Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Cascais. Cascais Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 70 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave CAT:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Portugal. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Cascais takes about 70 minutes by Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Cascais
If you head into Cascais, here are two things worth checking out:
Cascais Marina is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Boca do Inferno is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside CAT — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Restaurante Aeródromo de Cascais (Airfield View)
- General Aviation Observation
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Marisco na Praça and Dom Diniz are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Cascais.
- At the airport: Restaurante Aeródromo de Cascais (Main Dining) and Aeródromo de Cascais Café & Snacks will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Getting to Cascais from the Airport
From CAT, the Bus gets you to Cascais in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Cascais Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Cascais:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $17 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $36 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Cascais, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at CAT can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Cascais for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
WiFi at CAT should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Portugal and you’re good to go.
Taking a Break at CAT
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, CAT has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Cascais exploring the streets or relaxing at CAT, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.