Trains in Portugal
Portugal’s national railway operator Comboios de Portugal is owned by the state. It manages Portugal’s rail network. The CP operates a scenic rail network which carries 145 million passengers each year. Train services are available all over the country, but they only connect significant cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Aveiro with the rest of the country. These connections are most frequent and efficient between significant cities like Faro, Faro and Coimbra.
These are the train connections provided by CP:
- Alfa Pendular (AP), which is the fastest and most comfortable direct route, travels at 220 km/h. It runs from Lisbon and Porto, as well as Coimbra and Braga in Portugal.
- Intercidades (IC) is a fast, long-distance service that travels at 200km/h. It is slightly more costly than regular trains. IC trains are more advanced and make fewer stops at significant destinations than other types.
- Regionais (R), a CP service local, stops at all stations besides the Porto and Lisbon suburbs. They are less critical than IC or AP, and they run slower.
- Urbano (U), a CP urban service for commuters, serves areas around Lisbon and Porto.
Passengers can bring their pets or bicycles aboard without paying an additional ticket. Please refer to the CP General Information Page for more details. Although CP operates in Portuguese as its primary language, some information can be found on the CP website in English. Announcements in English and Portuguese are available when you travel to or from major cities.
Prices and tickets for trains
The CP ticketing website is simple to use, provides the most up-to-date schedule information and is the fastest way for you to buy train tickets. Tickets can also be ordered through the CP mobile application or at ticket counters at stations. Tickets can be sent to your smartphone via e-mail or SMS. It is far more convenient than printing tickets. If you are unable to show your ticket to the train conductors, you will be penalized EUR120.
There are first-class options available on AP and IC trains, but they do not come with the same amenities that you’d find in other European countries, such as complimentary meals or drinks. These seats are more comfortable and have more legroom than second-class options, but they are slightly less expensive.
Book at least five (50%) or eight (65%) days ahead to get discounted train tickets Children under 4 years old are eligible to ride for free. Passengers 65 years and over receive a 50% discount, and those 13- to 25 years old receive a 25% discount.
Discounts are available for group bookings of at least four persons. Visit the CP Discounts Page for more information. If you plan on travelling extensively by train through Portugal, you might want to consider purchasing a Portugal Rail Pass, even if you are not a resident of Portugal.
Maps and timetables of trains in Portugal
Portugal has trains that run throughout the day. To travel throughout the country, late-night travellers may have to take taxis or use night buses. Both traditional timetables and itinerary planning can be done online. Google Maps and CP’s mobile app can be used to plan a trip. The CP website also has programs that can be used to locate each train line in Portugal.
Stations and stops at train stations
There are many differences between the amenities and size of Portuguese train stations. Porto’s Sao Bento Station is a stunning masterpiece of Beaux-Arts featuring world-famous, painted azulejos. It depicts scenes from Portuguese history. Gare do Oriente, Lisbon, is a modern architectural wonder. There are shops, restaurants, and international ticketing desks at both stations. Many stations have luggage storage and multilingual staff. Regional stations may only have one platform or a ticket machine. Travellers can view all available services and times at specific stations in Portugal on the CP website.
International Trains
International trains connect the major cities of Portugal and Spain. The Celta train links Porto and Vigo (Spain). Lisbon is connected to Madrid by the overnight Lusitania train. Hendaye, a French border town, can arrange trains to other European destinations. These international trains are available to book through the CP website or Spain’s national railway company, RENFE.
Buses in Portugal
Portugal is home to several private bus operators. These companies are usually organized into regional companies, which provide a bus service network beyond the CP railway system.
Rede Expressos and Rodo-Norte are the top intercity bus companies. These bus companies provide modern buses with reliable air-conditioning and comfortable seating. Some longer routes may have food or drinks. You may be able to load your pet or luggage on buses. However, it is important that you read the terms and conditions of any bus company in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
These are the primary bus services Portugal offers. These services can be found online at bus stations and on timetables.
