Why You Should Book Your Flight to Lisbon International Airport

João Raposo
Jan 20
3 min read

(Plus tips to make your arrival smoother)

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, chances are you’ll be landing at Lisbon International Airport (LIS) — and that’s a very good thing. Also known as Humberto Delgado Airport, Lisbon’s main airport is one of the most convenient and well-connected gateways in Southern Europe.

Here’s why booking your flight to Lisbon International Airport makes sense, and a few practical tips to help you start your trip on the right foot.

1. Lisbon International Airport is right inside the city

One of the biggest advantages of Lisbon International Airport is its location. Unlike many major European airports, LIS is only about 7 km from the city centre.

That means:

A 15–20 minute taxi or Uber ride to most central neighbourhoods
Direct metro connection (the red line takes you straight downtown)
No long, exhausting transfers after a flight

You land, collect your bags, and you’re basically already in Lisbon.

2. Excellent connections from Europe and beyond

Lisbon International Airport is a major hub for:

Flights from Europe, North America, South America, and Africa
Low-cost airlines and full-service carriers
Direct routes from cities like London, Paris, New York, Toronto, São Paulo, and many more

This makes Lisbon an easy destination to reach — whether you’re coming for a short city break or starting a longer Portugal itinerary.

3. A perfect gateway to all of Portugal

Flying into Lisbon International Airport doesn’t just give you access to Lisbon. It puts you in a great position to explore the rest of the country:

Sintra: 40 minutes by train
Cascais coast: under 1 hour
Alentejo: easy road trip south
Porto: 3 hours by train or a short domestic flight

If you’re planning to see more than one destination, Lisbon is the smartest entry point.

4. Good services, food, and shopping for travelers

Lisbon International Airport has improved a lot in recent years. You’ll find:

Cafés and restaurants with Portuguese food and wine
Duty-free and local shops
Currency exchange, SIM cards, and ATMs
Lounges for longer layovers

It’s not huge or overwhelming, which actually makes it easier to navigate — especially after a long flight.

5. Often cheaper than flying into other Portuguese airports

Because Lisbon International Airport has so many routes and airlines, it often offers more competitive flight prices than smaller airports in Portugal.

Even if your final destination isn’t Lisbon, flying into LIS and continuing by train or car can save you money.

Tips for flying into Lisbon International Airport

Arrive early in the morning if possible Morning arrivals usually mean:

Shorter passport control lines
Easier transport into the city
More flexibility on your first day

Use Uber or Bolt instead of airport taxisThey’re generally cheaper, safe and avoid scams and misunderstandings about routes or prices.

Book accommodation with airport pickup if arriving late Especially useful for night arrivals or first-time visitors.

Eat light at the airport… save room for the city Lisbon’s food scene is waiting — don’t fill up before you even get there.

Final thoughts

Booking your flight to Lisbon International Airport is one of the easiest ways to start a trip to Portugal smoothly. It’s central, well-connected, relatively stress-free, and puts you right where you want to be — close to the heart of Lisbon and the rest of the country.

If Portugal is on your list, Lisbon International Airport is the best place to begin.