Lisbon layover guide: transport, luggage, and things to do

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A layover in Lisbon is a great opportunity for a quick city detour without committing to a full stay. But to make the most of that time, you’ll want to plan smartly. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from visa rules, luggage storage (including how LUGGit can help), how to get into the city, how much time you need, and top layover-friendly things to do.

Can you leave Lisbon Airport during a layover?

Yes, you can absolutely leave Lisbon Airport during your layover! Since Lisbon Airport is located just seven kilometers (about 4 miles) from the city center, it’s easy to fit in some sightseeing.

However, you should only plan to go out if you have at least six hours between flights. Here’s what to keep in mind:

If your layover is less than six hours, it’s probably best to stay in the terminal and enjoy a pastel de nata at one of the cafés.
Aim to be back at the airport 2 hours before your flight or 3 hours for intercontinental (non-Schengen) flights.
Going from Lisbon Airport to the city center takes about 20-30 minutes by metro or taxi.

Where to store luggage during a layover in Lisbon

To maximize your time during a layover, you’ll definitely want to find a place to store your bags. Thankfully, Lisbon has plenty of options for places to store luggage, including traditional luggage lockers at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1, which are open 24/7. However, if you’re planning on spending the night in Lisbon or if you don’t want to carry your bags between terminals, a luggage pick-up and delivery service like LUGGit can be the most convenient option.

With LUGGit, a Keeper will collect your bags directly at your terminal and deliver them back to you later at your chosen location (like another airport terminal or your hotel). You can check over 5 thousand reviews from other travelers on Trustpilot and book via LUGGit’s website or app (Android and iOS)

Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit service in Lisbon

Visa requirements for a Lisbon layover

Most nationalities don’t require a visa for a layover in Lisbon, and only require a valid passport:

If you’re staying in the International Transit Area of Lisbon Airport, a small list of nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa.
If you’re leaving the airport or passing through passport control, many nationalities, like the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia, can enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa.

Check the updated list of nationalities that require a visa (and those that are exempt) on the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

How to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center

Lisbon Airport is remarkably close to the city center, and you’ve got several ways to get there:

Metro - take the red line that starts at the airport, and in 20 minutes you can be in Saldanha or Alameda, with easy transfers to other lines. You’ll need a Navegante card, which costs 0.50€ and can be purchased in vending machines at metro stations.
Taxi or Uber/Bolt - taxis and rideshares like Bolt and Uber are available outside arrivals. Depending on traffic, the ride to the city center usually takes 15 to 25 minutes and costs between 10€ and 20€.
Bus - there are city buses that stop at the airport and cover most areas of Lisbon. It takes around 50 minutes, and there are limitations to the amount of luggage you can carry. You can check the bus timetables on the Carris website.

How long do you need to visit Lisbon?

It depends on what pace you like and what you want to see. Here’s a quick guide on what you can do depending on how much time you have to explore Lisbon:

3–4 hours: this is enough time for a quick taste of Lisbon's main downtown area (Baixa) or the nearby modern district (Parque das Nações).
6–8 hours: you can do a deeper dive into the central districts (Baixa-Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama), visit Miradouro points, and even squeeze in a museum.
12+ hours: you’re close to a mini-vacation. You can visit multiple neighborhoods, enjoy a full evening meal with Fado music, and see the city at night.

What to do during a layover in Lisbon

Parque das Nações (best for short layovers)

Parque das Nações is Lisbon’s modern district, right next to the Tagus River. The best part is that it’s super close to the airport, less than 10 minutes away by metro. Take the red line from the airport and get off at Oriente.

Things to do in Parque das Nações

Lisbon Oceanarium: one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to visit. A great option if you’re traveling with children. Tickets are 25€.
Take a walk along the riverfront: it's a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the view of the Vasco da Gama Bridge. If you don’t feel like walking, but want to enjoy the view, you can take the cable car instead.
Vasco da Gama Shopping Center: it has shops, restaurants, and even a terrace with a nice view of the river.
Grab some food: Parque das Nações is full of options for eating out. Try D’Bacalhau for classic Portuguese cod dishes, The Old House for Chinese cuisine, or Honest Greens for healthy and vegetarian options.

Historic city center

Take the metro’s red line to Alameda, then the green line to Rossio or Cais do Sodré (which should take around 25 minutes), and venture into Lisbon’s historical center for some of the highlights of the city.

Things to do in Lisbon’s historic city center

Baixa-Chiado and Praça do Comércio: the central, elegant downtown district. You can walk under the Arco da Rua Augusta and explore the grand riverfront square.
Alfama: Lisbon's oldest district. You can take a ride on the famous Tram 28 and find a miradouro (viewpoint) like Santa Luzia for classic city views.
Pastel de nata: if you want to try the iconic Portuguese custard tart, Manteigaria is a famous spot, but you can find great ones everywhere.

Belém (if you have a whole day)

Belém is one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods, packed with monuments, museums, gardens, and, of course, delicious pastries. It's further from the airport and involves a transfer in the city center, so it requires a longer layover to do it justice without being rushed. Take the red line to Alameda, switch to the green line toward Cais do Sodré, and then hop on tram 15E or bus 728 toward Belém. The trip takes around 45–50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Things to do in Belém

Eat at Pastéis de Belém: the legendary bakery that has been making the original pastel de belém (custard tart) since 1837. Skip the long takeaway queue and go inside to the seating area, where the line is often shorter.
Jerónimos Monastery: this UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the 16th century, is one of Lisbon’s most stunning architectural landmarks. Be sure to visit both the church and the cloisters.
Belém Tower: A 16th-century fortification and a key symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries, set beautifully on the river. Lines to go inside are usually very slow, so it's best to admire from the outside on a layover.

Have extra time in Lisbon? Check out our Lisbon in 3 days guide for even more recommendations on what to do.

FAQs about layovers in Lisbon

Do you have to go through security on a layover?

Yes, if you leave the transit area, you’ll go through security before your next flight. If you’re staying in the airport, it depends on where you’re going and the type of connecting flight (more details on Lisbon Airport’s site).

Can we go out of the airport during a layover without a visa?

Yes, if you are from a country that does not require a visa for the Schengen Area. You will need a valid passport and sufficient time.

Do I have to collect my luggage if I have a layover?

No, if your entire journey is on a single ticket or with partner airlines. Yes, if your connecting flights are separate.

Does Lisbon Airport have sleeping pods?

No, but ANA Lounge in Terminal 1 has private booths with sofas where you can rest.

Make the most of your Lisbon layover

The key to enjoying a layover in Lisbon is keeping things light, flexible, and stress-free. If you plan to leave the airport, double-check your visa requirements and always allow enough time to get back through security. Book your luggage storage in advance or arrange a LUGGit pick-up so you can move around easily. And don’t try to do too much!

Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit service in Lisbon