Flying from Lisbon to New York
The route from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) to New York covers roughly 3,377 miles across the Atlantic, making it one of the more manageable transatlantic crossings you can do from Southern Europe. Nonstop flights clock in at around 7 hours 50 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes westbound — the return leg to Lisbon typically runs shorter thanks to favourable tailwinds. It is a well-served route with genuine competition between carriers, which keeps prices more honest than you might expect for a transatlantic ticket.
Most nonstop flights from Lisbon land at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens. A smaller number of services, particularly connecting itineraries, may route through Newark Liberty (EWR), so double-check your itinerary before booking if proximity to Manhattan matters to you. Lisbon's airport sits close to the city centre — about 20 minutes by metro — so getting airside is rarely the stressful part of this journey.
Airlines on This Route
The nonstop market between Lisbon and New York is more competitive than most people realise. TAP Air Portugal is the obvious choice for many travellers — it flies this route daily from its home hub at LIS, operates out of Terminal 1 at JFK, and frequently offers the sharpest fares in economy. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines also run nonstop services, giving North American carriers a solid presence on the route. Beyond those three, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic all operate nonstop or near-nonstop options depending on the season, though some of these involve a brief connection at their European hub.
If you are flexible on journey time, connecting options open up considerably. British Airways routes through London Heathrow, Iberia connects via Madrid, and Royal Air Maroc offers a less conventional but sometimes surprisingly cheap routing through Casablanca. For most travellers prioritising value and convenience, TAP or Delta nonstop will be the sweet spot. TAP's economy product is functional rather than luxurious, but the direct routing and competitive fares make it hard to argue against.
Flight Prices: Lisbon to New York
Round-trip fares on flights from Lisbon to New York start from around €290 to €390 during off-peak windows if you book well in advance — that translates roughly to the $315–$425 range you will see quoted on comparison sites. TAP Air Portugal frequently anchors the lower end of the market, with fares around €450 round-trip being a realistic target for most of the year. KLM and Scandinavian Airlines sometimes compete at similar levels when they have inventory to shift. Business class is a different world — expect €1,800 to €3,500 round-trip depending on airline and timing.
To find cheap flights to New York from Lisbon, the golden rules apply: book at least 6 to 10 weeks ahead for summer travel, set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, and be willing to fly midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently come in cheaper than weekend flights on this route. Avoid booking within three weeks of travel unless you genuinely have no choice — last-minute transatlantic fares are brutal.
Best Time to Book Lisbon to New York Flights
January and February are the cheapest months to fly this route — New York in winter is cold but genuinely worthwhile, and you will find the best Lisbon to New York flight deals concentrated in these months. March can still offer value before spring break demand kicks in. November and early December are also worth targeting — post-Thanksgiving fares drop sharply and New York in early December, before the holiday crowds peak, is one of the better times to visit the city.
Peak pricing runs from late June through August and again over the Thanksgiving and Christmas periods. If you are set on a summer trip, book by March at the latest. September and October sit in a sweet spot — weather in New York is excellent, fares are noticeably lower than peak summer, and the city feels more like itself again after the tourist rush. Those are the months most seasoned travellers on this route quietly prefer.
New York Airport Guide
The majority of nonstop flights from Lisbon land at JFK International Airport, about 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Terminal 4 handles Delta and many international carriers; TAP Air Portugal uses Terminal 1. Once you clear customs and immigration — allow 45 to 90 minutes for this depending on queues — you have a few options into the city. The AirTrain to Jamaica station, then the E or J subway into Manhattan, is the cheapest at around $10 total and takes roughly 60 to 75 minutes door to door. A yellow taxi runs a flat rate of $70 plus tolls and tip to Manhattan. Rideshares via Uber or Lyft typically cost $45 to $65 depending on surge pricing and your exact destination. If you are arriving after a long flight with luggage, the taxi flat rate is often the most stress-free option.
FAQ — Lisbon to New York Flights
How long is the flight from Lisbon to New York?
Nonstop flights from Lisbon (LIS) to New York (JFK) take between 7 hours 50 minutes and 8 hours 30 minutes westbound. The return journey from New York to Lisbon is typically 30 to 45 minutes shorter due to jet stream tailwinds.
What is the cheapest time to fly from Lisbon to New York?
January and February consistently offer the lowest fares on this route. November and early December are also good value windows. Avoid July, August, and the Christmas holiday period if price is your main concern — those are peak months where fares can more than double.
Which airlines fly from Lisbon to New York?
Nonstop services are operated by TAP Air Portugal, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. Connecting options are available through British Airways (via London), Iberia (via Madrid), and Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca), among others.
How much do Lisbon to New York flights cost?
Round-trip economy fares start from around €290 to €390 during off-peak periods booked well in advance. A realistic average for most of the year sits between €420 and €620 round-trip. Business class fares range from approximately €1,800 to €3,500 depending on the airline and how far ahead you book.