Flying to Lisbon from Scandinavia
- Jorgen Kirchhoff
- Dec 13, 2025
- 4 min read
Practical considerations when planning your flight
Summary
For travellers from Scandinavia, Lisbon is one of the most accessible gateways to Portugal.
Flight options vary depending on departure airport and season, so this note offers a realistic overview of what typically exists — along with a few personal observations from travelling this route many times.
Direct flights to Lisbon – how it usually looks
Over the past years, Lisbon has generally been well connected to Scandinavia, especially from the larger airports.
As a general pattern:
Copenhagen (CPH) often has frequent direct flights
Stockholm (ARN) typically offers direct connections as well
Oslo (OSL) may have direct flights depending on season, otherwise good one-stop options
Billund (BLL) and Gothenburg (GOT) usually require one connection
Schedules can change between summer and winter programmes, so availability varies throughout the year.
Direct flight or one connection
This is very much a matter of personal preference.
I’ve flown between Copenhagen and Lisbon many times. Even when direct flights were available, I’ve often chosen a connection — simply because it made sense on price or timing. For me, a single, well-planned connection has rarely been an issue.
That said, some travellers strongly prefer direct flights, while others are perfectly comfortable with one stop. Both approaches are common, and both can work well.
Arrival time – a small but useful consideration
One thing worth keeping in mind is when you arrive in Lisbon.
Arriving early in the day can, in some cases, leave room for an afternoon 9 or 18 holes of golf on the arrival day — something many guests appreciate.
That said, it’s important not to be too optimistic.
Things take time: immigration, luggage, transport and settling in. Reaching a full 18-hole round on arrival day usually requires landing in the morning. Arriving later often means saving the golf for the following day and starting more relaxed.
A personal note on Copenhagen Airport
For many Scandinavian travellers, Copenhagen is a natural departure point — and personally, I think it’s a great airport.
There’s a good atmosphere, it’s easy to move around, and if your flight isn’t an early morning departure, it can actually be nice to allow a bit of extra time there. Some travellers choose to add lounge access, depending on airline and ticket type, which can make waiting time noticeably more comfortable.
It’s not something you need — but for some, it’s a pleasant way to start the trip.
Lisbon Airport – functional, with one thing worth knowing
Lisbon Airport isn’t the most impressive airport in Europe, but it does the job.
Compared to a few years ago, departure processes feel smoother today, and getting through the airport is generally straightforward.
One practical detail worth knowing:
If you fly with low-cost airlines, departures often take place from Terminal 2. Arrival is the same regardless of airline, but Terminal 2 is much more basic than Terminal 1. It works fine, but facilities are limited, and boarding often involves longer queues and bus transport to the aircraft.
It’s not a problem — just something to be aware of when choosing flights.
From Lisbon, the drive north towards Óbidos is easy and well connected by motorway.
A map and details on distance and transport are covered separately in Distance from Airport
Where to search for flights
Most travellers already have their preferred way of booking flights.
If you want to compare options, tools like:
Google Flights
Skyscanner
Momondo
are useful for checking availability, timing and price differences across dates and departure airports.
Golf bags
When travelling with golf bags, it can be worth paying attention to how your airline handles sports equipment.
With some airlines, a golf bag is treated as regular checked baggage. In those cases, booking an extra bag is enough, and it can be used for your golf equipment.
With most airlines, however, golf bags are handled separately and require a specific golf bag add-on when booking. This depends on airline and ticket type, so it’s important to check the rules before you book.
On arrival in Lisbon, golf bags do not come out on the regular baggage belts. They are delivered at the special luggage area, located to the left at the far end of the baggage hall. Knowing where to look saves time — especially on a first visit.
A final thought
Most guests travelling with WestGolf Portugal are comfortable arranging their flights themselves.
For many, this offers flexibility, transparency — and often better value.
Our role isn’t to complicate things, but to share the kind of practical knowledge that makes a trip feel easier from start to finish.
Small details matter — and that’s exactly what these tips and recommendations are here for.
Jorgen/Living on the West Coast of Portugal
Small moments • True gems • Real Portugal
If our inspiration can help you get more out of your time in Portugal – both on and off the course – then we're happy.
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