Public Transportation In Portugal

Find out all you need to know about public transportation in Portugal. This guide covers everything from regional buses to historic cable cars, express trains, and busy metro systems, whether commuting to work or taking the train to the coast.

In Portugal, you don’t need a car to get around and see everything the country has to offer. Portugal has an efficient, user-friendly, and affordable public transportation system that compares favorably to any other country in Europe. We’ve put together a handy guide below to help you get started.

Public Transportation In Portugal

Despite its small size, Portugal has an extensive and easily accessible public transportation network that connects the country’s major cities and international destinations. The country’s trains, trams, buses, taxis, and funiculars are efficient, clean, and user-friendly. According to the International Union of Railways, more than 86 million rail passengers traveled 2.2 billion kilometers in Portugal in 2020, with tram and bus passengers covering an additional eight billion kilometers. In Lisbon, commuters spend 45 minutes per day on public transportation. In Portugal, one of every four transit users has a daily commute of two or more hours.

The majority of Portugal’s public transportation companies have websites and mobile apps containing up-to-date information on timetables, routes, and ticketing. Omio is a useful travel website that aggregates information from train, bus, and flight tickets in Portugal. While better prices are frequently found directly on the providers’ websites, Omio is well-presented and useful for comparing travel options.

Trains In Portugal

Comboios de Portugal, the state-owned national train operator in Portugal, manages the country’s rail system (CP). CP manages a vast, scenic rail network that transports 145 million passengers each year. While train service is available throughout the country, the most frequent and fastest connections are between major cities such as Porto, Lisbon, Aveiro, Coimbra, Faro, and Lagos.

CP offers the following train connections:

  • Alfa Pendular (AP) – With speeds reaching 220 km/h, it is the fastest, most comfortable, and most expensive direct service. This service connects Lisbon and Porto, as well as Coimbra and Braga in the north and Faro in the south.
  • Intercidades (IC) – It is a fast and slightly less expensive long-distance service with top speeds of 200 km/h. IC trains are slightly older and make a few extra stops between major cities.
  • Regionais (R) – It is CP’s local service, stopping at all stations outside of Lisbon and Porto. They are significantly slower and less sophisticated than AP and IC.
  • Urbano (U) – It is the CP’s commuter-focused urban service, primarily serving the Lisbon and Porto metropolitan areas.

Passengers may bring bicycles, pets, and luggage on board without purchasing an additional ticket. Specific conditions can be found on the CP’s general information page. Although some information on CP’s website is in English, the main language of operation is Portuguese. When arriving and departing from major cities, announcements are made in both Portuguese and English.

CP provides a mobile app for both Android and iOS that allows you to check timetables, book tickets, and edit travel itineraries.

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Train Tickets And Costs In Portugal

The CP ticketing website is relatively simple to use, offers the most up-to-date schedule information, and is the quickest way to purchase train tickets. Tickets can also be purchased through the CP mobile app or at ticket counters in train stations. Tickets can be sent to the smartphone via the app, e-mail, or SMS, which is far more convenient than printing them. You must be able to show train conductors your valid ticket upon request or face a €120 fine.

While first-class options are also available on IC and AP trains, they lack many of the amenities found in other European countries (e.g., complimentary meals, drinks, and newspapers). They do, however, provide more legroom and more comfortable seating. So, they are only slightly more expensive than second-class options.

Train tickets are discounted if purchased at least five days (50%) or a total of eight days (65%) in advance. Children under the age of four rides for free. Passengers aged 65 and under receive a 50% discount, while those aged 13 to 25 receive a 25% discount. Discounts are also available for group bookings of at least four passengers. For more information, visit the CP Discounts page.

If you intend to travel extensively by train through Portugal and are not a resident of the country, you should consider purchasing a Portugal Rail Pass.

Train Timetables And Maps In Portugal

Trains run throughout the day in Portugal, but late-night travelers will most likely need to rely on night buses or taxis to get around.

Itinerary planning and traditional timetables are widely available online. On a smartphone, travelers can plan a trip using Google Maps or the CP mobile app. The CP website also includes timetables for each train line in Portugal.

Train Stations And Stops In Portugal

Train stations in Portugal vary greatly in size and amenities. So Bento Station in Porto is a stunning Beaux-Arts masterpiece containing world-renowned painted azulejos depicting scenes from Portuguese history, while Lisbon’s Gare dó Oriente is a modern architectural marvel. There are shops, restaurants, and international ticketing desks at both. Most urban train stations have numerous amenities, such as luggage storage and multilingual staff. Smaller regional stations may only have one platform and one ticket machine.

On the CP website, travelers can also browse all of the services and timetables available at specific train stations in Portugal.

