10/21/2025
✈️ Lisbon Airport Departure Tips from Someone Who’s Been Here (a Lot!) 🇵🇹
After so many trips between Canada and Portugal this past year, Lisbon Airport and I have become… very well acquainted 😂
I just departed again today, so thought to write out my advice.
I’ve guided several groups through here over the past year, so these tips come from experience and lots of real-life trial and error!
It can be a little caótico, no denying that — but with the right mindset (and a pastel de nata or two), it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s what I’ve learned from countless departures through here that might help your journey go a little smoother: 👇
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🕙 Today’s timing:
🚗 Dropped off by Uber at 10:07 a.m.
🛫 Already at the gate by 11:05 a.m.
🥐 Even squeezed in food + two duty-free stops!
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💡 Step-by-Step Tips
1️⃣ Check in online!
It’ll save you precious time. And prepay for any luggage.
Once you're dropped off, carefully cross the road (cars move fast!) and head into the terminal.
2️⃣ Check the screens to find your airline’s counter. If it’s on the upper floor, take the escalator or elevator (both allow luggage). Counters are marked by letter and number.
3️⃣ Get in the right line. Counters usually open 2–3 hours before flights.
And please — be kind to the staff. A simple “bom dia” or smile goes a long way in a chaotic airport. 💛
4️⃣ Security time!
Follow the signs:
👉 Fast Track / families / wheelchairs → right-hand side (you can purchase Fast Track passes directly on the Lisbon Airport Website)
👉 Everyone else → main line
Each person scans their own boarding pass at the machine (not your passport). Then head upstairs and turn right.
Empty any water bottles and prep your liquids in a clear plastic bag (100ml or less, max 1L total) and remove laptops and other big electronics (not phones, earphones etc)
You don’t need to take off your shoes! 👟
💡 Pro tip: trays slide out from below the counters — use a few and don’t pile things on top of each other.
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5️⃣ After security, turn right and left.
You’ll pass through a big duty-free zone. Unless you’re very early, keep walking — more shopping awaits later.
6️⃣ Check the screens again.
You’ll see a section letter (example “N”) and a time when your gate number will appear.
Don’t wait around, as you'll see many people gathered watching screens— head toward that section now even withoutknowing your gate number, because that’s where passport control is for flights leaving the EU.
Avoid the 300+ person rush later!
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7️⃣ Passport control.
Say a little prayer 😂 and read the signs carefully!
Every single time I come through here, people skip reading the signs — chaos follows!
Don’t just follow the crowd; not everyone has the same type of passport or destination.
Don't just follow the crowd and assume that the people in front of you (or even Airport staff).know what they are doing. Read the signs and keep your eye open, it'll save your time.
There are different lines for different passports — and EU passports move fastest generally.
If you have a digital passport:
📘 Scan it at the first gate
🚶♀️ Walk through the small gate
👣 Place your feet on the markers
📸 Smile for the camera
➡️ Walk through the second gate and you’ll see the border officers (usually beautiful Portuguese men 🇵🇹😉).
Follow their directions, say “obrigado”, and wish them a “bom dia” or “boa tarde.” Kindness always wins.
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8️⃣ After that, you’re free!
Check the screens for updates on your gate number — and this is the best time for your duty-free shopping! 🛍️
There’s everything here: luxury shops, liquor, cheese, pasteis de nata, perfume, pharmacy items, and even sports stores (for that last-minute Ronaldo jersey ⚽).
💧 Bring a refillable water bottle — there are stations near most washrooms.
🪑 Seating is limited near some gates, so grab a seat nearby if you’re early.
🥤 Vending machines can be picky with cards and cash, so grab a snack or drink from one of the cafés instead.
And remember — smile at people and spread kindness. 🌸
Travel days are stressful, but your warmth might brighten someone’s day.
✈️ Boarding time!
Most airlines board by zone, so keep an eye on signs and follow directions.
It’s one of the staff’s biggest pet peeves when travelers crowd the line too early — patience makes everyone happier. 😊
Many boarding procedures include a trip on a bus to the plane and then walking up the plane stairs, so prepare to carry your carry-on luggage up those stairs.
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💭 Final thoughts
Lisbon Airport might be hectic, but it’s also full of life, languages, and the hum of travelers coming and going. With a calm heart, a bit of patience, and maybe a pastel de nata in hand, it’s really not so bad. ☕
As you wait to board, take a deep breath, remember the memories you’ve made in Portugal, and start dreaming of your next return, like many of my travelers ask me to book their next trip to the land of love, azulejos, pasteis, cobblestone and some of the most beautiful people you will meet❤️🇵🇹
