As you step into Lisbon for the first time, the adventure begins at Lisbon Airport. Welcoming you with its modern facilities and friendly atmosphere, the airport is your gateway to the enchanting city center.
Navigating your way from the airport to the heart of Lisbon is a seamless journey, offering glimpses of the city’s charm. From the convenience of transportation options to the anticipation of exploring iconic neighborhoods, your arrival experience sets the tone for an unforgettable visit.
Let the vibrant energy of Lisbon unfold as you embark on this exciting path from airport arrival to the bustling city center.
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Lisbon Portela Airport
Lisbon Airport, officially known as Humberto Delgado Airport, is the primary international gateway to Portugal.
Due to its location in the Portela de Sacavém area, it is also referred to as Portela Airport.
Lisbon Airport is the busiest airport and is classified as the largest airport in southern Europe. It is a crucial hub connecting the region with the world.
The international airport is approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) north of Lisbon’s city center.
The airport offers convenient access to the heart of the capital. Known for its modern infrastructure and passenger-friendly amenities, Lisbon Airport provides a comfortable environment for visitors.
The terminals are well-equipped with lounges, shops, and dining options, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy their time at the airport.
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LIS Airport Layout
Lisbon Airport has two terminal buildings and two runways. It also has a selection of stores, restaurants, and numerous duty-free shops.
A third terminal is planned and has been approved.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the major terminal and is divided into two check-in halls. The older section is dedicated to TAP Air Portugal, while the newer sections serve all other air carriers.
Terminal 1 serves as a domestic airport to an international airport with 100 check-in counters to 29 gates.
The arrivals area on the first level is the only area at this independent airport serving both terminals.
So, if you land at Terminal 2 and park in front of the T2 building, you still need to take the bus to T1 to collect your baggage and complete the necessary procedures to leave the airport.
You can also find car rental offices at this level with access to parking. The 2nd level is dedicated to departures and divided into public zones with security checks, a dining area, and shopping options.
The restricted zone includes the boarding gates, an LIS shopping and dining center, and an immigration counter.
Terminal 2
The smaller terminal has 15 gates and 22 check-in desks and handles all low-cost flights. These include:
- Easy Jet
- Blue Air
- Transavia
- Wizz Air
- Raynair
- Norwegian
It also has the necessary facilities and a few shopping options. However, it is not considered a passenger-friendly terminal as it has limited services with scant shops.
So, even if you depart from T2, you still need to pass through customs at T1, where you can take the free airport shuttle bus to board your plane.
Furthermore, if you stop at Lisbon Airport and your flight leaves at terminal 2, you will have enough time to ensure you do not miss your flight.
Note: An important thing to remember is that the immigration check takes place before you board, and it is best to plan your waiting time so you have enough time at immigration control.
Transfers Between Terminals
Terminals 1 and 2 are 1 km apart and can only be reached using the airport shuttle bus. The shuttle bus service runs from 3:30 AM to 1:30 AM and has a ten-minute frequency and three minutes of traversing between the distances.
Hot Tip🔥: If you depart at T2, you must pass customs at T1 and take the bus to T2 to complete your check-in process.
Terminal 2 is not connected to T1 or the city center by any other means of transport.
Lisbon Airport Parking
There is enough parking at LSI Airport to accommodate passengers’ needs. Four car parks are available, all within walking distance of Terminal 1.
Still, you also have the free airport shuttles connecting the parking lots to the terminal.
For short stays, the following parking areas are ideal:
- P1 Premium Parking
- P2 Executive Parking
- P3 Low-cost Plus
- P6 Classic Car Park
Yet, the budget P3 caters for long-term parking as well.
Services and Amenities to Passengers
Lisbon Airport has everything you need when it comes to services and amenities. As a passenger, you can make use of these services:
- Several retail options and there are duty-free areas
- Restaurants and Bars
- Cleaning, luggage storage, and baggage wrapping
- Business Facilities and Meeting Rooms
- Pharmacies, Medical Services, Banks/ATMs/ Currency Exchange
- Children’s Area and Family Services
- Lost and Found Office
- Prayer Room, Spa Facilities, Prayer Room, Wi-Fi
- Information Kiosk, Travel Agencies, Tour Operators
- Amenities For Passengers With Disabilities and Special Services
Lisbon Airport Lounges
When waiting to leave Portugal, you can use the available airport lounges.
