Using local transport in Portugal.
Airports
The international airports are Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal (Madeira)
and Ponta Delgada (Azores). Throughout the country there are a number
of small airports with limited facilities. It is possible to travel
from the international airports to many of these smaller ones but it
is important to first check, as these services are variable.
Disabled Facilities
The needs of the disabled are visibly evident with reserved parking
spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centres
of entertainment. In Lisbon (217 585 676) and Porto (226 006 353), there
is a dial-a-ride disabled bus service. Also in Lisbon (218 155 061),
Braga (253 684 081), and Coimbra (239 484 522), there are taxi services
for disabled persons.
Metro (Underground)
Only the capital city Lisbon has a Metro system but one is under construction
in Porto. It has a total of four different lines, purple for "Linha
da Gaivota", yellow for "Linha do Girrasol", green for
"Linha da Caravela", and orange for "Linha do Oriente".
Tickets are inexpensive and are purchased before entering the station
barriers. The Metro operates from 06.00 hrs. until 01.00 hrs. in the
morning. The stations have been recently up-graded and have been decorated
with interesting art works from contemporary Portuguese artists. The
Metro stations are now worth visiting just from an art point-of-view.
New stations and further line extensions are under construction.
Rent a Car
In all major towns there are a number of companies providing rent a
car service. Also, in major airports there are a selection of companies
from whom to choose. Proof of identity and a valid current Driving License
is required. The minimum age to hire a car is 21 years old but some
companies place the age higher at 23. Make sure that all needed documents
relating to the hired vehicle and the driver are always available in
the vehicle as Traffic Police often check these legalities on roads.
Trains
The Portuguese railway system is State owned and has the name of "Caminhos
de Ferro Portuguese (CP)". The system provides a very reasonably
priced transport within the country. Major lines are fast, efficient
and comfortable.
There are daily international connections as shown below.
Lisbon - Porto - Paris (Twice daily)
Lisbon - Madrid
Porto - Vigo (Spain)
Lisbon - Badajoz (Spain)
Urban
In the major towns there are several means of transport. In capital
Lisbon, passengers can use trains, buses, electric trams, underground,
taxis and public elevators. Tickets can be purchased from 08.00hrs.
until 20.00 hrs.
Taxis are required by law to be painted cream. In urban areas they
charge according to the taximeter. Outside these urban areas the charge
is per kilometers and includes the cost of the return trip. Luggage
over 30 kilos is charged at a fixed rate. All taxis drivers have in
their possession their printed rates in two languages.
Click here for a list of Notary
in Portugal
Click
here for property in Portugal.
Click here for language courses
that can help you with your Portuguese property purchase.
Click here for a list of
Building Companies in Portugal
