Lisbon Airport (LIS) Live Flights, Terminals & Guide 2026 — Humberto Delgado

Lisbon Airport (LIS): Complete Guide to Humberto Delgado Airport

Humberto Delgado Airport, known internationally by its IATA code LIS and ICAO designation LPPT, is Portugal's largest and most important aviation hub. Located just seven kilometers north of central Lisbon, it serves as the principal gateway to the Portuguese capital and the country at large, handling the vast majority of Portugal's international air traffic and connecting Lisbon to over 150 destinations worldwide. Whether you are arriving for a Portuguese holiday, connecting through to Brazil, the United States, Africa, or simply transiting Europe, understanding how this airport operates will substantially smooth your journey.

What is Humberto Delgado Airport?

The airport was renamed in 2016 in honor of Humberto Delgado, a Portuguese general and democratic politician who opposed the Salazar dictatorship and was assassinated in 1965. Many travelers and locals still refer to it by its older name, Lisboa Portela, after the Portela neighborhood where it is located. The original airport opened in 1942 and has evolved through several major expansions to its current capacity. It remains the only commercial airport directly serving the Lisbon metropolitan area, although a long-discussed second airport at Alcochete is planned for the future.

Key Facts and Statistics

Lisbon Airport consistently ranks among Iberia's top three airports by passenger volume, alongside Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat. In recent years it has handled between 28 and 35 million passengers annually, with steady growth driven by tourism to Portugal, the city's emergence as a digital nomad hub, and TAP's expansion of long-haul connections. International traffic accounts for roughly 90 percent of total volume, with domestic Portuguese flights — primarily to Porto, Faro, Funchal, and Ponta Delgada — making up the remainder.

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — Layout and Functions

Lisbon Airport's terminal complex consists of two physical buildings serving distinct functions. Terminal 1 is the main terminal, located in the central airport area, and handles the vast majority of operations. It is organized across multiple levels with check-in counters on the upper level, departures and arrivals on respective floors, and connections to ground transport at the lower level. T1 hosts TAP Air Portugal — the airline's primary operations — alongside Star Alliance partners, full-service European carriers, and most long-haul airlines serving Lisbon.

Getting to Lisbon Airport — All Transport Options

LIS is exceptionally well connected to central Lisbon and the surrounding region by multiple transport modes. The most popular options for travelers are the Lisbon Metro (Red Line, terminating at the airport), Carris bus 783 express coach service, regular city buses, taxis, and ride-share services. Each option has different cost, speed, and convenience profiles, and the right choice depends on your destination, luggage, time of day, and budget.

Getting from the Airport to Lisbon City Center

The journey from LIS to central Lisbon is typically the first practical question travelers face. The right answer depends on your specific destination, time of arrival, luggage, and budget. For travelers heading to the historic center (Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, Bairro Alto), the Metro Red Line with a single transfer is often the most convenient and economical option, delivering passengers to within walking distance of most central hotels for under €2.

Connecting to Cascais, Sintra, Estoril, and Beyond

Lisbon functions as the transport hub for much of central Portugal, and many travelers use LIS as the entry point for trips to nearby destinations rather than as the final destination itself. Cascais, the elegant coastal town and former royal seaside retreat, is approximately 30 kilometers west of Lisbon and is a popular day trip and short-stay destination. The journey from the airport to Cascais typically involves first reaching Cais do Sodré station via Metro and then taking the Cascais commuter line. For practical details, see our transportation to Cascais guide.

Parking Options at Lisbon Airport

Lisbon Airport offers a range of parking options to suit different needs and durations. The official ANA parking facilities are organized by terminal, with separate short-stay (Express), medium-stay (P1, P2), and long-stay (Low Cost / Long Stay) lots. Express parking is located closest to the terminals and is intended for stays of up to a few hours — useful for picking up arriving passengers but expensive for longer use. P1 and P2 are general-purpose lots suitable for stays of a few hours to a few days, while the Long Stay lot offers significantly lower daily rates and is connected to the terminals by free shuttle buses.

Hotels at and Near the Airport

Travelers needing accommodation near Lisbon Airport — whether for an early-morning flight, a late-night arrival, or a layover that extends into the next day — have several solid options. Several hotels are located within walking distance or a short shuttle ride of Terminal 1, ranging from international chains to Portuguese boutique properties. The on-airport area itself does not have a hotel directly inside the terminal building, but several properties are close enough that the practical convenience is similar.

Read the full Lisbon Airport Guide →