Lisbon Airport Taxi Scam Exposed: How Tourists Are Being Ripped Off
A British holidaymaker has shared a cautionary tale about falling victim to a widespread taxi scam at Lisbon's main airport, revealing how easily travellers can be exploited upon arrival in Portugal's capital.
The Costly Journey That Should Have Been Simple
Reddit user @cml1111 detailed their unsettling experience arriving at Humberto Delgado Airport late at night, exhausted from their flight. They approached what appeared to be an official taxi stand and entered a cab with a running meter, assuming everything was legitimate.
'Halfway through the ride, I mentioned it was my first time in Portugal when he asked,' the traveller recounted. 'Dude turned off the meter maybe 10 minutes later, just a minute before we arrived at my hotel.'
The situation escalated when the driver produced a laminated card claiming the airport operated on a 'zone pricing' system, demanding €45 (£39.20) despite the meter showing only €15 (£13).
'I knew it was nonsense but I was alone, tired, my suitcase was in his trunk, and it was dark,' the holidaymaker explained. 'When I tried to photograph his taxi number, he became aggressive. I paid him and left.'
Hotel staff later confirmed this represents a particularly common scam targeting airport arrivals in Lisbon.
Multiple Travellers Report Similar Experiences
Other visitors have shared comparable stories in online forums, demonstrating this isn't an isolated incident. One commenter revealed: 'Too funny! Mine also involved a Lisbon taxi. I knew the meter already showed an extra charge for two passengers, but my travel partner said to pay it anyway. So €28 (£24.40) instead of the actual €8 (£7).'
Another recounted a parallel experience in Thailand: 'My wife and I were offered a tour from two guys in a van with official-looking brochures. Every spot they took us was a money grab with doubled prices so they could collect kickbacks.'
Expert Advice for Avoiding Airport Transport Scams
This isn't the first warning issued about such practices in Lisbon. Last year, a Portuguese resident who regularly shares money-saving travel tips highlighted this specific 'rip-off' that sees tourists 'paying treble' the actual cost for airport transfers.
Instagrammer @nationswithoutborders, who lives in Portugal with her American husband, offered crucial advice for navigating Lisbon's airport transport:
- Avoid mentioning it's your first visit to Portugal when taking taxis
- Be wary of drivers who turn off meters before reaching your destination
- Question any 'zone pricing' claims that significantly exceed meter readings
- Consider alternative transport options from the airport when possible
'Taxis aren’t necessarily bad and not all taxi drivers are scammers,' she acknowledged, 'but it is generally known by Lisbon residents that there's a big chance you'll get ripped off by taxis at the airport.'
One extreme case involved a traveller paying €120 (£102) for a 4.3-mile journey that should have cost a fraction of that amount.
Protecting Yourself as a Tourist
The key takeaway for UK holidaymakers is maintaining awareness from the moment they land. While official taxi stands might appear trustworthy, some drivers specifically target tired, disoriented arrivals who mention being first-time visitors.
Hotel staff across Lisbon have become accustomed to guests reporting these overcharges, confirming this represents a systematic problem rather than occasional bad actors. By staying vigilant and following expert advice, travellers can avoid becoming the next victims of this costly airport scam.
