Getting Around Portugal
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Lisbon and Porto. Rural: Rent a car for Algarve exploration. Islands: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Lisbon to your destination.
Train Travel
CP National Rail
Efficient and scenic train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Lisbon to Porto €20-30, journeys under 3 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via CP app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
CP Tourist Card offers unlimited travel for 3-5 days from €55, great for multiple trips.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, CP website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Alfa Pendular connects Lisbon to Porto and Faro, with speeds up to 220 km/h.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Main Stations: Lisbon Santa Apolónia or Oriente, Porto Campanhã for key connections.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Algarve and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €20-40/day at Lisbon Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Electronic toll system on major highways like A1, use Via Verde device or pay online.
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Blue zones require parking discs, metered parking €1-3/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.60-1.80/liter for petrol, €1.50-1.70 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Lisbon during rush hours and around Porto.
Urban Transport
Lisbon Metro & Trams
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket €1.50, day pass €6.40, 10-journey card €13.
Validation: Validate tickets in machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: Viva Viagem app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bici bike-sharing in Lisbon and Porto, €5-10/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Portugal, especially along the coast.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Carris (Lisbon), STCP (Porto), and regional operators provide comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: €1.50-2.50 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Ferries: Tagus River ferries connect Lisbon sides, €1.30-2 for short trips.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Lisbon or Porto for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like NOS Alive.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Portugal including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Vodafone, MEO, and NOS offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Western European Time (WET), UTC+0, daylight saving March-October (WEST, UTC+1).
- Airport Transfers: Lisbon Airport 7km from city center, metro to center €1.50 (20 min), taxi €15, or book private transfer for €20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€5-8/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to hilly terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €4), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €5, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Portugal
Lisbon Airport (LIS) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Lisbon Airport (LIS): Primary international gateway, 7km north of city center with metro connections.
Porto Airport (OPO): Northern hub 12km from city, metro to center €2 (30 min).
Faro Airport (FAO): Algarve regional airport with European flights, bus to Faro €2.50 (20 min).
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Madrid or Seville and taking train to Portugal for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, EasyJet, and TAP Portugal serve Lisbon and Porto with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.