If you are planning a move to Portugal, treat transport as part of the relocation decision rather than an afterthought. Start with the wider Portugal expat guide for the full cost, housing, and lifestyle picture.
At a glance
- Best for: expats who want compact, walkable cities and less car dependence in urban cores
- Hardest part: thinner coverage once you leave the main cities and coastal corridors
- Good fit for: people who choose a well-connected district and value simpler city living
Daily transport in the main cities
Lisbon offers a metro, trams (including the famous hillside lines), buses, ferries, and suburban trains, while Porto has a clean, modern metro plus buses. Both cities are genuinely usable without a car if you choose your neighbourhood well. Rechargeable cards (Navegante in Lisbon, Andante in Porto) cover most journeys, and monthly passes are good value for commuters.
Do you need a car?
In central Lisbon and Porto a car is often optional and sometimes a liability, given tight streets, hills, and parking pressure. It becomes far more useful in the Algarve, smaller towns, and rural areas where public transport thins out. Many expats find that picking a better-connected district removes the need for a car entirely.
Intercity and regional travel
Comboios de Portugal (CP) runs the national rail network, with faster Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services linking Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and the south. Long-distance coaches (such as Rede Expressos) fill the gaps, and the country is compact enough that exploring multiple cities before settling is easy.
Driving, licences, and setup
If you do drive, budget for tolls (many motorways use the electronic Via Verde system), fuel, and parking. EU licences are straightforward; other licence holders should check exchange and residency rules. Older street layouts and hill-heavy neighbourhoods make casual car ownership less convenient than newcomers expect.
Costs, passes, and apps
Monthly transit passes are among the better value in Western Europe, and ride-hailing (Uber and Bolt) is widely available and reasonably priced in the cities. Combining a transit pass with occasional ride-hailing is a common, economical setup.
Practical tips for expats
- Check the hilliness and walkability of your specific street, not just nearby transit lines.
- Confirm whether your daily needs sit inside the connected city core or in outer, car-reliant areas.
- Factor in airport and train access if you expect frequent regional or international travel.
Final thoughts
Portugal is easiest when transport is built into your choice of city and neighbourhood. If commuting, errands, and longer trips all work from your base, daily life becomes noticeably smoother and cheaper.
FAQ
Can I live in Portugal without a car?
Often yes in central Lisbon and Porto, but it depends heavily on your district and daily routine.
Is ride-hailing available?
Yes. Uber and Bolt operate widely in the main cities at reasonable prices.
What about tolls?
Many motorways use electronic tolling (Via Verde), so set this up before long drives to avoid fines.