Recife, Brazil → Lisbon, Portugal · ✈ 7h 48min · 🚗 94h 56min
3,154 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: northeast
The distance from Recife to Lisbon 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 Recife, Brazil to Lisbon, Portugal 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.
Lisbon is located northeast of Recife. Recife is in South America, in the Northeast region of Brazil, while Lisbon is in Europe, in Lisbon, Portugal. This intercontinental route spans from South America to Europe.
| 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 Recife to Lisbon. For 5,842 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Recife sits at 8.0476°S, 34.8770°W, while Lisbon is located at 38.7223°N, 9.1393°W. The initial compass bearing from Recife to Lisbon is 25° (NNE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Recife heading roughly NNE. 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 Recife and Lisbon 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.
Lisbon is roughly 1 hour ahead of Recife. When it is 09:00 in Recife, it is approximately 10:00 in Lisbon. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Recife uses the Brazilian Real (BRL), while Lisbon uses the Euro (EUR). 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.
Recife is a major city in Brazil with a population of approximately 1,653,461. Located in the Northeast region, it is an important hub in South America. Recife is a significant metropolitan area in Brazil with good domestic and international transport connections.
Lisbon is a notable city in Portugal with a population of approximately 544,851. Situated in the Lisbon region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Lisbon is a popular destination in the Lisbon region of Portugal, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Lisbon
At 5,842 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from South America to Europe. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 5,842 km, Recife to Lisbon is one of the world's longer routes, covering 14.6% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
This route crosses from South America to Europe, spanning 1 timezone.
The straight-line distance from Recife to Lisbon 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.
Lisbon is approximately +1h ahead compared to Recife.
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.