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So, you’re planning a trip to Portugal and wondering if you need to rent a car?
Short answer: You don’t.
Long answer: You really don’t need to… unless you’re heading way off the beaten path.
Portugal is surprisingly easy to navigate without driving, especially if you’re sticking to the cities, coast, and main sights (which most first-time visitors do). As someone who lives here, I take public transport all the time and never miss having a car.
Here’s how to get around without the stress of renting, parking, or figuring out a roundabout in a country where the signs are almost in English.
Trains: Easy, Comfortable, and Scenic
Trains connect most of the key cities: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Faro, and more.
How to book:
- Use CP.pt for national trains
- For intercity trains (Alfa Pendular or Intercidades), booking a few days ahead is smart
- You can use digital tickets, no need to print
Local tip: Sit on the right side when heading north from Lisbon for some great ocean views.
If you’re taking the train to cities like Porto or Coimbra, consider booking top-rated tours and day trips here. You can skip the rental car and still explore wine regions, coastlines, and historic towns—stress-free.
Buses: Great for Smaller Towns and Budget Travel
Where trains don’t go, Rede Expressos or FlixBus often do.
- Rede Expressos is reliable, well-connected, and lets you book online
- FlixBus is cheaper and covers more countries, but fewer local towns
- Both let you show your ticket on your phone
Buses are often your best option for smaller towns in the Algarve or inland destinations. They also run later than trains, which helps with flexibility.
Metros, Trams & Urban Transport
Lisbon and Porto have clean, easy-to-use metro systems.
- In Lisbon, get a rechargeable Viva Viagem card at any metro station
- Tram 28 is iconic… but also packed. Try it early morning or late evening.
Don’t forget walking is part of the charm. But for getting across the city quickly, metros and trams are your best bet.
Taxis, Ubers & Ride Apps
Portugal’s ride-share options are solid and affordable.
- Uber, Bolt, and Free Now all work well in cities
- You usually don’t need to tip
- Always compare prices.. sometimes traditional taxis are cheaper on short routes
Important: In rural areas, ride apps are unreliable. If you’re heading to a village or the countryside, plan your return transport in advance.
Walking: Still the Best Way to See Portugal
Portugal’s cities are made for wandering but be ready for hills and cobblestones. The best views (and photos) are found on foot.
Comfortable shoes matter. Trust me on this one.
💸 Money Tips While Traveling Without a Car
Most public transport accepts contactless cards, but some machines and kiosks still reject international cards. I use Wise to handle these situations and avoid nasty exchange rates or ATM fees.
- Wise gives you a real exchange rate and works for both online and in-person purchases
- You can use the card in kiosks, ticket machines, and even taxis
- I also withdraw small amounts of cash with Wise if I’m heading to rural towns or local cafés that don’t take cards
You can sign up for Wise here — it’s free and takes just a few minutes.
🔒 Bonus Tool: Secure Your Connection While Booking
If you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi in metro stations, trains, cafés, or hotels, I recommend using a VPN to protect your data.. especially if you’re accessing banking apps or booking tickets.
This is the VPN I use while traveling Portugal and beyond. It keeps your info safe without slowing things down.
🧭 Travel Apps I Use on the Go
- Google Maps: surprisingly good for metro and walking routes
- Rome2Rio: great for comparing transport options between cities
- Moovit: excellent for real-time bus and tram info in Lisbon or Porto
🧳 What I Use to Travel Portugal Without a Car
Here’s what I personally use and recommend:
- Wise – to avoid ATM and transaction fees
- GetYourGuide – for tours in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra
- This VPN – to stay secure on public Wi-Fi
- Google Maps + Moovit – for navigation and metro/bus routes
Final Thoughts
You can absolutely explore Portugal without ever touching a steering wheel. Whether it’s the high-speed train between Lisbon and Porto or a tram ride through Alfama, the country is designed for travelers who want to see more and stress less.
So if you’re worried about driving, don’t be. Pack well, plan smart, and Portugal will do the rest.
Need help figuring out a route or deciding which cities are easiest without a car? Drop a comment! I’m happy to help.