Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Terminal 1 (T1) — Main Terminal

Terminal 1 is the heart of Humberto Delgado Airport and handles all arrivals and the vast majority of departures, including all full-service carriers, charter flights, and — exceptionally — easyJet. The terminal has undergone significant modernisation over the years and is currently undergoing a major expansion (launched December 2024) that will add 10 new jet bridges and 12 aircraft parking stands, with completion expected by 2027. At that point, the total airport capacity will rise to approximately 50 million passengers annually.

The terminal features two check-in halls. The older hall has been repurposed as TAP Air Portugal's self-service and kiosk check-in area, while the newer, larger hall houses 68 check-in desks (numbers 37–89 and 90–106). The joint departures area comprises 47 gates, of which 17 are equipped with jet bridges (air bridges); the remaining require bus transfers to the apron. Of the 47 gates, 21 are designated for non-Schengen (international/extra-EU) departures, located on the 5th floor, while Schengen departures are handled from the 6th floor area above the Praça Lisboa shopping concourse.

T1 features a large landside retail and food area, as well as extensive airside shopping and dining across multiple levels. The Metro station (Aeroporto) is directly connected to the southern edge of the arrivals hall. Signage throughout the terminal is bilingual in Portuguese and English.

• Airlines: TAP Air Portugal, Star Alliance partners (Lufthansa, Swiss, United, Air Canada, etc.), oneworld members (British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, Qatar Airways), SkyTeam members (Air France, KLM, Delta), Emirates, Turkish Airlines, easyJet (arrivals and departures), and most charter carriers
• Lounges: TAP Premium Lounge Tejo (Schengen, 6th floor), TAP Premium Lounge Atlântico (non-Schengen, 5th floor), ANA Lounge (Schengen, 6th floor, Priority Pass accepted), Blue Lounge (Schengen/international, 5th floor near gates 7–13, Priority Pass accepted)
• Fast Track security: Available for purchase through ana.pt

Terminal 2 (T2) — Low-Cost Terminal

Terminal 2 is a smaller, dedicated facility used exclusively for departures of selected low-cost carriers on European routes. All arrivals, including those of low-cost airlines, are processed through Terminal 1. T2 is a purpose-built, no-frills facility with a more streamlined passenger experience.

• Airlines operating from T2: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Transavia, Eurowings, Vueling, Norwegian Air Shuttle
• Check-in: 21 check-in desks; primarily web/app check-in encouraged
• Gates: 15 departure gates (primarily bus boarding to apron)
• Facilities: Basic food and beverage outlets, limited retail; no lounges in T2
• Connection to T1: Free inter-terminal shuttle bus, running every 10–12 minutes between 03:30 and 01:30. Journey time: approximately 5 minutes. There is no airside connection between the terminals.

Important for T2 passengers: If collecting baggage and re-checking (e.g., on a connecting itinerary), or if arriving at T1 and connecting to a T2 departure, allow at least 90 minutes for the inter-terminal transfer, including the shuttle ride and security re-screening at T2.

Inter-Terminal Connections

The free shuttle bus departs from a dedicated stop outside the T1 arrivals area and from T2. It runs every 10–12 minutes from approximately 03:30 to 01:30 daily. There is no underground walkway or airside connection between the two terminals. Passengers transiting between terminals must collect baggage, clear customs if applicable, and re-clear security at T2 for low-cost departures.

Getting to and from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Lisbon Airport's location just 7 km from the city centre makes it one of Europe's most accessible major airports. A variety of transport options connect the terminal to the city, ranging from the ultra-affordable metro to private transfers and rental cars. Terminal 1 is the starting point for all public transport options; passengers arriving at Terminal 2 (low-cost departures) should first take the free inter-terminal shuttle bus, which runs every 10–12 minutes.

