Transportation

From Lisbon Airport (LIS), the metro red line runs straight into the city and is the cheapest option, while the Aerobus, city buses and taxis or Uber and Bolt are also easy. Rides into central Lisbon are short and affordable. Porto Airport connects to the centre by metro line E (violet). Buy a rechargeable travel card on arrival.

Lisbon has a clean metro plus buses, historic trams and funiculars, with the famous tram 28 winding through the old town. Porto runs a modern metro and buses. Both cities are easy to get around, and public transport is affordable. Trams and stations get busy with tourists, so keep an eye on your belongings.

In Lisbon, the rechargeable Viva Viagem or Navegante card covers metro, buses, trams and trains; you buy the card once and load trips or a day pass. Porto uses the Andante card across its metro and buses. Tap in as you travel. Both cards are sold at station machines and save time and money over single tickets.

Taxis are metered, plentiful and reasonably priced, usually cream or black-and-green cars. Ride-hailing with Uber and Bolt is very popular, often cheaper and easy to pay by card in the app. For taxis, confirm the meter is running and expect small surcharges for luggage or airport trips. Both are safe and widely used.

Renting a car is great for the Algarve, Sintra, wine regions and rural drives, though not needed in central Lisbon or Porto. Portugal drives on the right, roads are good, and motorway tolls are common, some collected electronically. Bring your licence and, if needed, an International Driving Permit, and check the toll system with your rental company.

The national railway CP links major cities, with fast Alfa Pendular trains between Lisbon, Porto and beyond, plus scenic regional lines. Long-distance coaches run by Rede Expressos reach almost everywhere, often cheaply. Book popular train routes ahead in summer. Both trains and buses are comfortable and reliable ways to explore Portugal.

Mainland Portugal is compact, so most travellers use trains or buses rather than flights between cities. Domestic flights matter mainly for reaching the Atlantic islands, Madeira and the Azores, from Lisbon or Porto. TAP and low-cost carriers serve these routes. For the mainland, the train is usually faster once you count airport time.

Get a rechargeable transport card on day one and use apps for maps and rides. Validate tickets before boarding to avoid fines, and keep an eye on belongings on the busy tram 28. For the Algarve and countryside a car is handy, while cities are best on foot and public transport. Save 112 for emergencies.