Lois Larson
If you have a long layover in Portugal, you may be wondering if you can leave the airport to explore the country. The answer is yes, you can! Lisbon Airport is only a 20- to 40-minute drive or metro ride from the city centre, making it easy to get to and explore during a layover. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the length of your layover, visa requirements, and the time needed to get through security and immigration checks upon returning to the airport. With planning, you can make the most of your time in Portugal, whether it's sampling the local cuisine, visiting historic sites, or simply enjoying the city's lively nightlife.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Yes, especially if you have a layover of at least 6 hours |
| Necessary documentation | Passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay |
| Visa requirements for US citizens | Can enter for up to 90 days without a visa |
| Time required for security checks | 90 minutes to 2 hours |
| Transportation options to the city | Metro (30 minutes, €3.60 round trip), taxi (20 minutes, €15) |
| Things to do in Lisbon | Visit the Belém Tower, Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral, Bairro Alto, Alfama, etc. |
| Dining options | Michelin-starred Feitoria, TimeOut Market, Manteigaria, Confeitaria Nacional, La Pausa, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Portugal
- You'll need the necessary documentation to enter the country
- Lisbon's city centre is easily accessible by taxi, Uber, or public transport
- Lisbon has great food, nightlife, and sights, including the Belém Tower
- Make sure to allow enough time to get back to the airport and go through security
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Portugal
If you have a long layover in Portugal, you can leave the airport and explore the city. Lisbon Airport is a 20- to 40-minute journey from the city centre, depending on your mode of transport. You can get there by taxi, bus, or metro. The metro will take you to the city centre in about 30 minutes and costs €3.60 for a round trip. If you're short on time, a taxi might be a better option, costing around €15 and taking 20 minutes to get to the city centre.
US citizens can enter Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa, but your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay. If you're flying to the UK or another country outside of Europe, you'll need to allow enough time to go through security and passport control before your next flight. It's recommended to be back at the airport at least two hours before your departure.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Lisbon during your layover. You can start by visiting the Belém Tower, a 16th-century fort that was once used to defend the city. A 30-minute tour will take you through the five-story building, ending with a spiral staircase up to the terrace. You can also explore the Alfama neighbourhood, ride the historic Tram 28, or visit the Castelo de São Jorge. For a culinary experience, try the famous pastel de nata and traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau and grilled octopus.
If you're looking for a place to stay during your layover, there are airport hotels, but they tend to be expensive. Alternatively, you can find accommodation in the city centre, such as the Turim Boulevard Hotel or Baixa House, which offers serviced apartments.
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You'll need the necessary documentation to enter the country
If you have a long layover in Portugal and want to leave the airport, you'll need to ensure you have the correct documentation to enter the country. This will depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are the key points to consider:
Passport
A valid passport is generally required for entry into Portugal. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay. Ensure your passport is up to date and will not expire during your trip. Keep your passport in a safe place when travelling, as you will need it to re-enter the airport and for document checks when boarding your next flight.
Visa
The visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. For example, US citizens can enter Portugal for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. However, specific visa requirements may apply for other nationalities or purposes of visit, so it is essential to check with the relevant embassy or consulate.
Authorisation Letter for Minors
If you are travelling with minors (children under 18), they must have the proper documentation as well. Non-resident minors must have a certified letter of authorisation if they are not travelling with their parent or legal guardian. Even resident minors in Portugal travelling without their parents need this letter. These letters help prevent issues like child abduction and human trafficking.
Other Documentation
There may be additional documentation requirements depending on your specific circumstances. For example, if you plan to drive in Portugal, you may need an International Driving Permit or a driver's license exchange. Additionally, there are strict rules about goods that can be brought into Portugal, so you must declare any prohibited items or items subject to tax or duty.
It is always advisable to check with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on the necessary documentation required for your specific situation.
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Lisbon's city centre is easily accessible by taxi, Uber, or public transport
Lisbon Airport is conveniently located within the city limits, just 7km from the historic centre. This makes it a relatively short and easy journey to the city centre, which can be reached by taxi, Uber, or public transport.
