Owais Crawford
Lisbon Portela Airport, also known as Lisbon Airport (LIS), is one of the busiest airports in Europe, with 25 million passengers passing through annually. The airport is small and easy to navigate, with two terminals located in the Humberto Delgado Airport. While Terminal 1 is bigger and better organised, Terminal 2 is smaller, older, and less efficiently run. The airport has all the typical facilities of a major international airport, including lounges, WiFi, parking, and nearby hotels. It also has numerous duty-free shops, restaurants, and a metro station located directly within it. Getting to the city centre from the airport is straightforward and relatively inexpensive, with bus and metro options available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of navigation | Small airport, easy to navigate but can be confusing for first-time visitors. |
| Number of terminals | 2 |
| Terminal 1 | Bigger, better-organized, open 24 hours, has basic facilities like lounges, bureau de change, and hotels nearby. |
| Terminal 2 | Smaller, older, less efficiently run, handles low-cost airlines, consists of two giant rooms connected by a subterranean security area. |
| Transport to the city | Taxi, metro, bus. |
| Average taxi fare to the city | €10-€15 |
| Average bus fare to the city | €20-€28 |
| Metro ticket price | €1.80 |
| Time to reach the city by taxi | 15-25 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Navigating the airport for the first time
Lisbon Airport, also known as Lisbon Portela Airport or Humberto Delgado Airport, is the largest airport in Portugal and one of the busiest in Europe, serving 25 million passengers annually. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the bigger and better-organised one in the main building and Terminal 2 being smaller, older, and less efficiently run, located to the south of the main building.
When arriving at Lisbon Airport, it is recommended to allow 3 hours for non-Schengen (non-EU) destinations and 2 hours for Schengen (EU) countries. If you need to return a rental car, allocate an additional 30 minutes for its return near Terminal 1. Upon reaching Terminal 1, you will find a prominent screen in the main entry area that guides you to your flight's check-in area. Each airline has a designated check-in area labelled with letters and numbers. For checked luggage, follow your airline's assigned letter and number to the specific check-in line. If you have carry-on only, check-in online or use the self-check-in kiosk to obtain your boarding pass. After checking in, proceed towards the "Boarding Gates" sign for airport security.
Lisbon Airport offers various transportation options to and from the city centre. The metro station is located directly at the airport and provides an inexpensive and safe option, with departures every 5 to 10 minutes. The airport is connected to the Red Line, and a single ticket to anywhere in the city costs €1.80 with the reusable 'Navegante' card (€0.50 for the initial purchase). Alternatively, you can use the zapping ticket, which loads money onto the 'Navegante' card and can be used for all public transport in Lisbon, including buses and trams. This option offers slightly cheaper fares at €1.47 for the metro.
If you prefer a taxi, Lisbon's taxis are known for having some of the cheapest fares in Europe. The basic fare is €0.47 per km, with a minimum fare of €3.25. However, taxi drivers have a reputation for overcharging tourists, so ensure that the fare is based on the taximeter or agree on a set fare before departing. At peak times, taxi queues can be long, and ridesharing apps like Uber and Bolt may experience difficulties due to heavy traffic.
For a more comfortable option, consider a pre-booked private transfer or airport shuttle service, which can provide a seamless journey to your hotel.
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Getting to the city centre
Lisbon Airport, also known as Lisbon Portela Airport or Humberto Delgado Airport, is the largest airport in Portugal and one of the busiest in Europe. The airport is close to the city, with most places in the city centre taking 15 to 25 minutes to reach by car.
There are several ways to get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre. Here are some options:
Metro
The metro is a convenient and inexpensive option, with a station located directly at the airport. It is connected to the Red Line, and services depart every 5 to 10 minutes. A single ticket to anywhere in the city costs €1.80, charged to a reusable 'Navegante' card (€0.50 for the initial purchase). You can also purchase a 'zapping' ticket, which allows you to load money onto the 'Navegante' card and use it for all public transport in Lisbon, including trams and buses. This option is slightly cheaper, with fares at €1.47 for the metro, and you won't need to worry about having cash on hand.
Bus
There are several bus options to get to the city centre. The Carris company operates five bus lines that connect the airport to the centre of Lisbon. A single ticket costs around US$28.31. Another option is the Terravision bus, which runs daily between 8 am and 9 pm for US$20.38 each way.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is a fast and affordable way to get to the city centre. Lisbon's taxis have some of the cheapest fares in Europe, with a basic fare of €0.47 per km and a minimum fare of €3.25. Travelling to the historic centre, such as the Baixa district, during the daytime should cost between €10 and €15. However, taxi drivers have a reputation for overcharging tourists, so be sure to agree on a set fare before starting your journey. At peak times, there may be long queues for taxis, and ridesharing apps like Uber and Bolt may experience similar issues due to heavy traffic around the airport.
Transfer
Booking a transfer from the airport to your hotel can be a comfortable option, as a driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it.
When navigating Lisbon Airport, it's worth noting that it consists of two terminals. Terminal 1 is the bigger and better-organised terminal in the main building, while Terminal 2 is the smaller, older, and less efficiently run terminal for low-cost airlines.