Metro — Red Line (Linha Vermelha)

The Lisbon Metro is the fastest and most cost-effective public transport link between the airport and city centre. The Aeroporto Metro Station is located at the southern edge of the Terminal 1 arrivals hall — simply follow signs from arrivals. The Red Line (Vermelha) runs directly from the airport into the heart of Lisbon, with key stops including Oriente (3 stops, ~6 minutes, connecting to national rail), Alameda (change to Green Line for Baixa/Chiado), and Saldanha (~20 minutes from airport, centre of city). Journey to Rossio/city centre takes approximately 25–30 minutes including any line changes.

• Fare: €1.85 per single journey (loaded on Navegante card, €0.50 card fee); contactless bank card accepted at turnstiles (tap in/tap out)
• 24-hour unlimited pass: €7.00 (includes metro, buses, trams, elevators)
• Operating hours: 06:30–01:00 daily
• Frequency: Every 5–7 minutes during rush hours; every 10–12 minutes at night
• Note: All Red Line stations are wheelchair accessible with elevators

City Bus

Several Carris bus routes serve the airport arrivals area. Buses are slower than the metro but cheaper for those already holding transport cards. Note: Large suitcases (over 50×40×20 cm) are not permitted on city buses.

• Route 208: Airport → Gare do Oriente (train station)
• Route 705: Airport → Marquês de Pombal (Avenida da Liberdade area)
• Route 744: Moscavide → Marquês de Pombal (requires metro to Moscavide stop first)
• Fare: €1.85 with Navegante card
• Flixbus: Long-distance coaches connect LIS to Porto, Faro, and several European cities

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals area of Terminal 1. Taxis in Portugal use meters — always ensure the driver starts the meter at the beginning of the journey. Fares to the city centre typically fall between €10 and €20, depending on traffic and exact destination. A luggage surcharge (€1.60 per item) and a higher nighttime/weekend tariff may apply. Drivers accept card payment. Journey time is approximately 15–25 minutes. Always ask for a receipt.

Warning: Unlicensed taxi touts operate in the arrivals hall. Use only official taxi queues or pre-booked ride-hailing apps.

Ride-Hailing: Bolt, Uber, Cabify

Ride-hailing apps are widely used at LIS and are often cheaper than taxis, especially for groups. Bolt is particularly popular and has a dedicated pickup zone adjacent to Terminal 1. Important: Rideshare vehicles pick up at the Departures level (2nd floor), not Arrivals — follow in-app instructions carefully.

• Bolt: Typically €8–€15 to city centre
• Uber: Similar pricing; subject to surge during peak hours
• Cabify: Available as a premium alternative
• Payment: Cashless via app only

Car Rental

All major car rental companies operate at LIS, with desks located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1. Companies present include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, and Goldcar. Off-airport rental companies offer shuttles from a dedicated bus stop outside arrivals. EV rentals are increasingly available. Book online in advance for significantly better rates.

Hotel Shuttles

Several nearby hotels operate complimentary shuttle services. The Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto runs a free shuttle from 04:00 to midnight every 15 minutes. The Star Inn Lisboa Aeroporto also offers a free shuttle from 04:00 every 20 minutes. For hotels further afield, shuttle services may incur a small fee — confirm when booking.

Private Transfers

Pre-booked private transfers provide a fixed-price, meet-and-greet service. Prices to Lisbon city centre typically start from €25–€35 for a standard sedan. Several operators also offer services to the Algarve, Sintra, Cascais, and other popular destinations.

Hotels Directly Adjacent to the Airport

There is no hotel physically inside Lisbon Airport's terminal buildings, but two hotels are located within 100–300 metres of Terminal 1 — effectively a short walk across the access road.

Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto ★★★★ — Located approximately 200 metres from the T1 arrivals exit, this upscale 4-star hotel offers 168 soundproofed rooms inspired by aviation themes, an indoor and outdoor pool, El Spa wellness centre with sauna, Turkish bath, and hydromassage, plus a full-service restaurant (Colinas de Lisboa) and lounge bar. Rooms are well-suited for early departures and include blackout curtains. Free shuttle runs 04:00–midnight every 15 minutes. Breakfast service begins at 04:00 for early-morning travellers. Price range: approximately €120–€200/night depending on season. Ideal for: business travellers and those seeking comfort close to the airport.

