Transport and Driving in Portugal
Transport and driving in Portugal is defined by a well-connected network of roads and rails.
The train services are prompt, clean and much more reasonably priced than you would find elsewhere in Europe. Most Portuguese towns, cities and regions are accessible by rail; and travel to neighbouring countries is also easily done. There is little difference between booking at the station or booking online, although online booking is very easy, and tickets can be sent to your mobile phone. The Portuguese train service is called CP or Comboios de Portugal.
The national bus service is reasonably priced and is often the primary mode of transit between towns. That being said, this method of transport is not always the most efficient; expats looking to get around Portugal by bus should take the express option - Rede Expresso, which runs the length and breadth of Portugal.
For those planning on driving in Portugal, the roads are well-connected, but often vary in quality; ranging from dirt tracks and potholed roads, to splendid motorways. Cobbled roads – common in older towns – are another nightmare to drive on.
Maps can vary from one to the other, and can be difficult to follow. Road signage needs to be watched carefully, as it can simply end, leaving you wondering if you are headed in the right direction. GPS is improving in the main centres, but if you use it, have a map to use for cross-referencing, as many towns, villages and streets have the same name.
The train services are prompt, clean and much more reasonably priced than you would find elsewhere in Europe. Most Portuguese towns, cities and regions are accessible by rail; and travel to neighbouring countries is also easily done. There is little difference between booking at the station or booking online, although online booking is very easy, and tickets can be sent to your mobile phone. The Portuguese train service is called CP or Comboios de Portugal.The national bus service is reasonably priced and is often the primary mode of transit between towns. That being said, this method of transport is not always the most efficient; expats looking to get around Portugal by bus should take the express option - Rede Expresso, which runs the length and breadth of Portugal.
For those planning on driving in Portugal, the roads are well-connected, but often vary in quality; ranging from dirt tracks and potholed roads, to splendid motorways. Cobbled roads – common in older towns – are another nightmare to drive on.
Maps can vary from one to the other, and can be difficult to follow. Road signage needs to be watched carefully, as it can simply end, leaving you wondering if you are headed in the right direction. GPS is improving in the main centres, but if you use it, have a map to use for cross-referencing, as many towns, villages and streets have the same name.
