Portugal has a dense and accessible public transport network, with trains, trams, buses, taxis, and funiculars that are clean, efficient, and user-friendly. The country's bus transportation system is run by a wide array of private companies, with services operated by regional carriers and local bus networks.
For long-distance travel, Portugal has a network of express buses, with Rede Expressos offering daily services across the country. Other key intercity bus operators include Rodonorte in the north, Rodotejo in the Ribatejo, Rodoviária do Alentejo in the Alentejo, and EVA and Frota Azul in the Algarve. These buses are generally modern, offering comfortable seating, reliable air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
Local and rural bus services cover almost every corner of the country, including small towns and villages. However, services may be infrequent or non-existent on weekends and outside of school drop-off and pick-up times. Local bus stations, known as Rodoviária or Camionagem, are usually the best places to check local services, timetables, and travel routes.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Main intercity bus companies | Rede Expressos, Rodo-Norte, Eva Transportes |
Types of bus services | Alta Qualidade, Expressos, Rapidas, Carreiras (CR) |
Bus ticket prices | €1.50–€2 for a one-way ticket in Lisbon; €6 for a day pass in Lisbon; €19 for a Porto-Faro ticket |
Local bus companies | Carris (Lisbon), MobiCascais |
Local bus ticket prices | €1.50 for a one-way ticket; €6.30 for a 24-hour pass in Lisbon; €5.20 for a 24-hour pass in Porto |
What You'll Learn
Bus types and costs
Portugal has a dense and accessible public transport network, with buses being a key part of this. The country's bus services are operated by a wide range of private companies, and can be a little confusing for travellers to navigate. However, there is a national network of express buses, with Rede Expressos offering a daily service to destinations across the country.
Bus Types
There are four main types of bus services in Portugal:
- Alta Qualidade: Deluxe, high-speed service between major cities
- Expressos: Comfortable, fast services between major cities
- Rapidas: Quick regional connections
- Carreiras (CR): Slower regional services stopping at most small towns
Local and rural bus services also go to most places you're likely to want to visit, with the exception of some remote beaches and natural parks. These services are often restricted to one or two departures per day, or are geared towards school drop-offs/pickups and market times. Many local services are reduced or non-existent at weekends.
Bus Costs
Bus tickets can be purchased directly at bus stations or online. Rede Expressos has an app, available on Android and iOS, which can be used to book tickets and keep track of your travel itinerary. Local buses cannot be booked in advance, so you'll need to go to a bus stop to see the timetable and buy a ticket on-board or from a nearby kiosk.
In Lisbon, one-way tickets cost around €1.50–€2 or €6 for a day pass. You can also buy a Viva Viagem card, which gives you reduced fares on all public transportation in the city. The card costs €0.50, is valid for one year, and can be topped up in denominations of €5–€20.
In Porto, you can get an Andante Monthly card for €40, which gives you unlimited travel throughout all transport zones in the city. Alternatively, there's the Andante Tour card, which gives you unlimited travel for either 24 hours (€7) or 72 hours (€15).
Fares are good value. The Lisbon–Porto express route and Faro–Lisbon both cost around €20. Under-4s travel free, under-13s half-price, and there are discounts for under-29s and senior citizens over 65 with relevant identification.
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Bus timetables and routes
Bus Services in Portugal
Portugal offers a range of bus services, including:
- Alta Qualidade: Deluxe, high-speed service connecting major cities.
- Expressos: Comfortable and fast buses connecting major cities.
- Rapidas: Quick regional connections.
- Carreiras (CR): Slower regional services that stop at most small towns.
Bus Companies in Portugal
There are several private bus operators in Portugal, offering an extensive network of bus services. Here are some of the major bus companies:
- Rede Expressos: This company provides services between major cities and smaller towns across Portugal, as well as connections to Spain. They offer on-board media, free Wi-Fi, and power sockets. Tickets can be purchased online or at bus stations.