Star Inn Lisboa Aeroporto ★★★ — A compact, practical 3-star option directly adjacent to the Meliá, approximately 250 metres from T1. Clean, efficiently run, and popular with budget-conscious travellers needing a pre-flight crashpad. Free airport shuttle operates from 04:00 every 20 minutes. Complimentary breakfast service starts at 02:00 — exceptional for ultra-early flights. Price range: approximately €60–€110/night. Ideal for: budget travellers and overnight layovers.

Ibis Styles Lisboa Aeroporto ★★★ — A popular Accor-branded budget hotel within 500 metres of the terminal, offering free shuttle service and included breakfast. Price range: approximately €55–€95/night. Ideal for: value seekers wanting reliable standards.

Hotels Within 2–5 km of the Airport

Holiday Inn Express Lisboa ★★★ — Located approximately 2 km north of the terminal, this IHG property offers a complimentary shuttle service (fee of €5/person). Comfortable, modern rooms with good connectivity to the airport road network. Price range: approximately €70–€130/night.

NH Collection Lisboa Tamariz ★★★★ (Parque das Nações area, ~3 km) — A premium business hotel in the modern Parque das Nações district, just minutes from Gare do Oriente. Excellent for business travellers with meetings in Lisbon's business hub. Direct metro access (Oriente). Price range: approximately €130–€250/night.

Corinthia Lisboa ★★★★★ (~4 km, Saldanha area) — A five-star luxury hotel near Saldanha metro station (Red Line, 2 stops from airport). Exceptional spa, multiple restaurants, and premium service. Price range: approximately €250–€600/night.

Sleep Zones and Overnight Stays in the Airport

Lisbon Airport does not have a dedicated transit hotel airside. However, Living Spot — a designated rest area with reclining lounge chairs and charging points — is located in the Terminal 1 airside area near Gates S19–S20. This is the most comfortable place to rest during a layover, though it is not designed for full overnight sleeping. The airport is generally open 24 hours and travellers are "frequently rousted by security but generally allowed to stay" in landside areas, according to SleepingInAirports.net reviewers. Several 24-hour food outlets operate landside and airside in T1.

Parking at Lisbon Airport

Humberto Delgado Airport offers five public car parks — P1, P2, P3, P5, and P6 — all within walking distance of Terminal 1. There is no dedicated parking at Terminal 2 (T2 passengers must use the free inter-terminal shuttle from T1 car parks). Online pre-booking through the official ANA website (ana.pt) is strongly recommended, especially during summer (July–August) and holiday periods, as walk-up prices are notably higher.

Car Park Options

P1 — Premium (Covered, Short-Stay): The closest car park to Terminal 1, just 2 minutes on foot from the check-in area. Underground and covered. ValetXpress service available for an additional fee. Also features EV charging stations and dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.

P2 — Executive (Covered, Short/Medium-Stay): Underground covered parking approximately 3–5 minutes' walk from T1. Good balance of convenience and price for stays of 1–3 days. EV charging available.

P3 — Low Cost Plus (Open-Air, Long-Stay): Uncovered car park approximately 5 minutes' walk from T1, also accessible via the free airport shuttle bus (10-minute ride). 145 shaded parking spaces available. EV charging stations on site. The most economical official option for multi-day trips.

P5 — Terminal 2 Area: Primarily serves T2 low-cost passengers. Accessible via the free shuttle to T1.

P6 — Classic (Mid-Range): Open-air mid-range option a few minutes from T1. Competitive daily maximum rates.

Kiss & Fly Drop-Off Zones

Free for the first 10 minutes (two non-consecutive 10-minute slots within a 24-hour period). After 10 minutes: €2.00 per 5-minute period; after 15 minutes: €2.00 per 3 minutes, up to a maximum of €100/day. Always remain with your vehicle in the Kiss & Fly zone — unattended vehicles may be fined or towed.

