Public Transport in Portugal
Portugal maintains an extensive public transportation network, particularly concentrated in its two largest metropolitan areas: Lisbon and Porto. The system is integrated through various operators including metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains. In 2024 and 2025, the government has continued to prioritize affordability through the "Incentiva + TP" program, which subsidizes monthly passes for residents.
Urban Networks: Lisbon and Porto
In Lisbon, the Metropolitano de Lisboa serves the city center and outskirts, while Carris operates the bus and tram network. In Porto, the Metro do Porto and STCP (bus network) provide similar coverage. Both cities use contactless electronic cards for fare payment.
- Navegante (Lisbon): The Navegante Metropolitano pass costs 40 EUR ($43.60 USD, Jan 2025) and covers all 18 municipalities of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The Navegante Municipal, restricted to one municipality, costs 30 EUR ($32.70 USD, Jan 2025).
- Andante (Porto): Payment is based on zones (Z2 to Z12). An Andante Metropolitano pass costs 40 EUR ($43.60 USD, Jan 2025).
- Single Tickets: Occasional journeys typically cost between 1.30 EUR ($1.42 USD, Jan 2025) and 2.10 EUR ($2.29 USD, Jan 2025) depending on the city and payment method.
More information on routes and schedules can be found on the official Lisbon Metro website and the Porto Metro website.
Regional and National Travel
Long-distance travel in Portugal is dominated by the national rail company and various private bus express lines. The infrastructure connects major hubs from the Algarve in the south to Braga in the north.
Rail Services (CP)
Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the state-owned operator. It offers four main types of service:
- Alfa Pendular: The high-speed connection between major cities.
- Intercidades: Long-distance express trains.
- Regional/InterRegional: Slower trains connecting smaller towns.
- Urbanos: Suburban networks in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra.
Discounts of up to 65% are often available for tickets purchased more than 5 or 8 days in advance. Tickets can be booked via the CP official website.
Express Buses
For destinations not served by rail, express buses (Expressos) are a reliable alternative. Major operators include Rede Expressos and FlixBus. Prices vary by demand, with cross-country trips (e.g., Lisbon to Faro) often ranging between 5 EUR ($5.45 USD, Jan 2025) and 25 EUR ($27.25 USD, Jan 2025).
Driving and Vehicle Regulations
Driving in Portugal requires adherence to specific European Union standards. The regulatory body for transport is the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT).
Foreign Driving Licenses
As of 2022, Portugal implemented new rules regarding the recognition of foreign driving licenses. Residents with licenses issued by OECD countries (including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Brazil) or CPLP countries are no longer required to exchange their licenses for a Portuguese one, provided the following conditions are met:
- The issuing country is a signatory to international road traffic conventions.
- The license holder is under 60 years of age.
- The license is valid and has been issued/renewed within the last 15 years.
Individuals from countries not covered by these agreements must generally exchange their license within 90 days of establishing residency. Details on specific requirements are available on the IMT portal.
Tolls and Highways
Portugal has a sophisticated highway network, most of which requires toll payment. There are two types of tolls:
- Traditional Tolls: Paid via cash or card at booths.
- Electronic Tolls (Ex-SCUTs): These use overhead cameras to read license plates. They cannot be paid at the time of travel.
Foreigners and residents are strongly encouraged to use the Via Verde system, a small electronic device attached to the windshield. It automatically deducts tolls from a linked bank account and is essential for navigating electronic-only toll roads without incurring administrative fines. A temporary Via Verde device for visitors or new residents usually involves a small rental or purchase fee, approximately 5 EUR to 30 EUR ($5.45 to $32.70 USD, Jan 2025) depending on the plan chosen.
Failure to pay electronic tolls within the legal timeframe (usually 15 workdays via CTT Post Offices or PayShop) results in significant administrative fines.
