Flights to Lisbon — What to Expect
Lisbon's main gateway is Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), sitting just 7km from the city centre — one of Europe's most conveniently located airports. Flights to Lisbon land here from virtually every major European hub, and the connections are genuinely excellent. TAP Air Portugal operates the most routes in and out of LIS and often has the most competitive fares if you book early, but you'll also find strong options from Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, and British Airways depending on your departure city. Flights from London to Lisbon typically run around €60–€150 return on low-cost carriers if you're flexible, while flights from Madrid or Paris can dip below €80 return during off-peak periods. Transatlantic passengers flying from the US or Canada will usually connect through London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, or Frankfurt — or fly direct with TAP from Newark, Boston, or Miami.
When hunting for Lisbon flight deals, the sweet spot for booking is usually 6–10 weeks ahead for European departures. Avoid the last two weeks of July and all of August if budget is a priority — that's peak season and fares spike noticeably. The airport itself is compact and easy to navigate, though Terminal 1 security queues can be slow during summer mornings, so factor in extra time if you're on an early departure.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
Spring (March–May) is genuinely the best window to visit Lisbon. Temperatures sit comfortably in the high 60s to low 70s°F (around 19–23°C), the mimosas and jacaranda trees are blooming across the city, and the tourist crowds haven't yet reached summer intensity. May in particular hits a sweet spot — warm enough for the beach at Cascais, cool enough to walk Alfama all afternoon without overheating. September and October run a close second: the Atlantic has warmed up all summer so sea swimming is actually at its best, prices drop post-August, and the city has a relaxed energy as locals return to their routines.
July and August are hot — regularly hitting 33–35°C — and busy. It's not unpleasant if you like heat and don't mind sharing the tram with 40 other tourists, but it's the priciest and most crowded version of Lisbon. November through February brings mild temperatures (rarely below 10°C) and regular rain, but also some of the cheapest flights to Lisbon you'll find all year. The city is atmospheric in winter, and cultural events like the Lisbon Film Festival run in November. December has Christmas markets and is surprisingly busy around the holidays, so don't assume winter means empty.
Getting Around Lisbon
From the airport, the Metro's Red Line (Linha Vermelha) runs directly into the city centre in about 20–25 minutes for roughly €1.80 — the easiest and cheapest option. Taxis and Ubers are plentiful and a metered ride to Baixa or Chiado costs around €10–€15. Avoid the airport transfer touts who approach you inside arrivals.
Within the city, Lisbon's public transport network is good value. A reloadable Viva Viagem card (€0.50 deposit) lets you tap onto the Metro, trams, and buses. The famous Tram 28 is scenic but chronically overcrowded — enjoyable for a single ride, not practical for daily commuting. For getting between neighborhoods quickly, the Metro is far more reliable. Tuk-tuks and electric scooters are everywhere, useful for the steeper hillside streets. Walking is genuinely the best way to explore Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Baixa and Chiado sit at the heart of the action and are ideal for first-timers who want to walk everywhere — expect to pay €90–€160/night for a decent mid-range hotel. Alfama is the most characterful neighbourhood, all narrow alleys and fado music drifting from restaurant doorways; it's not especially well-served by public transport but the atmosphere is unmatched. Príncipe Real is the upscale, boutique option — independent design hotels, good restaurants, and a less frenetic pace than Chiado; budget €150–€280/night. For budget travellers, Intendente and Mouraria are increasingly popular, with solid hostels and guesthouses from €25–€60/night. Avoid the strip immediately around Praça do Comércio — pricier than it needs to be and generic.
Top Things to Do in Lisbon
- Explore Alfama on foot: Start at the Sé Cathedral, wind up to the Miradouro da Graça for the best views, and end at a fado dinner on Rua do Capelão — budget around €30–€50 for a proper fado meal with wine.
- Visit the Belém district: The Jerónimos Monastery is genuinely stunning, and the original Pastéis de Belém bakery next door sells the best custard tarts in Portugal (€1.30 each). Get there early to beat the queue.
- Day trip to Sintra: 40 minutes by train from Rossio station (around €2.50 each way), Sintra's fairy-tale palaces are worth a full day. Go on a weekday if possible — weekends are hectic.
- Take the ferry to Cacilhas: A 10-minute ferry from Cais do Sodré costs about €1.30 and gives you views of Lisbon's skyline plus excellent grilled fish at half the city-centre price.
- LX Factory on a Sunday: A converted industrial complex in Alcântara that hosts a weekly market — vintage clothing, local food producers, independent bookshops. Excellent for a Sunday morning.
- Atlantic beaches at Cascais or Estoril: 40 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré (€2.30), the Linha de Cascais runs along the coast past several beaches. Bring reef shoes for the rockier spots.
Practical Travel Tips
Visas: EU citizens need only a national ID card. UK passport holders (post-Brexit) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen rules — no visa required, but carry your passport rather than just a driving licence. Currency: Portugal uses the Euro (€). ATMs are widespread; use Multibanco machines to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. Most restaurants and shops accept card, but carry a small amount of cash for market stalls, tuk-tuks, and older tascas. Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated — rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is the local norm. Don't tip at the counter in a café. Safety: Lisbon is one of Western Europe's safer capitals, but pickpocketing is a genuine issue on Tram 28, around Rossio station, and in Alfama's crowded miradouros. Use a money belt or inside pocket and don't keep your phone in your back pocket.
FAQ — Flights to Lisbon
How much do flights to Lisbon cost?
Flights to Lisbon from major European cities typically range from €60–€200 return depending on the season and how far ahead you book. London, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Paris all have strong competition between carriers which keeps prices reasonable outside peak summer. Booking 6–10 weeks in advance and being flexible on travel days (midweek is usually cheaper) will get you the best Lisbon flight deals.
Which airlines fly to Lisbon?
TAP Air Portugal is the national carrier and operates the most routes to Lisbon, including transatlantic flights from North America. European low-cost options include Ryanair (from Dublin, London Stansted, Manchester, and numerous others), easyJet (from London Gatwick, Bristol, Edinburgh), and Vueling (strong from Spain and Italy). British Airways and Iberia serve Lisbon from their respective hubs. KLM and Lufthansa connect through Amsterdam and Frankfurt for those flying in from outside Europe.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Lisbon?
January and February consistently offer the cheapest flights to Lisbon — fares can drop to €50–€80 return from London or other major European cities during these months. November and early December are also good value windows. If you want mild weather alongside lower fares, March (particularly mid-to-late March) offers a genuine sweet spot before spring demand pushes prices up.
How long is the flight to Lisbon from London?
The flight from London to Lisbon takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes direct — one of the shorter long-haul-feeling short-haul trips in Europe. From Amsterdam it's around 2 hours 45 minutes; from Frankfurt about 3 hours; from Madrid just 1 hour 20 minutes. All major European hubs have multiple direct flights to Lisbon daily, so connections are rarely necessary when flying from within Europe.