Getting

Around

Arriving by Air

Lisbon, Porto and Faro are the main airports for long-haul flights into Portugal, while European budget airlines fly to cities across Portugal year-round at very reasonable prices. These European companies also offer very good rates on regular internal flights.

For information on getting to and from Portugal’s main airports, see the table opposite.

Driving

Although Portuguese roads are renowned for being accident-prone, with the country suffering the highest road fatality rate in Europe in 2000, in 2015, the World Economic Forum pronounced the road network itself to be the best in the continent. A comprehensive motorway system allows for speedy travel between major cities, although some less-travelled rural roads may be in need of repair. Make sure you are familiar with the rules of the road and carry all necessary documentation with you at all times.

Driving to Portugal

The quickest route into the country is to cross the French–Spanish border at Irun, then take the E80 motorway to Vilar Formoso on the Portuguese border. Southern Spain connects to the Algarve’s main artery, the A22, which intersects the E1 (Portugal’s north–south lifeline) near Albufeira.

Most of the main motorways in Portugal are toll roads which are paid electronically. The easiest system to use is EasyToll, which matches your credit card to your licence plate and automatically deducts the necessary funds. Payments and details can be managed on its website.

If you bring your own foreign-registered car, you must carry a valid driver’s licence, proof of ownership, insurance and address, as well as an up-to-date MOT certificate. After 183 days, the car must either be registered in Portugal or taken to another country.

EasyToll

∑ portugaltolls.com

Car Rental

Car hire agencies can be found in main towns and at airports. To rent a car in Portugal you must be over 18 and have held a valid driver’s licence for at least one year, although those under 25 usually need to pay a surcharge.

Prices drop considerably in the low season and some companies offer special off-peak and weekend deals. As Portuguese drivers are infamously erratic, it is sensible to arrange third-party insurance beforehand or take the pricier “no excess” insurance deals offered upon pick-up. Most car hire companies give the option to pay all road toll fees upon the vehicle’s return.

Rules of the Road

When using a car in Portugal, drive on the right and use the left lane only for passing other vehicles. The wearing of seat belts are required for all passengers and heavy fines are incurred for using a mobile phone while driving. Drivers are required to stop at pedestrian crossings. The blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.5mg/ml and is very strictly enforced. Dashboard cameras are illegal in Portugal, as they contravene privacy laws.

Always carry your passport, licence and insurance details. In the event of an accident or breakdown, the driver and passengers must don a fluorescent yellow safety vest and erect a collapsible warning triangle 50 m (164 ft) behind the vehicle. Both of these items must be stored in the trunk at all times. Driver’s licences issued by any EU member state are valid throughout the EU, including Portugal. If visiting from outside the EU, you may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The local motoring association, the ACP (Automóvel Club de Portugal), has a reciprocal breakdown service with most other international motoring organizations. To qualify, drivers should take out European cover with their own organization. Should you be involved in a road accident, the emergency services number is 112. If you have simply broken down, call the ACP or, if driving a hired car, check the instructions supplied by your chosen company.

ACP

§ 808 222 222

∑ acp.pt

Train Travel

International Train Travel

There are two main routes into Portugal by train. The famous Sud Express train departs daily at 6:45pm from Irun on the French–Spanish border, and splits near Coimbra, arriving into Lisbon and Porto. Irun can be reached from Austerlitz station in Paris. Travelling from London to Lisbon, using the Eurostar to reach Paris, and then the Sud Express to Lisbon, takes approximately 30 hours. Alternatively, the overnight train from Madrid takes 10 hours.

Both routes are operated by the Spanish state-run service Renfe. You can purchase tickets online or at international train stations in Portugal. Book ahead in peak season (Jul–Aug).

Eurostar

∑ eurostar.com

Renfe

∑ renfe.com

Domestic Train Travel

Portugal’s national rail operator is CP (Comboios de Portugal). Most of the country is served by rail, although some of the more remote lines have been made obsolete by new road links. CP runs two types of train service, with routes spanning from north of Braga to Faro, some of which take in Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto. The new Alfa Pendular trains are faster, more comfortable and have free Wi-Fi, while Intercidades trains are older, cheaper and stop regularly. Trains should be pre-booked, either online or at the station, except for journeys on urban rail networks (urbanas), such as Lisbon’s Sintra and Cascais lines. A conductor will validate tickets on-board and will often ask for ID. Tickets for urbanas can be bought at the station prior to departure and should be validated at the ticket machines on the platform before boarding.

CP

∑ cp.pt

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Travelling to Portugal by coach is cheap but time consuming. Flixbus offers routes into Portugal from destinations across Western Europe.

National coach travel is far more convenient. Coach companies in Portugal are competitive and offer efficient, comfortable services. Rede Expressos covers most of Portugal, linking Braga, Porto, Lisbon and Faro. As a rule, you can no longer buy tickets on-board for long distance trips and there are discounts for booking early.

