Airport Overview
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is Portugal's busiest airport and one of the fastest-growing in Europe, handling approximately 32 million passengers annually. Located just 7 km northeast of the historic city center, it is one of the most conveniently positioned major airports in Europe relative to its city center. The airport serves as the primary hub for TAP Air Portugal and connects Lisbon to over 100 destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, and South America.
The airport has experienced significant growth as Lisbon has become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. A new airport at Montijo is under development to eventually supplement capacity, but Lisbon Humberto Delgado remains the sole operational airport for the city.
Terminals
LIS operates two passenger terminals connected by a covered walkway.
- Terminal 1 (Main Terminal): The primary terminal handling the vast majority of flights, including all TAP Air Portugal operations, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, British Airways, and most international carriers. Divided into Schengen (Gates 1–36) and non-Schengen (Gates 41–78) sections.
- Terminal 2: Handles lower-cost carriers and overflow traffic, primarily budget airlines including some Ryanair and Wizz Air routes. Connected to Terminal 1 via a free shuttle bus (10 minutes).
WiFi Availability
Free WiFi is available throughout Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 under the network "ANA FREE WiFi." Select the network and complete a brief registration with an email address to connect. Sessions are limited to 1 hour, after which you must re-register to continue. Speed is adequate for messaging and standard browsing. Premium WiFi is available for purchase at service kiosks for faster, unlimited access.
Transport to City Center
Lisbon Metro (Red Line)
The Lisbon Metro Red Line connects the airport directly to the city via Aeroporto station, located beneath Terminal 1. The journey to central Lisbon (Marquês de Pombal or Baixa-Chiado) takes approximately 20–25 minutes with one line change. Trains run every 6–8 minutes from approximately 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily. The fare is €1.65 per trip (or less with a Viva Viagem card). This is the cheapest and most reliable option.
Bus Services
Aerobus Express operates a dedicated airport-to-city service with stops at key locations including Marquês de Pombal, Praça dos Restauradores, and Cais do Sodré. Single tickets cost €4 and the journey takes 30–45 minutes. The service runs approximately every 20 minutes.
Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall at Terminal 1. A metered taxi to Lisbon city center (Baixa/Chiado area) typically costs €10–€15 and takes 15–25 minutes. Uber, Bolt, and Cabify all operate from the airport and are often cheaper than metered taxis. Rideshare apps pick up from the designated zone on the lower ground floor.
Airport Lounges
Lisbon Airport has a growing selection of lounges, primarily in the non-Schengen international section.
- TAP Premium Lounge (non-Schengen, Gate 42): TAP Air Portugal's flagship lounge for Business class and Platinum/Gold members; hot food buffet, open bar, showers
- TAP Business Lounge (Schengen, Gate 21): For TAP Business class on European routes and Miles&Go Gold members
- ANA Lounge (non-Schengen): Independent lounge accepting Priority Pass, day passes, and credit card benefits
- VIP Executive Lounge (non-Schengen): Priority Pass accepted; hot food, coffee bar, and comfortable seating
- No. 1 Traveller Lounge (Terminal 1): Available on a day-pass basis for non-status travelers seeking a quiet pre-flight space
Hotels Near the Airport
Several hotels are within walking distance or a short taxi ride from Lisbon Airport.
- Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa: Walking distance from Terminal 1 (approximately 10 minutes); full-service 5-star hotel with spa, pool, and multiple restaurants
- Tryp Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel: Closest hotel to the terminals, connected via covered walkway; convenient for early departures and late arrivals
- Holiday Inn Express Lisbon Airport: Budget-friendly option with breakfast included and free shuttle service
- HF Fenix Garden: Mid-range option about 10 minutes from the airport with complimentary shuttle
- Turim Aeroporto Hotel: Affordable 3-star hotel with free shuttle and 24-hour reception
Food and Restaurants
Terminal 1 has the widest selection of dining options, ranging from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international chains, in both the Schengen and non-Schengen zones.
- Tasca do Chico (non-Schengen): Portuguese tavern-style restaurant serving bacalhau (salt cod), grilled fish, and traditional petiscos (tapas)
- Nespresso & Café (Terminal 1): Premium coffee bar with pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and light snacks
- Burger King (Terminal 1, Schengen): Fast food option with extended hours for early morning travelers
- Starbucks (Terminal 1): Multiple locations in both Schengen and non-Schengen areas
- Casa de Pasto (non-Schengen): Portuguese sit-down restaurant with grilled meats and fresh seafood dishes
- VIPS (Terminal 1): All-day café-restaurant with Portuguese and international options, popular for breakfasts
Travel Tips
- The Metro Red Line is the best way to reach the city — cheap, fast, and immune to the traffic congestion that plagues Lisbon's roads during peak hours.
- Pick up a Viva Viagem card at the Metro station inside the airport for the cheapest per-trip fare and easy top-up for onward travel within Lisbon.
- Lisbon Airport is operating at or near capacity — arrive at least 2.5 hours before European flights and 3 hours before intercontinental departures, particularly in summer (June–September).
- Duty-free purchases of Portuguese wine, port, and pastéis de nata (custard tarts) make excellent gifts for departing international travelers.
- Terminal 2 lacks some amenities of Terminal 1 — confirm your terminal in advance and budget extra time for the shuttle transfer if needed.
- Currency exchange desks at the airport charge high commissions — use an ATM (Multibanco) for better rates in euros.
- Lisbon Airport's proximity to the city center means road traffic can affect taxi times significantly during morning and evening rush hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center?
The Lisbon Metro Red Line is the fastest and cheapest option, running directly from Aeroporto station beneath Terminal 1 to central Lisbon in about 20–25 minutes for €1.65. Taxis and rideshare apps (Uber, Bolt) are also readily available and cost €10–€15 to the Baixa area, taking 15–25 minutes outside rush hour.
Is WiFi free at Lisbon Airport?
Yes, free WiFi is available via the "ANA FREE WiFi" network throughout both terminals. Sessions are limited to 1 hour, after which you can re-register with your email to continue. Speed is sufficient for general browsing and messaging.
How do I know if my flight departs from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2?
Check your boarding pass or booking confirmation — the terminal is usually specified. Most full-service carriers and TAP Air Portugal use Terminal 1. Some budget airline routes (particularly Ryanair and Wizz Air) use Terminal 2. The terminals are about 10 minutes apart by shuttle bus, so confirming in advance is important.
Are there Priority Pass lounges at Lisbon Airport?
Yes, the ANA Lounge in the non-Schengen area of Terminal 1 accepts Priority Pass memberships. The VIP Executive Lounge in the non-Schengen section also accepts Priority Pass. TAP's premium lounges are accessible only to business class passengers and qualifying TAP Miles&Go members.