Lisbon Airport: Sleeping Pods For Weary Travelers?

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is an international aviation hub that offers a range of amenities to travellers passing through. While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping pods, it tolerates travellers sleeping in certain areas. Travellers have reported various spots inside the airport where one can get some rest, from couches in the food court and near gates to cushioned benches in fast-food restaurants. Additionally, Lisbon Airport provides free unlimited WiFi, a business centre, a designated work and relaxation area, and various dining and shopping options. For those seeking more comfort, there are also hotels located near the airport.

Sleeping spots in Lisbon Airport

Lisbon Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles arrivals and departures on traditional airlines, while Terminal 2 is for flights on low-cost carriers. There are a number of spots in the airport where travellers can get some rest. Terminal 1's food court has some benches, though they tend to fill up quickly. There are also a few couches near Gate 16, and the international gates around Gates 40-50 are quieter when not in use. The landside areas of Terminal 1, such as Burger King, have several cushioned benches. Security checks are infrequent, with occasional ID and ticket checks between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM.

If you want a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, there are hotels near Lisbon Airport. The Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto and Star Inn Lisboa Airport hotels are located next to Terminal 1 and are within walking distance. The city centre also offers a wide range of choices, with some hotels offering complimentary transport services.

For those who want to stay connected, Lisbon Airport offers unlimited free WiFi. Airport staff and security guards generally tolerate airport sleepers, but do expect them to check your ID and tickets, especially when sleeping in the landside areas. It's important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables when sleeping in any airport.

Some travellers have reported that it can be challenging to find a vacant spot to sleep in Terminal 1, especially if arriving after midnight. Additionally, the sleeping areas near the entrance to the terminal may be drafty during the winter months. If you plan to spend the night in the airport, it is recommended to arrive early and consider moving to Terminal 2 once it opens the next day.

Toleration of airport sleepers

Sleeping in airports is common, especially for those with early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, or those looking to save money on accommodation. While some airports close at night or do not allow sleeping, Lisbon Airport appears to be sleeper-friendly.

Sleeping in airports is allowed in many airports, but some airports close at night or do not permit sleepers. Generally, busy international airports with 24-hour flight operations are more accommodating to sleepers. For example, Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Doha International Airport accommodate travellers with flights at all hours.

Some airports offer sleep pods or mini-rooms for a quiet and dark place to rest at very low rates. Additionally, many airports offer lounge areas with fold-down seats, and some provide reclining chairs. Lisbon Airport, for instance, tolerates sleepers in both landside and airside zones. While security staff will check IDs and tickets, especially in landside areas, travellers have not reported significant safety issues.

To ensure a comfortable sleep, it is advisable to research the rules and regulations of the specific airport. Arriving early is crucial, as comfortable spots can fill up quickly. Additionally, consider the location of potential sleeping spots to avoid cold drafts from entrance doors. Knowing the location of security offices and cameras can enhance your safety.

Lisbon Airport offers various facilities to enhance your comfort, including unlimited free WiFi, mobile charging points, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels. If you prefer uninterrupted sleep, you can opt for a hotel nearby, such as the Melia Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel or the Star Inn Lisboa, both within walking distance of Terminal 1.

Nearby hotels

Lisbon Airport, also known as Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, is located about 4 miles (7 kilometres) from the city centre. The airport is well-connected to the city centre via public transportation, including the Aeroporto-Saldanha Metro, local buses, and taxis. There are several hotels near Lisbon Airport that offer convenient accommodation options for travellers with layovers, early flights, or those seeking easy access to the airport. Here is a list of some nearby hotels:

• Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel: This hotel is located next to Terminal 1 and is within walking distance of the airport. It offers a lounge bar, a restaurant, and spacious, air-conditioned rooms with modern décor.
• Star Inn Lisboa: Situated next to Terminal 1, Star Inn Lisboa is another convenient option within walking distance of the airport.
• Radisson Blu Lisbon: A 4-star hotel located less than 1.2 miles from Portela International Airport. It offers spacious rooms and an excellent breakfast spread.
• Stay Hotel Lisboa Aeroporto: Located 2.2 miles from Gare do Oriente, this hotel provides free bikes, private parking, a shared lounge, and a bar. It is known for its clean accommodation and friendly staff.
• Ibis Styles Lisboa Aeroporto: Just 2.6 miles from Gare do Oriente, this 3-star hotel features a garden, private parking, a shared lounge, and a restaurant. The food and breakfast are highly regarded.
• B&B Hotel Lisboa Aeroporto: A 3-star hotel offering a 24-hour front desk, a tour desk, and free WiFi. It is praised for its cleanliness, coffee, and overall positive experience.
• Moxy Lisboa Oriente: Located a 4-minute walk from Gare do Oriente, this hotel provides a fitness centre, private parking, a shared lounge, and a bar. The location is convenient for accessing the airport.
• Ikonik Lisboa: Set in the Parque das Nacoes district, Ikonik Lisboa is a 6-minute walk from Lisbon Oceanarium, 0.6 miles from Gare do Oriente, and 4.8 miles from Rossio Square. It offers an exceptional breakfast and is well-rated for its location.

Safety precautions

Lisbon Airport does not have sleeping pods, but sleeping in the airport is allowed. While the airport's permanent benches and couches are available for sleeping, travellers have reported that they fill up quickly. As such, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.

• While security guards seem to tolerate sleepers, you should expect staff to check your ID and tickets, especially when sleeping in the landside areas.
• Familiarise yourself with the location of the security office, and look for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot.
• Ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Keep your valuables secure.
• If you want uninterrupted sleep, consider staying in one of the nearby hotels, such as the Melia Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel or the Star Inn Lisboa, both located next to Terminal 1.

Transport options

Lisbon Airport, also known as Aeroporto de Portela (LIS), is conveniently located within the city limits, just 7km from the historic centre. This means that travelling from the airport to the city centre is relatively quick and easy. The airport is connected to the metro network, which is the recommended mode of transport for most passengers. The red metro line will take you to Oriente metro station in three stops, which is the main train station in Lisbon with intercity express trains heading north to Porto and south to the Algarve.

If you prefer a faster transfer, have bulky luggage, or are travelling as a group, then there are taxis or ride-hailing apps (like Uber or Bolt) available. A taxi to Oriente Station from the airport should cost between €5-7. Taxis are the fastest mode of transport but also the most expensive, and drivers may try to overcharge weary travellers with inflated fares. Ride-hailing services are significantly cheaper, but there can be long waits during peak hours, and drivers may refuse pick-ups from the airport due to heavy traffic.

If you are travelling to the Belem district, it is recommended to take a taxi as the metro network does not extend past the Cais do Sodré train station. A taxi to Cais do Sodré metro station should cost between €15-€20, and from there, you can board the E15 tram.

For travel outside the city limits, to places such as Sintra, Cascais, Sesimbra, or Estoril, pre-booking a transfer is advised. Onward travel to these locations via public transport can be time-consuming, and taxi fares can be expensive.

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