How to Get Around in Portugal
Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe to travel around. Despite stretching over 500 kilometers from north to south, it has an excellent network of trains, buses, highways, and domestic flights that make getting between destinations straightforward.
The best way to get around depends entirely on your itinerary. If you’re exploring cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, public transport is reliable and affordable. If you’re heading to the Douro Valley, Peneda-Gerês National Park, or the Algarve’s hidden beaches, renting a car will give you much more freedom. I’ve traveled extensively across Portugal by train, bus, and car, and this guide covers exactly how I would plan transport today for a stress-free trip.
If you’re currently planning your itinerary, start with my Ultimate Portugal Travel Guide and 2-Week Portugal Itinerary, where I explain how these transport options fit together.
If you’re still deciding when to travel, don’t miss my Best Time to Visit Portugal Guide.
Overview: The Best Ways to Travel Around Portugal
Portugal has one of Europe’s best transport systems, and most visitors will use a combination of:
- Trains → best for travel between major cities like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Aveiro, Braga, and Faro
- Buses → connect smaller towns and places without railway stations
- Rental car → ideal for road trips, the Douro Valley, Peneda-Gerês National Park, and the Algarve
- Metro and trams → perfect for exploring Lisbon and Porto
- Domestic flights → useful if you’re traveling between northern Portugal and Madeira or the Azores
Distances in Portugal are relatively short, making overland travel practical and enjoyable. Most visitors won’t need to fly within mainland Portugal.
HOW EXPENSIVE IS TRANSPORT IN PORTUGAL?
Compared to much of Western Europe, transport in Portugal is excellent value. Trains are affordable, buses often cost even less, and fuel prices are reasonable if you’re renting a car. Booking in advance can reduce costs significantly, especially during summer and public holidays.
Typical costs
- Intercity train Lisbon → Porto: from €10-30 when booked early
- Long-distance bus Lisbon → Porto: from €5-20
- Metro ticket: around €1.80
- Rental car: from €20-40 per day in low season
- Domestic flight: usually only worthwhile for Madeira or the Azores
How to save money
- Book trains several weeks in advance for the lowest fares.
- Compare both trains and buses before booking, as prices vary considerably.
- Rent a car only for regions where public transport is limited.
- Stay centrally in major cities to avoid relying on taxis.
For a full budget breakdown, read my Cost of Travel in Portugal guide.
Getting to and around Lisbon
Getting From Lisbon Airport to the City
Most international visitors arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), located just a few kilometers from the city center.
Metro
The metro is the cheapest and easiest way to reach central Lisbon. The airport has its own station on the Red Line, with connections to the rest of the network.
Aerobus or Public Bus
Several bus routes connect the airport with different parts of the city. They can be convenient if your accommodation isn’t close to a metro station, although traffic can cause delays during rush hour.
Uber and Bolt
Ride-sharing is extremely popular in Portugal and significantly cheaper than in many other European countries. For two or more people, Uber or Bolt often offers the best balance between convenience and price.
Private Airport Transfer
If you’re arriving late at night or carrying lots of luggage, a pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable option.
Getting Around Lisbon
Lisbon is a surprisingly compact city, although its steep hills can make walking more challenging than expected. Most visitors combine:
- Metro for longer distances
- Historic trams for sightseeing
- Buses for neighborhoods outside the center
- Funiculars and elevators for climbing the hills
- Walking for exploring Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto
The famous Tram 28 passes many of Lisbon’s top attractions, but expect long queues during summer. If you simply want the experience, ride early in the morning or try the less crowded Tram 12. For unlimited travel, consider purchasing a 24-hour public transport pass, which includes metro, buses, trams, and funiculars.
Traveling Between Cities in Portugal
Portugal’s major cities are well connected, making it easy to travel without a car.
Train Travel in Portugal
For most travelers, trains are the best way to move around the country. They are comfortable, affordable, and connect city center to city center without the hassle of driving or parking. Train travel is ideal for:
- Lisbon → Coimbra
- Lisbon → Porto
- Porto → Braga
- Porto → Guimarães
- Porto → Aveiro
- Lisbon → Faro
Portugal’s national railway operator is Comboios de Portugal (CP), with Alfa Pendular high-speed trains providing the fastest connections between major cities. Booking tickets online in advance often results in significant discounts. You can also compare routes and prices across providers using Omio.
Book early during holidays – trains do sell out!
