Portugal Travel: How to Get Around Portugal

With its Blue Flag beaches, vibrant cities, and protected nature parks, choosing just one place to visit in Portugal can be a challenge. Fortunately, the country has an excellent and reasonably priced transportation network, along with plenty of two and four-wheel rental options, that make getting around this Iberian gem a breeze.

Here is your guide on how to get around Portugal:

Portugal has an extensive railway network that spans most of the country, making intercity travel both affordable and highly convenient. Many routes are also notably scenic, offering views of coastlines, countryside, and greenery along the way.

Trains connect major cities such as Lisbon, Faro, Lagos, and Porto, while international services link Portugal to destinations including Madrid and Paris.

In January 2024, the Portuguese government announced plans for a new high-speed rail line between Porto (Campanhã Station) and Lisbon (Oriente Station), covering approximately 290 kilometres. Once completed, the line will reduce travel time between the two cities to just 1 hour and 15 minutes, while significantly increasing rail capacity along one of the country’s busiest corridors.

The project will be delivered in multiple phases:

Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing rail infrastructure, the new line will support both future high-speed trains and current long-distance services, improving nationwide connectivity and reducing overall travel times.

This initiative reflects Portugal’s strong commitment to modernising its rail network and building a more connected, efficient transport system.

Rail services in Portugal are operated by CP – Comboios de Portugal, the country’s main railway provider. CP runs four main categories of long-distance services (excluding international routes):

Both Lisbon and Porto operate extensive suburban rail networks, providing efficient connections between major cities and surrounding regions. In Greater Lisbon, suburban trains serve destinations such as Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal, and the lower Tagus Valley. In the north, Greater Porto’s network extends to Braga, Guimarães, and Aveiro. Suburban rail services also operate between Coimbra and Figueira da Foz.

Long-distance train tickets can be purchased online via the official Comboios de Portugal website or at railway stations nationwide.
Tickets for Intercidades and Alfa Pendular services are typically available up to 30 days in advance, although same-day purchases are often possible. Other services generally require booking at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.

Introduced in October 2024, the Green Rail Pass allows Portuguese residents unlimited travel on Regional, InterRegional, and Intercidades train services for 30 consecutive days at a cost of €20.
Extended options are also available:

The pass must be loaded onto a CP card, which costs €6. Selected suburban services, including routes around Coimbra and areas outside the Lisbon and Porto metropolitan regions, are also covered.

Seat reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, and first-class travel is not included in the pass.

For travellers on a tighter budget, buses are one of the most affordable and practical ways to get around Portugal. Bus services are particularly useful for reaching smaller towns and villages that are not served by the rail network.

Several national and regional operators provide extensive coverage across the country:

Bus routes in Portugal generally fall into three main categories:

Exploring Portugal on wheels is a wonderful way to experience the country, since it offers the freedom to travel at your own pace, without relying on public transport schedules. The country’s road and motorway network continues to expand, making self-driven travel increasingly convenient across both urban and rural areas.

Nationals from the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Brazil may drive in Portugal using their home driving licence. Drivers from other countries are required to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their local driving authority before operating a vehicle in Portugal.

Renting a car in Portugal is straightforward, with rental with rental companies located in major towns, cities, and airports such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Due to higher competition, rental prices in the Algarve are often lower, and booking in advance typically helps secure better rates.

Portugal is home to a wide range of car rental providers, including Amoita, Holiday Autos, Guerin, Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar.

You may also rent motorcycles and scooters in larger cities, and all over the coast of the Algarve.

Although there are relatively few designated bike lanes, cycling is quite popular around Portugal. A wide variety of routes are available, ranging from coastal paths to mountain trails and rural landscapes, offering memorable views and diverse riding experiences.

Cycling routes can be found throughout the country, including in the northern natural parks, such as Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, along the coastline, and across the Alentejo region. For those seeking a more challenging ride, Serra da Estrela—home to the Tour de Portugal’s iconic “mountain stage”—offers demanding climbs and rewarding scenery. Another popular option is Serra do Marão, located between Amarante and Vila Real.

Overall, Portugal is a safe country for independent exploration by bicycle. With the right route planning to avoid heavy traffic, cyclists can enjoy scenic trails, open landscapes, and varied terrain, making Portugal an appealing destination for both leisure and adventure cycling.

Mainland Portugal is served by three major international airports: Porto Airport in the north, Lisbon Airport in the capital, and Faro Airport in the Algarve. Together, they provide strong national and international connectivity.

Portugal’s island regions are also well equipped. The Madeira and Azores archipelagos both have modern airport infrastructure, with Funchal Airport (Madeira) being the most prominent. Funchal Airport connects the island to 65 international destinations and has the capacity to handle approximately 3.5 million passengers per year.

For international travel, Lisbon Airport is Portugal’s primary hub and main entry point, although flights into Porto are sometimes available at a lower cost, depending on the route and season.

TAP Air Portugal, the national airline, offers a wide range of domestic and international routes, often at competitive prices. One of its key benefits is the Stopover Programme, which allows travellers flying between Europe and the United States, Canada, or Brazil to include a free stopover in Portugal for up to 10 days.

Other popular low-cost carriers operating routes to and within Portugal include Ryanair and easyJet.

