When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Lisbon?
The most popular time to visit Lisbon is from June to August, when the city’s festivals are in full swing and the weather is at its warmest. However, this is also when flights to Lisbon are at their most expensive. The March to May period offers good weather, less crowds and cheaper prices. With Netflights, you can compare return flights to Lisbon month-by-month to pick the cheapest time to travel.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Lisbon?
The best time to book Lisbon flights is at least six to eight weeks prior to travel; this provides the biggest selection of routes and rates. June marks the beginning of peak tourist season, so be sure to book in advance for travel during the summer months. Bargain last-minute flights are often found in the off-season. Keep your eyes on Netflights over the winter months and shoulder seasons if you want to snag a great deal.
Flying to Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Located four miles (seven kilometres) from the city centre, Lisbon Airport, also known as Humberto Delgado Airport and Portela Airport, is the main international point of entry for Portugal. It’s also one of the largest airports in southern Europe. You can find direct flights from British Airways, easyJet, TAP Air Portugal and Ryanair. Return flights are also available from Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Air Europa, KLM, Luxair, LOT, Aegean Airlines, SWISS and more. If you’re willing to make a stopover somewhere in Europe or you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can reduce the cost of your airfare significantly. Compare the latest deals on indirect and direct flights with Netflights to find cheap flights to Lisbon from the airport of your choice. You can check-in for Lisbon flights at airports around the United Kingdom, including Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and City), Glasgow and Manchester.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Lisbon Airport is comprised of two terminal buildings; arrivals and international departures are handled in Terminal 1 with Terminal 2 overseeing all budget airline departures. A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals. In the arrivals area, travellers with find a range of ATMs, currency exchange desks, cafes, shops and information booths for hotel bookings. A range of car hire companies have offices on site.
Getting to the City from Lisbon Airport
The airport is connected to Lisbon’s metro system via the red line, which runs from 6am to 1am. The trip to the city centre takes around 25 minutes and requires one transfer. The Aerobus One and Two depart from the forecourt and connect to the city centre and Lisbon’s main metro stations. They come equipped with extra spaces for large luggage. There are also five urban bus lines that connect many of the districts of Lisbon to the airport as well as one night bus, route 208.
Why visit Lisbon?
With ancient ruins, powerful palaces and quaint cobblestone streets, Portugal’s capital is certainly a pretty place. But it’s the combination of a vibrant nightlife, cafe culture and live music scene that makes Lisbon a European cultural mecca. Undeniably sassy and fun, Lisbon lines the banks of the river Tagus in a maze of colourful streets, tempting eateries and illustrious museums and galleries. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable capitals in Europe.
Lisbon may be a riverine city, but its essence is tied to the ocean. Despite all the urban allure, don’t miss a trip to the beaches at Estoril and Cascais and the Costa da Caparica, all easy to reach by train. The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is one of the city’s premier cultural attractions, but the flea markets of Rua de São Bento might be more interesting for some visitors. For the best views of the city, head to the ramparts of Castelo de São Jorge or a rooftop of one of the city’s fabulous wine bars.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to any country in the EU – you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You just need to make sure that your passport has at least six months validity left, on the day you travel. Their currency is the euro, but with plenty of ATMs and money exchange facilities located in Lisbon’s airport, it’s not necessary to have cash with you upon arrival.
