Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Lisbon. Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Portela Airport) is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 80 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at LIS:
First, verify that you can enter Portugal — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Metro (Red Line) takes about 80 minutes into Lisbon, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — EUR is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Lisbon from the Airport
You have two main options for getting from Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Portela Airport) into town:
- Metro (Red Line): About 80 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 100 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Lisbon:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Bag Storage Near LIS
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At LIS, you’ll find bag storage at Lisbon Airport (LIS) has a luggage storage service operated by ‘Safe Bag’ located in the public area of Terminal 1, near the car park P2 exit, on the ground floor (arrivals level)..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Exploring Lisbon on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Lisbon, two standouts are:
- Praça do Comércio — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Lisbon.
- Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium) — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Lisbon.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside LIS, you can spend time at ANA Lounge (Terminal 1) or try Lojas Francas de Portugal (Duty-Free). Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Lisbon: D’Bacalhau and Lisboa em Cheio. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Dote – Cervejaria Marisqueira (LIS) or O! Baga – Wine Bar & Tapas (LIS). Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at LIS.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
WiFi at LIS 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.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Lisbon count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave LIS. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.