If you prefer a faster transfer, have bulky luggage, or are travelling as a group, then a taxi or ride-hailing app like Uber or Bolt is recommended. Ridesharing services are significantly cheaper than taxis, but there can be long waits during peak hours. Additionally, drivers may refuse pick-ups from the airport due to heavy traffic. Taxis line up immediately outside the arrivals exit 24 hours a day, and rides to the city centre cost between 12 and 20 euros. To avoid being overcharged, make sure the meter is switched on and ask for a receipt.
If you are travelling light, the metro is a good option. Lisbon Airport is connected to the metro network, which is affordable and convenient, making it easy to explore the main attractions. The closest metro station to the Alfama neighbourhood is Santa Apolónia, but it is located at the bottom of the neighbourhood's steep hill. Belém, another popular district, does not have a nearby metro station, so a taxi is recommended if you are staying there.
For those who want to use public transport, you can catch the metro to Cais do Sodré metro station (green line) and then board the E15 tram. The Oriente train station is also very close to the airport (2.4km away), so a taxi is probably your best option.
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Lisbon has great food, nightlife, and sights, including the Belém Tower
If you have a long layover in Portugal, you can leave the airport and explore the city. Lisbon, in particular, is a great place for a layover. It's easy to get to from the airport, with various transportation options, including buses, taxis, and the metro. The city is also walkable if you don't mind dealing with some hills. Lisbon has tons to see and do, including the famous Belém Tower, great food, and a lively nightlife scene.
The Belém Tower, or Torre de Belém, is a 16th-century fort located on the western façade of the city. It was built by Portuguese architect and sculptor Francisco de Arruda in the Manuelino style and used to defend the city and as a port of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers. The tower features delicate carvings reminiscent of sea creatures and voyages on ships. A 30-minute tour will take you through the five-story building, ending with a spiral staircase up to the terrace. You can also see the dungeons where prisoners were kept and learn about Portugal's maritime history. The tower is located right by the Jerónimos Monastery, which houses the tomb of Vasco de Gama, and is definitely worth a visit.
Lisbon has a variety of incredible restaurants, from Michelin-starred Feitoria to the famous TimeOut Market. For a true taste of Portugal, don't miss the famous pastel de nata, a flaky egg tart said to have been invented by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery. Other traditional Portuguese dishes to try include bacalhau and grilled octopus. If you're looking for a specific neighbourhood to dine in, Belém itself has some great options, including O Frade, which serves native Alentejo cuisine and wine.
When the sun sets, head to Barrio Alto for cocktail bars and dancing, or Principe Real for a higher-end vibe. If you prefer a quieter night, there are also plenty of wine bars to choose from. Lisbon is also known for its lively nightlife, including the famous Pink Street, a sardine restaurant called Sol e Pesca, and Cais do Sodré, where you can continue your exploration of the riverside.
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Make sure to allow enough time to get back to the airport and go through security
If you're planning to leave the airport during your layover in Portugal, make sure you allow enough time to get back to the airport and go through security. The metro from the airport to the city centre takes around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your mode of transport. It's a 30-minute metro ride to the city centre, costing €3.60 each way. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure to go through security and passport checks. If you're flying to the UK, you'll need to allow extra time, as you'll need to be back at the airport at least two hours before departure to go through the necessary checks when leaving Europe.
It's important to consider the length of your layover when planning to leave the airport. A minimum layover time of 45 minutes for international-to-domestic connections and six hours if you want to leave the airport is recommended. Keep in mind that getting through immigration and document checks can take a couple of hours, so factor that into your planning.
Additionally, consider the mode of transport you'll be using to get back to the airport. While the metro is a convenient option, you may also opt for a taxi, which will cost around €15 from the airport to downtown Lisbon and take about 20 minutes.
By allowing enough time and planning your transportation, you can ensure that you'll make it back to the airport with ample time to go through security and catch your next flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Portugal, especially if you have a layover of at least 6 hours. Lisbon Airport is a 20-40 minute journey from the city centre, which you can reach by taxi, bus, or metro.
Lisbon has tons to see and do, great public transport, world-class restaurants and food, and a lively nightlife scene. You can visit the Belém Tower, the Alfama neighbourhood, the Castelo de São Jorge, and sample the famous pastel de nata.
You'll need to allow time to return to the airport and go through security again. It's recommended to give yourself a couple of hours to get through immigration and any document checks.
