Travelling Around Portugal: A Quick Guide

Portugal is a country that invites slow travel — where winding coastal roads, scenic train rides, and easygoing ferries reveal landscapes as rich and varied as the culture itself. From the surf towns of Ericeira and Peniche to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, getting around Portugal is part of the adventure. Whether you’re catching a shuttle from Lisbon Airport, hopping a local bus to Sintra, or driving the Atlantic coast down to Lagos, you’ll find transfers and transport options that suit every kind of independent traveller.

Portugal’s transport network is efficient and traveller-friendly. The train system (Comboios de Portugal) links major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro with reliable service, while regional trains reach charming smaller towns such as Coimbra and Évora. Long-distance and local Rede Expressos buses fill the gaps, connecting rural areas and beach towns that trains don’t reach. If you prefer flexibility, private transfers and shared shuttles are easy to arrange — ideal for early flights, wine tours, or off-the-map routes through the Alentejo or Serra da Estrela.

For island lovers, ferries and domestic flights connect the mainland with Madeira and the Azores, each offering unforgettable scenery and authentic village life. Along the southern coast, small ferries also link Tavira Island, Cacela Velha, and other pockets of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, perfect for travellers who like to explore beyond the guidebook.

Planning to go beyond Portugal? Cross-border travel is straightforward and scenic. Comfortable buses and private transfers run daily from Lisbon or Porto to Seville, Madrid, and Salamanca, and several trains connect Porto with Vigo (Galicia). If you’re heading south, ferries from Portimão sail to Morocco’s port of Tangier, offering a memorable route between Europe and North Africa. Check seasonal schedules in advance, as ferry services vary throughout the year.

Independent travel in Portugal is as easy as it is rewarding. With reliable public transport, flexible transfers, and friendly locals happy to help you find your way, getting from one corner of the country to another — or even into Spain or Africa — is all part of the Portuguese experience. So pack light, stay curious, and let the journey unfold one beautiful stop at a time.