General
Overview
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is located just 7 kilometers north of the city center. It is a busy hub, and Terminal 2 (low-cost) is accessible only via a shuttle bus from Terminal 1.
Transfer Options
Lisbon’s Metro and Carris bus network have a history of periodic strikes, including multiple disruptions in 2025. Before travel, check Metro line status and Carris service changes. If services are disrupted, Uber and Bolt remain available citywide.
Luggage Storage
Official lockers are located outside Departures (Level 2). Strict 72-hour limit.
Terminal 2: There are no storage facilities in the low-cost Terminal 2.
Visitor Cards and Passes
Lisboa Card
The Lisboa Card is the most efficient choice for visitors arriving via air or rail. It provides unlimited travel on the Metro, Carris buses, the historic yellow trams, and CP commuter trains to Sintra and Cascais. It also includes free entry to 52 museums and monuments.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 24h | €31.00 |
| 48h | €51.00 |
| 72h | €62.00 |
Where to Get It
Purchase or pick up pre-ordered cards at the Ask Me Lisboa tourism office located in the Arrivals hall of Terminal 1 (07:00–22:00).
Navegante Card
The Navegante is the standard rechargeable card used for all public transport in Lisbon. It costs €0.50 to purchase the physical card.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 24h (Carris/Metro) | €7.25 |
| 24h (+ Ferry) | €10.35 |
| 24h (+ CP Train) | €11.40 |
Instead of buying single tickets, load your Navegante card with €5 or €10 using the “Zapping” option. This reduces the single metro/bus fare to €1.72 and allows you to use the same balance across the Metro, Carris buses, yellow trams, and suburban trains.
Children’s Fares
- Under 4: Free on all Metro, Carris buses, and CP commuter trains. No card needed.
- Ages 4-12: Free on all public transport in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, but only with a personalized Navegante card (Child profile). This card requires advance online registration and is not issued over the counter. For short visits, standard adult fares apply unless the card was arranged before arrival.
Use Citymapper for the best multi-modal route planning across the Metro, buses, and ferries.
Use the Carris app for the most accurate “Live Arrival” times at specific bus and tram stops.
Note: You must validate your card/phone at the yellow readers upon entry.
Public Transit
Metro & Train
The Red Line (Linha Vermelha) is the most efficient way to reach the center. The trip to Saldanha or São Sebastião takes 20–25 minutes.
Tickets and Payment
- Contactless: You can tap any contactless Visa, Mastercard, or mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay) directly at the yellow gate readers. The fare is €1.90.
- Navegante Card: Purchase a reusable card for €0.50 at a machine and load it with credit.
- Validation: You must tap your card/phone at the gates both when entering and exiting the station.
Bus (Carris)
Local Carris buses serve the Airport (Lines 705, 744, 783).
Official Carris PricingA single ticket purchased onboard is €2.30, while using a pre-loaded Navegante card is €1.90 (or €1.72 with Zapping).
Public Carris buses have a strict luggage size limit of 50x40x20cm. If you are traveling with standard checked suitcases, the driver may legally refuse entry. For those with larger bags, the Metro or a taxi is mandatory.
Accessibility & Safety
Lisbon Airport offers the “MyWay” assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility. It includes mechanical mobility facilitators and skilled professionals. You should request this service through your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours in advance.
MyWay AssistanceImmediately upon exiting any transport hub, you will encounter Calçada Portuguesa (traditional white and black cobblestones). These can be incredibly slippery when wet and are difficult for strollers, walkers, or canes.
Safety
Lisbon is generally safe, but pickpockets are active in crowded transport hubs, near ticket machines, and on the popular Tram 28 and Tram 15 routes.
Beware of individuals wearing high-visibility vests or unofficial badges offering help at ticket machines. They may try to keep your change or charge a fee. Only accept help from uniformed staff behind official glass counters.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost & Found office at Lisbon Airport is located in Terminal 1, in the public departures area (before security). You can also report lost items via the official website contact form.
Airport ContactsFirst Aid
A First Aid station is available in Terminal 1, located in the public area of departures. For emergencies, contact airport staff or dial 112.
Pharmacy
The Airport Pharmacy is located in Terminal 1, departures area (before security). It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Airport PharmacyArrival
Rideshare
Bolt often has better availability and slightly lower prices during peak hours.
Rideshares pick up passengers at the Departures level of Terminal 1, in the 'Kiss & Fly' parking area (P2). This is the same area as drop-offs.
At the airport, ignore anyone in the Arrivals hall offering a “private car.” Genuine rideshare drivers are prohibited from entering the terminal to solicit passengers; always wait until you are at the designated parking zone.
Official Taxi
Price and Time
Lisbon taxis are traditionally cream-colored or black with green roofs. A metered trip to the center costs roughly €10–€18 (higher at night/weekends).
Locations
Airport: The taxi rank is located immediately outside the Terminal 1 Arrivals exit. (Note: Terminal 2 has no direct rank; use the free airport shuttle to T1).
Official Taxi Info & TariffsAlways ensure the meter is started (Tarifa 1 for day, Tarifa 2 for night). Note that drivers legally charge a supplement of approximately €1.60 for luggage larger than 55x35x25cm. This is a flat fee for the trip, not per bag.
ATMs and Currency
Portugal uses the Euro (€). Cash is still widely used in traditional cafés and shops.
Look for “Multibanco” machines (silver/red MB logo) throughout the terminals and stations. These are the official Portuguese banking network ATMs and are safer and cheaper than the standalone “Euronet” kiosks. You can find your nearest machine using the SIBS Multibanco website or the MB WAY app.
When an ATM asks if you want to be “charged in your home currency” (USD/CAD/SGD), always select “No” or “Decline Conversion.” Letting your home bank handle the exchange rate will save you 5–10% in hidden fees.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
For international long-haul flights, arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure. For European flights, 2 hours is generally recommended. Check your airline’s specific requirements as some low-cost carriers have strict closing times for bag drop.
Standard check-in counters are located on the main floor of Terminal 1. Use the digital overhead displays to find your airline’s specific row.
Terminal 2 is for departures only and is used exclusively by low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Vueling, Volotea, Transavia, Norwegian, Eurowings, and Wizz Air. It is reachable only via a free shuttle bus from Terminal 1 (departures area), which leaves every 12 minutes and takes about 10 minutes.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Lisbon Airport uses standard security screening. You must remove liquids (max 100ml in a transparent 1L bag) and large electronics (laptops, tablets) from your hand luggage.
You can purchase a Fast Track pass (roughly €9.90) via the ANA App or at airport kiosks to speed up security screening during peak morning and afternoon rushes.
Passport Control
If you are flying to a non-Schengen destination (e.g., UK, USA, Brazil), you must pass through border control after security. Long queues can occur during peak hours; allow at least 30-45 minutes extra if your flight is international.
VAT Refunds
If you reside outside the EU, you can claim a VAT refund on purchases over €50.01. In Terminal 1, the e-Taxfree kiosks are located in the departures area before security. In Terminal 2, they are located after the initial security check.
Refund Process
- Use the e-Taxfree kiosk to scan your passport and the tax-free forms.
- If the system gives a Green Light, validation is complete.
- If it shows a Red Light, you must present your items and forms to the Customs (Alfândega) desk.
- After validation, visit the Unicâmbio, Global Blue, or Planet desks to receive your refund.
If your tax-free items are in your checked luggage, you MUST visit the VAT kiosks before you drop your bags at the airline counter.