- Alta Qualidade
- Expressos
- Rapidas
- Carreiras (CR)
You should be able to get to all places in the country, except for remote beaches or nature parks. Bus services may not be available on weekends or be very limited. To avoid missing out, you should always confirm the timetables. Carris is the bus company which operates buses in Lisbon. They run from 05:00 to 24:00. Visit their website for more information about routes and ticketing.
Rede Expressos isn’t the only international bus company operating in Portugal. It is also used by a few other bus companies within their network.
Flixbus – Offers flights from Portugal to European destinations, including Vienna, Paris and Amsterdam.
Also – Spain’s national bus company operates routes to Madrid, Sevilla and Barcelona, as well as some routes into France.
Portugal bus tickets and bus prices
Tickets for intercity bus tickets can be purchased at bus stations or online. Rede Expressos has an app available for Android and iOS. You can use it to track your travel plans and book tickets. To receive significant travel discounts and superior customer service, you can sign up for the RFLEX program.
Local buses cannot be booked in advance. To view the bus schedule, you will need to visit the stop. Tickets can be bought onboard or at a nearby kiosk. For EUR1.50-EUR2 one-way tickets to Lisbon and EUR6 per day for a pass, you can purchase tickets at a kiosk nearby. You can also get a Viva Viagem Card, which reduces fares on all Lisbon public transportation.
The card costs EUR0.50 and is valid for one year. You can top it up with EUR5-20 in various denominations. The Lisboa Card is worth looking into if you are only visiting the city for a short time. You get discounts on most tourist attractions and unlimited access to public transport.
- These are the prices for day passes in Lisbon
- One-day card: EUR20 (adults), EUR13 (4-15 years)
- Two-day card: EUR34 (adults), EUR19 (4-15 years)
- Three-day card: EUR42 (adults), EUR22.50 (4-15 years)
A monthly Andante Card can be purchased in Porto starting at EUR40. The card is valid for unlimited travel in all public transport areas within the city. An Andante Tour Card is also available for EUR40. This card allows unlimited travel for 24 (EUR7) or 72 (EUR15) hours. You can get unlimited public transport access, discounts at tourist attractions and free entry into city museums with the Porto Card. These are the prices:
- One-day card: EUR13
- Two-day card: EUR20
- Three-day card: EUR25
- Four-day card: EUR33
Maps and timetables of buses in Portugal
Portugal has buses that operate all day. There are regular routes that run between 05:00 and 24.00. Night buses are also available, but they only serve certain cities and have a limited route network. Many intercity carriers offer their services via mobile apps and websites that provide live departure information as well as timetables. Local services, programs and travel routes are best found at local bus stations (Rodoviaria or Camionagem).
Taxis, ride-sharing and other services for cars in Portugal
Taxis can be found in most major cities. Taxis can be available at any hour of the day and offer amazing deals. Weekends and holidays see rates rise 20% after 21:00. Portugal is reliable and safe. It is best to ask about the cost of the trip and provide the address of your destination to the driver. TaxiFareFinder can give you an estimate for the cost of your trip. Taxis stands can be found in major cities, close to top-end hotels, and at train stations. To arrange a taxi, you can call Retalis and Cooptaxis. Uber’s history in Portugal has been complicated. Uber is now allowed to operate in major cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Braga. Bolt and Cabify are other ride-sharing services. BlaBlaCar and Bolivia are two of the most popular ride-sharing services in Portugal. They are essential in rural areas. It is worthwhile comparing ride platforms and traditional taxis to find the one that offers the best convenience and affordability.
Public transport options in Portugal
Metro System
Lisbon and Porto are both the only cities in Portugal that have a metro network. Both networks are reliable, safe, and efficient. Lisbon’s metro system includes four lines and 52 stations. Thirty-one stations offer full access with lifts or escalators. The six lines of Porto are the most convenient ways to get to the airport. Metro runs between 06:00 – 01:00. To find your connection, consult the Porto Metro and Lisbon Metro maps.