Payment methods: Credit/debit card and cash accepted at all car park exits. Pre-booking online at ana.pt (or lisbonairport.pt) often yields discounts of 20–40% versus walk-up rates. Weekly rates in P3 start from approximately €35 with advance online booking.

WiFi

Humberto Delgado Airport offers free, unlimited WiFi throughout both terminals. Connect to the network named "_VINCI Airport WiFi", accept the Terms and Conditions, and browse without time limits or registration. Speed is adequate for browsing and streaming but may be variable during peak hours, particularly in busy gate areas.

Lounges

Four lounges operate at LIS, all located in Terminal 1 airside:

• TAP Premium Lounge Tejo — 6th floor, Schengen area. Hours: 05:00–midnight. Access: TAP Business Class, TAP Miles&Go Gold/Platinum, Star Alliance Business/First Class and Gold members. Pay-at-door access: from €27. Showers available.
• TAP Premium Lounge Atlântico — 5th floor, Non-Schengen area. Hours: 05:00–midnight. Same access conditions as Tejo. For long-haul/non-EU departure passengers. Showers available.
• ANA Lounge — 6th floor, Schengen area, above Praça Lisboa near Gate 22. Hours: 06:00–22:00. Access: Priority Pass, DragonPass, Star Alliance Business/First Class, pay-at-door (€29 high season Mar–Nov; €25 low season Dec–Feb; combined shower + lounge €32.50–€38). Max 3-hour stay; smart casual dress code. Showers available (shower kit €15.50). Separate smoking room.
• Blue Lounge — 5th floor, international/non-Schengen area, near Gates 7–13. Operated by Groundforce. Hours: 05:00–22:00. Access: Priority Pass (complimentary for members), Iberia, Czech Airlines, and others. Walk-in fee: €25 (€5 discount with 48h advance email booking). Business centre available (advance reservation required). Children under 12 free.

Shopping

The main airside shopping area in T1 is centred around Praça Lisboa ("Lisbon Square"), a multi-level duty-free and retail concourse on the 6th floor accessible after security. Duty-free highlights include spirits (Portuguese wines, ports, and brandies are particularly good value), cosmetics, and electronics. Luxury brands include Longchamp, Furla, and Swarovski. Local specialty options include a dedicated pastéis de nata (custard tart) outlet and shops selling Portuguese ceramics, cork goods, and azulejo-inspired products. Landside options include newsagents, pharmacies, and convenience stores.

Dining

LIS offers a good range of food and beverage options at varying price points:

• Landside (pre-security, T1): 1st Cafe, Go Natural (healthy), Go To Cafe, Grab It (fast food) — several operate 24 hours
• Airside Schengen (T1): McDonald's / McCafe, Cockpit bar, Express Market, 1st Cafe, multiple Portuguese and international options
• Airside Non-Schengen: Additional cafes and restaurants near long-haul gates
• Price range: Sandwiches and snacks from €4–€8; full meals €12–€22; coffee from €1.20–€3.50
• 24-hour options: Vending machine concepts and select outlets in T1 landside operate overnight

Medical

A pharmacy (Farmácia) is located in the T1 landside arrivals area. A medical assistance point is available in the terminal; in emergencies, contact airport staff or call 112 (European emergency number). The airport's MyWay service can assist passengers with medical needs or reduced mobility.

Family Facilities

Baby care and family rooms are available in both T1 and T2. Children's play areas are located airside in T1. Family lanes exist at security checkpoints. Pushchairs/strollers are permitted through security. The airport participates in the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities programme — passengers with non-visible disabilities (autism, anxiety, etc.) can request a free Sunflower lanyard at MyWay assistance points for discreet staff recognition.

Accessibility (PRM Services)

The MyWay service provides free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair loans, escort service, and support through check-in, security, and boarding. Request through your airline or travel agency at least 48 hours before departure. Upon arrival, report to a MyWay meeting point. All Red Line metro stations (including Aeroporto) have wheelchair-accessible lifts. Access ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms are available throughout both terminals.

