Bem-vindos a Lisboa! 

We’ve flown dozens of times through our home airport and have seen many travelers trying to navigate the Lisbon Airport. It can be confusing, for sure. After helping many lost travelers, I wanted to share some tips for navigating the Lisbon airport and many European airports.

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How To Get To the Lisbon Airport

If you are leaving Lisbon and want to know the best transportation for getting to the Lisbon airport, we’d highly recommend taking a taxi or an Uber.  You can pre-arrange a ride service (or you may have one with a vacation package), but it’s not necessary.  Ubers, Grabs (another Uber-like service), and taxis are plentiful.  Most drivers speak rudimentary English if they are not fluent, so communication should be manageable.  If you are nervous about the language barrier, Uber will be better. With Uber, you’ll choose your destination in the app, so you don’t have to communicate verbally with your driver.

Taxis and Ubers in Lisbon

We have found that a ride for us to the airport, which is about 25-30 min without traffic, costs around 25€.  As a family of seven, we do have to take two taxis or Ubers. Ubers tend to be slightly cheaper than taxis, depending on the time of day.  However, we prefer taxis as they are available 24 hours a day.  We’ve had many Ubers cancel in our area in the middle of the night, whereas taxis are at our house within about 4 minutes of calling!

You’ll be dropped off at the “Kiss and Fly” area.  For Ubers, this gets congested, and it may take some time to wait in line for a parking spot.  Uber drivers have to take a ticket and have a limited time in the drop off area before they have to pay.

*** Important Tip: If you are arriving in Lisbon and trying to get an Uber into the city, you’ll also meet your Uber driver in this area.  It is on the upper floor, and NOT out the main door to the taxi stands.  Taxis are easier to find when leaving Lisbon, but, again, can be a bit more expensive.  

If your Uber driver asks you to meet them anywhere other than the Kiss and Fly parking lot, cancel right away. They may want you to cross some fences and barriers so they don’t have to take a ticket and enter as they should.  Don’t do this!!  It’s dangerous and likely illegal.

Taxis will drop you a bit closer to check-in (another plus for taxis), and you don’t have to wait in line.  They are given preferential treatment on purpose.  

Almost all taxis take credit cards, but make sure to ask before you start to drive away.  Occasionally, their machines don’t work, and they always prefer cash.  To tip, you’ll need to ask them to increase the amount to charge (there is nowhere to tip on their machine).  However, tips are optional, and they won’t be offended if you don’t tip.

Checking In for Your Flight in the Lisbon Airport

Know that there are two terminals at the Lisbon Airport.  In general, Terminal One is for international departures (this includes the UK and non-EU countries.  For a list of countries that are part of the EU Schengen Area, click here).  International flights require you to go through customs to leave Lisbon and when you arrive at your next destination.

Terminal two is generally for “domestic flights,” which are flights within the EU. These destinations will be considered more like domestic flights in the US when you travel from one state to another, and you will not need to go through customs on your departure from Lisbon. 

Before you go to the airport, Google your flight number. It should tell you which terminal you need to go to.

Cheaper airlines, like Ryan Air, Whizz, Easy Jet, etc., tend to fly out of Terminal Two. Terminal Two is much smaller, and typically, you are walking on the tarmac to your airplane versus using a jetway.

*** Important Tip:  If flying a budget airline, it is incredibly important that you check in BEFORE your arrival (more than 3 hours before your flight) online AND arrive with plenty of time (minimum of two hours before your flight).  These airlines do everything they can to penalize you, and we’ve paid big bucks when online check-in didn’t work (over $1000 to check bags at the counter).  We often have issues checking in with some budget airlines due to our visa situation, and it can be monstrously frustrating.  Don’t cut corners when it comes to time before your flight.

How To Find Your Check-in at the Lisbon Airport

Just as gates are assigned for flights, check-in is also assigned a door, or “porta.”  This means that when you arrive at the airport, you’ll consult a monitor about where to go to check-in.

You’ll need to find a television monitor with the check-in assignments.  TAP is the first one you’ll see when you are dropped off by taxi or Uber.  Most of the others are up a level, and it’s a bit of a maze to find them.  Pay attention to signs, and keep going towards security (which is not well-marked and can be hard to find).

Once you know your check-in gate, head to the line. You’ll likely wait 30-60 mins in line to check your bags unless you have a nice airline with an international flight or you have a preferred status with the airline.  Most airlines will have a line for families if you are traveling with young children.

All gate agents speak English well enough to get you checked in.

Going Through Security in the Lisbon Airport

Once you are checked in, you’ll head to security.  This is not well-marked, and it is, frankly, confusing.  If you are traveling with kids, go towards the fast-track areas, as these areas are also for families with young kids.

You’ll need to scan your boarding passes multiple times at security, so keep them handy!

While signage will tell you to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids, we have found the agents to be a bit lax in Lisbon :). I never remove liquids, and I never get in trouble for this.  If it’s easy, I remove my laptop, but that isn’t entirely necessary either.