- Rodo-Norte: Serves the northern regions of Portugal, with services radiating out of Vila Real.
- Eva Transportes: Operates in the Algarve region, offering an affordable option to explore the area.
Local Bus Services
Local and rural bus services in Portugal cover a wide range of destinations, including smaller towns and local attractions. However, some remote beaches and natural parks, such as Serra da Estrela, Serra de Malcata, and Montesinho, may have limited or no bus connections. It is important to check the timetables and routes in advance.
Timetables and Schedules
Bus timetables in Portugal can vary depending on the region and the type of service. Here are some tips for finding bus schedules:
- Local Bus Stations: The local bus station, known as "Rodoviária" or "Camionagem," is usually the best place to find information about local services, timetables, and routes.
- Online Information: Most intercity bus carriers provide timetables and live departure information on their websites or mobile apps.
- Ticket Offices: Bus stations and ticket desks, often located in cafés near bus stops or stations, can provide timetables and schedule information.
Buying Bus Tickets
Tickets for intercity buses can typically be purchased online or at bus stations. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Here are some options for buying bus tickets:
- Online Purchase: Rede Expressos, for example, offers a mobile app for Android and iOS where you can easily book tickets and manage your travel itinerary.
- Ticket Desks: Bus stations and ticket desks are usually located near bus stops and provide information and ticketing services.
- Local Shops: If there is no kiosk at the bus stop, try the nearest café or corner store, as they sometimes sell bus tickets.
Bus Fares and Discounts
Bus fares in Portugal are generally affordable, and discounts are often available for specific groups. Here are some details about bus fares:
- Intercity Bus Fares: The Lisbon-Porto express route and Faro-Lisbon route typically cost around €20.
- Free for Under 4s: Children under 4 years old usually travel for free on buses.
- Discounts for Under 13s and Seniors: Children under 13 and seniors over 65 with relevant identification can receive discounted fares.
- Local Bus Fares: Local bus fares vary by region, but in Lisbon, a one-way ticket typically costs around €1.50-€2, and a day pass is around €6.
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Buying bus tickets
Bus travel in Portugal is a great way to get around the country, with an extensive network of both local buses and coaches connecting towns and cities. Here is a guide to buying bus tickets for your journey.
Buying Coach Tickets
The Rede Expressos website is the go-to place for buying coach tickets online. You can easily search for and book tickets, and have them delivered to your email. The Flixbus.pt website is also a good option for finding cheap tickets, and Busbud is a useful site for comparing ticket prices.
When booking online, you don't need to worry about printing your ticket. Simply show the PDF on your phone, and have your ID ready, although this is rarely checked. You can book last-minute, but it is recommended to book in advance to avoid any potential technical issues. Seats are allocated in order, so if you want to sit alone, change your allocated seat before paying.
Rede Expressos offers discounted tickets for seniors (65+), babies (up to 4 years old), and military personnel. You will need to present ID when travelling on a discounted ticket.
Payment Options
When booking online, you may encounter some issues with non-Portuguese credit cards. In this case, PayPal is a good alternative, as you can pay with your credit or debit card through this method.
Local Bus Tickets
Local bus tickets are usually not available to buy online. You will need to purchase these at the bus station, on board, or at a nearby kiosk. In Lisbon, for example, you can buy a one-way ticket for around €1.50-€2, or a day pass for €6.
Travel Cards
If you are in Lisbon for a short time, the Lisboa Card gives you discounts on tourist sites and unlimited public transport use. In Lisbon, you can also pick up a Viva Viagem card, which gives you reduced fares on all public transport in the city. This card costs €0.50, is valid for a year, and can be topped up with €5-€20.
In Porto, the Andante Monthly card gives you unlimited travel for €40, or you can get an Andante Tour card for unlimited travel for 24 hours (€7) or 72 hours (€15). The Porto Card also offers free entrance to museums, discounts on attractions, and unlimited public transport use for €25 (3 days) or €33 (4 days).
