Getting around Lisbon

Getting around in Portugal is an easy and interesting undertaking. There are numerous possibilities from planes and trains to buses, car-rental agencies, bicycles, trams, taxis, the underground metro in Lisbon and the state funiculars. Lisbon's transport system is still the best and cheapest way.
Flying inside Portugal is an expensive decision, if one considers the short distances involved. Trains are much cheaper, but you can also choose to go by bus, especially because there’s a large number of private companies operating express services between the major cities.

 

- Trains: the CP (railway company) has a national network of lines that cover practically the whole of Portugal. The five major lines take you to Sintra, Azambuja, Cascais, Sado, and Porto/Aveiro. The tickets can be purchased at the ticket office of the respective boarding stations and at the automatic ticketing machines. It is important that you do not attempt to travel without a ticket, otherwise you may have to pay a hefty fine. Santa Apolónia Station is Lisbon’s main departure point for international destinations and central/northern Portugal. Trains from Rossio station run to Sintra, while Cascais and Estoril can be reached from Cais do Sodré.
The picturesque Costa Azul (Blue Coast) region is accessible by train via Barreiro station on the south side of the River Tagus. This means you would have to take a boat across the river first.
Fertagus, a private rail operator, makes the connection between both sides of the Tagus river, crossing the 25 April suspension bridge on route.

- Trams and Buses: the Carris (trams and buses company operating in Lisbon) has, besides the normal services, several special services for tourists and handicapped visitors (21 758 56 76 or 21 361 31 61). It's always cheaper if you buy your tickets in advance. The tourist circuits take visitors through Lisbon in open-top panoramic buses (Yellow Bus Tours) or in the 19th century trams. There are three tours: the Carris Tour, made through down town and the historical site of Belém; the Hills Tour, that takes the visitors to the historical city; and the AeroBus, a direct connection to the Airport, to the city centre and to Cascais line trains. Also not be missed are the funiculars of Bica and Glória. Try these unusual funiculars to get in touch with some of the most typical quarters of Lisbon.

- Metro: the Lisbon underground metro works from 06h30 a.m. up to 01h00 a.m. and the tickets costing 0,60 Euros are valid for just one trip. Alternatively, you can choose between a 7 day ticket or a 10 journey ticket.
Metro, in the rush hour, is almost impossible to catch, unless you enjoy travelling like a sardine. But is always interesting to get off in almost every metro station and enjoy the Art-deco, amazing panels of tiles, sculptures, and paintings turned into real masterpieces.
This is our favourite way to get around Lisbon. It's cheap, cool and fast!

- Ferries: Transtejo is the company responsible for the fluvial crossing of the Tagus River. Everyday, people from the other side of the river have to cross it to work in Lisbon or around the capital. This company also has Tagus Cruises, a tourist service that allows you to see Lisbon from the river . This is one of our favourites, specially at the end of the day, when the sunset can make this romantic crossing unforgettable.

- Taxis: Taxis in Lisbon are beige and usually have the word TAXI on top. Journeys start with a standard charge of around 2 Euros and the distance is metred from then on. Make sure you don't forget anything as it is so hard to find that taxi again and, if you do, it's very rare to get your things back.

- Car rental: Hiring a car and driving around is the most economical option if you're travelling with more than two persons. But, even if you're alone, and you want to visit the surrounding areas of Lisbon with total independency, this would be the best choice. We recommend Discount Rent a Car.
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