Is the Lisbon Airport Fast Track worth Buying? The Bottom Line in 2024
Heading off to Portugal soon?
If Lisbon is your gateway, you might have heard about the infamous wait times. Whether you’re landing or taking off, the queues can be the worst way to start or finish your Portuguese holiday.
Lisbon is notorious for its long wait times at passport control both on arrival and on departure, but it is possible to pay for a fast track service. So what does that actually mean?
It’s just a few extra euros, and if you are flying business class it may already be included in your ticket. But is it worth your money? Let’s take a look at whether splurging the few extra euros on the Lisbon Airport Fast Track is a savvy move or a waste of your precious travel funds.
In a Rush? Here’s the bottom line:
❗❗It is helpful on departure: The service shines when you’re flying out. It zips you through the X-ray security check, shaving precious minutes off your wait. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t speed up the passport control process. So, once you’re through security, hustle over to passport control to dodge those long lines.
❗❗It is NOT helpful on arrival: Flying in from outside the EU? Then brace yourself for the usual wait. The Fast Track won’t cut any corners for you here, as everyone must go through the standard passport check and luggage wait.
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Why is the wait time at Lisbon Airport so long on arrival?
If you are wondering why your first taste of Portugal might be the back of someone’s head in a queue, here are a few reasons why arrivals can be a slow drag.
Busy Skies: Sometimes, the flights that land before yours can clog up the system, especially if they’re packed or need extra screening.
High Alert: Flights from regions known for drug trafficking might get more scrutiny, which means more waiting for you.
Behavior Checks: Airport staff are trained to spot behaviors that might need a closer look—this can slow things down, though they’re just keeping things safe.
– the number of airport officials available at any particular time.
Staff Availability: The number of staff on duty can significantly impact wait times. Whether it’s due to shift changes, breaks, or simply a shortage of personnel, having fewer hands on deck can mean longer waits for you, especially during peak travel hours or holiday seasons
What about on departure?
Fast Track really shows its worth when you’re saying goodbye to Lisbon. It fast-tracks you to the shorter line at the X-ray security check. But remember, this doesn’t include speeding through passport control.
My tip? Make a beeline for the passport queue right after security to avoid any last-minute rushes. Read this article for more information on how to navigate Lisbon Airport. Check out this cool time lapse of what it’s like to depart from Lisbon and all the different steps involved.
How can I speed up the process at passport control in Lisbon?
So is there a way? Well, yes and no! Here are a few conditions which will give you a speedy wait.
Special Passports: Travellers with a biometric Portuguese passport or a diplomatic one can breeze through more quickly.
Young Children: Traveling with little ones? In Lisbon, children up to about 6 years of age are given priority at security checks, making it easier for families to get through the airport quickly. They also enjoy the benefit of priority boarding with most airlines, helping to ease the travel experience for both kids and parents.
Reduced Mobility: Facing even slight mobility challenges during your travels can turn a day at the airport into an exhausting ordeal. Bringing a cane, even if you don’t use one daily, can be a game-changer. Not only does it signal to staff that you might need assistance, but it also ensures you get the support you require and means that people steer clear and offer to help you.
Lisbon Airport offers excellent accessibility services through their MyWay service, designed to make travel smoother for those with reduced mobility. You can request a wheelchair or other assistance in advance, which I highly recommend based on personal experience.
My mother, who has had knee issues for years, found the accessibility services at Lisbon Airport incredibly efficient. They made everything shockingly easy— she quickly realized that there were more advantages to having it on her arm than to being too proud to bring it along. Definitely bring the cane if there’s even a chance you’ll need it.
More details on these services can be found on their official website here. Check out the video on the service below.
How do I get the Lisbon Airport Fast Track?
You can buy the Fast Track service directly from the airport web page or through the ANA app. Just select your check-in date and add the approximate time to the ‘start hour’ field. Don’t sweat the specifics; I’ve had many people ask me about this and it’s just to give the airport staff a rough estimate to anticipate the flow of travelers.
Does Fast Track mean priority boarding?
Not exactly. The Lisbon Airport Fast Track service is designed to speed up your security process, but it doesn’t extend to boarding the airplane.
Priority boarding is typically managed by your airline and depends on the type of ticket you hold or your frequent flyer status. So, while Fast Track gets you to the gate faster, getting on the plane is a separate hustle.

How long does it take to get through security at Lisbon Airport?
The time it takes to clear security at Lisbon Airport can vary significantly depending on the time of day and year. Generally, during peak hours and tourist seasons, it can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes if you’re using the regular lines.
However, with the Fast Track service, this time is often reduced, and you can expect to go through security more swiftly, especially if you time your travel to avoid the busiest periods.
How early should I arrive at the airport in Lisbon?
When flying out of Lisbon, it’s wise to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This allows ample time for any unforeseen delays in check-in, security, or passport control lines, particularly if you haven’t opted for Fast Track.
During peak travel times or if you’re traveling with checked baggage, leaning towards the 3 hour mark can save you from a last-minute dash to the gate.

Lisbon Airport Fast Track: The Wrap-Up
Is the Lisbon Airport Fast Track worth it? Well, if you’re all about skipping long lines and saving time when you fly out, it’s a thumbs up. However, remember it won’t speed up the passport control on arrival, so plan accordingly.
And if you have any mobility issues, definitely take advantage of the MyWay services—trust me, it makes a world of difference. Happy travels and enjoy every moment in Portugal!
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