ANA Lounge
The ANA Lounge you find after you go through security at T1. You see it on floor six of the building, and it is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Amenities Offered:
- Hot/Cold Drinks and Complementary Snacks
- TV, Air Conditioning, Reading Material
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Free Wi-Fi and Internet Connected Computers
- Information on Flight Arrivals and Departures
- Showers
- Dedicated Smoking Area
The lounge costs €29 from March to November, and from December to February, it costs €25.
You need not pay an entry fee for your kids aged three and under. Meanwhile, for children aged 12 and up, you must pay €15.
The lounge is also time-limited to three hours. You need to be dressed smartly and casually. To use the shower, you must pay €15.50 for toiletries and towels.
Blue Lounge
Another lounge open to passengers is the Blue Lounge, found on floor six at T1 after checking in through security and between Gate 7 and Gate 13.
The lounge is open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Amenities Offered:
- Hot/Cold Drinks
- TV and Telephones
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Free Wi-Fi and Internet Connected Computers
- Reading Material
The lounge costs €25 per passenger. However, the fee is € 5 reusable if you book 48 hours before your flight. Kids under the age of 12 get access free.
TAP Premier Lounge
The lounge is unavailable for all passengers and only for passengers departing with TAP Air Portugal. The lounge is near the ANA Lounge and is open daily from 5:00 AM to midnight.
Amenities Offered:
- Hot/Cold Drinks and Complementary Snacks
- TV, Air Conditioning, Reading Material
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Free Wi-FiÂ
The lounge is free for TAP Air Portugal users. Lastly, the Airport Business Center has business facilities and meeting rooms. It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How to Get From Lisbon Airport to The City CenterÂ
When arriving at Lisbon Portela Airport, you can use the different public transport systems available:
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport Metro
The metro station at Lisbon Airport is conveniently situated within the airport complex, ensuring easy access for arriving passengers. You can find the metro station near the terminal buildings, eliminating the need for extensive navigation within the airport.
Lisbon International Airport provides clear signage directing you to the metro station, making it easily identifiable even for first-time visitors. Whether arriving at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, the metro station is strategically placed near the arrival areas, minimizing travel time for those transitioning to the city center.
The station is designed to be accessible, with facilities such as elevators and escalators, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers, including those with mobility challenges. It is also connected with the red line.
Train Frequency and Schedule: The metro operates regularly, providing a quick and efficient journey to the city center.
Cost of Metro Tickets: A metro ticket from Lisbon Airport to the city center is reasonable, providing an affordable mode of transportation for travelers. A single ticket costs €1.80.
Viva Viagem Card:
- The Viva Viagem card, equipped with a magnetic strip, offers a convenient and reusable option for metro travel.
- Passengers can load credit onto the Viva Viagem card, eliminating the need for single-journey tickets costing less than €1.47.
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Convenient Tickets: Ticket machines at the metro station accept cash or card payments, allowing you to purchase tickets or load credit onto your cards.
Another note is that you might have accommodation in the historic center of Lisbon within the Baixa, Alfama, and Chaido districts. To reach these areas, you must change to a blue or green line when reaching Alameda or São Sebastião Station.
Ride-Hailing Applications UBER/Bolt
In Lisbon, ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Bolt have become popular, convenient, and efficient transportation choices.
At Humberto Delgado Airport, these services provide a seamless option for quickly reaching your destination. The designated spots for ride-hailing at Lisbon Airport are typically outside the terminal buildings’ designated pick-up areas.
Upon arrival, you can access their smartphone’s Uber or Bolt apps to request a ride. The app will guide you to the pick-up location, which is usually well-marked and close to the terminal exits.
The cost to use Uber depends on how busy it is, but it normally costs around €12.
During peak traffic, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt may experience delays. In such situations, traditional taxis can be a more reliable option for timely transportation in Lisbon.
Alternatively, you can find budget car rentals in Lisbon. This is a great option if you plan to visit the surrounding areas.
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Humberto Delgado Airport Taxis
Choosing a taxi from Humberto Delgado Airport to the city center offers several advantages, including prompt and convenient transportation.
City taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals, providing a hassle-free option, especially during peak traffic.
Additionally, the city taxis may have a dedicated taxi stand at the airport, streamlining the process of finding a reliable and official service.
