Portugal

How to get around 
portugal

Transportation in Portugal is efficient and budget-friendly, making it easy to explore both cities and rural areas. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto offer extensive public transport options, including trams, buses, and metro systems, all of which are affordable and convenient. Taxis and rideshare services are also widely available, though rideshares can be more economical.

For intercity travel, trains are a popular choice, providing scenic routes at reasonable rates; the Alfa Pendular trains are faster, while Intercidades trains cover more stops at a lower cost. Alternatively, long-distance buses connect towns and cities across Portugal.

In Portugal, domestic flights are primarily used for traveling to the islands of Madeira and the Azores. While flights are frequent to these popular destinations, occasional delays may occur, especially during peak holiday seasons or due to weather conditions over the Atlantic. When planning connecting flights or time-sensitive activities, it’s advisable to allow some buffer time in case of unexpected changes. Within mainland Portugal, flights are less common for travel between cities, as the train and bus networks provide efficient, scenic, and often faster alternatives for overland travel.

flights

For tourists navigating Portugal by bus, the country's extensive bus network is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for both city travel and intercity routes. In cities like Lisbon and Porto, local buses are operated by companies such as Carris and STCP, which offer frequent services connecting neighborhoods, landmarks, and metro hubs. For longer trips between cities, companies like Rede Expressos and FlixBus provide comfortable coach services with routes covering the entire country. This is an especially scenic way to explore areas where train connections may be limited, like the Alentejo and coastal Algarve regions.

When planning intercity bus travel, it’s best to book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, as buses can fill up quickly. Both locals and tourists often use mobile apps and digital tickets for added convenience, making it easy to hop between Portugal’s historic towns and coastal villages.

buses

Portugal’s metro systems are primarily found in Lisbon and Porto, offering fast, efficient, and affordable transport for both residents and tourists. In Lisbon, the Metro de Lisboa covers four color-coded lines that connect key areas like the city center, the airport, and popular neighborhoods. Porto’s Metro do Porto is partly above ground, with six lines that reach both the city and surrounding areas, including Vila Nova de Gaia. Both systems operate from early morning until late at night, with ticket options ranging from single rides to 24-hour passes and rechargeable travel cards.

The metro is especially convenient for avoiding city traffic, and stations are generally equipped with maps and digital displays, making navigation easy even for non-Portuguese speakers. Travelers can purchase tickets from vending machines and pay with contactless options like Viva Viagem cards, which are useful across other public transport systems in Lisbon.

metro