For private aviation, Portugal offers a wide network of dedicated airfields, allowing travellers to save time and arrive closer to their final destination.

Near Lisbon, the most well-known options include Lisbon Tires–Cascais Airport and Sintra Airport, both conveniently located near Lisbon, Cascais, and Sintra.

In northern Portugal, close to Porto, private charter services are available at:
Maia Vilar da Luz, Espinho, Viseu, Bragança, Ovar, and Monte Real airfields.

In the southern regions, private aviation facilities are available at Montijo and Sines, offering easy access to Lisbon’s South Bay. For destinations in Alentejo and the Algarve, private charters can operate to Évora, Beja Airport, Alvor, or Faro Airport.

Using the metro and suburban rail systems is one of the most efficient ways to get around Portugal’s larger cities, particularly Lisbon and Porto. Lisbon is also supported by overground rail services serving the South Bay.

Metro fares are affordable, and 24-hour and tourist passes are widely available:

Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or from metro operators. Day passes offer greater flexibility and are ideal for sightseeing-heavy days.

The Lisbon Metro consists of four main lines, each identified by a colour and symbol, making the system easy to navigate for both residents and visitors.

Runs from Santa Apolónia to Reboleira.
Key connections include Santa Apolónia and Sete Rios railway stations (via Jardim Zoológico). The line serves major areas such as Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço), Marquês de Pombal, Jardim Zoológico, and Colégio Militar, extending into Amadora.

Runs from Rato to Odivelas.
Connects with Entrecampos railway station and serves important areas including Marquês de Pombal, Saldanha, Campo Pequeno, Campo Grande, Lumiar, and Odivelas.

Runs from Cais do Sodré to Telheiras.
Provides access to Cais do Sodré railway station, the Cascais train line, buses, trams, and ferry services to the Lisbon South Bay. It passes through central neighbourhoods such as Baixa-Chiado, Rossio, Intendente, Anjos, Arroios, Alameda, Areeiro, and Roma, with rail connections to Sintra and Azambuja lines at Roma-Areeiro.

Note: Despite the name, Rossio railway station connects to Restauradores metro station, not Rossio metro station (both are within a short walking distance).

Runs from São Sebastião to Lisbon Airport.
Provides an important interchange at São Sebastião, where the Blue and Red lines connect, and offers a direct route to the airport.

Source: Metropolitano de Lisboa

Porto’s metropolitan transport system operates six rapid-transit metro lines serving both central Porto and its surrounding suburbs. Much like Lisbon, the network extends across seven municipalities:

Connects Estádio do Dragão to Senhor de Matosinhos. This line provides easy access to FC Porto’s stadium, making it particularly convenient on match days for avoiding road traffic.

Runs from Estádio do Dragão to Póvoa de Varzim, linking central Porto stations such as Heroísmo, Campanhã, and Trindade with this coastal city located around 30 km north of Porto.

Connects Campanhã to ISMAI (University of Maia). This is a busy commuter route, particularly popular with students travelling between Porto and Maia.

Runs from Hospital de São João to Santo Ovídio in Vila Nova de Gaia. The line serves Porto’s main hospital and provides access to Gaia, renowned for its historic port wine cellars along the Douro River.

Connects Trindade in Porto’s city centre directly to Porto Airport. This is one of the most convenient routes for visitors, offering a straightforward connection between hotels, local commerce, and the airport.

Runs from Fânzeres in Gondomar to Senhora da Hora in Matosinhos. The line provides access to NorteShopping, one of the largest shopping centres in Portugal.

Source: Metro do Porto

Riding one of Portugal’s historic trams is considered a must-do experience, especially in Lisbon and Porto. These iconic, vintage vehicles wind through narrow streets and historic neighbourhoods, offering an affordable and atmospheric way to explore the cities. During peak summer months, trams can become crowded, so early morning rides are recommended to secure a seat.

Running from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique, Tram 28 passes through:

Along the way, passengers experience Lisbon’s hills, tiled façades, viewpoints, and major landmarks, making Tram 28 an affordable moving sightseeing tour.

Porto’s most famous tram route is Line 1, a scenic journey along the north bank of the Douro River. This is the city’s most popular tram line for visitors and one of the most picturesque ways to experience Porto.

The route runs from Infante, through Alfândega and Massarelos, to Passeio Alegre in Foz do Douro, offering beautiful river views and a relaxed ride through historic areas.
Tickets are purchased onboard and cost €6 (price in December 2025).

Other Porto Tram Routes

Lisbon is famously built on seven hills, and its historic funiculars and elevators (often called cable cars or lifts) are considered national treasures. They provide a practical way to navigate the city’s steep streets while offering some of the best views in town.

A single ride on a funicular costs €3.80 (price in December 2025) and can be purchased directly at the lift.
Alternatively, 24-hour public transport passes, available at metro stations via vending machines or ticket offices, allow unlimited use of metro, trams, buses, and funiculars throughout the day.

Getting around Portugal is easy, affordable, and reliable, with a wide range of transport options for those who prefer not to rent a car. From metros and trams to buses, trains, and funiculars, the country’s public transportation system makes exploring cities and regions both convenient and enjoyable!

Read More:
Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
Regions of Portugal: There Is More to Visit Than You Think