How do tourists get around Portugal?

There are some fun ways to get around Portugal, like ferries, boats, bikes, trams, funiculars, elevators (you won't get far on those-but you will get high up!:). There are also sensible and fast ways like metros, shared rides, or rental cars.



Tourists in Portugal in 2026 primarily use a high-efficiency mix of high-speed rail (Alfa Pendular) and regional buses. For travel between Lisbon and Porto, the train is the "gold standard," reaching speeds of 220 km/h and taking under 3 hours. Within cities, the metro and iconic yellow trams are the primary movers; in Lisbon, the Lisboa Card provides unlimited access to these. For the rugged Algarve coast or the Douro Valley vineyards, renting a car is highly recommended, as public transport to smaller villages can be infrequent. A 2026 trend is the rise of "micro-mobility"—electric scooters and e-bikes are ubiquitous in coastal towns. For those seeking ease over budget, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are extremely affordable in Portugal compared to other Western European nations, making door-to-door travel highly accessible.

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Portugal is not a large country and you can get almost everywhere easily and efficiently by train or bus. Regional trains are often cheaper and some lines very scenic, but it's almost always quicker to go by bus – especially on shorter or less obvious routes.

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Lisbon city counsil almost unanimously approved the proposal of free public transport for young people up to 18 years old, higher education students up to 23 years old and people over 65 years old. This free pass, which should encourage the use of public transport, is valid for residents of the city.

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In nine to 12 days, you can expect to see a generous chunk of all that Portugal has to offer, from its most sensational cities to sublime vineyards and beaches, on a north-to-south trip.

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When is the best time to visit Portugal? Where is this? The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.

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While Lisbon is the most expensive city to live in Portugal, it is quite affordable when compared to other countries in western Europe, although, what once was a cheap city has seen its prices creeping up. This said, the cost of living in Lisbon for international students and expats is usually still very affordable.

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In Portugal pumping gas is a self-service affair. It is important to pay in cash, as some gas stations may not accept the magnetic swipe cards common in the U.S. (The ones that do accept these cards will encounter a surcharge of 50 Euro cents.)

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Portugal is not a large country and you can get almost everywhere easily and efficiently by train or bus. Regional trains are often cheaper and some lines very scenic, but it's almost always quicker to go by bus – especially on shorter or less obvious routes.

MORE DETAILS