Currency Exchange and ATMs

ATMs (Multibanco) are located in multiple areas of T1, both landside and airside, as well as near the arrivals exit. Currency exchange desks (operated by Unicâmbio and others) are available in the arrivals hall. For the best exchange rates, use ATMs with your home bank card and avoid dynamic currency conversion. The euro (€) is Portugal's currency.

Luggage Storage

Left-luggage facilities are available at the airport. Check with airport staff at the MyWay information counters for current locations and pricing. Prices are typically €4–€10 per item per day depending on size. External services like Bounce (luggage storage network) also offer pick-up options near the airport.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside the airport except in one designated smoking room located airside near Gate 47 in Terminal 1. No smoking is permitted anywhere in T2.

Prayer Rooms and Chapels

An interfaith prayer room and chapel are available within T1. Contact airport staff for the current location.

Showers

Showers are available at the ANA Lounge and TAP Premium Lounges (both Tejo and Atlântico). At the ANA Lounge, a shower kit including towel and toiletries costs €15.50 (or €32.50 combined with lounge access). Non-lounge passengers should ask at the ANA information desk.

Hub and Focus Airlines

TAP Air Portugal (TP) — Star Alliance is the dominant airline at LIS, holding approximately 46% of all seat capacity in 2024. TAP flies to over 88 destinations from Lisbon, including extensive European, North American, Brazilian, and African networks. TAP is the EU airline with the most direct flights to Brazil and South America, serving 13 Brazilian cities from Lisbon. In 2024, TAP carried over 16 million passengers system-wide, with North American routes growing 9% year-on-year. New gateways include Los Angeles, added in 2024. TAP's subsidiary TAP Express (Embraer E190s) operates regional and domestic routes under the same TP code.

Ryanair (FR) holds approximately 11% of LIS seat capacity and operates from Terminal 2, serving a wide range of European destinations with high frequency.

easyJet (U2) holds approximately 11% of capacity, operating from Terminal 1 (an exception to the LCC norm at LIS) with strong routes to the UK, France, and major European cities.

Alliance Breakdown

Star Alliance: TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Aegean Airlines, and others.

oneworld: British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian.

SkyTeam: Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, Alitalia/ITA Airways, Korean Air, Aeromexico.

LCCs and Independents: Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Transavia, Vueling, Eurowings, Norwegian, Emirates, Etihad, Beijing Capital Airlines (Hangzhou route), Air Koryo.

Top Routes from Lisbon (LIS)

LIS also holds 31% of all Europe–Brazil seats and ranks 3rd in Europe for Latin America connectivity. Notable long-haul destinations include New York (JFK), Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto, Luanda (Angola), Maputo (Mozambique), Dakar (Senegal), Accra (Ghana), and Hangzhou (China).

Distances from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Passenger Traffic Trends

Humberto Delgado Airport has been one of Europe's most dynamic growth stories of the past decade, climbing from 28th place in Europe in 2010 to 13th in 2024 by passenger volume. The airport recorded a new all-time traffic record in 2024, surpassing 35 million passengers for the first time. Growth has been broadly consistent since 2015, when Lisbon began establishing itself as a premium short-break destination and transatlantic hub.

The airport handles approximately 200,000 tonnes of cargo per year, primarily air freight on TAP's belly-hold capacity and dedicated freighters. Aircraft movements total approximately 280,000–300,000 per year. The busiest period is summer (July–August) when European leisure traffic peaks alongside year-round long-haul operations.

LIS holds a commanding 31% share of all Europe–Brazil seat capacity, making it the continent's single most important gateway to Brazil. It ranks 3rd in Europe for direct Latin America connectivity. North American capacity has grown 61% above 2019 levels, with five North American carriers (TAP, United, Delta, American, Air Canada) offering year-round Lisbon service. In 2020, Lisbon Airport was named Best European Airport by ACI Europe (25–40 million passenger category). In 2023, it achieved ACA 4+ certification, the highest in ACI's environmental assessment programme.