Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon)
Lisbon, PT · 7 km (4 mi) northeast of central Lisbon
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobus Line 1 Airport shuttle bus | — | — |
| Aeroporto Metro Station Metro Linha Vermelha | 30-40 minutes | standard Lisbon metro fare |
| Bolt Pickup Zone LIS Rideshare | — | usually a couple of euros cheaper than Uber |
| Carris Bus 705 City bus | — | standard city fare structure |
Insider notes
For morning flights, grab food landside where places like Starbucks have more reliable hours compared to airside cafés that open later.
Security lines can backlog; plan for at least a 3-hour buffer for non-Schengen flights during peak seasons.
For authentic Portuguese fare, head to O Mercado or Versailles in Terminal 1’s food court for dishes like cozido and picanha.
Welcome
Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) isn’t just a transit hub; it’s practically your last chance to indulge in Portuguese culinary delights before leaving the city. With eateries such as Versailles and O Mercado offering traditional dishes like bacalhau and cozido, the airport feels more like a Lisbon food crawl. This unique local flavor comes with some logistical quirks, including bottlenecks at security and passport control, requiring strategic planning to navigate efficiently.
At a glance
Handling approximately 36 million passengers annually, Humberto Delgado Airport features two terminals: T1 and T2. T1 serves as the primary gateway for airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, and Air France, while T2 caters mainly to low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Norwegian. Located just 7 km northeast of downtown Lisbon, it's a vital hub for TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and easyJet.
Terminals & layout
Terminal 1 is the main terminal, hosting major international and full-service flights. It's well-equipped with a variety of dining options and amenities. Terminal 2 mostly handles budget airlines and is less lavish but still functional. Passenger transfers between terminals are frequent, with shuttle buses facilitating connections.
Getting to and from the city
The airport is well connected to Lisbon’s city center. The Aeroporto Metro Station on the Linha Vermelha line provides quick and affordable access to the city in 30-40 minutes using the standard metro fare. Buses like Carris Bus 744 offer cheap city connections, though these can be uncomfortable with large luggage. Taxis cost between €10–15 to city center, while rideshares such as Uber and Bolt provide slightly cheaper alternatives.
Traveller essentials
If you're driving, parking options abound with P1 Premium, P2 Executive, P3 Low Cost, and more available. Airport services include free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and multiple lounges like the TAP Premium Lounge, accessible for €31. A word of caution: allow at least 3 hours for check-in and passport control during peak times.
Dining & shopping highlights
Inside Terminal 1, a mix of local and international dining options await. O Mercado and Versailles serve up Portuguese classics, while global chains like KFC and McDonald's are also present. The main food court area houses Go Natural for healthier meal choices. Shopping includes outlets like Ale-Hop, Fnac, and the Duty Free Store, although prices here are steeper than in Lisbon city.
Lounges
Terminal 1 offers a range of lounges catering to different tastes. The TAP Premium Lounge at a cost of €31, provides a luxurious wait, while lounges like the ANA Lounge and Blue Lounge add more options for travelers to relax before their flights.
Insider tips
- Time: For morning flights, grab food landside where places like Starbucks have more reliable hours compared to airside cafés that open later.
- Avoid: Security lines can backlog; plan for at least a 3-hour buffer for non-Schengen flights during peak seasons.
- Insider: For authentic Portuguese fare, head to O Mercado or Versailles in Terminal 1’s food court for dishes like cozido and picanha.
- Local: At McDonald's, try soup as a side, a unique offering not usually seen at their outlets outside Portugal.
- Quiet: Seek out Delta Café Central near passport control for a quieter coffee experience away from the crowded food court.
- Money: Savvy travelers buy typical gifts like wine and sardines in Lisbon to save on higher airport prices.
- Quiet: Use the seating area just past security for a less hectic wait before heading to the bustling food court.