The fixed taxi fare for trips originating at the Lisbon airport taxi rank, set at either 16 or 19 euros depending on the zone, takes effect on Thursday.
Speaking to the Lusa news agency, Carlos Silva, president of the Portuguese Taxi Federation (FPT), explained that the new system for taxis operating at Humberto Delgado Airport begins on Thursday and will initially cover all taxi drivers, including those not yet accredited for the service.
Lisbon City Council, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, and the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) signed the Cooperation and Self-Regulation Protocol for Taxi Services at Humberto Delgado Airport in September, following an agreement with the FPT and ANTRAL (National Association of Light Passenger Road Transport).
“Although it is not yet possible to control access to the taxi rank via the license plate reading system, the barrier is already in place, and the accreditation process will also begin on Thursday,” the official explained, adding that the sector’s representative associations handle accreditation and subsequently forward it to the municipality.
Carlos Silva acknowledged that everything should have been ready for the scheduled launch after the various entities signed the protocol, admitting the system is unlikely to be fully operational until “early November.”
The newspaper Público reported today that the new fare system for passengers arriving at Lisbon airport will only be operational in November—and will cover more destinations.
“Starting tomorrow [Thursday], fixed rates for the locations included in the agreement will come into effect, and the accreditation process for interested taxi drivers will begin. The barrier [at the airport] will start operating, but without blocking vehicles based on license plate registration,” said Carlos Silva.
According to the official, 3,500 taxis operate in Lisbon; “there may be 500 wanting to serve the airport rank,” and “any car licensed in Lisbon can provide service at the airport, provided the driver obtains accreditation.”
“We know that many drivers do not stop at the airport for various reasons but would consider doing so if there were clear rules, as they currently do not feel comfortable doing it. Fixed rates might be more favourable, compensating for the time spent waiting [for a fare],” he explained.
Carlos Silva also highlighted the need to extend fixed rates to areas outside the capital, such as Moscavide, Sacavém, and Prior Velho, arguing that “it is not fair for a person to pay 16 euros to get to Parque das Nações, while a trip to a destination just a little further on, but in the neighbouring municipality of Loures, and just as close to the airport, is charged via the taximeter.”
The FPT president also added that the airport’s arrivals area and exterior still lack information panels displaying fixed trip prices, leaving tourists unaware of the new rates, but expects them to be visible by early November.
The protocol, taking effect on Thursday, sets fares at €16 for Zone 1 and €19 for Zone 2 during weekday daytime hours. Between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am, and on weekends and public holidays, the rates rise to €20 and €23, respectively.
Zone 1 covers Alvalade, Areeiro, Avenidas Novas, Beato, Lumiar, Marvila, Olivais, Parque das Nações, Penha de França, and Santa Clara. At the same time, Zone 2 includes Ajuda, Alcântara, Arroios, Belém, Benfica, Campolide, Campo de Ourique, Carnide, Estrela, Misericórdia, Santa Maria Maior, Santo António, São Domingos de Benfica, and São Vicente.
However, access control for accredited taxi drivers is not yet in place.
The protocol also provides for the widespread adoption of the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) voucher system, mandatory electronic payment methods in participating taxis, and an accreditation system for accessing the airport taxi rank, alongside rules regarding etiquette and dress code.
The measure follows repeated complaints from passengers, particularly tourists, regarding overcharging and refusals to take passengers to their desired destinations.
Inspection results
During an August Public Security Police (PSP) inspection, inspectors found 67 violations among about 100 taxis.
The new system establishes a self-regulation framework to “enhance price transparency, improve service quality, and protect users” during a transitional period ahead of the approval of specific municipal regulations for the sector.