Transportation

When traveling around Portugal, there are many ways to get from place to place, and the country’s transportation is generally reliable and reasonably priced. For me, guided tours aren’t really an option—I prefer freedom and exploring at my own pace, without following a crowd.

Public transportation works well both in cities and between them. In Lisbon and Porto, the metro is efficient, and you can easily get from the airport to the city center. Rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt are widely available, and booking a taxi online is also possible; once, I even reserved a ride through Booking.com, got a discount, and was greeted at the airport by a driver holding a sign with my name. Compared to the U.S., prices for taxis and rideshares are quite affordable.

For longer distances or more flexibility, trains and buses cover most of the country, while domestic flights are an option if you want to save time. Renting a car is ideal if you want full independence, allowing you to explore smaller towns, coastal areas, and scenic routes at your own pace.