Sleeping in Airports

Lisbon Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Lisbon Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Frequently rousted by security, but generally allowed to stay put. – euromancan

LIS Airport Overview

lisbon airport guide
(Photo courtesy of a SleepingInAirports contributor / July 2019)

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Lisbon Portela Airport (Code: LIS).

What to Expect

Lisbon Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles arrivals and departures on traditional airlines (i.e. TAP Air Portugal), whereas Terminal 2 is for flights on low-cost carriers (i.e. easyJet). Terminal 1 is reportedly much larger than Terminal 2, with better food and shopping choices. Free unlimited WiFi is available to help pass the time. Economy-class passengers can pay to use one of the first-class lounges, a few of which have showers.

Sleeping in Lisbon Airport

The more modern Terminal 1 is, by far, the more highly recommended of the two terminals, particularly for sleeping options. The seating is a mix of seats with armrests and some armrest-free benches. If you prefer sleeping on the floor, you won’t be the only one – bring extra layers for some added cushion. If you’re unable to stay on the airside, you’ll have to head to the landside/public zones, which tend to have harder furniture and colder floors, so be prepared.

Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:

  • Terminal 1’s food court has some benches, though they may fill up quickly!
  • In Terminal 1, there may be a few couches near Gate 16.
  • The international gates in Terminal 1, around Gates 40-50, tend to be quieter when not in use.
  • In the landside areas of Terminal 1, Burger King has several cushioned benches.

For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Lisbon Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

Terminal 1 is open 24 hours, while Terminal 2 closes between 12:30 AM and 3:30 AM.

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

Living Spot is where you can lie down on recumbent chairs, charge your mobile phone or use one of the interactive features. Location: Terminal 1, Departures Restricted Area/Airside, near gates S19 and 20.

Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones.  In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them.  Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

airport hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Lisbon Airport:

  • Melia Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel – Located next to Terminal 1. The hotel is within walking distance. » Check Rates
  • Star Inn Lisboa – Located next to Terminal 1. The hotel is within walking distance. » Check Rates
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Lisbon » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Lisbon Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • ABC – Airport Business Center – Location: Terminal 1, Landside, near check-in desks 14-36. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • ANA Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, 6th Floor, near Gate 22. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Related Pages: Lisbon Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

A reader tells us, “There is a place to refill water bottles right after security in both terminals 1 and 2.” (February 2024)

foodFood & Drinks

When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:

  • Terminal 1, landside: Go Natural, Go To Cafe, and Grab It
  • Terminal 1, airside: 1st Cafe (2 locations), Cockpit, and Express Market, a new vending machine concept.

There are no 24-hour dining options in T2.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

Storage Services and lockers are available with varying rates. Locations: Landside, Arrivals Hall, Meeting Point • Landside, outside Arrivals, near Metro Entrance • T1, Landside, Departure Floor.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

Recharge your mobile devices and yourself at the Living Spot. See Rest Zones.

showersShowers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Locations: pay-to-use ANA Lounge and ABC Business Center. See Airport Lounges above for details.

wifiWiFi/Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Lisbon Airport. Connect to the “VINCI Airports wifi” network.

alertSecurity & Safety

Airport staff and security guards seem to tolerate airport sleepers, both landside and airside zones. Do expect security staff to check your ID and tickets, especially if you sleep on the landside areas.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Lisbon Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

more airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Business Centre – Entrepreneurs needing a quiet place for a last-minute meeting can head to the ABC Business Centre, where they will find good wifi and a safe place to work or hold conferences. Location: T1, Landside. Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Sinks, changing tables, and worktops are available in baby changing rooms located landside and airside throughout T1. Changing tables are also available in most women’s bathrooms and restrooms for people with reduced mobility in both terminals. Two additional baby changing rooms offer a private area for breastfeeding. Locations: Terminal 1, Airside, Schengen Area, next Gate 15 • Terminal 1, Non-Schengen Area, Pier 14, Level 5. To make things even easier for little travellers, airport restrooms (26) located landside and airside are retrofitted with children’s toilet seats.
  • Children’s Play Areas – Fun and colourful play areas for children ages 2 to 7 are available. Location: Terminal 1, Shengen and Non-Schengen Area.
  • Family Room – Travelling with kids? Check out the Family Room, a quiet and comfortable oasis for families away from the crowds. The family room has comfy couches, a kitchenette with a microwave, a baby bottle warmer, vending machines and entertainment for the kiddos. Location: Terminal 1, Landside.
  • Strollers – Free for use in the airport for babies up to three years old or 15kg. You can pick up an airport stroller marked with the ANA logo after security in Terminal 1 and leave it at the gate when you board your flight.

