How to travel around Portugal: 10 easy modes of transportation

If you’re wondering how to travel around Portugal, you’ve come to the right place. Navigating in a new country can be nerve-wracking if you don’t know what transportation options are available and which is best for you. One key aspect of how to travel around Portugal is choosing the right mode of transport/transportation. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 10 modes of transportation for traveling around Portugal. 

Just as a side note, in smaller places, like towns and villages it can be difficult to get services like Uber and there are not that many buses (limited schedules). Planning here is key. Learning how to travel around Portugal will help you save time and money.

How to travel around Portugal: 10 Easy Ways

1. Trains around Portugal

You have CP – Comboios de Portugal, which are the trains of Portugal. Depending on your age or student status, you may be eligible for certain benefits. However, there may be frequent strikes. It is best to check the Alerts about Changes to Train Times | CP. 

You can also enjoy the beautiful vineyards along the Douro River on historical trains departing from Porto São Bento, Régua and Pocinho (MiraDouro Oporto Régua Pocinho|CP). Luxury lovers can try the Presidential Train experience.

A Warning and a Note

Warning: Be careful when crossing the railroad crossing/level crossing.

Note: In the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, there are no trains, only buses.

2. Bus in Portugal

Public transportation in Portugal is usually available for travel within a city or village. Check the schedules, which vary by city and village. If you want to travel to other cities in northern, central or southern Portugal, you can check Rede Expressos or Flixbus.

The problem with buses is that they are sometimes late (around 10 minutes or even 20 minutes). If you need to get somewhere at a certain time and have no alternative, take an earlier bus.

3. Uber or Taxi in Portugal

As in many European countries you have the option of being transported from one place to another by Uber or taxi. Uber, Bolt and similar transportation services are available via their official APPs. For safety reasons, be sure to read the driver’s reviews beforehand and confirm that you’re taking the correct car. Some people prefer to travel with others for safety precautions. To get a taxi, you can ask your hotel to call one for you.

4. Subway/metro in Porto and Lisbon

Whether you call it metro or subway, you will be pleased to know there is a good subway system in the Porto and Lisbon regions. 

Visit the official websites for more information on traveling by metro and buying tickets: Lisbon Metro or Porto Metro.

5. Car rental in Portugal

How to travel around Portugal when you’re going to smaller towns and villages? One way is renting a car. In terms of car rental companies, there are many options and the range of offers will obviously depend on the city or town you visit. The roads are relatively good quality and easy to drive on. However, there may be cobblestone streets that are narrow and irregular.

If you’re traveling from city to city you should know the types of roads: the national road (represented by N), primary itinerary/route (IP), complementary itinerary/route (IC), and the freeway or Autoestrada (A) which requires the payment of a toll. The toll fee is paid at certain distances, at a booth or automatically if you have Via Verde.

6. Shared bicycle or scooter around the Cities of Portugal

In many Portuguese cities, such as Braga, Porto, Lisbon, and Aveiro, you will see bicycles and scooters strategically placed around town. You can pay to use them through an app installed on your phone from the service brand or by scanning the QR code on the scooter. Be sure to follow the rules, use the appropriate paths, be careful with cars and avoid speeding to prevent injury to yourself or others. Also, please don’t leave your scooter in the middle of the sidewalk or pavement where people could trip over it. Thank you!

7. Tuk-tuk/Vehicle tour rides

In more touristy cities like Lisbon, you will be confronted with many tuk-tuk offers, which now come in several styles. Research beforehand on websites like Tripadvisor and look for offers with good reviews. Also, check the weather forecast, as some tuk-tuks or other tour vehicles may not have rain covers.

Then, there’s obviously other sightseeing service platforms that can take you around. If you’re  travelling through a travel agency, they probably have a plan designed for you.

8. Boat rides in Portugal

Living next to the ocean, and having many rivers, has its advantages. In Portugal, you can travel around the country in style by taking one of the many boat tours or ferry transfers.  To get to the Madeira Islands or Azores from continental Portugal, you’ll have to take a plane though. There are ferries, but only between the islands.

After learning how to travel around Portugal, make sure to enjoy the nature and the beauty of Portuguese landscapes.

9. Helicopter or Plane

If you love traveling by air, there are some helicopter tours, in places such as Porto. On the other hand, there’s the possibility to travel from Lisbon (Continental Portugal) to Funchal (Madeira Island) by plane in an hour and 50 minutes, or from Lisbon (Continental Portugal) to Ponta Delgada (Azores) in about 2 hours and a half.  

Note: Weather may alter your flying plans.

10. Walk

There are many walkable paths in the historic Portuguese cities. So, why not walk? If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you can also explore the hiking trails available around the country.

Check the weather and wear some nice, comfortable shoes, made for long distances. Make sure they are not slippery, which is especially important for walking when the weather is humid or rainy. If you’re exploring a city in Portugal, cobblestone streets are also quite slippery.

If you’re into hiking, learn about the 10 natural parks in Portugal.

What is the best way to travel around Portugal?

Well, there isn’t a definitive answer. How to travel around Portugal depends on the situation and the distance you need to travel. Between cities, you can take a car, bus, or train. Inside a city or village in Portugal you can usually walk around easily because there are many sidewalks. Still, if the city is hilly or you need to reach the other side of the city you may need to take a transport.