Getting Around in Portugal

Road Network and Traffic

Portugal has a good road and motorway network, making it easy to get around. However, cities like Lisbon or Porto can be quite congested.

Driving rules are broadly similar to those in France. Seat belts are always mandatory, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, and only hands-free mobile phone use is permitted. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on regular roads, 100 km/h on roads reserved for cars, and 120 km/h on motorways. In all cases, fines must be paid on the spot.

Motorways

There are two categories of motorways in Portugal. Both are toll roads and relatively expensive, but they differ in their payment systems:

"Classic" Motorways

These are motorways with cash or card payment tolls, similar to many other countries.

Electronic Toll Motorways

These motorways operate exclusively with electronic tolls. For foreign vehicles, prepaid cards are required. Although there is an online help site, the system remains quite complex and poorly designed, leading many foreigners to either avoid these motorways or use them without paying. There are around fifteen such motorways in the country:

• Algarve: A22 (Lagos - Castro Marim).

• Baixo Tejo: A33 (Belverde - Coina).

• Centre: A17/IC1 (Estádio de Aveiro - Mira - Autoestrada do Litoral Centro); A23/IP6 (Torres Novas - Guarda); A25/IP5 (Albergaria-a-velha - Vilar Formoso); A29/IC1 (Miramar - Angeja).

• Interior Norte: A24/IP3 (Vila Verde da Raia - Viseu).

• Lisbon and surroundings: A8/IC36 (Variante Sul de Leiria); A13/IC3 (Atalaia - Tomar); A19/IC2 (Variante da Batalha).

• Norte Litoral: A27/IP9 (Viana do Castelo - Ponte de Lima); A28/IC1 (Viana do Castelo - Porto).

• Porto and surroundings: A4 (Matosinhos - Aguas Santas); A41/IC24 (Perafita/Freixieiro - Sêroa Oeste); A42/IC25 (Sêroa Oeste - Lousada).

• AE Transmontana: A4 (Variante Sul de Bragança).

Car and Camper Van

Personal Vehicle

Having your own vehicle is an excellent way to explore the country. It’s even the best option, offering freedom and time savings compared to public transport.

Rental

You can easily rent a vehicle at airports, major train stations, large cities, and tourist areas. Automatic transmission vehicles are sometimes available. To rent a car, you generally need to be between 21 and 25 years old (depending on the rental company), provide ID, and have held a valid driver’s license for over a year. An international license is not required. Generally, you can also drive into Spain with a vehicle rented in Portugal.

Buses

There are various regular coach services (often with Wi-Fi) connecting cities and villages across Portugal. Buses can be a good complement or alternative to trains if you want to explore off the beaten path without a vehicle. Expect to pay around 6 or 7 € per 100 km segment, which is slightly cheaper than the train for the same distance.

Bus Companies

Several companies operate routes, including:

• Eva Transportes: Primarily serves the south of Portugal, including the Algarve.

• Internorte: Offers 120 destinations in Portugal and various European cities.

• Rede Nacional de Expressos: The national company, by far the most widespread in the country.

• Renex: Covers the entire country with Lisbon as its central hub.

• Rodonorte: As the name suggests, its network focuses on northern Portugal.

Two Wheels

Motorcycle

Bicycle

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is possible in Portugal, though it’s not widely practiced, and waits can be long in remote areas. Another option is carpooling, which is growing in popularity across Europe.

Trains

The rail network Comboios de Portugal covers most of the country’s cities, with extensions into Spain and beyond to France. While trains are faster than buses, they are also slightly more expensive, despite various discounts (including participation in the InterRail pass), and often have fewer departures. Expect to pay around 8 to 10 € per 100 km, such as 20–30 € for Lisbon-Faro or 25–35 € for Lisbon-Porto.

There are several train categories:

• International trains (Sud-Express and Lusitania) departing from Lisbon.

• Premium trains ("Alfa Pendular"), fast and comfortable, running between Lisbon and the Algarve or the north (Coimbra, Porto, Braga).

• "Intercidades" (intercity) trains, with four or five lines departing from the capital.

• Numerous regional, interregional, and suburban trains covering most of the country.

Also worth noting are a few scenic lines, such as Porto-Regua along the rivers or the short Lisbon-Estoril stretch along the coast.

Boats

Aside from boat trips along coastal resorts or river excursions on the Douro to explore the valley of the same name, there is no public transport system on the sea or rivers.

Domestic Flights

Apart from routes to Madeira and the Azores, Portugal’s domestic network is quite limited, focusing mainly on connections between Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. It’s rarely used by tourists, except perhaps for Ryanair’s Porto-Faro route.

In the City

Taxis

Portuguese taxis are often beige and all have meters. As in much of Europe, they can be relatively expensive. Tipping around 5–10% of the fare or rounding up the amount is customary.

Other Options

Metro: Lisbon (Metro Lisboa) and Porto (Metro do Porto) both have metro systems operating from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. There is also a "light metro" system (MTS) in Almada, on the outskirts of the capital.

Buses and trams:

On foot: Walking around Portuguese cities is pleasant, especially in Lisbon, which are generally well-suited for strolling.

What to Choose for Getting Around?

As is often the case in Europe, having your own vehicle remains the best way to explore the country. Otherwise, buses are a reliable option, especially if you’re traveling mainly between cities or tourist coastal areas.

Distances Between Cities

Distances (km) between the main cities in the country: