MileHacker Logo
Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Portugal

Air Travel

Lisbon Portela Airport LIS

The closest and main international airport serving Ericeira is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), also known as Humberto Delgado Airport. It sits approximately 45-50 kilometers (28-31 miles) southeast of Ericeira, making it the most convenient entry point for international travelers. LIS is Portugal's largest airport and a major European hub.

Airlines and Routes

  • Served by TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines.
  • Connects Lisbon to cities across Europe, North America, South America, parts of Africa and the Middle East.
  • Direct flights from many global hubs.

Direct Flight Options & Seasonality

Direct flights from North America include New York, Boston, Miami, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Montreal. Almost all major European cities offer direct connections to Lisbon, including London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Dublin. Connections also appear from major cities in South America, parts of Africa, and the Middle East.

Price Fluctuations

  • High Season (June-Aug): Most frequent and expensive. Book 3-6 months in advance.
  • Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Sept-Oct): Good availability, moderate prices.
  • Low Season (Nov-March): Fewer direct flights from some destinations, but lowest prices.

Flight Deals

Discover affordable flight alerts at Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Comparison

Compare flight prices from various airlines at Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

LIS offers duty-free, restaurants, car rental, ATMs, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.

Airport Transfers to Ericeira

Bus Economical

  • Take Metro (Red Line to Alameda, then Green Line to Campo Grande) from LIS.
  • From Campo Grande, Mafrense operates frequent direct bus services to Ericeira (approx. 1 hour).
  • Budget-friendly option with scenic views.
  • Purchase a Viva Viagem card at Metro for easy travel.

Taxi / Ride-Sharing / Private Transfer

  • Taxis, Uber, and Bolt are available outside LIS arrivals. Fare to Ericeira: €60-€90.
  • Private transfers offer direct service to your accommodation. Book online in advance.
  • Car Rental: Agencies at LIS. Drive to Ericeira: 40-50 minutes via A8 and A21.
  • These options offer convenience and direct travel.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Trains

Portugal's Schengen Area membership means seamless land border crossings from other Schengen countries. Ericeira has no direct train station. Travelers arrive by train at Lisbon's main stations (Santa Apolónia or Oriente), then transfer to Metro for Campo Grande bus terminal to catch a bus to Ericeira.

Long-Distance Buses

Mafrense (Vimeca) operates frequent buses from Lisbon's Campo Grande to Ericeira. Rede Expressos connects major Portuguese cities to Lisbon (then transfer to Mafrense). Buses offer a convenient and economical travel method.

Self-Driving & Rentals

Renting a car offers flexibility for regional exploration. DiscoverCars.com for rentals. Requirements: valid driving license, IDP (non-EU), minimum age (21-25+), credit card. Highways use electronic tolls; rental cars often have transponders. Parking in Ericeira's center can be challenging in peak season.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Ericeira's small harbor does not serve as a major port for large passenger ferries or cruise ships. No direct ferry services or cruise ports operate in Ericeira. Lisbon serves as Portugal's main cruise port, handling international cruise ship arrivals.

Cruise Traveler Note

  • Travelers arriving by cruise ship in Lisbon use land transportation to reach Ericeira.
  • Immigration procedures for cruise passengers occur at Lisbon's main port of entry.
  • River transportation does not apply to Ericeira; it is directly on the Atlantic coast.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions in Portugal appear generally good. Portuguese drivers show assertiveness, especially in urban areas, so defensive driving is useful. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90-100 km/h (56-62 mph) on national roads, and 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways. Strict limits apply to alcohol consumption while driving. Exercise caution when navigating narrow, cobbled streets in older town centers.

Driving Guidelines

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless hands-free.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically paid by passengers upon departure from Lisbon Airport. These charges usually form part of your airfare. For international flights departing from Lisbon Airport, plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Schengen Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Allow extra time during peak travel seasons.

Airport Facilities

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) offers comprehensive facilities for departing travelers. These include various departure lounges, an extensive selection of duty-free shops, a wide array of dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants, and tax refund counters for eligible non-EU residents. The airport presents a comfortable environment for waiting for your flight.

Departure Tips

  • Online Check-in: Check-in online if your airline offers this option to save airport time.
  • Security Checks: Security lines can be long. Consider this in your arrival time.
  • Duty-Free Shopping: Explore the extensive options available.

Tipping Culture and Expectations

Restaurants

Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% of the total for good service. This shows your satisfaction, especially if a service charge has not been part of the bill.

Cafes/Bars

Rounding up to the nearest Euro for small bills is a common practice.

Taxis & Hotels

For taxis, rounding up the fare to the nearest Euro is usual. A small tip (€1-€2) for porters or housekeepers in hotels is common for good service.