was banned temporarily, but that’s no longer the case. Uber is available in the Algarve again. You’ll also find other taxi apps in Lisbon and Porto like Kapten (Chauffeur Privé) and Bolt (Taxify), and MyTaxi seems to be available to the Algarve (although it has nowhere near as many drivers as Uber).

      I don’t think you’d have any problem getting an Uber in Lagos in June. You could also get in touch with a taxi company like Taxi Arade through e-mail (taxiarade@gmail.com) – just make sure they confirm, so you know they’ve received it.

      You’re right about the transfers. I did manage to find one using hoppa.com, but it seemed very expensive for the distance.

      Reply
  22. Hi, I’m travelling from Lisbon to Albufeira. Will an Uber driver cover that distance? Can you give me an idea of how much that would cost?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi Hayley,

      According to Uber, it would cost somewhere around €220. That’s just an estimate. It might be worth comparing that quote against airport transfers as well, especially as you may struggle to find a driver who wants to go that far (remember they have to come back as well).

      Of course, you could get a train or a bus from Lisbon to Albufeira and it would probably cost €20 or less.

      Reply
  23. Hi,

    Is there UBERXL available for 6 people with 6 checked baggages from Lisbon airport to Sintra station and how much. Thank you.

    Reply
    • I’m looking for UBERXL on Uber app, but it’s not showing up. It’s maybe not in Lisbon yet.

      Normal Uber for that trip will cost around €25. I know that Taxify (or Bolt as it’s now called) has 6 seat vehicles (est €29). My Taxi also has 6 seaters, but I couldn’t get it to give me a trip estimate.

      Reply
    • Hi Madhu,

      Taxis in Portugal do not normally have baby seats, but I don’t know about Uber. At the time of writing, there isn’t an option in the app to request an Uber with a car seat which is what I believe you have to do in the US. I imagine this means that Ubers here don’t have car seats yet.

      Perhaps someone who has travelled with a child will be able to chime in and help out?

      Reply
    • Hi Lou,

      I usually buy and top up my card (the cardboard Viva Viagem card) in the metro station. The card costs €0.50 and you can load it with however much you plan to use. It can be used on the trams, buses, and ferries as well.

      Reply
  24. Has anyone had any experience getting an uber from Faro airport into the city centre? Is there a dedicated pick up place? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi there!

      Since I am going to Lagos in a week, I was wondering how your experience went with the transfers from the Faro airport? Was there a dedicated pick up place? And how did you manage to get to your hotel eventually? I haven’t ordered a taxi yet because I am very concerned that my flight will get delayed. So I was wondering of there were enough taxi’s at the airport?

      Reply
    • Hvordan kan jeg bestille en taxa fra Faro lufthavn i Algarve.
      Jeg kommer til Faro lufthavn d. 10 dec omkring 10.40am
      Hvor meget koster taxa til hotel Aqua pedra dos bicos design Beach hotel.

      Reply
  25. Anyone have experience using Uber for a longer trip? Looking for a ride from Lisbon Portela Airport to Carvoeiro? It seems according to the app to be an affordable alternative to a private transfer?

    Reply
    • Interesting question.

      I don’t think I’ve gone much further than about 20 km but, from Googling it, it does seem like some people have taken 11 hour Uber journeys in other countries.

      Uber is giving me a price (€223), so I guess it just depends whether there are any drivers who would take it on.

      Reply
  26. We have been using UBER in Lisbon and are completely happy with them. No hassles with not taking credit cards, not having exact change, not knowing if the route is best, etc. People will ALWAYS complain when there is change. Get used to it, UBER I a here to stay, is convenient and easy.

