Getting around
in Portugal is an easy and interesting undertaking. There are numerous
possibilities from planes and trains to buses, car-rental agencies,
bicycles, trams, taxis, the underground metro in Lisbon and the state
funiculars. Lisbon's transport system is still the best and cheapest
way.
Flying inside Portugal is an expensive decision, if one considers the
short distances involved. Trains are much cheaper, but you can also
choose to go by bus, especially because there’s a large number of
private companies operating express services between the major cities.
The
picturesque Costa Azul (Blue Coast) region is accessible by train via
Barreiro station on the south side of the River Tagus. This means you
would have to take a boat across the river first.
Fertagus, a
private rail operator, makes the connection between both sides of the
Tagus river, crossing the 25 April suspension bridge on route.
- Trams and Buses:
the Carris (trams and buses company operating in Lisbon) has, besides
the normal services, several special services for tourists and
handicapped visitors (21 758 56 76 or 21 361 31 61). It's always
cheaper if you buy your tickets in advance. The tourist circuits take
visitors through Lisbon in open-top panoramic buses or in the 19th
century trams. There are three tours: the Carris Tour, made through
down town and the historical site of Belém; the Hills Tour, that takes
the visitors to the historical city; and the AeroBus, a direct
connection to the Airport, to the city centre and to Cascais line
trains. Also not be missed are the funiculars of Bica and Glória. Try
these unusual funiculars to get in touch with some of the most typical
quarters of Lisbon.
- Metro: the Lisbon underground
metro works from 06h30 a.m. up to 01h00 a.m. and the tickets costing
0,60 Euros are valid for just one trip. Alternatively, you can choose
between a 7 day ticket or a 10 journey ticket.
Metro, in the rush
hour, is almost impossible to catch, unless you enjoy travelling like a
sardine. But is always interesting to get off in almost every metro
station and enjoy the Art-deco, amazing panels of tiles, sculptures,
and paintings turned into real masterpieces.
This is our favourite way to get around Lisbon. It's cheap, cool and fast!
- Ferries:
Transtejo is the company responsible for the fluvial crossing of the
Tagus River. Everyday, people from the other side of the river have to
cross it to work in Lisbon or around the capital. This company also has
Tagus Cruises, a tourist service that allows you to see Lisbon from the
river . This is one of our favourites, specially at the end of the day,
when the sunset can make this romantic crossing unforgettable.
- Taxis:
Taxis in Lisbon are beige and usually have the word TAXI on top.
Journeys start with a standard charge of around 2 Euros and the
distance is metred from then on. Make sure you don't forget anything as
it is so hard to find that taxi again and, if you do, it's very rare to
get your things back.
- Car rental: Hiring a car
and driving around is the most economical option if you're travelling
with more than two persons. But, even if you're alone, and you want to
visit the surrounding areas of Lisbon with total independency, this
would be the best choice. We recommend
Discount Rent a Car.
