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Lisbon Airport Voyage Tips and guide

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    Lisbon Airport (LIS  IATA) is the busiest airport in Portugal. The airport lies almost entirely within Lisbon city limits. It serves as a major hub connecting Europe with Africa (mainly former colonies) and South America (particularly Brazil).

    Understand

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    Terminal 1 exterior.
    Map of countries served by Lisbon Airport (as of Sept. 2019).

    Lisbon Airport in Portuguese is called Aeroporto de Lisboa (uh-ee-roo-POR-too d(ih) leezh-BOH-uh, /ɐ.i.ɾu.ˈpoɾ.tu dɨ ɫɨʒ.ˈbo.ɐ/). It's officially called Aeroporto Humberto Delgado, named for a Portuguese Air Force general known for founding TAP Air Portugal and for working to overthrow the Salazar dictatorship. It's also referred to as Portela Airport.

    Passenger volume has grown exponentially in the 21st century, from under 10 million in 2003 to 20 million in 2014 and over 31 million in 2019. A spartan satellite terminal was added in 2007, and a new reliever airport is being built in Montijo across the river.

    The airport is administered by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, a government authority that has subcontracted management to Vinci Airports, a French company.

    The airport's official website is https://www.aeroportolisboa.pt/.

    ANA publishes an app for iOS and Android to help travellers navigate the airport.

    Flights

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    Terminals

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    Map
    38°46′10″N 9°7′54″W
    Map of Lisbon Airport

      1 Terminal 1
    The main terminal used by all airlines, except for departures by low-cost carriers assigned to Terminal 2. All arrivals, including the low-cost carriers, land at Terminal 1. Many of the gates have jet bridges, but some trips involve a bus between the gate and the plane.
      2 Terminal 2
    Small, depressing satellite terminal used for departures by most low-cost carriers: Blue Air, easyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, and Wizz Air. AeroBus and the airport shuttle bus stop here. There are no jet bridges, so expect a bus from gate to plane.

    Arrival procedures

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    Passengers arriving from outside the Schengen zone will have to go through immigration and passport control. Schengen-zone citizens can use electronic barriers and national identity cards in place of passports. Non-Schengen citizens will have to queue up to speak with an immigration officer. For most "Western" citizens this is typically a quick formality, while "non-Westerners" may face a lengthy interviews and scrutiny of their visas and other documentation. A long queue often forms when flights from South America and Africa land, and citizens of all non-Schengen countries use the same queue.

    After baggage claim, you will head through the customs area, where you will use the green channel/passage if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if you have items subject to import duty.

    Passengers arriving from European Union countries within the Schengen zone face no entry formalities. EU non-Schengen arrivals are subject to immigration, but not customs. Schengen non-EU arrivals are subject to customs, but not immigration.

    Refer to Portugal#Get in for government websites with the latest details.

    Departure procedures

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    Check-in at Terminal 2.

    Lisbon's security checkpoint is notorious for long delays. Fast Track (€9) lets you skip the queue.

    If you are flying outside the Schengen zone from Terminal 1, you will use gates 41–47. To access these gates, you will have to go through passport exit controls. At the best of times, these can be quite speedy and efficient, but during the summer high season and other peak periods, you can expect delays. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time. It's too easy to get sidetracked by the many shops and eateries on the way.

    TAP Air Portugal

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    TAP Air Portugal. TAP is the main airline serving Lisbon, offering domestic flights and flying from five continents. Increased competition from foreign airlines flying into Lisbon has forced TAP to up its game. They have improved upon their reputation for poor customer service, though complaints remain. TAP's Ponte Aérea "aerial bridge" shuttle service with frequent daily round trips from Porto, Funchal, and Madrid. TAP Air Portugal (Q208232) on Wikidata TAP Air Portugal on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2021)

    Azores Airlines

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    Azores Airlines Airbus A320neo at Lisbon.

    Azores Airlines. Previously called SATA Internacional, Azores Airlines is a subsidiary of Sata Air Açores. It's Portugal's second-busiest airline and mainly serves the Azores archipelago. Azores Airlines (Q2205178) on Wikidata Azores Airlines on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2021)

    European full-service carriers

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    Around two dozen full-service European airlines serve Lisbon, so you'll have little difficulty finding flights from most major and many minor cities.

