When you are lucky enough to have a long holiday in Portugal, you usually take the chance to visit several cities, or even several regions. If you start your journey in Porto and want to continue to Lisbon, or the other way round, here are the best ways to make this beautiful trip — from the most affordable option to the most independent one.
1 – The bus
A public or private means of transport widely used in Portugal, the bus is an excellent solution if you have a little time and want to discover, at a leisurely pace, the lovely views offered by the country’s almost empty motorways. Indeed, outside the big cities, there are hardly ever any traffic jams! The bus is also a good budget option, as there are many deals — often more attractive than the train.
Our favourite companies:
- Rede Expressos
- Flixbus
2 – The train
If we had to choose our favourite way to travel between Porto and Lisbon, the train would take first place. Practical, fast, affordable and far more eco-friendly than the plane or the car, the train is fully part of the journey. You can work (there is wifi on all trains), read, play with your children, chat with your partner or friends, or simply admire the beautiful Portuguese landscape. The trains are charming — a little dated, but without sacrificing comfort. The line even runs close to the ocean at the “Espinho” station near Porto, offering plenty of scenery along the way.
CP is the official train company in Portugal and operates the entire rail network. Book your tickets in advance on the CP website to get the best fares.
3 – The car
The most polluting option, but also the most independent one — ideal if you want to add a few stops along the Porto–Lisbon route, especially the superb towns and beaches found along the way. It can be a real way to travel when those stops become genuine stages of the trip. From Porto, why not stop for one or two nights in Aveiro, Coimbra, Ericeira, or in other spots that only locals — like Voyage à Porto — know about?
While we cannot change the polluting side of the car, we can offer you local rentals managed by human-scale Portuguese companies. Because responsible tourism also means favouring the local economy.
If you would like a rental proposal and a tailor-made discovery route — based on the length of your trip, your traveller profile (couple, friends, family…) and your budget, within a healthy and sustainable approach to tourism — contact us at contact@voyage-a-porto.com.
