Transportation

Transportation in Portugal

Getting around Portugal is relatively easy, with good public transport in cities and a well-maintained road network for the rest of the country.

Public Transport in Lisbon

Metro:

• 4 lines covering central areas
• Runs 6:30 AM - 1:00 AM
• Single ticket: €1.50 (with Viva Viagem card)

Bus & Tram:

• Extensive bus network (Carris)
• Iconic tram 28 (tourist favorite but also practical)
• Night buses available

Monthly Pass (Navegante):

• Municipal (Lisbon only): ~€40/month
• Metropolitan (includes suburbs): ~€45/month
• Covers metro, bus, tram, ferries, suburban trains

Public Transport in Porto

Metro:

• 6 lines including airport connection
• Modern and efficient

Bus (STCP):

• Covers areas metro doesn't reach

Monthly Pass (Andante):

• Municipal: ~€40/month
• Covers metro and bus

Trains

CP (Comboios de Portugal):

• Connects major cities
• Lisbon to Porto: ~3 hours, €20-35
• Lisbon to Faro: ~3 hours, €20-30
• Advance booking for best prices

Commuter trains:

• Cascais line (Lisbon to coast)
• Sintra line
• Included in Navegante pass (Lisbon)

Driving in Portugal

License:

• EU licenses valid
• Non-EU: International Driving Permit recommended for first year
• After residency: Exchange for Portuguese license (some countries) or take test

Buying/Leasing a Car:

• Used cars available from €5,000+
• Registration (IPO) required
• Insurance mandatory
• Fuel: €1.60-1.80/liter

When you need a car:

• Living outside city centers
• Exploring countryside and coast
• Central/Northern Portugal rural areas
• Algarve (outside main towns)

Tolls:

• Electronic tolls on many highways
• Via Verde device recommended
• Some rentals include toll coverage

Ride-Sharing & Taxis

Uber/Bolt:

• Available in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve
• Generally cheaper than taxis
• Reliable and convenient

Taxis:

• Metered in cities
• Slightly more expensive than ride-sharing
• Available everywhere

Car Rentals

• Easily available at airports and cities
• Book in advance for best rates
• Check insurance coverage carefully
• International companies and local options

Between Cities

Options:

• Train (scenic, comfortable)
• Bus (Rede Expressos - cheaper than train)
• BlaBlaCar (carpooling)
• Domestic flights (limited routes)

Lisbon Airports:

• Humberto Delgado (LIS) - main airport
• Metro connects directly to city center

Porto Airport:

• Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO)
• Metro connects to city

Cycling

• Growing infrastructure in cities
• Gira bike-sharing in Lisbon
• Terrain is hilly in many areas
• E-bike rentals popular
• Good for leisure; commuting challenging in hilly areas