Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2: What’s the Difference?

Lisbon Airport is close to the city centre, which makes arriving in the Portuguese capital fairly simple. The confusing part is not usually the airport itself, but knowing whether you need Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

In this article, we explain the difference between Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which airlines use each terminal, where arrivals happen, and how to move between the two before your flight.

Lisbon Airport has two terminals, but they are not the same

Lisbon Airport, officially Humberto Delgado Airport, has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Terminal 1 is the main terminal. It handles arrivals, most departures, metro access, many check-in desks, shops, restaurants, car rental desks and the main transport links into Lisbon.

Terminal 2 is much smaller and is used only for departures by selected low-cost airlines. According to Lisbon Airport’s official information, Terminal 2 is dedicated to departures from Eurowings, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling and Wizz Air.

That means one important thing: all passengers arriving in Lisbon land at Terminal 1, even if they later depart from Terminal 2 on their return flight. ANA, the Portuguese airport operator, also states that arrivals for all airlines are handled at Terminal 1.

Quick answer: which terminal do you need?

If you are arriving in Lisbon, you will use Terminal 1.

If you are departing from Lisbon, check your boarding pass or airline booking. Many flights use Terminal 1, but several low-cost airlines depart from Terminal 2.

As a general guide:

Terminal assignments can change, so always check your ticket, boarding pass or the official airport flight information before travelling.

Terminal 1: the main Lisbon Airport terminal

Terminal 1 is the airport’s main building and the one most travellers will see when they land in Lisbon.

This is where you will find arrivals, baggage claim, passport control, the metro station, taxis, ride-hailing pick-up areas, buses, car rental desks, shops, restaurants and most full-service airline departures.

For most visitors, Terminal 1 is also the easiest terminal to understand because it is directly connected to Lisbon’s public transport network. The airport metro station is on the Red Line and connects the airport with the rest of the city through transfers at stations such as Alameda and São Sebastião.

If you are deciding how to get into town after landing, read our guide to how to get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre.

Terminal 2: the smaller low-cost departures terminal

Terminal 2 is not a second full airport terminal in the usual sense. It is a simplified departures terminal mainly used by low-cost carriers.

It is smaller, more basic and less connected than Terminal 1. There is no metro station at Terminal 2, and you should not expect the same range of facilities as in the main terminal.

The official Lisbon Airport website says Terminal 2 is used exclusively for departures by Eurowings, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling and Wizz Air. It also notes that Terminal 2 is closed between 00:30 and 03:30.

This is why many travellers are surprised: they arrive at Terminal 1, enjoy their trip, then discover on the way home that their departure is from Terminal 2.

Is easyJet in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 in Lisbon?

This is one of the most common points of confusion.

At Lisbon Airport, easyJet is not listed by the official airport website as one of the airlines using Terminal 2. The official Terminal 2 list includes Eurowings, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling and Wizz Air.

So, if you are flying easyJet from Lisbon, do not automatically assume you need Terminal 2 just because it is a low-cost airline. Check your boarding pass carefully.

How to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2

There is a free shuttle bus between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Lisbon Airport confirms that there is a free transport service between the two terminals, called Shuttle T2.

If you arrive by metro, you will arrive at Terminal 1. From there, follow the signs for the Terminal 2 shuttle.

The transfer is usually straightforward, but you should leave extra time. Terminal 2 is separate from Terminal 1, and you cannot simply walk between them in the same way you might move between connected terminals at larger airports.

A good rule is to arrive at Terminal 1 early enough to allow for the shuttle, security and any baggage drop. This is especially important in summer, on weekends, around Christmas and during early morning low-cost flight waves.

Can you go directly to Terminal 2?

Yes, you can go directly to Terminal 2 by taxi, Uber, Bolt or private transfer.

However, if you are using the metro, you need to go to Terminal 1 first, because that is where the airport metro station is located. From there, use the free shuttle to Terminal 2.

For many travellers, the simplest option depends on luggage and timing:

If you have light luggage and plenty of time, metro to Terminal 1 plus shuttle to Terminal 2 can work well.

If you have early flights, several bags or children with you, a taxi or ride-hailing service directly to Terminal 2 may be easier.

For a broader comparison, see our guide to Uber or metro from Lisbon Airport.

Are arrivals ever at Terminal 2?

No. For regular passenger flights, arrivals are handled at Terminal 1.

This is one of the most useful things to know before landing in Lisbon. Even if you flew with an airline that departs from Terminal 2, you should expect to arrive at Terminal 1.

That also means airport pick-ups, metro access and onward travel into Lisbon are normally based around Terminal 1.

Which terminal is better?

Terminal 1 is better for facilities, transport and convenience.

Terminal 2 is better only in the sense that it is smaller and focused on departures, so the process can be simpler when things are running smoothly. But it has fewer services, fewer transport options and less space.

If you have a choice of flights and the price difference is small, Terminal 1 can be more comfortable. If your cheaper flight departs from Terminal 2, it is not a problem — just plan the transfer properly and avoid arriving at the airport at the last minute.

How early should you arrive?

For Terminal 1, arriving around two hours before a short-haul European flight is usually sensible, especially if you have checked luggage.

For Terminal 2, it is worth adding a little extra time if you are reaching the airport by metro, because you still need to transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 by shuttle.

For long-haul flights, flights outside the Schengen Area, peak travel dates or passengers who need special assistance, allow more time.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is assuming that because you arrived at Terminal 1, you will also depart from Terminal 1.

Another common mistake is taking the metro to the airport and not allowing time for the shuttle to Terminal 2. The metro brings you to the airport, but not directly to Terminal 2.

You should also avoid relying only on airline assumptions. Ryanair and Wizz Air are strongly associated with Terminal 2, but the safest answer is always the one on your boarding pass.

Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2: simple comparison

Final thoughts

The main difference between Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is simple: Terminal 1 handles all arrivals and most airport services, while Terminal 2 is a smaller departures-only terminal for selected low-cost airlines.

For most travellers, the key is to check the terminal before leaving for the airport. If you are arriving in Lisbon, you will come through Terminal 1. If you are departing with Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling, Transavia, Volotea, Norwegian or Eurowings, there is a good chance you will need Terminal 2.

Plan a little extra time for the shuttle, especially if you are using the metro, and the airport becomes much easier to manage.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?

Terminal 1 is the main terminal, with arrivals, most departures, metro access, shops, restaurants and transport links. Terminal 2 is a smaller departures-only terminal used by selected low-cost airlines.

2. Do all flights arrive at Terminal 1 in Lisbon?

Yes. Passenger arrivals at Lisbon Airport are handled at Terminal 1, even for airlines that may depart from Terminal 2.

3. Which airlines use Terminal 2 at Lisbon Airport?

According to Lisbon Airport, Terminal 2 is used for departures by Eurowings, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling and Wizz Air. Always check your boarding pass before travelling.

4. Is there a metro station at Terminal 2?

No. Lisbon Airport’s metro station is at Terminal 1. To reach Terminal 2 by public transport, take the metro to Terminal 1 and then use the free airport shuttle.

5. Can you walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Lisbon Airport?

The practical option is to use the free shuttle bus between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The terminals are separate, and travellers should allow extra time for the transfer.