    Reply
  27. Just for info really. Last weekmy car out of order and I needed to get to a meeting about 25Km away. Multiple phone calls to taxi companies – no one wanted to talk to me – I don’t speak Portuguese (1 company) the others would not take any advance bookings ‘call when you want us’ – would not say if a taxi would be available ‘it depends if we have one free’ etc etc. So after wasted hours I downloaded the UBER app, 10 mins later I had a confirmed car on its way to me. Arrived to the second when the app said, new car, well dressed driver and got me where I needed to be in time. Returned 2 hours later, again new car with smarly dressed Englih speaking lady driver. Superb service both ways. The only downside at the moment is that I can’t access my Uber account – the Uber website is blocked by law in Portugal though the mobile app works well. Uber now has all my support in this, not the taxi drivers – the world has moved on and poor service (including my being ripped off by Lisbon airport taxis twice) is not going to be accepted by the customers now there is a choice.

    Reply
    • Hey Norman,

      Thanks for the comment. Yeah, people often think Uber is all about being cheaper than taxis but actually a big part of it is about the customer service as well.

      James

      Reply
  28. I have a very early flight departing Lisbon at 7:15 which means departing my lodging near Marques de Pombal at 5:00 am. Do you think there will be any problem getting an Uber driver that early? Metro and aerobuses don’t run that early.

    Thanks!

    Christine

    Reply
    • Hi Christine
      What transportation did you take? I have a 6:15 flight from Lisbon and have the same question. Did you take an Uber?
      Thx
      Judy

      Reply
        • Sorry James , but as in Oct 2016 the taxis have gone on strike at the Airport, flew in on Wednesday 18 ,we had a 90 minute wait to finally get an Uber, taxis would not take anyone( roughly 40 taxis locked and lined up) via the Uber Australia site (Uber Porto melt downed) , hopefully our journey out will be easier, we saw the taxis protesting at the square near SanBento station on Friday 21

          Reply
          • Hey Steve,

            Thanks for the tip! I can only imagine how frustrating this is.

            Hopefully the strike will be over by the time you leave. I don’t know if it’ll make a difference, but it’s worth checking out some of the other taxi apps that are available in Portugal. Failing that public transport to the airport in Porto is pretty good.

            James

  29. Hi. I’m arriving to Lisbon Portela airport and want to use Uber to reach my hotel. As I know – drivers usually can pick me at drop off/ pick up zone. Does airport free wifi available there? Or I need to use uber app inside the airport and after that proceed to indicated place?

    Reply
    • I’m not sure if there’s free Wi-Fi in the drop off zone.

      I’ve used Uber in several airports and always just used the free Wi-Fi in the airport and then walked over to the drop-off zone. You might go offline, but I’ve never had a driver not turn up because of this.

      Reply
  30. This is another example of people refusing to accept the inevitably of globalization. We need to help anyone who does not understand what is happening. If trade doesn’t cross borders, armies will. We all love freedom of information, like all freedoms, it comes with responsibility. Embrace the opportunities please don’t feer them!

    Reply
  31. We are coming to Lagos for a couple of days and staying just outside of town, around 7 km from the town center. What do you recommend as mode of transport coming and out of town, especially if drinking is involved. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Well if drinking is involved, that rules out hiring a car and just leaves taxis.

      You won’t have any problems getting a taxi from Lagos to your accommodation. There are taxi ranks in town. You should be able to get the pub or restaurant that you’re in to phone one, either.

      Being honest, I don’t think you’ll have trouble getting one into town. Most of the taxi companies here will speak English. I’d take the numbers for a few taxi companies. If you have 3G, then it’s worth giving Uber a go as well.

      Reply
    • Hi Donna,

      It depends on your needs and budget really. The cheapest way to get to Cascais would be by public transport (train). The train to Cascais doesn’t go directly from the airport: it goes from Cais do Sodré train station. The easiest way to get to Cais do Sodré from the airport is by metro. Lisbon has a good metro system, and the train ride along the coast is really nice.

      The easiest way is obviously a taxi. Uber is the most popular taxi app, but there are several others as well which I’ve written about here. You can also get a taxi from outside of Lisbon Portela Airport. I don’t know how much you could expect to pay, but somewhere around €30. It would take you around 30 minutes, roughly a third of the time that the journey on public transport would take.

