How to get around Portugal
Navigating Portugal is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Traveling between cities in Portugal can be done by train, bus, or car. Trains are often a comfortable and efficient option, especially for longer journeys. High-speed Alfa Pendular trains connect major cities like Lisbon and Porto, with tickets typically ranging from €10 to €40.
Intercidades trains are slightly slower but still comfortable, with prices between €15 and €35. Regional and suburban trains are more affordable, costing €5 to €15, but they are slower and make more stops. Booking train tickets in advance, especially for Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services, can lead to discounts of up to 65%.
Buses provide an extensive network, reaching more destinations, including smaller towns, and are generally a cheaper alternative to trains. Bus tickets for intercity routes can range from €5 to €30. For example, a bus journey from Lisbon to Porto can cost around €12.
Car rental is another option for flexibility, with average daily prices around $22 for a small car, though deals can be found for as low as $5-$7 per day. Taxis for long distances are expensive; for instance, a taxi from Lisbon to Porto can cost €271 to €502. Ride-sharing services like BlaBlaCar can be a budget-friendly option, with trips between major cities starting from €3 per person.
Travel Within Cities
Within cities, public transport includes metro, buses, and trams. In Lisbon and Porto, the metro, buses, and historic trams are popular choices. A single metro or bus ticket typically costs €1.40-€2.00, while tram rides start at €3.00.
Travel cards like Lisboa Viva in Lisbon and Andante Card in Porto simplify payments and can save money. A single ticket on the Lisbon Metro costs about €1.65, and a 24-hour pass is approximately €6.45 for the Carris/Metro network. In Porto, a one-way metro ticket in the central zone is around €1.20, and a 24-hour pass is approximately €7.
Taxis are also available, with an initial fee of around €3.25 during the day in Lisbon and a kilometer fee of €0.94. A 5km taxi ride in Portugal costs about €6. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in major cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, and Faro, often offering cheaper alternatives to traditional taxis. An UberX from Lisbon Airport to the city center costs around €8-€10, and a 5km ride within the city is about €6.
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