    European low-cost carriers

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    African carriers

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    North American carriers

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    South American carriers

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    Middle Eastern and Asian carriers

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    Ground transportation

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    The airport's metro station has a distinctive red canopy and a covered walkway from Terminal 1.

    By train

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    • 3 Aeroporto metro station ( Vermelha ). The Lisbon Metro's Red Line terminates at the airport. The last three stations at the other end of the line provide transfers with the system's other three lines. Travel time from the city centre is about 20 minutes. Aeroporto station (Q744682) on Wikidata Aeroporto Station (Lisbon Metro) on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2021)
    • 4 Gare do Oriente. This intermodal terminal, 10 minutes from the airport by metro, offers rail and bus connections throughout the country. Alfa Pendular (high-speed), intercity, inter-regional, regional, suburban, and international train services stop here. Gare do Oriente (Q801115) on Wikidata Gare do Oriente on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2021)

    By bus

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    AeroBus (suspended for pandemic), operated by Yellow Bus Tours, offers two routes connecting the airport with major hotels and points of interest:

    • AeroBus 1 — to Cais do Sodré via Entrecampos, Campo Pequeno, Saldanha, Picoas, Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, Restauradores, Rossio, and Praça do Comércio.
    • AeroBus 2 – nonstop to Sete Rios.

    Carris operate several city bus routes that stop at the airport.

    By taxi

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    Taxis are plentiful at the airport, and clear signage will lead you to them.

    By car

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    The airport is at the southern end of the A1 motorway (Autoestrada do Norte), with access from such cities as Porto and Coimbra.

    By rental car

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    There are six car rental companies at the airport: Avis–Budget, Europcar, Goldcar (InterRent), Guerin (Alamo, Enterprise, National), Hertz (Thrifty, Dollar, Firefly), and Sixt.

    Get around

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    The light-filled atrium of the arrivals hall. Departures are up the escalator.

    A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals, running every 10 minutes for a 3-minute trip.

    Terminal 1 has some lengthy corridors, but moving walkways are present.

    Passengers with reduced mobility or other disabilities can take advantage of the free MyWay service, which provides help with personal and baggage needs from check-in, through security, border controls (if applicable) to boarding, until you reach your airplane seat. Similar services are available for arriving and connecting passengers. You must request MyWay through the airline or your travel agent when booking (or no less than 48 hours before your trip). They will inform the airport of your request.

    Wait

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    • ANA Lounge (Terminal 1 shopping court), ☏ +351 218 413 658, . Daily 06:00–22:00 (maximum stay 3 hrs). All passengers are welcome in this lounge...for a fee. They serve sandwiches, fruit, coffee, tea, wine, and other beverages. Other amenities include showers and lounge chairs with runway views. Participating airlines and select MasterCards offer free or discounted admission. €35.35, children 3–12 €15.15. (updated Jul 2021)
    • TAP Premium Lounge (Terminal 1, after security). Daily 07:00–23:00. Free food and drink; relaxation spaces; work area with computers, printers, and Wi-Fi; bathrooms and showers. Free for TAP Executive Class passengers, eligible TAP rewards program members, and TAP branded Visa card holders; €25-50 for TAP Economy Class passengers. (updated Jul 2021)

    Eat and drink

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    You won't go hungry or thirsty at Lisbon Airport. American and global chains are in abundance: Burger King, KFC, McDonald's/McCafe, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. You'll find many local and national eateries. You might wish to eschew the familiar names that you can find in any corner of the globe and instead enjoy some of the Portuguese offerings.

    Terminal 1, before security

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    Open to the public.

    • Delta - Mundo do Café (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 21 847 9050. Daily 05:00–22:00. Portuguese-style coffee and pastries. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Go Natural (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 932 113 403. 24 hours daily. Sushi bar, salads, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, desserts, juices. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Heineken Grand Café (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 916 146 096. Daily 05:30–22:00. Beer is the central attraction here, but you'll also find breakfast, snacks, and sushi. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Ice Cream & Flowers (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 21 842 2506. Daily 10:00–18:00. Chilly treats featuring Olá ice cream (Portugal's Heartbrand version of Good Humor/Wall's/Streets/Frigo/Kibon, etc.). You can also grab a last-minute gift in the form of flowers. (updated Jul 2021)
    • La Pausa Restaurante (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 21 847 9050. Daily 12:00–15:00 & 19:00–23:00. Sit-down restaurant. They have a separate self-service location with cafeteria-style quick, light meals. (updated Jul 2021)
    • My Bistro (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 916 146 096. Daily 05:30–22:00. Breakfast, sandwiches, steaks, pastas, cod gratin. Outdoor seating available. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Padaria Lisboa (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 916 146 096. Daily 05:30–00:00. Featuring Portuguese bread and Nespresso coffee. (updated Jul 2021)

    Terminal 1, after security

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    Available to passengers flying out of Terminal 1.

