Portugal (PT)

Portugal is a parliamentary republic on the southwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west — a nation of fado music, Age of Discovery seafaring heritage, golden beaches from the Algarve to the Silver Coast, world-famous port wine and Douro Valley vineyards, and a warm, welcoming culture that has made it one of Europe's most beloved expat destinations.

Capital: Lisbon

Region: Europe

Language: Portuguese

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)

Emergency: 112

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Portugal.

Public Transport Overview

Portugal's public transport is operated by a mix of national and municipal companies. Lisbon has a metro (4 lines), buses (CARRIS), trams (iconic 28E), ferries across the Tagus, and suburban trains (Fertagus, CP Urbanos de Lisboa). Porto has a metro (6 lines covering the wider metropolitan area), buses (STCP), and suburban trains (CP Urbanos do Porto). Tickets are purchased via the Navegante card (Lisbon) or Andante card (Porto) — both rechargeable contactless smart cards that work across all transport modes within their respective metropolitan areas. Monthly passes are very affordable at €40/month (Lisbon full metro area) and €30/month (Porto).

Main operators:

CP (Comboios de Portugal) — national rail operator (Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, Regional, Urbano services)CARRIS — Lisbon buses and trams (including iconic Eléctrico 28)Metro de Lisboa — 4-line metro network (Blue, Yellow, Green, Red lines)Metro do Porto — 6-line metro (including airport link)STCP — Porto urban busesFertagus — cross-Tagus commuter trains (Lisbon south bank)Transtejo/Soflusa — Tagus ferry services (Cacilhas, Barreiro, Montijo, Seixal)TST/Transdev — Setúbal peninsula bus networkRede Expressos — intercity long-distance coaches (national)FlixBus — intercity and international coach services

🎫 Transit Passes

Navegante Metropolitano €40/month (2026)

Unlimited travel on all transport modes in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area — metro, CARRIS buses/trams, CP suburban trains, Transtejo ferries, TST, Sulfertagus. Covers Lisbon + Setúbal + Almada + Barreiro + Odivelas etc.

💡 Available at Navegante counters, metro stations, or online at navegante.pt. Under-18 and over-65 discounted passes available. A game-changer for those commuting in Greater Lisbon.

Andante 360 €30/month (2026)

Unlimited travel on all transport modes in the Porto Metropolitan Area — Metro do Porto, STCP buses, CP suburban Porto trains, some regional buses.

💡 Available at Metro do Porto stations and online. Porto's metro network extends far into the suburbs including the airport and Matosinhos.

Navegante Lisboa (Municipal) €30/month (2026)

Metro de Lisboa + CARRIS buses and trams within Lisbon municipality only.

💡 Cheaper option for those who live and work within Lisbon city limits without needing suburban trains.

CP Alfa Pendular €25–50 single (Lisbon–Porto), discounts with advance booking

High-speed tilting train: Lisbon (Oriente) to Porto (Campanhã) in 2h45m. Also serves Aveiro, Coimbra, Braga, Guimarães.

💡 Book at cp.pt — 30% discount for advance purchase. Most comfortable and fastest intercity train in Portugal.

Taxi & Rideshare

Licensed taxis in Lisbon and Porto are cream/beige coloured with a green roof light. Starting fare €3.25 (2026). Airport to central Lisbon: €15–25. Standard fare: €0.50/km. Taxis are affordable by Western European standards. Always request a receipt (recibo). Taxis in the Algarve (especially Faro airport) are more expensive. Hailing on the street is common; apps (Táxi App, MyTaxi/FREE NOW) also work.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Uber is dominant across Portugal — Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Faro, Braga all well-served. Bolt is the main competitor and often 10–20% cheaper. Both operate surge pricing. For airport transfers, pre-booking Uber is often cheaper than taxis. Cabify also operates in Lisbon.

Cycling

Cycling infrastructure is improving rapidly in Lisbon and Porto but remains limited compared to northern Europe. Lisbon's hills make cycling challenging without an e-bike — Gira (electric bike sharing, €2/30min) is popular for flat routes along the Tagus waterfront. Porto is flatter and more cycleable. National cycling route EuroVelo 1 (Atlantic Coast) passes through Portugal. Helmets not legally required for adults but recommended.

Intercity Trains

CP (Comboios de Portugal) operates Alfa Pendular (fastest, Lisbon–Porto 2h45), Intercidades (Lisbon–Porto 3h15, Lisbon–Algarve 3h), and Regional trains. The southern line (Lisbon–Algarve: IC to Faro 3h) is popular. Lisbon has two main stations: Oriente (Alfa Pendular, Intercidades) and Santa Apolónia. Porto: Campanhã (intercity) and São Bento (beautiful azulejo station, regional). Pre-book at cp.pt — significant discounts 5–30 days ahead.

Driving

Portugal drives on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on main roads, 120 km/h on motorways (autoestradas). Most motorways are tolled via electronic systems — a Via Verde transponder or EasyToll account is essential. IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) handles driving licences, registration, and vehicle inspections. EU licences valid indefinitely; non-EU licences must be exchanged within 90 days of obtaining residence. Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/L BAC (0.2 g/L for new and professional drivers). Annual vehicle inspection (IPO) required from 4 years old. IUC (road tax) paid annually to AT based on engine displacement and CO2 emissions.

Airports

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS): Metro Red Line direct to Aeroporto station — into central Lisbon in 20 minutes, €1.85 (Viva Viagem card needed). Uber/Bolt: €10–20 to central Lisbon. Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO): Metro Purple Line (E) to Trindade central hub in 35 minutes. Faro Airport (FAO): taxis to Faro city centre, Rede Expressos coaches to Lisbon (4.5h), Uber available. Azores: Ponta Delgada (PDL) on São Miguel is main hub; inter-island flights via SATA Air Azores.