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Using the metro
Lisbon Airport, also known as Lisbon Portela Airport or Humberto Delgado Airport, is the largest airport in Portugal and one of the busiest in Europe, serving 25 million passengers annually. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the bigger and better-organised one, and Terminal 2 being smaller, older, and less efficiently run.
The Lisbon metro is a convenient and inexpensive way to get to and from the airport, with a station located directly at the airport itself. Services depart every 5 to 10 minutes, and the airport is connected to the Red Line. To use the metro, you need to purchase a reusable 'Navegante' card for €0.50, and then load money onto it. A single ticket to anywhere in the city costs €1.80, but you can also get a 'zapping' ticket, which offers slightly cheaper fares at €1.47 for the metro and can be used for all public transport in Lisbon. This is a good option if you want to avoid fumbling with cash when boarding, as trams and buses do not accept card payments.
When entering a station, you need to figure out which colour line you need to be on. Depending on the station, there might only be one colour line available. After determining the colour, pay attention to the direction you need to go in by looking at the terminal stops for your colour line. Then, go to the platform for that terminal stop.
For example, if you are staying near the Baixa-Chiado area, you can take the Green Line metro from Baixa-Chiado and transfer to the Red Line at Alameda to get to the airport. Alternatively, if you are near the Rato metro stop (Yellow Line), you can take that to Saldanha and transfer to the Red Line to get to the airport.
If you are arriving at the airport and need to get to the city centre, you can use the upper (Chiado) Largo do Cameos entrance/exit to exit the airport, which only has a few steps, and then take the escalators down to the platforms.
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Picking the right terminal
Lisbon Airport, also known as Lisbon Portela Airport or Humberto Delgado Airport, is the largest airport in Portugal and one of the busiest in Europe, serving 25 million passengers annually. The airport has two terminals.
The first thing to consider when picking the right terminal is the airline you are travelling with. Terminal 1 is the bigger and better-organised terminal in the main building, while Terminal 2, located south of the main airport building, is smaller, older, and less efficiently run. Terminal 2 was originally constructed for domestic flights but now handles departures for low-cost airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair. In contrast, Terminal 1 is home to the national airline TAP Portugal and other major airlines.
Another factor to consider is the time of your flight. While Terminal 1 is open 24 hours, Terminal 2 closes between 12:30 am and 3:30 am. Therefore, if you have a late-night or early morning flight, you may need to use Terminal 1.
Additionally, it is important to allow enough time to navigate the airport, especially if it is your first time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before a non-Schengen (non-EU) flight and 2 hours before a Schengen (EU) flight. Keep in mind that security wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, with shorter wait times during quiet periods and longer wait times during peak hours.
Finally, consider your transportation to and from the airport. If you plan to take a taxi, it is worth noting that the taxi pick-up zone is located in front of Terminal 1. Additionally, if you are renting a car, you will need to return it near Terminal 1, so allowing extra time for this is advisable. On the other hand, if you prefer public transportation, the metro station is located directly at the airport, providing easy access to the city centre.
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Where to stay
Lisbon Airport is small and easy to navigate. However, it can be confusing for first-time visitors, especially Terminal 1, due to the various expansions and alterations. The airport has all the facilities typical of a major international airport, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. There is a notable difference in services and quality between Terminal 1 and the low-cost Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is bigger and better organized, and open 24 hours, while Terminal 2 is smaller, older, and less efficiently run.
When deciding where to stay in Lisbon, there are several options to consider:
Near the Airport
There are hotels located near Lisbon Airport, such as the Melia Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel and the Star Inn Lisboa, which are within walking distance of Terminal 1. These options are convenient if you have an early flight or a late arrival and prefer to stay close to the airport.
In the City Centre
The majority of tourists choose to stay in the historic centre of Lisbon, particularly in the Baixa, Alfama, and Chiado districts. These areas offer easy access to popular attractions, restaurants, and shops. The city centre is well connected to the airport, with bus and metro options available. The metro is a recommended choice, as it is inexpensive and safe, with frequent departures. Several bus lines also connect the airport to the city centre, offering a comfortable and relatively inexpensive journey.
Other Popular Areas
In addition to the historic centre, there are other popular areas to consider:
- The Park of Nations: This modern area is located about 3.6 km from the airport and features the Oceanarium, a large shopping centre, and the Vasco da Gama Tower.
- The Marquess of Pombal Square: Located about 6 km from the airport, this square is a popular meeting point and offers a range of accommodation options.
- Rossio Square: Situated about 7.1 km from the airport, Rossio Square is a lively area with restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is also close to the Rossio train station, providing convenient transport connections.
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Frequently asked questions
Lisbon airport is small and easy to navigate, but it can be confusing the first time you are departing. Terminal 1 is bigger and better organised, while Terminal 2 is smaller, older, and less efficiently run.
It is recommended that you allow 3 hours for non-Schengen (non-EU) destinations and 2 hours for Schengen (EU) countries.
The metro provides the best option for most visitors as it is inexpensive and safe, with stations located throughout the city. The airport is connected to the Red Line, with services departing every 5 to 10 minutes. A single ticket to anywhere in the city costs €1.80. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, bus, or pre-book a transfer.
Lisbon airport has the typical facilities of a major international airport, including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and parking facilities. There are also bureau de change services in both departures and arrivals, and hotels located nearby.
