Lisbon, Portugal → Recife, Brazil · ✈ 7h 48min · 🚗 94h 56min
3,154 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from Lisbon to Recife is 5,842 km (3,630 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 7h 48min.
The straight-line distance from Lisbon, Portugal to Recife, Brazil is approximately 5,842 kilometers (3,630 miles or 3,154 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Recife is located southwest of Lisbon. Lisbon is in Europe, in the Lisbon region of Portugal, while Recife is in South America, in Northeast, Brazil. This intercontinental route spans from Europe to South America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 5,842 km | ~7h 48min | Best option for speed |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Lisbon to Recife. For 5,842 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Lisbon sits at 38.7223°N, 9.1393°W, while Recife is located at 8.0476°S, 34.8770°W. The initial compass bearing from Lisbon to Recife is 213° (SSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Lisbon heading roughly SSW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 46.77° and the longitude difference is 25.74°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Lisbon and Recife is approximately 15.7077°N, 23.5602°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 2,921 km from each city. On long-haul flights this point usually falls over open ocean or remote terrain, which is why in-flight maps often look "empty" mid-route.
Recife is roughly 1 hour behind Lisbon. When it is 09:00 in Lisbon, it is approximately 08:00 in Recife. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Lisbon uses the Euro (EUR), while Recife uses the Brazilian Real (BRL). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. Both destinations share Portuguese as a primary language, simplifying signage, transit, and everyday interactions.
Lisbon is a major city in Portugal with a population of approximately 544,851. Located in the Lisbon region, it is an important hub in Europe. Despite its smaller size, Lisbon plays an important regional role in Portugal and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Lisbon
Recife is a notable city in Brazil with a population of approximately 1,653,461. Situated in the Northeast region, it serves as a key destination in South America. Recife offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Brazil.
At 5,842 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from Europe to South America. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 5,842 km, Lisbon to Recife is one of the world's longer routes, covering 14.6% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
This route crosses from Europe to South America, spanning 1 timezone.
The straight-line distance from Lisbon to Recife is approximately 5,842 kilometers (3,630 miles, 3,154 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 7h 48min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 94h 56min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Recife is approximately -1h behind compared to Lisbon.
The estimated road distance is approximately 7,595 km, which is about 30% longer than the 5,842 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.