Portugal Getting Around
Getting Around by Air
Getting Around by Rail
A vast network of regional, inter-regional and suburban trains covers the country. The tourist areas of Cascais and Sintra are connected to Lisbon by frequent express trains. High-speed Alfa trains run between Lisbon and Porto via Coimbra and Aveiro. Trains heading from Lisbon south depart from Sete Rios station, cross the Ponte 25 de Abril over the Tejo to Pragal on the south bank and continue to points beyond.
Tourist tickets (Bilhetes turísticos): valid for seven, 14 or 21 consecutive days and available from main railway stations.
Cheap fares: Children under age twelve and senior citizens get discount fares of 50%, group travel (10 or more people) by 20%, return tickets by 10% and youth travel (Cartao Jovem or Euro<26 cardholders) by 30%. Family railcards and rover tickets are also available. Check Portuguese Railways online (www.cp.pt) for current promotions.
Getting Around by Road
Bus: There are frequent coach services between all Portuguese cities. For further information, contact Rede Nacional de Expressos (tel: 213 581 460; www.rede-expressos.pt).
Taxis: Taxi drivers are not generally tipped , but passengers commonly round up the fare.
Car hire: Available from major and local providers in main towns and airports, with or without driver.
Regulations: The minimum age for driving is 18 (but drivers must be at least 21 to 25 if hiring a car). Cars may be imported for up to six months. Traffic signs are international. Drivers should dip headlights in built-up areas and use side lights when parking in badly lit areas. Children should not travel in the front seat. Seat belts should be worn. Warning triangles are compulsory. It is forbidden to carry cans of petrol in vehicles. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas and 120kph (70mph) on motorways.
Emergency breakdown service: Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP) (tel: 808 502 502, within Portugal only; www.acp.pt) operates a 24-hour service.
Documentation: International Driving Permits or foreign driving licences are accepted. Third Party insurance is compulsory. Under the requirements of the Portuguese Road Code, those wishing to drive a car must possess a valid national/international driving licence, other official documentation with photograph, log book or rental contract and adequate car insurance. Failure to produce, on request to the authorities, any of the above will result in an on-the-spot cash fine. A Carnet de Passage is needed for a van.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Porto also has an underground (Metro de Porto), trams and buses.
Taxis are readily available in both cities.
Journey Times
| Air | Road | Rail | |
| Faro | 0.40 | 3.00 | 4.00 |
| Porto | 0.45 | 3.30 | 3.00 |
| Funchal | 1.40 | - | - |
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