Flying from Madrid to Lisbon
Madrid to Lisbon is one of Europe's most straightforward short-haul routes — 320 miles across the Iberian Peninsula, with a block time of around 1 hour 40 minutes wheels-up to touchdown. Both cities sit on the same peninsula, which means you could theoretically take the train or drive, but the flight wins on time every time. You leave Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), one of Europe's busiest hubs, and land at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which sits just 7 kilometres north of Lisbon's city centre. It's the kind of route where you barely finish your coffee before the crew is collecting cups.
What makes this route particularly useful is the frequency. Flights operate multiple times daily, which means if you miss one, another is usually a few hours away. It's a popular commuter and weekend-break route for both Spaniards heading west and Portuguese returning home from Madrid, so seat availability is generally good year-round. Budget carriers dominate, but full-service options exist if you want checked luggage and a proper seat pitch without paying extra for the privilege.
Airlines on This Route
Several carriers compete on Madrid to Lisbon flights, which keeps prices honest. Here's the honest breakdown of who flies it and what you're actually getting:
- Ryanair — Usually the cheapest option, flying out of Terminal 1 at MAD. Bare-bones but reliable on this short hop. Expect to pay for everything beyond a small cabin bag.
- easyJet — Similar low-cost model to Ryanair, with slightly more generous included baggage on some fares. Worth comparing directly.
- TAP Air Portugal — The flag carrier of Portugal, offering a more traditional flying experience. Useful if you're connecting onward from Lisbon to the Azores, Madeira, or beyond. Operates from Terminal 4S at MAD.
- Iberia — Spain's flag carrier, also operating from Terminal 4. More legroom than the budget options, and frequent flyer miles if you're collecting Avios.
- Air Europa — Another solid mid-tier option, often competitive on price and worth checking especially for round-trip deals.
- Vueling, Air Nostrum (Iberia Regional), and PGA-Portugalia Airlines — Additional options that appear seasonally or on specific schedules. Worth a look if the main carriers are sold out or spiking in price.
For a 100-minute flight, full-service versus budget matters less than it does on a long-haul. Most people book whatever is cheapest and add a bag if needed.
Flight Prices: Madrid to Lisbon
This is genuinely one of the cheaper routes in Western Europe. One-way fares on Ryanair and easyJet regularly come in at €16–€25 when booked in advance, and round-trip fares can be found for €40–€55 if you're flexible. TAP and Iberia sit higher — typically €60–€120 one-way — but include more in the base fare and often have better flexibility on changes. Air Europa tends to slot in between the budget and full-service tiers.
To find cheap flights to Lisbon from Madrid, the main rules apply: book 4–8 weeks out for the best low-cost fares, avoid booking the Friday evening and Sunday evening slots (business and weekend travellers push those up), and check prices on Tuesday and Wednesday departures, which tend to be cheaper. Setting a price alert on Google Flights for this route costs you nothing and regularly pays off.
Best Time to Book Madrid to Lisbon Flights
Prices on this route follow a predictable seasonal rhythm. January through March is the sweet spot — Lisbon is quieter, the Atlantic coast is mild rather than scorching, and you'll find the lowest fares of the year, often under €20 one-way. April and May tick up slightly as European city-break season starts, but deals are still very findable. June through August is peak season — Lisbon fills with tourists, the Algarve is at capacity, and prices on this route reflect that. Expect to pay 40–60% more than winter rates. September and October are arguably the best months to visit Lisbon anyway — warm, less crowded, and fares start easing back down. November and December are off-peak again, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year window, when prices spike sharply for about ten days.
Lisbon Airport Guide
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is compact and manageable compared to MAD. It has a single main terminal with two piers — international arrivals and departures are well signposted. Once you land, getting into the city is straightforward. The Lisbon Metro (Red Line) runs directly from the airport to downtown in about 20–25 minutes and costs around €1.65 with an Viva Viagem card. Taxis and Uber are available outside arrivals — expect to pay €10–€18 to central Lisbon depending on traffic and exact destination. The Aerobus shuttle is another option at around €4, running to key stops including Marquês de Pombal and Cais do Sodré. Don't pay for an expensive transfer package — the metro is fast, cheap, and air-conditioned.
FAQ — Madrid to Lisbon Flights
How long is the flight from Madrid to Lisbon?
The flight from Madrid (MAD) to Lisbon (LIS) takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. The route covers around 320 miles, making it one of the shorter international flights you can take in Western Europe. Factor in airport time on both ends and you're looking at a door-to-door journey of roughly 4–5 hours depending on where you're starting and ending up.
What is the cheapest time to fly from Madrid to Lisbon?
January, February, and March consistently offer the lowest fares on this route. Midweek departures — particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays — are cheaper than weekends. If you can fly at off-peak times like early morning or late evening, you'll also find better prices. Setting a fare alert 6–8 weeks before your travel date is the most reliable way to catch a deal.
Which airlines fly from Madrid to Lisbon?
Ryanair, easyJet, TAP Air Portugal, Iberia, and Air Europa all operate non-stop flights on this route. Additional carriers including Vueling, Air Nostrum, and PGA-Portugalia Airlines also serve the route. Ryanair and easyJet are typically the cheapest; TAP and Iberia offer more inclusions in the base fare and are worth comparing when the price gap is small.
How much do Madrid to Lisbon flights cost?
Budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet regularly offer one-way fares from around €16–€27, with round-trip deals available from approximately €40–€55 when booked in advance. TAP Air Portugal and Iberia typically charge €60–€120 one-way but include more in the ticket. Prices rise significantly in summer (June–August) and over Christmas. For the best Madrid to Lisbon flight deals, book 4–8 weeks ahead and travel midweek.