Last updated: 11/23/2020
Are you planning a trip to the capital of Portugal and don't know how to get from Lisbon airport to the center? Check out all the information and tips on the main ways to travel between the airport and the city and choose the way that best suits your budget and needs.
LISBON AIRPORT
Opened in 1942, Humberto Delgado Airport, better known as Lisbon Airport is the largest airport in Portugal and serves as a base for the Portuguese airline. TAP Air Portugal. It is located just 7 km from the center of the capital and currently serves almost 30 million passengers. Interestingly, it is one of the few airports in Europe that is surrounded by urban development, as it is located within Lisbon. At the time of its opening, during World War II, it was considered a neutral airport, and therefore was used by both British forces and German airlines. At the end of the war, the airport developed rapidly. In the 1960s, a new runway was built to operate larger aircraft.
In 2007, a second terminal was built, and in 2011, the old terminal was expanded, due to the increasing number of passengers. Among the improvements made, we can include the remodeling of lighting and the luggage area, new cargo facilities, fuel storage, gates, expansion of express cargo facilities, electrical renovations, renovation of departure lounges and subway station. It was announced in early 2019 that the airport will undergo a major expansion until 2022. In addition, a second airport will be built to meet the growing demand, as 50 million passengers are expected to use the airport by 2022. .
Cinematic Curiosity
An interesting fact is that this airport is mentioned in the classic and famous movie Casablanca, whose plot revolves around an attempt to escape from Lisbon Airport.
LISBON AIRPORT TERMINALS
Lisbon Airport consists of 2 passenger terminals, known as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
> TERMINAL 1
It is the main building of the airport and has large areas with shops and services. In 2013, a new commercial area was opened with 20 new stores and, in 2015, a large food court. This terminal is made up of two check-in corridors, the older one was converted into an automatic check-in area for the TAP company and the newer one has 68 service counters (37-89 and 90-106). The boarding area has 47 gates, 21 of which are dedicated to destinations outside the Schengen area*. Boarding planes by bus is very common at this terminal. Most airlines operating at Lisbon Airport use this terminal, including TAP and its Star Alliance partners.
> TERMINAL 2
This terminal is newer but much smaller than Terminal 1. It is used only by low cost airlines. Terminal 2 has 21 check-in counters (201-222), designated for each of the low-cost carriers, and 15 boarding gates (201-2015). Boarding the planes is done on foot, but also by bus. There are few trading options in this terminal. To access Terminal 2, you need to use a free airport shuttle departing from Terminal 1. The main airlines operating in this terminal are: Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia, Transavia France, Wizz Air and Blue Air.
*Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European countries that have officially abolished passports and all other types of border control at their borders. Are they: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Netherlands, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Sweden and Switzerland, including microstates of Monaco, San Marino and Vatican.
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FROM LISBON AIRPORT TO THE CENTER
Check out the main transport options from Lisbon airport to the city center and vice versa. There are options for every budget, from public transport to private services like taxi or car rental.
1. SUBWAY
The metro in Portugal is called subway (reduction of the word Metropolitan). At Lisbon Airport there is a metro station at Red line (Airport – São Sebastião) which connects to the city center. The journey to the center takes about 20 minutes and connects to other metro lines in the Lisbon network, as shown in the map below. The single ticket costs €1.45 and the 24-hour ticket costs €6. This was the way we used to travel between the airport and the city centre. Our Hotel it was close to the Baixa-Chiado station, served by the blue and green lines.
ECONOMY TIP: LISBON CARD
For those who want to visit several places in Lisbon, our tip is to purchase the Lisbon Card. The Lisboa Card gives you free entry to several attractions in the city, as well as unlimited public transport. It is possible to buy the card in 3 versions: 24h, 48h or 72h. The train ticket between Lisbon and Sintra is also included in the Lisboa Card, as well as discounts at various shops, tours and attractions. We tested and approved! Check out: Lisbon Card: Savings tip in the Portuguese capital
Read more: Portugal: What to do in Lisbon – 3 days itinerary
2. TRAIN (TRAIN)
There is no train station at the airport. However, if you are planning to take the train to other cities or regions of the country, the tip is to take the subway (Oriente station) or bus (lines 208, 705 and 744) to the train station. Oriente station. This is the city's main train station and connects Lisbon to all other areas of Portugal. see more information in this link.
3. BUS
- PUBLIC BUSES: Buses are called buses in Portugal. There are several buses that serve the airport and go to different points in Lisbon. It is worth remembering that buses do not allow you to board with large suitcases. The maximum size allowed is 50 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. The fare costs €1.80. As the airport is located about 6 km from the center of Lisbon, the journey is not usually very long. See all lines and schedules on official site.
- AEROBUS: The Aerobus is a bus that connects the main points of the city, the bus terminal of Sete Rios and the railway terminal of Entrecampos, Cais do Sodré, Areeiro-Martim Moniz and the two terminals of Lisbon Airport (Terminal 1 and 2) . Buses are much more comfortable, as they have free wifi, USB chargers, and luggage compartments. The single ticket costs €3.60 (valid for 24 hours – buy here) and a return ticket costs €5.40. Check all the details at official site.
4. TAXI / UBER
The taxi journey takes approx. 15 minutes to the city center and is convenient for those looking for something quick. So you don't have to worry about public transport schedules. The Uber service is also available in Portugal.
5. RENTED CAR
If you are considering renting a car to get around the city, there are a number of car rental companies that offer their services at Copenhagen airport. The companies available are: AVIS-BUDGET, EUROPCAR, GOLDCAR, GUERIN (Alamo, Enterprise, National), HERTZ (Thrifty, Dollar, Firefly) and SIXT. Get your car rental quote in this link.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Lisbon International Airport
- Address: Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, 1700-111 Lisbon, Portugal
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Read more about Lisbon:
- Portugal: What to do in Lisbon – 3 days itinerary
- Lisbon accommodation tip: Brown's Downtown Hotel
- Lisbon Card: Savings tip in the Portuguese capital
- Portugal: Guide to where to eat in Lisbon (with map!)
- Lisbon: Dinner with Fado performances at Adega Machado
- How is the Azul flight between Viracopos and Lisbon
- Portugal: The historic Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon
- Portugal: How to visit São Jorge Castle in Lisbon
- Portugal: Discover the National Pantheon in Lisbon