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Local bus stations
Local buses cannot be booked in advance, which means you have to go to a bus stop to see the timetable. You can buy a ticket on board or at a nearby kiosk. In Lisbon, one-way tickets cost around €1.50–€2 or €6 for a day pass. You can also pick up a Viva Viagem card in Lisbon, which gives you reduced fares on all public transportation in the city. The card costs €0.50, is valid for one year, and can be topped up in denominations of €5–€20.
Local and rural bus services go virtually everywhere you're likely to want to go, with the notable exception of remote beaches and some of the natural parks, including much of the Serra da Estrela, Serra de Malcata and Montesinho. However, services are often restricted to one or two departures a day, or they are geared towards school drop-offs/pickups and market times, meaning early-morning weekday departures, sometimes only during term times. Many local services are reduced or non-existent at weekends.
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Comparing buses to other transport
Buses are a common mode of transport in Portugal, with an extensive network of private and public bus operators. Buses are generally clean, comfortable, and affordable, with fares costing around €1.50-€2 for a single trip or €6 for a day pass. They are a good option for travelling between major cities and towns, with the added benefit of scenic views along the way.
Compared to other forms of transport, buses in Portugal offer a balance between affordability and speed. Here is a comparison with other modes of transport:
Buses vs Trains
Portugal has a broad railway network, with six main types of trains offering various speeds, levels of comfort, and prices. Trains are a good option for travelling between major cities and towns, similar to buses. However, trains may offer faster connections and more frequent services between larger cities. For example, the Alfa Pendular (AP) train is the fastest option, reaching speeds of up to 220 km/h, but it is also the most expensive. On the other hand, Regional (R) trains are slower and more affordable, making frequent stops and offering a comfortable journey with air-conditioning.
Buses vs Trams
Trams are available in Lisbon and Porto, offering a unique and atmospheric way to navigate these cities. While trams provide a similar intra-city connection as buses, they may have more limited coverage and be more susceptible to traffic delays.
Buses vs Taxis
Taxis are widely available in Portugal's major cities and can be a convenient option for short trips within a city. Licensed taxis have a taxi sign on the roof and the driver's identity displayed inside. Taxi fares are calculated using a taximeter, and rates may increase during nights, weekends, and holidays. While taxis offer a more personalised and direct journey, buses are generally more affordable for longer trips or when travelling on a budget.
Buses vs Ride-sharing services
Ride-sharing services like Uber, Bolt, Cabify, BlaBlaCar, and Boleia have gained popularity in Portugal. These services can be more affordable than traditional taxis and offer the convenience of booking through an app. However, buses still tend to be more economical for longer trips or when travelling between cities, especially if you take advantage of bus discounts or passes.
Buses vs Flying
For longer distances or travelling to different regions, flying is an option with Portugal's three international airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. However, buses can be a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative for shorter distances, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
In summary, buses in Portugal offer a balance of affordability, speed, and comfort when compared to other forms of transport. They are particularly suitable for travelling between cities and towns, offering a convenient and scenic journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The major intercity bus companies in Portugal are Rede Expressos, Rodo-Norte, and Eva Transportes.
Bus services in Portugal are generally categorized into four types: Alta Qualidade, Expressos, Rapidas, and Carreiras (CR). Alta Qualidade is a deluxe, high-speed service between major cities. Expressos are comfortable and fast services connecting major cities. Rapidas are quick regional connections, while Carreiras (CR) are slower regional services that stop at most small towns.
Tickets for intercity buses can be purchased online or directly at bus stations. Local bus tickets, on the other hand, cannot be booked in advance and need to be bought at a bus stop or from a nearby kiosk.
For intercity buses, you can purchase tickets using cash, credit, or debit cards. Local buses typically only accept cash payments, and you will need to have the exact change.
Modern intercity buses in Portugal often offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power sockets. Some longer routes may also provide food and drink services. Local buses tend to be older and more basic but usually have seating and ventilation.