Tickets for shorter trips, however, can be bought at the station or from the driver. EVA covers the Algarve particularly well, with various discounted ticket deals, and Rodonorte focuses on the extreme north.

Organized coach tours are plentiful, especially from major cities and in the Algarve. Tourist offices, hotels and travel agencies can advise on which company might best suit your needs.

EVA

∑ eva-bus.com

Flixbus

∑ flixbus.com

Rede Expressos

∑ rede-expressos.pt/en/

Rodonorte

∑ rodonorte.pt

Public Transport

In most cities and towns, bus services suffice as the sole means of public transport. However, larger cities operate multiple services including trains, buses, trams and metro systems. Major transport authorities include Coimbra’s SMTUC (Serviços Municipalizados de Transportes Urbanos de Coimbra); Porto’s STCP (Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto); and Carris in Lisbon. In the Algarve, buses are run privately and several companies operate between cities. Safety and hygiene measures, timetables, ticket information, transport maps, and more can be obtained from their respective offices or online.

Carris

∑ carris.pt/en

SMTUC

∑ smtuc.pt

STCP

∑ stcp.pt/en/travel

Lisbon and Porto

Portugal’s two largest cities have extensive public transport networks comprising buses, metro systems, trams and funiculars. The metro runs until 1am and is the most convenient way to travel, while trams and funiculars are pleasant, but generally less practical. Buses go just about everywhere and some services run through the night on a reduced schedule.

The price of a single ticket varies for each method of transport. Both cities offer travel cards that allow comprehensive access across networks at a discounted rate. Travel cards (Lisbon’s Viva Viagem and Porto’s Andante) can be bought in the main metro and train stations. There is a small charge (€0.50/€0.60) to purchase the card itself and each traveller must have their own. Cards can be topped up in advance or loaded with a 24-hour pass.

In Lisbon, a basic 24-hour pass (€6.40) allows unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams and funiculars. Advanced passes either include access to Lisbon’s urban rail network (Cascais, Sintra, Estoril) or to ferry services across the Tagus. In Porto, the price is graded by distance, according to the city’s zone system, and can be used on the metro, buses and urban trains. A 2-zone pass (€4.15) covers most areas of interest, while 4-zone tickets include the airport.

Taxis

Taxis in Portugal are relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe and can work out as being cheaper than public transport for large groups travelling together. Most taxi drivers only accept cash and can be hailed in the street and at taxi ranks.

In cities, always take an official, metered taxi. A green light indicates that the taxi is available and two green lights mean a higher rate of charge. Ensure that the meter is on, suggest agreeing on a price for longer routes and always check the extra cost for luggage before setting off. The average starting rate for a taxi is €3.25 by day, although rates differ between companies and are usually 20 per cent higher between 10pm and 6am. In smaller towns, taxis can usually be found at ranks in the centre and several local firms may operate in each area. In the Algarve, many visitors choose private hire cars or mini buses, as taxi rank queues are often long in peak season and taxis can rarely be booked in advance. It is common to tip by rounding up the fare.

Cycle and Scooter Hire

Portugal’s historic city centres are ill-equipped for bicycles, but popular cycling routes exist on the flatter fringes and you can rent bicycles in most towns and cities. Long-distance journeys are best attempted during the milder shoulder seasons when the roads are quieter.

Scooters are suitable for short journeys; inter-city travel really requires a motorcycle. Most rental companies require a deposit and ask you to leave your passport at the shop. You must have a driver’s licence valid for your desired bike category. 50cc vehicles are forbidden on motorways and riders must wear helmets by law.

Walking and Hiking

Most of Portugal’s historic town and city centres, including Lisbon and Porto, are fairly compact and can easily be covered on foot.

Beyond the cities, Portugal is a fantastic destination for walkers and hikers, but planning and good preparation are essential. Ensure you have good walking boots, suitable clothing and plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike in the heat of the day. Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

Islands and Ferries

Several national airlines run daily direct flights to Madeira and the Azores from Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Flights between islands are the fastest way to get around. TAP flies several times a day between Funchal and Porto Santo in the Madeira group; on the Azores, flights are operated by SATA. Flights to Flores and Corvo are often disrupted by bad weather, so it is a good idea to insure against delays.

A network of passenger ferries operated by Atlânticoline links all the islands of the Azores, allowing visitors to explore the archipelago by sea. Journey times range from 30 minutes to 18 hours, and as a rule, shorter services run more frequently. Azores Islands Travel offers a special three-in-one ticket between the islands of Pico, Faial and São Jorge.

Atlânticoline

∑ atlanticoline.pt

Azores Islands Travel

∑ azoresislands.travel

SATA

∑ sata.pt

TAP

∑ flytap.com

Need to know Getting Around

At a Glance

Need to know Getting Around

Need to know Getting Around

Need to know Getting Around

••• Direct car routes