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International Trains In Portugal

International trains connect major cities in Spain and Portugal. The Celta train runs between Porto and Vigo (Spain). The overnight train Lusitania connects Lisbon to Madrid, Spain’s capital. Trains to other European destinations can be arranged in Hendaye, a French town near the border with Spain. Reservations for such international trains can be made through the CP website or through RENFE, Spain’s national railway company.

Buses In Portugal

Portugal has a plethora of private bus operators, most of which are organized into regional companies and provide a network of bus services that extend beyond the CP rail system’s reach.

Rodo-Norte (northern regions), Rede Expressos (national), and Eva Transportes are the main intercity bus companies. These companies’ buses are generally quite modern, with comfortable seating, dependable air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Some longer routes even provide food and drink. You can frequently bring luggage and pets on buses, but check the company’s terms and conditions to avoid any surprises.

Bus services in Portugal are classified into four types, which are listed on timetables available online or at bus stations:

  • Alta Qualidade: It has the deluxe quality and high-speed service between major cities.
  • Expressos: It has comfortable, fast services between major cities
  • Rapidas: It has quick regional connections
  • Carreiras (CR): It has slower regional services stopping at most small towns

With the exception of a few remote beaches or nature parks, most destinations in the country should be accessible via local bus networks. Remember that services may be scarce or non-existent on weekends. Check timetables to avoid becoming stranded.

Carris is the bus station in Lisbon. They typically operate from 05:00 to 24:00. Check out their website for information on ticketing and routes.

In addition to Rede Expressos, a few international bus companies with their own bus networks operate in Portugal.

  • Flixbus – It provides flights from Portugal to destinations throughout Europe, including Vienna, Paris, and Amsterdam.
  • Alsa – The national bus company of Spain, with routes to Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona, as well as some routes into France.
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Bus Tickets And Costs In Portugal

Intercity bus tickets can be purchased at bus stations or online. Rede Expressos has an app available for both Android and iOS. This allows you to easily book tickets and keep track of your travel plans. You can also join their RFLEX program to receive significant travel discounts and better customer service.

Local buses cannot be reserved in advance, so you must visit a bus stop to view the schedule. A ticket can be purchased on board or at a nearby kiosk. One-way tickets in Lisbon cost around €1.50-€2 or €6 for a day pass. In Lisbon, you can also obtain a Viva Viagem card, which grants you reduced fares on all public transportation in the city. The card costs €0.50, has a one-year validity period and can be topped up in denominations ranging from €5 to €20. If you are only visiting the city for a short time, you should consider purchasing the Lisboa Card, which provides discounts on most tourist attractions as well as unlimited use of public transportation.

The costs for daytime passes in Lisbon are the following:

  • One-day card: €13 (4–15 years), €20 (adults), 
  • Two-day card: €34 (adults), €19 (4–15 years)
  • Three-day card: €42 (adults), €22.50 (4–15 years)

For €40, you can get an Andante Monthly card in Porto, which allows you unlimited travel throughout the city’s transportation zones. Alternatively, you can purchase an Andante Tour card, which allows you to travel unlimited for 24 hours (€7) or 72 hours (€15). Furthermore, the Porto Card provides free admission to city museums, discounts on tourist attractions, and unlimited usage of public transportation. The following are the costs:

  • One-day card: €13
  • Two-day card: €20
  • Three-day card: €25
  • Four-day card: €33

Bus Timetables And Maps In Portugal

Buses run throughout the day in Portugal, with regular routes running from 05:00 to 24:00. There are also night buses, but they have limited routes and usually only serve major cities.

Most intercity carriers’ websites or mobile apps should have timetables and live departure information. Local bus stations (Camionagem or Rodoviária) are usually the best places to find out about travel routes, timetables, and local services.

Ride-Sharing, Taxis, And Other Car Services In Portugal

Taxis are widely available in major cities and can be inexpensive at certain times of the day. Rates typically rise by 20% after 21:00, as well as on weekends and holidays. Taxis in Portugal are quite safe and reliable, but it is still a good idea to ask for the rate upfront and provide the driver with the written form of the address of the destination. Search TaxiFareFinder to get an estimate of the cost of your trip. In major cities, there are numerous taxi ranks near train stations and high-end hotels. However, calling or arranging a taxi through services like Retalis or Cooptaxis is your best bet.

Uber has had a rocky start in Portugal, but it is now available in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, and Faro. You could also try other ride-sharing platforms like Cabify or Bolt. Ride-sharing services such as BlaBlaCar and Boleia are becoming increasingly popular in Portugal, and they are especially useful for getting to rural areas. It’s worth comparing prices between ride platforms and traditional taxis to see which provides the best value and convenience.

Other Methods Of Public Transportation In Portugal

The only metro systems in Portugal are in Lisbon and Porto. Both networks are sanitary, secure, and efficient. Lisbon’s metro system consists of four lines and 52 stations, 31 of which are fully accessible via escalators and lifts. The Porto network, which has six lines, is the most convenient method to get to the airport. The metro operates from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Consult the Lisbon Metro and Porto Metro maps to find your connections.

