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Getting Around & Where to Stay
Updated March 2025Route Planner
CP (Comboios de Portugal)
Portugal's national railway. Plan journeys, check schedules, and book tickets for trains across the country.
Airport Transfers
ℹ️ Prices are approximate and may vary — confirm exact fares when booking.
Public Transport
Tickets
Lisbon: single EUR 1.65, 24h pass EUR 6.80, zapping (pay-as-you-go) EUR 1.47/trip. Porto: single EUR 1.40-2.60 by zone, Andante 24h EUR 7.00.
Viva Viagem (Lisbon) / Andante (Porto) — tourist transport card for unlimited rides and discounts.
Learn moreTaxis & Rideshare
Bolt
app~~EUR 4-10 city rides
Very popular in Lisbon and Porto. Usually the cheapest ride-hailing option.
Visit websiteUber
rideshare~~EUR 5-12 city rides
Available in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve. Reliable and well-established.
Visit websiteFREE NOW
app~Metered taxi rates
Hails licensed taxis in Lisbon and Porto. Good alternative during peak demand.
Visit websiteTraditional taxis
traditional~EUR 3.25 start + EUR 0.47/km
Cream-colored in Lisbon, beige in Porto. Always insist on the meter.
Intercity Travel
Alfa Pendular (high-speed)
CP
Lisbon-Porto 2h40, Lisbon-Faro 3h. Portugal's fastest train, book Promo fares early.
Book ticketsIntercidades
CP
Slightly slower than Alfa Pendular but cheaper. Good coverage across the country.
Book ticketsRede Expressos (Bus)
Rede Expressos
Extensive bus network reaching towns not served by rail. Lisbon-Porto EUR 20, 3.5h.
Book ticketsFlixBus
FlixBus
Budget intercity and international routes. Often cheapest option.
Book ticketsWhere to Stay
Links below may be affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices as of 2025 — check current rates before booking.
Lisbon Destination Hostel
budgetLisbon
Inside Rossio train station, stunning location with rooftop terrace
Book on Booking.comHotel Borges Chiado
mid-rangeLisbon
Classic hotel in the heart of Chiado, walking distance to all major sights
Book on Booking.comGallery Hostel
budgetPorto
Art-filled hostel on Rua Miguel Bombarda gallery street
Book on Booking.comHotel Infante Sagres
mid-rangePorto
Grand historic hotel on Praca da Liberdade, beautifully restored
Book on Booking.comCasa Modesta
mid-rangeFaro
Charming Algarve guesthouse with pool and countryside views
Book on Booking.comUseful Apps
Transport
Maps & Navigation
Google Maps
Reliable navigation with good public transport integration for Portuguese cities.
DownloadTranslation
Google Translate
Helpful for Portuguese menus and signs. Download the Portuguese offline pack before your trip.
DownloadFood & Dining
Zomato
Restaurant reviews and food delivery in Lisbon and Porto. Great for finding local restaurants.
DownloadTips for Getting Around Portugal
Portugal’s rail network connects the major cities efficiently, with the Alfa Pendular high-speed train being the best way to travel between Lisbon and Porto (2h40). Book CP Promo tickets online at least a week ahead for discounts up to 65%. For the Algarve region, trains run along the coast from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, but buses from Rede Expressos are often more practical for inland destinations and smaller towns.
Navigating Lisbon and Porto
Lisbon is famously hilly — the metro and iconic tram 28 help tackle the steep climbs. Load a Viva Viagem card with zapping credit for the cheapest fares (EUR 1.47 vs EUR 1.65 for single tickets). In Porto, the metro reaches most areas including the airport and beach at Matosinhos. The Andante card works on metro, buses, and some trains within the Porto urban area. Both cities are also very walkable, but prepare for hills and cobblestones — wear comfortable shoes.
Practical Tips
- Portugal offers exceptional value compared to most Western European countries, especially for dining and accommodation
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated — rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is common
- Bolt and Uber are significantly cheaper than traditional taxis and very reliable in Lisbon and Porto
- Avoid tram 28 during peak hours as pickpockets target the crowded carriages — ride early morning or late evening instead
- The Lisboa Card (EUR 22 for 24h) includes unlimited transport and free entry to 39 museums and monuments