by I’ve learned that booking a flight to this vibrant, historical city can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when trying to balance comfort, cost, and convenience. Whether you’re flying from Madeira or anywhere else, it’s important to know how to find the best times to book, how to get the best prices, and which flight options offer the best value for money.
I’ll be sharing my experience of flying from Madeira to Lisbon, including my insights on when to book, how to find affordable tickets, and some personal travel tips. I’ll also provide recommendations for airlines, flight routes, booking platforms, and things to keep in mind for a smooth, stress-free journey.
My Flight Experience: Madeira to Lisbon
Flight Overview:
My most recent flight from Madeira to Lisbon was with TAP Air Portugal, a national carrier that operates direct flights between Madeira (Funchal) and Lisbon. TAP Air Portugal is known for offering both economy and business class services, and I was flying in economy class.
Flight Details:
- Airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Flight Number: TP1851
- Route: Funchal (Madeira) to Lisbon
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Seat Class: Economy Class
Pre-Booking & Fare Comparison
Before booking the flight, I checked a few booking platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and the TAP Air Portugal website. Skyscanner is my go-to tool because it allows me to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. For this particular flight, I noticed that booking directly on TAP’s website often offered the best value, especially when factoring in any promotional offers or discounts available to members of their frequent flyer program.
- Round Trip Fare: €75 (Economy Class)
- One-Way Fare: €40 (Economy Class)
- Booking Platform: Skyscanner, TAP Air Portugal website
Booking Tips:
- Book in Advance: I recommend booking at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time for the best rates, especially during off-peak seasons.
- Flexibility with Dates: If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can save a lot of money. TAP frequently offers promotions that can drop the price by up to 30-40%.
- Use Alerts: Set up price alerts through Google Flights or Skyscanner so you can monitor price fluctuations.
At the Airport: Madeira (Funchal) Airport (FNC)
Madeira’s Funchal Airport is small but well-equipped. It has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy before your flight. One notable feature of the airport is its unique runway, which is perched on stilts due to the mountainous terrain. It adds a sense of excitement when departing!
- Airport Location: Funchal, Madeira (FNC)
- Distance from City Center: Approximately 15 minutes by taxi.
- Airport Services: Duty-free shops, cafes, lounges, currency exchange, and Wi-Fi.
Onboard Experience: Economy Class
Seat Comfort:
TAP Air Portugal’s economy class was comfortable enough for the short flight to Lisbon. The seats were well-padded, with standard legroom (no complaints, though it’s certainly tighter than business class). I was sitting near the window, which allowed me to enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean as we ascended and descended.
In-Flight Entertainment:
The flight didn’t have personal entertainment screens, which is common for short-haul flights. However, TAP does offer a service called “TapAir Portal,” which lets passengers stream movies, music, and TV shows via their own devices by connecting to the in-flight Wi-Fi.
Food and Beverage:
For a short flight, TAP’s service was impressive. I was given a light snack of a sandwich with a drink (soda or water). It wasn’t gourmet, but it was refreshing, especially as I had a long day ahead in Lisbon.
Arrival at Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (often referred to as Lisbon Airport) is modern and well-connected to the city. I was traveling during a less busy time, so immigration was swift, and I had no issues with baggage claim. For transport, there are a variety of options available including the metro, buses, and taxis.
- Airport Location: Lisbon, Portugal (LIS)
- Distance from City Center: 20-minute drive or about 30 minutes by metro.
- Airport Services: ATMs, currency exchange, car rentals, cafes, lounges, and Wi-Fi.
Best Times to Book Flights to Lisbon
When traveling to Lisbon, the best times to book flights depend on several factors, including the season, weather, and any local events. From my experience, here are the key times to consider:
1. Off-Peak Season (October to March):
- Best Time to Book: 2-3 months in advance.
- Advantages: Lower airfares, fewer tourists, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Disadvantages: Weather can be rainy and colder (but not freezing).
2. Peak Season (June to August):
- Best Time to Book: At least 6 months in advance.
- Advantages: Warm weather, vibrant festivals, and all major tourist attractions open.
- Disadvantages: High ticket prices, crowded tourist sites, and hotel rates skyrocket.
3. Shoulder Season (April to May & September):
- Best Time to Book: 4-5 months in advance.
- Advantages: Mild weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices compared to the summer.
- Disadvantages: You may still encounter occasional rain showers or cooler temperatures.
Tips for Finding Cheap Tickets to Lisbon
Here are my favorite tips for finding cheap flights to Lisbon:
1. Use Price Comparison Websites:
I always start my flight search on Skyscanner or Google Flights. These platforms allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking sites, helping you find the best deals.
2. Set Alerts for Price Drops:
Both Google Flights and Skyscanner let you set price alerts, which will notify you when there’s a significant drop in prices.
3. Be Flexible with Your Dates:
If your travel dates are flexible, you can easily adjust your booking to take advantage of cheaper fares. Sometimes, flying a day earlier or later can save you a lot.
4. Consider Alternative Airports:
If you’re flying to Lisbon, check nearby airports like Porto or Faro. While Lisbon is the most popular airport, you may find cheaper flights to a nearby city, and a quick domestic flight or train can bring you to Lisbon in just a few hours.
Recommended Airlines for Flying to Lisbon
While TAP Air Portugal is one of the most popular airlines, there are also several other good options for flying to Lisbon.
1. EasyJet:
- Route: Madeira (Funchal) to Lisbon
- Price Range: €25 – €80 (economy class)
- Why Choose EasyJet: One of the most budget-friendly airlines, with regular, low-cost flights to Lisbon.
2. Ryanair:
- Route: Multiple European destinations to Lisbon
- Price Range: €15 – €70
- Why Choose Ryanair: Known for its super cheap fares, although additional baggage and seat reservations may cost extra.
3. Lufthansa:
- Route: Connecting flights from Europe to Lisbon
- Price Range: €100 – €200
- Why Choose Lufthansa: A full-service airline offering comfort and quality service with connecting flights.
4. Vueling:
- Route: Multiple European routes to Lisbon
- Price Range: €40 – €100
- Why Choose Vueling: Affordable fares with good service for short-haul flights.
Nearby Airports to Lisbon for Cheaper Flights
Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the main gateway into the city, but there are other airports nearby that may offer cheaper options:
1. Porto Airport (OPO):
- Located about 3 hours north of Lisbon by train or flight.
- Often offers lower-priced flights to Lisbon.
2. Faro Airport (FAO):
- Located in southern Portugal.
- A 3-4 hour drive from Lisbon, it may offer cheaper flights, especially from European destinations.
Booking a flight to Lisbon, whether for leisure or business, doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By planning ahead, using price comparison tools, and being flexible with your travel dates, you can find great deals on flights from Madeira, Europe, or beyond. Personally, I’ve had great experiences with TAP Air Portugal, but there are also many other options to explore. Ultimately, no matter which airline you choose, Lisbon’s beauty and charm are sure to make your journey worthwhile. Safe travels, and happy booking!