Families get extra time in the family security area, which I recommend for anyone with kids.  Additionally, you can purchase Fast Pass on many airlines to gain access to a very fast special security area.  It is also often available to you if you have preferred status on an airline.

Getting to Your Gate at the Lisbon Airport

Once you are past security, you’ll need to determine the gate for your flight.  You’ll encounter a screen right before ascending the escalators where you can view gate assignments.

No gate assigned?  This is common in Europe.  Many times, they won’t assign a gate until right before the flight.  In this case, hang out in the large common area after you pass Duty-Free.

There are many places to eat, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and some fabulous cafes and hot Portuguese food.  We love sandwiches, pastries, pasteis de nata (a must-try in Portugal, especially warm), and other items.  Most are freshly made and delicious.  Airport food in Europe is MUCH better than airport food in the US.

Note that you can ask for items to be warmed up for free, and fresh OJ (orange juice) in Portugal is recommended!

If you are going international, grab your food to-go and quickly get to the customs line. There are a couple of small cafe options on the other side of customs, but choices are much more limited.  

*** Important Tip:  Customs for LEAVING Portugal can take surprisingly long, so do not delay.  We’ve seen many people miss their flights due to this line.  You’ll be asked about your visit, where you are going, how long you’ve been in Portugal, etc.

Flying Out of Lisbon

We haven’t had many delays once boarded on a plane in Lisbon, but occasionally, it does happen, especially when there is a lot of rain or wind.  Note that European rules require airlines to pay BIG fees to the consumer on flights that are delayed more than a few hours or canceled, which greatly reduces flight delays.

*** Important Tip: If your flight is canceled or delayed more than 4 hours in Europe, you may be entitled to compensation by law.  You can find more info here.

As I said earlier, you may have to take a bus to your plane or walk onto the tarmac and board by stairs.  It’s super annoying and difficult with your luggage and kids in tow, but it’s common.  We’ve done it many times. Just know it’s lucky to get a jetway!  Many people hate flying out of Lisbon for this reason.

Flying Into the Lisbon Airport

Unless you’ve come from another EU Schengen country, you’ll likely need to go through customs in Lisbon.  I have some good news!

• No customs forms are required.  Yay!
• Once you’re through border control, it’s pretty easy to get your luggage and get out.

Now, the bad news:

• Customs can take a LONG time in the summer months, anytime there is a strike, or when several flights arrive at the same time.
• Strikes are not common, but when they happen, it’s hell.  On our flight moving to Lisbon, we waited four hours in the border control line.  Of course, we’ve found this is almost always after an overnight flight when you are exhausted, dehydrated, and hungry. 

There is nothing to be done about strikes or long lines at border control.  No one will care if you are frustrated, so take a deep breath and endure it.  

• If you have very small children, you can ask to be in a priority line.  The same goes if you are pregnant or mobile impaired in any way.
• If you have an EU passport, you’ll also be in a much faster line.  
• If traveling without children, you can try the electronic machines. You may have good luck to get through quickly.  You need a compatible passport, which won’t work for you if you have a visa like ours.

Other Tips for Airports in Europe

Navigating airports in Europe can be a smooth and efficient experience with a bit of preparation. Below are some tips to help you make the most of your time in European airports, and you can also read more of my recommendations and tips here.

• Check Visa and Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter certain European countries, so check the requirements in advance.
• Flight Booking and Check-In:
  • Book your flight in advance to secure the best prices.
  • Consider online check-in to save time at the airport.
  • Be aware of baggage restrictions and fees.
• Arrive Early: Just like other airports, European airports can be busy, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Security Screening:
  • Familiarize yourself with security regulations and procedures in Europe. Remove liquids and laptops from your carry-on bag, and be prepared to remove your shoes and belt.
  • Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

• Airport Transportation:
  • Research transportation options from the airport to your destination. Many European airports have efficient public transportation systems that can save you money.
  • Consider using ride-share apps or pre-booking airport transfers for convenience.
• Currency Exchange and ATMs:
  • Use ATMs at the airport to withdraw local currency. They often offer better exchange rates than currency exchange counters.
  • Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid card issues.
• Electrical Adapters: Check the electrical socket type at your destination, and bring the appropriate adapter if needed to charge your devices.
• Flight Connections:
  • If you have a connecting flight, be aware of the minimum connection times and the airport’s layout to avoid missing your next flight.
  • Check if you need to go through security again during your layover.
• Airport Wi-Fi: Many European airports offer free Wi-Fi, but there may be time or data limits. Consider connecting to Wi-Fi for communication and online navigation.
• Travel Insurance: Make sure you have adequate travel insurance to cover unexpected situations such as flight delays, cancellations, or lost luggage.

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Hope you have a nice trip with your kids to Lisbon!

Xoxo,

Leslie

Additional Reading

12 Things To Do for Families in Lisbon

How To Get Your Lisbon Transportation Card: Advice for Tourists and Expats Alike!

23 Hidden Gems Of Portugal For Families + Bonus Spots