    • Cockpit (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 939 857 586. 24 hours daily. Tapas, comfort food, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries, hot and cold beverages. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Delta Café Central (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 21 847 9050. Daily 05:00–22:00. Portuguese coffee and baked treats. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Dots Bakery (Terminal 1, after security, by gates 7–13 & 19–21), ☏ +351 21 847 9050. Daily 05:00–22:00. Classic Portuguese pastries, alongside healthier options. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Go Natural (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 932 113 403. Daily 06:00–23:00. Sushi bar, salads, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, desserts, juices. (updated Jul 2021)
    • O Mercado (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 21 847 9050. Daily 05:30–22:30. Designed to call to mind a Portuguese town market. Pastéis de nata (custard tarts), pastéis de bacalhau (cod fritters), and other Portuguese delights. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Pastelaria Versailles (Terminal 1, after security, food court, gate 15), ☏ +351 916 146 101. Daily 05:00–22:00. Lisbon-based cake shop that also offers light meals. (updated Jul 2021)

    Terminal 1, after security, non-Schengen

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    Available to passengers flying outside the Schengen zone from Terminal 1.

    • First Class Café (Terminal 1, after security, non-Schengen, opposite gate N43), ☏ +351 927 978 853. Daily 07:00–23:00. Split into two halves: a quick-service restaurant that sells hot entrees, and a café that sells sandwiches, pastries, etc. Steak, pasta, salad, or fish menu (main + beverage + coffee) €20. (updated Jun 2023)
    • Specially (Terminal 1, after security, non-Schengen, opposite gate N41), ☏ +351 932 001 628. Daily 06:30–23:00. Take-away sandwiches, pastries, salads, pastas, and coffee, with a few tables to eat at. Typical items €8-10. (updated Jun 2021)

    Terminal 2, before security

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    Open to the public.

    Terminal 2, after security

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    Available to passengers departing from Terminal 2.

    • Heineken Grand Café (Terminal 2, after security), ☏ +351 916 440 834. Daily 05:30–22:00. Beer is the central attraction here, but you'll also find breakfast, snacks, and sushi. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Nespresso (Terminal 2, after security). Daily 05:00–22:00. International coffee and hot and cold meals. (updated Jul 2021)
    • SoHo (Terminal 2, after security), ☏ +351 916 440 833. Daily 05:00–last flight. Fair trade and organic coffee and light food options. (updated Jul 2021)

    Buy

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    After getting through Terminal 1 security, you might believe that you've been teleported to a suburban shopping mall, given the abundance of shops you're greeted with. You'll be forced to wade through the huge duty-free store to reach your gate. The list below appears extensive, but this is just a selection of the myriad shops where you can buy or window shop.

    Duty free

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    There are three full-service duty-free stores, all creatively named Duty Free Store (all open 04:30–00:00): T1 after security, T1 non-Schengen zone, and T2 after security.

    There are three Duty Free Store Express stores: T1 after security, T1 non-Schengen zone (both 06:00–22:00) and T1 arrivals (06:00–23:00).

    Financial services

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    • Santander (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 21 843 7520. M–F 08:30–12:00 & 13:00–15:00. Banking services. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Unicâmbio (Terminal 1, four locations, before & after security, including the arrivals area), ☏ +351 962 017 516. Currency exchange. (updated Jul 2021)