Trams in Portugal
Lisbon and Porto offer trams, funiculars and other public transportation options. These trips are included with the Andante and Viva Viagem transit cards. These scenic routes take you to picturesque miradouros (viewpoints). You can also access the narrow streets of Alfama by historic tram 28 or 12. They are best used for daily commutes. Tourists love them. Lisbon’s trams are in good condition, but they are pretty old.
Portugal Bicycles
Portugal has also adopted cycling as a means of getting around. Major cities are served by many bike lanes. Many long-distance routes take advantage of older rail lines that run through rural areas. Riders can use Gira Bike’s bike-sharing network to drop off their bikes at different docking stations in Lisbon. After downloading the Gira App for Android or iOS, you have the option to choose from one of the following subscription options. You can pay with a credit/PayPal card, PayPal, or a cheque.
- Unlimited 45-minute rides with a 24-hour pass (EUR10)
- Monthly pass EUR15, each 45-minute ride EUR0.10 (regular bikes), or EUR0.20 for e-bikes.
- Annual pass: EUR25. Each 45-minute ride costs EUR0.10 for regular bikes and EUR0.20 for e-bikes.
Portuguese residents cannot subscribe to either a monthly or an annual subscription.
Public transport discounts and financial assistance
Portugal’s government gives citizens the opportunity to apply for Passe Social+ cards. They can take advantage of many discounts offered by train and bus operators with this card. This card is part of Portugal’s social insurance system. The card can be used to prove one’s eligibility for social security. This model can be used in the Porto or Lisbon transport systems.
Disability-Accessible public transport in Portugal
Full accessibility is possible on all public transport modes in Portugal. However, this is not always possible at all stops. The situation is improving. Bus operators are quickly deploying low-floor buses and improving audio announcements. Taxi ranks and airports will have special taxis that provide shuttle services for people with disabilities. Lisbon’s Accessible Tourism Guide provides tips and information on transportation, hotels and restaurants for those with mobility issues.
Portugal’s public transport system is eco-friendly
Transport is responsible for 25% of Portugal’s energy-related CO2 emissions. Portugal’s transport-related CO2 emissions are increasing as more people move into cities. Lisbon was awarded the 11th European Green Capital Award in 2020. Lisbon has improved and strengthened its public transportation system, simplified ticketing and offered commuters additional discounts. Public transport trips have increased by 65 million since 2018.
Lisbon has added 200km of bicycle paths to its municipality, while the Gira Bike bike-sharing system was extended throughout the city. It has increased its number of hybrid and public-electric vehicles by a significant amount. They plan to put 420 buses and 25 streetcars onto the roads by 2023. This will reduce car travel from 57% down to 33%.
Lisbon signed the Corporate Mobility Pact with 57 companies to create a more sustainable transport system. Lisbon was also the first European capital to adopt the Mobility Data Specification. This allows shared bikes and other mobility providers to access their data. This helps transport authorities improve planning and management.
Safety tips for public transport
Portugal’s public transportation system is safe and efficient. Portugal has a low crime rate, so public transport is easy to use during the day. When travelling by train, bus or other public transport hubs, it is essential to be careful with your belongings. If you rush to catch a bus or train, be extra cautious. Pickpockets could be more likely if you rush to catch a crowded train or bus. Avoid any scams by being honest with taxi drivers at the beginning of your trip about where you are going and the cost of the trip.
How to file a complaint regarding public transport
All claims, lost/found, and complaints must be made to the transport company. Here are the details.
- CP: Customer Services, Lost and Found
- Rede Expressos: Lost and Found Service
- Metro Lisboa: Complaints and Lost and Found
- Metro do Porto: Complaints, Lost and Found
- Carris: Complaints and lost, Lost and Found, and Lost
You can contact the Lost and Found Portal of Portugal for assistance in retrieving your lost items (in Portuguese).