Bus Travel in Portugal
Buses fill the gaps where trains don’t go and often provide faster direct connections between smaller destinations. They are particularly useful for:
- Nazaré
- Óbidos
- Évora
- Lagos
- Sagres
- Peneda-Gerês
The main operators include Rede Expressos, FlixBus, and regional companies. Tickets are inexpensive and can usually be booked online in advance. For many travelers, combining trains and buses is the easiest way to explore Portugal without renting a car.
Do You Need a Car in Portugal?
Not necessarily. You do not need a car if you’re visiting: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, Guimarães, Aveiro. Public transport is more than sufficient. However, I strongly recommend renting a car if you plan to visit:
- Douro Valley wineries
- Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Small villages in the Alentejo
- The western Algarve coast
- Remote beaches and viewpoints
Driving in Portugal
Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints, wineries, and hidden villages that buses simply don’t reach. Driving in Portugal is generally straightforward. Roads are modern and well maintained, highways are excellent, and distances between destinations are relatively short. The biggest challenge is parking in historic city centers such as Lisbon and Porto, where streets are narrow and parking expensive. If your itinerary focuses on cities, it’s usually better to rely on public transport and only rent a car when leaving urban areas.
Practical Portugal Transport Tips
- Book trains early for the lowest prices.
- Compare trains and buses before booking.
- Use Uber or Bolt instead of taxis.
- Skip the car in Lisbon and Porto.
- Rent a car for the Douro Valley, Gerês, and remote Algarve beaches.
- Download offline maps before driving through rural areas.
- Avoid driving in Lisbon’s and Porto’s historic center if possible.
For budgeting transport costs, see my Portugal Travel Cost Breakdown.
FAQ: Getting Around Portugal
1. Is Portugal easy to travel around?
Yes. Portugal has an excellent transport network, and most destinations are easy to reach by train or bus.
2. Do I need a car in Portugal?
No for most city-based itineraries. Yes if you’re planning a road trip or visiting national parks, wine regions, or remote beaches.
3. Is train or bus better?
Trains are generally more comfortable and scenic, while buses often reach destinations without rail connections and can sometimes be cheaper.
4. Is driving difficult?
Not at all. Roads are excellent, although historic city centers can be narrow and parking limited.
5. What’s the biggest mistake visitors make?
Renting a car for their entire trip. If you’re spending several days in Lisbon or Porto, wait until you’re leaving the city before picking up your rental. You’ll save money on parking and avoid unnecessary driving stress.
Never skip travel insurance! I use Heymondo, which covers medical care, activities, and unexpected cancellations.
When to Visit Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe’s few true year-round destinations, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. Weather patterns vary between northern and southern Portugal, while Madeira and the Azores follow completely different climates altogether. Whether you’re looking for beach weather in the Algarve, city sightseeing in Lisbon and Porto, hiking in Madeira, or whale watching in the Azores, choosing the right season can make a big difference to both your experience and your budget.
For most travelers, May, June, and September offer the best balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. Summer brings long sunny days and excellent beach conditions, while spring and autumn are often ideal for sightseeing, road trips, wine regions, and outdoor activities.
For a detailed month-by-month breakdown, regional weather guide, and the best travel windows for each destination, read: Best Time to Visit Portugal.
Start planning
If you’re actively planning your trip, these are the tools I personally use and recommend to book safely, save money, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Start planning
If you’re actively planning your trip, these are the tools I personally use and recommend to book safely, save money, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Flights
Find any flight on Skyscanner or Expedia
Hotels
Booking.com and Agoda for hotels, Hostelworld for hostels
Tours & Activities
GetYourGuide, Viator and Klook are all reliable, with flexible cancellation
Transportation
DiscoverCars for car rentals. Omio (in Europe), BusBud and 12Go (globally) for trains and buses.
Money & Payments
A Wise card for free ATM, good FX rates and low fees
Where to next?
If this guide helped you understand what it’s really like to travel in Portugal, the next step is planning your route. Start here for a complete overview:
→ Portugal Travel Guide
(destinations, transport, costs, and practical tips)
Planning your itinerary?
These sample routes help you decide how much you can realistically see without rushing.
3-week Travel Itinerary: Explore Portugal at a relaxed pace.
2-week Travel Itinerary: The perfect first-time route covering Portugal’s highlights.
Traveling solo or want extra tips?
If this is your first trip to Portugal, these guides will help you feel prepared:
Best Time to Visit Portugal: Month-by-month breakdown, seasons, and when to plan your trip
Cost of Travel in Portugal: Realistic budgets, transport costs, and how to plan your spending
How to get around Portugal: How to combine transport options like a pro
Explore Portugal by destination
If you prefer to plan by destination, these in-depth guides cover some of Portugal’s highlights:
Algarve Travel Guide