Just a heads up to anyone travelling soon. Currently in Lisbon overnight & there is a taxi strike but it seems to affect Porto & Faro as well. The Lisbon airport was a zoo when we walked by this afternoon to catch the Metro with stranded, frustrated passengers. Huge police presence as well. Metro working fine.
http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/taxis-in-nationwide-protest/46900
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1663 posts
The taxi strikes are one day affairs - they are not for days or weeks in a row.
And, unfortunately, the Lisbon airport is a zoo, whether there is a strike or not. With the newish influx of tourists in the last 2-3 years, it simply can’t keep up with the numbers. So, plan on it being crowded!
There is the Aerobus and metro which both can get you to the downtown area easily - if you happen to arrive on a strike day.
Posted by
Florida
26 posts
UBER!! UBER!! UBER!!! Uber is Fabulous and convenient in Lisbon. I just got back and reviewed my Uber charges, less than $10 from the airport to our hotel near Rossio Square. And getting your Uber is easier than I thought. Use the free Wifi at the airport to contact your Uber driver. They will pick you up on the top "departures" level at the "Kiss & Fly" lot. You don't even need to use any cellular data plan! We used Uber several times in Lisbon, the cars and drivers were all great, one driver even gave us a tour of everything we were passing, no extra charge, he said he just loves his city and enjoys sharing it with others!
Posted by
OP
Ontario, Canada
362 posts
As I posted, it’s a heads up to check as they were striking since Sep 19th & it was the 23rd so more than a 1 day disruption. We were told the taxi companies were going to hold out as long as possible. They were blocking lanes to the airport as well. Uber and other apps are great IF you have data (or are in a free wifi zone). Some don’t nor travel with a phone. With the heatwave continuing for another week in Lisbon, it’s not an ideal situation for anyone arriving jet lagged unprepared.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1663 posts
Wow, Marika! You are right. I’ve never known the strikes to be longer than one day but I don’t live in Lisbon. The taxis here in Cascais are running as usual.
Sorry for giving wrong information!
And, I will add another vote to using Uber. And, from the airport, Aerobus and the metro work very well.