While ride-hailing apps are popular, city taxis remain preferred for those seeking immediate and straightforward transport from the airport to the city center.
To ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey, check the latest tariff information and inquire about fixed rates with the taxi driver.
Basic taxi fares in Lisbon start at €3.25, with an additional charge of €0.47 per kilometer.
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Aerobus from Lisbon International Airport to City Center:
You can easily access the Aerobus service from the airport, experience a smooth journey to the city center, and benefit from the convenience of affordable and efficient public transportation.
- Bus Access Points: The airport bus is conveniently accessible near terminals. Look for designated bus stops, often well-marked and close to the arrivals area.
- Cost of Aerobus Tickets: Individual tickets for the Aerobus service typically cost around 4 Euros. Passengers can purchase tickets directly from the bus driver or use contactless payment methods.
- Travel Time: The Aerobus service offers a direct route to the city center, and the travel time is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific route and traffic conditions.
- Bus Schedule:Â The airport bus regularly transports passengers from Lisboa Airport to the city center.
Local Buses From Lisboa Airport
Utilizing local buses from Humberto Delgado Airport is a cost-effective and efficient way to explore the city and its surroundings. Passengers are advised to check their intended routes’ specific schedules and costs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Bus Stops:
Bus stops for local buses at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport are near the terminals. Look for designated stops outside the arrivals area; they are typically well-marked and easily accessible.
Carris Bus Services:
Carris is the primary operator of local buses in Lisbon. Various bus lines connect the airport to different parts of the city and its surroundings.
Scheduled Time:
Bus schedules may vary depending on the specific route and time of day. Local buses in Lisbon typically operate from early morning until late evening, providing regular weekly services.
Costs:
A local bus ticket in Lisbon costs depending on the route and ticket type. Passengers can purchase tickets directly from the bus driver or use contactless payment methods.
Prices may range from a few euros for a single journey, and discounts may be available for certain passenger groups or travel cards.
Timetable Information:
For detailed and up-to-date information on bus schedules, passengers can refer to Carris’s official website or check with information desks at the airport.
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Airport Transfer Service
Experience the epitome of convenience and comfort with Lisbon Airport Transfers. The service is the premier choice for Lisbon taxi, minibus, and coach transfers, offering reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Operating 24/7, they provide seamless private transport services within Lisbon city and beyond. Ground transportation from Lisbon Airport to any destination in Portugal is their expertise, and they are available to cater to your taxi needs in Lisbon.
You can enjoy fixed, all-inclusive rates with airport transfers, which are notably more affordable than traditional Lisbon airport taxis. Hence, you can save time and ensure a comfortable journey by pre-booking your transportation with them online.
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How Early Should You Arrive At The Lisbon Airport
It is generally recommended to arrive at Lisbon Airport before your flight’s departure time. Airlines typically provide guidelines on how early passengers should check in before a flight, and these recommendations can vary. Here are some general guidelines to give you plenty of time to relax before getting your flight:
- International Flights: For international flights, especially those bound for non-Schengen countries, arriving at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure time is advisable. This allows sufficient time for check-in procedures, security checks, and potential delays.
- Schengen Area Flights: If traveling within the Schengen Area, arriving 2 hours before your flight is often sufficient. This still provides enough time for check-in and security procedures.
- Domestic Flights: For domestic flights, arriving 1.5 to 2 hours before departure is usually recommended.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and it’s essential to check with your specific airline for their recommended airport arrival times.
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Hotels Near to The Lisbon Airport
If you are doing a stop-over or need to spend a day in Lisbon, there are some hotels within walking distance of the airport:
- Stay @ Airport – within walking distance, but the amenities are limited but do have free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Star Inn – short walking distance from the terminals and has a free shuttle service.
Wrap-Up: Lisbon Airport Transport to City Center
In summary, navigating from Lisbon Portela to the city center is made effortless with various transportation options.
Whether you choose the efficient metro, convenient Aerobus, cost-effective local buses, or the flexibility of ride-hailing services, each mode offers a unique experience.
Additionally, airport transfer services provide a seamless and comfortable journey. Consider travel time, costs, and personal preferences to make the most informed choice for your trip.
Lisbon Humberto Delgado ensures travelers have diverse and reliable means to reach the vibrant city center, setting the stage for an enjoyable exploration of Lisbon and its surroundings.
