Navigating the Lisbon Airport can be confusing the first time you are departing. We have broken down when to leave and how to navigate the airport, particularly Terminal 1.
When To Arrive
Arriving at the airport, allow 3 hours for non-Schengen (non-EU) destinations and 2 hours for Schengen (EU) countries. If you are returning a rental car at the airport, allocate an additional 30 minutes for its return near Terminal 1.
Navigating Terminal 1
Upon reaching Terminal 1, a prominent screen in the main entry area guides you to your flight’s check-in area. Each airline has a designated check-in area labeled A, B, C, D, E, and F, with corresponding numbers.
For checked luggage, follow your airline’s assigned letter and number to the specific check-in line. If you have carry-on only, check-in online or use the self-check-in kiosk to get your boarding pass.
After check-in, head towards the “Boarding Gates” sign for airport security. You will only need your boarding pass to enter these gates. You will then join the line to clear security. These lines can be long. There is a sign stating approximate minutes to clear security.
Post-security clearance, you will see a large food court and duty-free shops area shared by Schengen and non-Schengen passengers. You can find the flight gates and locations displayed there. For USA and Canada flights (Gates N41-47), head past the food court. Feel free to go there even if your gate hasn’t been announced yet! Do not hang around the food court for long as non-Schengen travelers will have to undergo passport control, sometimes taking 30-45 minutes. Terminal 1 gates are divided into S7-26 for Schengen and N41-47 for non-Schengen.
E-passport kiosks at passport control are available if: all travelers are over 18, Portugal was the Schengen entry point, and you have an electronic passport. Please note: if you travel with a new Canadian passport issued after 2023 that includes a plastic card, the e-passport kiosks may not work for you, as they haven’t been calibrated for these passports. If you are unsure if your passport will work with the e-passport kiosks, ask one of the attendants.
Post-passport control, you enter the “non-Schengen” transfer area near the gates, featuring smaller cafes and shops.
Once your gate has been announced, head to your gate and wait to board.
I hope this guide helps with navigating the Lisbon Airport.
If you are arriving at the Lisbon Airport and plan to use an Uber or Bolt, we have a short guide on where to find the pickup location.
Wishing you all a safe flight 
Margaret