Trams and funiculars are also part of the public transportation networks in Lisbon and Porto. These are covered by the Viva Viagem or Andante transit cards. They are atmospheric routes to the scenic miradouros (viewpoints). You can also go through the popular historic tram 28 or tram 12 through Alfama’s narrow streets. If you are using them as part of your daily commute, try to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening, as they’re very popular with tourists.

Lisbon’s trams are old but well-kept.

Cycling is also becoming a popular mode of transportation in Portugal. A network of dedicated bike lanes is present and expanding throughout major cities, and long-distance bike paths in rural areas frequently use former rail lines.

Riders can use the Gira Bike bike-sharing network in Lisbon to pick up and drop off bikes at docking stations located throughout the city. Once you’ve downloaded the Gira app for Android or iOS, you can choose between the following subscription plans, which you can pay for with a credit card or PayPal:

  • Annual pass (€25), with each 45-minute ride having the price of €0.10 (standard bikes) or €0.20 (electric bikes) (e-bikes).
  • Monthly pass (€15), with each 45-minute ride having the price of €0.10 (standard bikes) or €0.20 (electric bikes) (e-bikes).
  • 24-hour pass (€10) with unlimited 45-minute rides.

Annual and monthly subscriptions are only available to residents of Portugal.

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Portugal Offers Financial Assistance And Discounts On Public Transportation

In addition to the various discounts provided by the country’s train and bus operators, the government of Portugal allows residents to apply for the Passe Social+ card. Individuals have to prove they are pensioners or from low-income households to obtain this card, which is essentially part of the Portuguese social security system. This model has been approved for use in the transportation systems of Lisbon and Porto.

Individuals can also get government subsidies (10% to 50% in some cases) to buy bicycles in Portugal. This is part of a larger effort to encourage people to use more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

How Disability-Accessible Is Public Transportation In Portugal?

Although the situation is improving, full accessibility across all modes of public transportation in Portugal is not yet possible at every single stop. Bus companies are quickly deploying low-floor buses and improving onboard audio announcements.

CP provides a centralized Integrated Mobility Service that is available 24 hours a day by phone (+351 707 210 746). This service allows passengers with special needs to obtain information about the accessibility of trains and stations, as well as request assistance with embarking, traveling, and disembarking.

There are companies that provide shuttle services for people with disabilities, as well as special taxis at taxi ranks and airports. The city of Lisbon has created an Accessible Tourism Guide with information on transportation, hotels, restaurants, and attractions for people with disabilities.

How Environmentally Friendly Is Portugal’s Public Transportation?

Transportation accounts for roughly 25% of Portugal’s energy-related CO2 emissions. With more people moving to cities, Portugal is under increased pressure to reduce transportation-related emissions.

Lisbon will be the 11th city to receive the European Green Capital Award in 2020. Lisbon’s public transportation fleet has been strengthened and modernized, ticketing has been simplified, and additional commuter discounts are now available. Since 2018, this has resulted in an increase of 65 million public transportation trips.

In the municipal region of Lisbon, 200 kilometers of new cycle paths have been built, and the Gira Bike bicycle-sharing system has been expanded throughout the city. The city has significantly increased the number of electric and hybrid public vehicles in its fleet. Their goal is to have 420 new buses and about 25 streetcars on the road by 2023, reducing the percentage of car trips from 57% to 33%.

Lisbon, along with 57 other leading companies, signed the Corporate Mobility Pact for a considerably more sustainable transportation system. Lisbon was also the first city in Europe to adopt the Mobility Data Specification. This opens up data from shared bicycles and other mobility providers, allowing transportation authorities to improve planning and management.

Public Transportation Safety Tips In Portugal

In Portugal, taking public transportation is both efficient and safe. Given the country’s low crime rate, you should have no trouble using public transportation during operating hours.

During peak hours, metro networks in Portugal can become quite congested.

Keep a close eye on the belongings in and around other transit hubs and major train stations, however. When rushing to catch a crowded bus or train at the last minute, you are especially vulnerable to pickpockets. To avoid scams, be upfront with taxi drivers about your destination and the cost of the trip at the start of your journey.

Making A Public Transportation Complaint In Portugal

Complaints and lost and found claims should be directed to the appropriate transportation company. The following contact information is provided:

You can also try contacting the Portuguese governments lost and found portal (in Portuguese) for help in retrieving lost items.

Useful Resources

  • CP – Portugal’s national rail carrier
  • Rede Expressos – the national intercity bus service
  • PPL – Portugal’s national cycle touring network
  • Carris – Lisbon’s public transport operator
  • Metro Lisboa – Lisbon’s metro network
  • Metro do Porto – Porto’s metro network
  • CoopTaxis – Portugal’s national taxi company