How to Travel Around Portugal

One of the most exciting aspects of visiting European countries like Portugal is how easy it is to travel around to see all the major sites, since European countries are considerably smaller than the U.S. There are multiple ways to travel around Portugal, and the best option will certainly depend on your destination and budget for your trip. Keep these options in mind while planning how you will travel around Portugal and you'll be able to see all the major sites the country has to offer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Rent a car at any of the major rental companies. Most of the brands will be easily recognized by visitors, since companies like Budget, Hertz and Avis are available all over the world. You can even book a rental car with a nice discount along with your tickets and hotel online at sites like Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia (see Resources below).
2. Use the public transportation systems in the major cities. Lisbon has a well-developed public transportation system that includes a subway system as well as a light rail system. You can find maps and fare information on the English version of the Lisbon Metro website (see Resources below).
3. Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes to walk around in Portugal. Cobblestones are common and are sometimes difficult to walk on with leather soles or high heels, especially if the cobblestones are wet. Lisbon is known for its breathtaking views, but this is at the expense of serious inclines, so be prepared for some exercise if you tackle these roads.
4. Find a taxi. Taxis are readily available for you to travel around metropolitan areas of Portugal. Be prepared for some exciting rides, especially through the roads of Lisbon, since taxi drivers tend to be even more adventurous with their driving than the average citizen.
5. Ride the commuter trains to locations outside of the major cities. Though these trains can be slightly less luxurious than their American counterparts, the views while you travel through the Portuguese countryside are absolutely breathtaking. Visit Rail Europe for more information on the major rail lines, or visit the CP Portuguese Rail Company website for information about transit inside of Portugal (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Traffic is usually extremely congested throughout the day in major Portuguese cities. If you need to get anywhere during rush hour, consider walking or biking instead of sitting in traffic for hours.
• Road manners in Portugal, and especially in and around Lisbon, are not very highly regarded, so you'll want to be especially careful of the erratic driving in these areas.