    Portuguese and Iberian shops

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    • Adolfo Dominguez (Terminal 1, after security, non-Schengen), ☏ +351 21 848 3098. Daily 06:30–22:00. Spanish luxury fashion designer. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Artesanato do Aeroporto (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 965 068 463. Daily 06:00–22:00. Portuguese handicrafts, including pottery, crockery, filigree, and cork items. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Benfica Official Store (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 915 077 443. Daily 06:00–22:30. Gear for fans of this Lisbon-based football (soccer) team. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Desigual (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 915 077 443. Daily 06:00–22:30. Spanish fashion house known for its striking—some might say garish—looks. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa (Terminal 1, after security, non-Schengen), ☏ +351 21 134 9044. Daily 06:00–23:00. Wall-to-wall canned sardines. More interesting than it sounds. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Parfois (three locations: Terminal 1, after security; T1 non-Schengen; Terminal 2, after security), ☏ +351 937 840 165, +351 931 616 295. Daily 06:00–21:00 (to 23:00 in T1 Schengen area). Portuguese women's accessory brand. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Portfolio (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 964 943 914. Daily 06:00–22:00. All manor of Portuguese souvenirs from traditional to modern. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Springfield (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 21 841 3742. Daily 06:00–22:00. Spanish youth fashions. (updated Jul 2021)

    Fashion

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    • Burberry (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 915 085 026. Daily 06:00–22:00. Classic British luxury brand known for it raincoats. They have other items besides. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Carolina Herrera (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 21 007 9655. Daily 06:00–22:00. Venezuelan-American fashion and accessory designer for men, women, and children. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Ermenegildo Zegna (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 963 111 139. Daily 06:00–22:00. Italian-cut suits and accessories. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Guess (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 911 839 200. Daily 06:00–22:00. This fashion and accessory brand's popularity has waxed and waned over the years. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Hugo Boss (Terminal 1, after security). Daily 06:00–22:00. German luxury clothing brand. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Salvatore Ferragamo (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 963 111 139. Daily 06:00–22:00. Italian luxury shoe brand since 1928. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Sunglass Hut (Terminal 1, after security & Terminal 2, after security), ☏ +351 961 775 755 (T1), +351 967 358 548 (T2). Daily 06:00–22:00. Sunglasses, including Ray-Ban, Versace, and Oakley. (updated Jul 2021)

    Other shops

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    • Divers (Five locations across both terminals, before & after security), ☏ +351 21 848 3098. Daily 06:00–22:00. Newsstand. Diverse, with an archaic English spelling. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Fnac (Terminal 1, after security), ☏ +351 21 841 3512. Daily 07:00–21:00. Literature, music, video games, gadgets, and a Fnac Kids section. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Relay (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 21 841 3542. Daily 07:00–23:45. Newsstand with tobacco, chocolates, chewing gum, and Portuguese and international literature. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Rimowa (two locations: Terminal 1, after security & non-Schengen). Daily 06:00–22:30. Suitcases with a recognizable ribbed design. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Tech2Go (Terminal 1, after security, non-Schengen), ☏ +351 21 841 3698, . Daily 07:00–22:00. Tech gizmos, gadgets, and accessories. (updated Jul 2021)
    • Tumi (two locations: Terminal 1, after security & non-Schengen), ☏ +351 915 077 453. Daily 06:00–22:30. U.S. brand known for its expensive, sturdy luggage and bags. (updated Jul 2021)

    Connect

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    The airport offers free Wi-Fi.

    1. Enable Wi-Fi on your device.
    2. Select the "_VINCI Airports WiFi" network and open your web browser.
    3. Accept the Terms & Conditions and click "Connect" to join the network.
    • CTT (post office) (Terminal 1, before security), ☏ +351 21 840 3083. M–F 08:30–19:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su & holidays 09:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:00. In addition to this full-service post office, they have post boxes and vending machines after security. (updated Jul 2021)

    Cope

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    Sleep

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    • 1 Star Inn Lisbon Airport, Aeroporto Internacional de Lisboa, Rua C 2, ☏ +351 21 842 5700, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Three-star, 173-room hotel with outdoor pool, sauna, babysitting, free airport shuttle, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. €90-134. (updated Jul 2021)
    • 2 Tryp Lisboa Aeroporto, Aeroporto Internacional de Lisboa, Rua C 2, ☏ +351 21 842 5000, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Four-star, 167-room hotel with two swimming pools, gym, free airport shuttle, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. €109-157. (updated Jul 2021)

    Nearby

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    • Lisbon — If you have time during a layover, Parque das Nações is only 10 minutes away by metro. It has the Oceanário—a huge aquarium–and Centro Comercial Vasco da Gama–a sizeable shopping centre—along with other sights, a riverside promenade, and some food options. The metro also offers access to other parts of the city if the timing of your layover allows.
    • Loures
    • Odivelas
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