Information Desk – Information desks used to be located in the Arrivals Hall, Landside and the Departures Hall, Airside, next to Gate 15A.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – SafeBag luggage wrapping service. Location: T1, Landside • T2, Landside.

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – Available at the First Aid Stations in both Terminals. Hours: unknown.
  • Pharmacy – Farmacia Aeroport. Location: T1, Landside. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
  • Banking Services – Full-service banking is available at Santander. Location: T1, Landside. Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Mon-Fri).
  • Currency Exchange -Unicâmbio offers currency exchange, money transfers and VAT refunds. Locations: T1, Landside, Arrivals (Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM) • T1, Airside, Gate 15 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM) • T1, Airside, Central Plaza (Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM) •T1, Airside, Luggage Collection Room (Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM).

Post Office – CTT offers postal services, stamps, telephone cards and more. Location: T1, landside. Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon-Fri).

Shopping – Duty-Free Store has two airside locations in T1 (one is non-Schengen) and one in T2. All locations are open from 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM. A wide variety of retail shops, selling everything from chocolates and wine to clothing and books, is also available.

SIM Cards – A reader says, “Sim cards are available in arrivals, both before and after customs.” (November 2023)

Smoking – A designated smoking room can be found in the ANA lounge. At one point, the airport also featured three smoking areas. Location: Airside, near Gates 17-21 • Airside, non-Schengen area, near gates 46 and 47 • Baggage Claim, near belt 4.

Spa(Temporarily closed) – Absolute Beauty offers massages and haircuts/styling services. Location: T1, Landside. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, except Sundays and Holidays when it is open 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Lisbon and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, several travel agencies with offices (all landside) at the terminal can probably be of assistance—Abreu – (two locations), Geostar and the Portugal Tourist Information Desk.

Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Lisbon Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Lisbon on Tripadvisor.

Airlines
Lisbon Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Aer Lingus • Air Algérie • Air Arabia • Air Baltic • Air Canada • Air Europa • Air France • Air Malta • Air Moldova • Air Nostrum • Air Serbia • Air Transat • American Airlines • Arkia • Azores Airlines • Azul • Beijing Capital Airlines • Binter • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Bulgaria Air • Cabo Verde Airlines • Capital Airlines • Croatia Airlines • Delta Air Lines • EasyJet • EL Al Israel Airlines • Emirates • Euro Atlantic • Eurowings • Finnair • Flyone • Iberia • Isair • KLM • Latam • Lauda • Lufthansa • Luxair • Norwegian • Orbest • Play • Royal Air Moroc • Ryanair • STP Airways • Swiss • TAAG • TAP Portugal • Transavia • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • Volotea • Vueling Airlines • Wizz Air • World Fly.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Several public bus lines operate in and out of the airport. To travel to Lisbon city centre, you must purchase a ‘7 Colinas’ / ‘Viva Viagem’ card for 0.50€. At the time of our November 2023 update, a single ticket is 1,45€ (1,80€ on the bus), and a one-day ticket (valid for 24 hours) is 6,30€. There is a baggage size limit for these buses: 50x40x20cm.

Car Rentals

Avis/Budget, Europcar, Goldcar/InterRent, Guerin/Enterprise/Alamo/National, Hertz/Thrifty/Dollar/Firefly and Sixt rental car agencies operate reception desks at the airport.

Group Airport Shuttles

Coimbra operates a shared-ride airport shuttle service between LIS airport and Lisbon city centre. This door-to-door service is ideal for those who want a relaxing and comfortable way to travel to or from the airport. Fares start at 41€.

Hotel Shuttles

Some nearby hotels provide airport shuttles: Melia Lisboa AeroportoStar Inn LisboaRadisson Blu Hotel, Lisbon.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttle

A free airport shuttle operates between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 from 3:30 AM to 12:30 AM. The shuttle departs from the departure areas of both terminals and leaves every 12 minutes. A trip is roughly three minutes.

Metro

Lisbon Airport can be reached by underground train from the city. Passengers can reach the airport from Saldanha (Lisbon city centre district) in about 20. As of this update, a Carris/Metro single ticket is 1,45€, and a one-day ticket (valid for 24 hours) is 6,30€. The Airport Metro Station is open from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the airport and are an affordable way to reach the city. At the time of this update, a typical ride, including luggage, will cost 10,00 – 15,00€.

Train

Lisbon Oriente Station (Gare do Oriente) is a modern and architecturally stunning train station. Trains from this station travel to cities within Portugal and major cities in neighbouring countries. To reach Oriente Station from the airport, you can either take the metro or one of the buses.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.