      Reply
  32. Is Uber blocked in Portugal? I am trying to access Uber in Faro and I get this message on the site…O site a que se pretende aceder encontra-se bloqueado na sequência do cumprimento de ordem judicial

    Reply
    • Hmm, there does seem to be something up with the website alright. I am looking on the app, though, and I can see uber cars in Faro and across a few towns on the Algarve. Not sure what’s going on.

      Reply
  33. Taxi drivers just don’t understand that it is their attitude that makes people want to use Uber. We have lived in Funchal (Madeira) and the taxi drivers there will almost always charge more to tourists than locals.

    Reply
    • Hi!
      It varies with regular taxi drivers. We had good and bad experiences in Porto. The bad was two times and both with old men (around 65-70 years old) who were taxi drivers. One was in Porto and he drove taxi longer way, gave wrong change (less of course), did not speak English and was unpleasant from the first sight. The second was in Sintra and he acted as he gave us a favour to get us in his car and he did not speak English either. At the end we got fed up with his attitude and decided to walk instead.

      Reply
      • Yes, I’ve had a mixture of good and bad experiences as well. It’s probably a much higher percentage of good experience than bad ones, but I just tend to remember the bad ones 🙂

        Reply
  34. hello
    i want to get one taxi uber from Lisbon airport to av antonio Serpa 26
    We arrive at 23h45 om the 5/4 tomorrow)
    I can not download the app on my phone…can i mail you?
    I mail you when iam getting outsside, where? OF MUST I SENT YOU A MESSAGE BEFORE?
    WHAT WILL IT COST FOR 2 PERSONS?

    Reply
    • Hi Ann,

      We’re not a taxi company, but a travel blog. I would suggest just getting a taxi from the airport, which is the easiest thing.

      Reply
  35. I am a regular traveller to the Algarve and if I stay over in Faro, I get a taxi from the airport. Nearly every time, as the taxi arrives at my hotel the driver switches off the meter and adds two or three euros to the price shown. This is annoying and means no tip from me. Only once can I remember being charged the price on the meter – and on that occaision i did tip the driver.

    Knowing the exact price befor the journey is a good feeling. So Uber – do your stuff

    Reply
    • Hey Rob,

      That’s terrible to hear! Yes, Uber seems to be slowly taking off. I think it’s a lot better in Faro than it is in the rest of the Algarve so hopefully you will be able to use it more in the future.

      Reply
        • I’m guessing to the airport? Yes, you can get Ubers at 4 am.

          If you mean for going out at night, there’ll also be plenty of Ubers available – especially on a Friday or Saturday night.

          Reply
    • Are you sure about this? It’s never happened to me. The meters have two values: one is a flat rate for carrying luggage, out of hours or whatever (typically €1.46) and the other is the basic rate for the distance. At the end of the trip the driver adds both together. Might that be what is happening?

      Reply
  36. Stayed recently in Lagos and wasn’t able to get an Uber there at all (although I was able to find them in Faro and Vilamoura easily). I’m surprised that Lagos didn’t have any. I expected something as it’s quite a popular tourist town.

    Reply
    • Hi there!

      Since I am going to Lagos over a week and was wondering how you got from Faro airport to Lagos when you went?

      Reply
      • Hi. It depends how quickly you want to get to your resort. I have pre booked a taxi and it cost roughly 70-75 euros and takes about an hour. On the other hand if your relaxed about the time it takes get a taxi from the airport to faro train station ( 10 euros ) and take the train to Lagos ( 7 euro ). There’s a nice cafe opposite the station in faro that does a nice selection of snacks and beverages. It a great spot to watch the world go by. Journey by train is around 1h 45mins

        Reply
      • There are a few options:

        1) Pre-book an airport transfer.
        2) Get an Uber once you get there.
        3) Get a normal taxionce you get there.
        4) Take the airport bus into Faro, and then either take the train or the bus onto Lagos.

        Of the first three options, booking the airport transfer will be the cheapest and most convenient.
        Overall, taking the train or bus will be a lot cheaper but going into Faro first and then waiting for a bus/train does take a while.

        Reply

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