Transport Options To And From Portugal
Portugal Transport Information
International Transport Information
Air
The national airline in Portugal is TAP Air Portugal. Direct flights can be made to Lisbon, Faro, and even Porto from various countries. If you utilize Portugalia Airlines, these are flights operated only in Europe.
7km from the city centre is the Lisbon Airport. Driving time is approximately 35 minutes. If you need a carris bus into the city they are available, as well as the main railway stations. There is also an Aerobus that departs every 20 minutes at 7:45 and runs until 20:15. The shuttle bus will take you to either Estoril or Cascais once an hour from 7:00 to 22:30. It also offers an Express bus that travels to several destinations around the country. Then of course you can utilize the Taxi services, but after 22:00 there is a 20% surcharge on weekends or holidays. The airport facilities include: currency exchange, banks, car hire, information for guests, a post office, as well as several other benefits.
4km from the city centre is Faro Airport. Driving time is approximately 30 minutes. There are EVA buses that are setup with the airport that can take you to various parts of the city. If you are looking for a taxi there are plenty available. The airport facilities include: currency exchange, bank, car rental, restaurants, bars, and various other options.
20km from the city centre is Porto Airport. You can utilize buses and taxes here, while the airport facilities include: currency exchange, bank, car rental, restaurant, bar, and other options.
Rail
If you’re looking to take the rail from the United Kingdom and Europe, the fastest way to get where you need to go is Eurostar. Daily services are offered between London, Paris and Lisbon, which takes around 26 hours. There is also an ES Sud-Express, which offers first class seat, sleepers, as well as other advantages. It runs between Paris and Lisbon. If you need more information you visit their site at:
www.eurostar.com or www.raileurope.com
We recommend purchasing a Rail Pass if you plan on traveling more than 2 countries. This will save you money on your overall train travel.
Bus
Whether it’s Coimbra, Faro, Lagos, Lisbon or Porto, the Eurolines are plentiful and offer services to several different destinations. You can get more information by visiting:
www.eurolines.com
Car
When cars are available as well, but the only land border is shared with Spain. It doesn’t matter what time you need a vehicle, border posts are open 24/7. However, the smaller venues might be closed during the winter months. If you’re coming from the United Kingdom, it’s best to take the ferry links which are from Plymouth to Santande and Portsmouth to Bilbao. If you need to bring a vehicle across, they can be imported for six months. Just remember that you need a valid national/international driver’s license, as well as car insurance, documents with photograph, a log book or rental contract, and possibly more. If you cannot produce this information upon request, you will be hit with a cash fine by authorities. If you rent a van you will need a Carnet de Passage. If more information is needed we recommend contacting the Eurotunnel Reservations at:
www.eurotunnel.co.uk
Sea
In order to take advantage of sea transports we recommend contacting the shipping companies directly. However, the main ports are Lisbon, Leixoes, Funchal, and Portimao. All are served by Cunard and P&O.
Domestic Transport
Air
When taking a domestic flight, TAP Air Portugal and Portugalia offer services between Lisbon, Faro, Madeira, Poro Santo, Oporto, and the Azores. If you need a charter flight you will access to those as well. Sociedade Acoriana de Transportes Aereos or SATA is the Azores airline, which flies back and forth between several different islands. You can learn more by visiting:
www.sata.pt
Metro
There are underground metro systems located in Lisbon and Porto. When you travel in Lisbon there are 4 different lines that connect with both ferry and rail services. In Porto there are only 2 lines. You can find additional information for each location at either:
www.metrolisboa.pt or www.metro-porto.pt
Tram rides are plentiful as well and are considered to be a great way to enjoy the scenery. When you travel in Lisbon you will need a tourist pass for either 4 or 7 days. This will allow you to travel the trams, buses, and metro. Tourists can utilize the Lisboa Card that gives you unlimited bus, metro and tram for either 1 day or 3. It also gives you entrance to twenty-five different museums.
Rail
When visiting Cascais and Sintra, they are very well connected to the frequent express trains that run out of Lisbon. If you want a true adventure and need to get somewhere fast, the high-speed Alfa trains run between Lisbon and Porto by Coimbra and Aveiro. You can also take the Fertagus trains in Lisbon that operate between Entrecampus and Fogueteiro. One of the best parts about this rid is that the trains cross the River Tagus, which is a beautiful site.
If you aren’t sure where you are going, you can get rail service information to every town by visiting:
www.cp.pt
If you want fast and comfortable, we recommend Alfa Pendular, which links between Lisbon and Algarve. There will also be stops in Porto, Braga, Guimaraes, as well as Coimbra and Aveiro. Inter-city options include; Lisbon, Porto, Alentejo and Lisbon to Algarve routes. Then of course, the International Sud-Express train leaves from Lisbon and Porto. The Lusitania Hotel train also leaves from these same two areas.
There are special rates available Monday-Thursday that are known as the “Blue Days.” You get purchase tourist tickets at a discounted rate for 7, 14 or 21 days. This is all for unlimited travel. You can also receive special fares if you bring along a group (10 or more people), as long as you travel the minimum distance for either a single journey or return journey (75 or 150km respectively). In order to book your purchase, applications should be submitted at least 4 days in advance. You can use the Rail Cheque to purchase tickets from many other railway services and with a company name you receive an additional 10% discount.
Individuals in between the ages of 12 and 26 also receive discounts from the International Youth Ticket. Granted, conditions do apply, but this is offered in Portugal for 2 months and 25 other countries as well. If you’re a senior citizen you will enjoy a 50% discount. Just remember that you are required to show proof of age. If you have children under the age of 4 then there is no cost for them. Those between 4 and 11 get a 50% discount as well. We recommend looking into all the Portuguese Railway offering to maximize your savings.
Bus
If you need a coach service, you can visit:
www.rede-expressos.pt
There are several services available that travel between all Portuguese cities, plus an extensive bus network in Lisbon. You can find additional information at:
www.carris.pt
Car
You can hire a car in main towns or airports. Keep in mind you must be at least 18 years of age to drive the vehicle, but 21 to 25 for hiring one. Remember that you must have a valid driver’s license, as well as official documentation with photograph, log book or rental contract. You are also required to have car insurance. If you do not produce any of these to the authorities, you will be hit with a cash fine. 3rd party insurance is compulsory. We could explain that seat belts must be worn at all times, and no child is allowed riding in the front seat. You are not allowed to care cans of petrol in your vehicle, and the speed limit is 50kph. If you go outside built-up areas you can travel at 90kph and on motorways at 120kph. If you want to import a vehicle you can do so for up to six months.
Taxi
When utilizing a taxi service you will be charged by distance. They are normally a beige color, but on occasion there are green and black versions that are still around. There is a standard fare when you travel in the city, and outside of it you are charged per kilometre. However, they are entitled to charge you for the return fare and even costs you money for carrying luggage for you in the city. We just want to prepare you if taxis are your best option.
Sea/River
There is coastal port transportation available if you travel along the major rivers. Please contact the local port area for more information.