How can I get to Portugal?

A Comprehensive Guide: How to Get to Portugal and Explore Its Hidden Gems

Are you dreaming about a trip to Portugal?
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, one of the first questions you’ll face is: how do I actually get to Portugal?

Good news — getting here is easier than ever! With new flight routes, improved train connections, and plenty of flexible travel options, Portugal is ready to welcome you. In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date advice for 2026 on flights, visas, budget travel, and even how to get from Lisbon to Porto once you’ve arrived. Let’s walk through the smart ways in and how to make your arrival smooth.

Let’s dive in!

1. The Easiest Way to Get to Portugal: Flying In

Most travelers arrive by air, and you’ll find plenty of direct connections from all over Europe, North America, and even parts of South America and the Middle East.

Here are Portugal’s main airports:

• Lisbon Airport (LIS) – Portugal’s biggest and busiest airport. It’s the best option if you want to start in the capital, visit central Portugal, or connect to other destinations.

• Porto Airport (OPO) – Ideal if your itinerary starts in northern Portugal (Porto, Douro Valley, Braga, or Guimarães). Many European low-cost carriers fly here.

• Faro Airport (FAO) – Best if you’re heading straight to the Algarve for beaches and sunshine.

• Madeira & Azores – Funchal (FNC) and Ponta Delgada (PDL) connect the islands to Lisbon and major European cities.

2. Flying on a Budget

Traveling to Portugal doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s how smart travelers save in 2025:

• From Europe: Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, and Transavia connect Portugal to dozens of European cities. Flying mid-week often brings the best prices.

• From North America: TAP Air Portugal, United, Delta, and Air Canada offer direct flights from major cities like New York, Newark, Boston, Miami, Toronto, and Montreal.

• From elsewhere: You’ll likely connect via a major European hub like Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt, or London.

• Travel in shoulder seasons: March–May and September–October have the best balance of lower prices and good weather.

3. Reaching Portugal Without Flying

Prefer to skip the plane? You’ve got options!

• By train:
  From Spain, you can reach Portugal via Vigo → Porto or Madrid → Lisbon. Trains are comfortable and scenic, though slower than flights (9 hours).

• By bus:
  Long-distance buses (like FlixBus and ALSA) connect cities across Spain and France to Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. It’s one of the most affordable ways to arrive.

• By car:
  Portugal’s highways are excellent. You can drive in easily from Spain — just remember that some roads have tolls (you can pre-pay online or rent a transponder).

• By boat or cruise:
  Cruise ships regularly stop in Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira, and private yachts can dock at several marinas.

4. Visa and Entry Requirements

Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, which means visitors from many countries — including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe — can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.

You’ll need:

• A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay.

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended).

ETIAS update:
Starting in 2026, travelers from visa-free countries will need to complete an ETIAS travel authorization online before entering the EU. It’s quick, inexpensive, and valid for three years.

Always double-check official sources before traveling — regulations can change.

5. Getting Around Portugal

Once you’ve arrived, getting around Portugal is simple.
Public transport is efficient, car rentals are widely available, and private transfers can make your journey even easier (especially if you’re joining one of Eco Trilha’s multi-day tours!).

Here’s what to know:

• Metro & buses: Found in Lisbon and Porto — cheap and reliable.

• Trains: Great for city-to-city travel (Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, Faro).

• Taxis & ride-shares: Bolt and Uber operate across most major cities.

• Private driver: A comfortable option if you prefer not to drive — Eco Trilha can help you arrange one.

• Car rentals: Perfect if you want to explore the countryside or coastal villages.

6. How Do I Get from Lisbon to Porto?

Lisbon and Porto are Portugal’s two largest cities — and visiting both is a must!
The good news: getting between them is easy, with several comfortable options depending on your time and budget.

Plane

Flying from Lisbon to Porto takes less than an hour.
However, once you add airport transfers, check-in, and security, it usually takes 3–4 hours total. Unless you’re connecting to another flight, this option often isn’t the most practical.

Train

This is my top recommendation — it’s fast, easy, and scenic.

• Journey time: Around 3 hours

• Route: From Lisboa Santa Apolónia (or Oriente) → Porto Campanhã

• Tickets: Buy online at cp.pt about 1–2 months in advance.

• Best option: Choose the Alfa Pendular (AP) high-speed train for comfort and speed.

It’s a relaxing way to travel — sit back, enjoy the countryside, and arrive right in the heart of Porto or braga.

Bus

Buses are slightly slower (3–4 hours), but they’re often the cheapest option — tickets can range from €5 to €15.

FlixBus and Rede Expressos run frequent routes between Lisboa Oriente and Porto Campanhã stations. Buses are modern, air-conditioned, and include Wi-Fi.

Car

Driving gives you freedom — and it’s a fantastic way to explore small towns along the way.
A direct drive between Lisbon and Porto takes 3–4 hours, but if you make stops, plan for a full day.

Worthwhile stops:

• Óbidos (charming medieval village)

• Nazaré (coastal surf town)

• Coimbra (historic university city)

• Aveiro (the “Venice of Portugal”)

If you don’t need a car in either city, rent one for the day and drop it off on arrival.
And if you prefer not to drive, hiring a private driver can make it a stress-free, scenic experience.

7. How Many Days Should You Spend in Portugal?

Portugal might be small, but it’s full of variety!
Here’s a simple guide to planning your time:

• 7 days: Great for Lisbon, Porto, and a few nearby highlights.

• 10 days: Enough to add smaller towns or wine regions like the Douro Valley or Évora.

• 14+ days: Perfect for slow travel — include rural areas, the Algarve, or even Madeira and the Azores.

Eco Trilha’s 8-Day Food & Wine Tour or 7-Day Portugal Tour are designed to fit beautifully into these schedules — small groups, local guides, and a relaxed pace that lets you enjoy every moment.

8. 2025 Travel Trends: What’s New

A few updates since the last edition of this post:

• More flight routes: TAP and low-cost carriers have expanded routes to and from smaller European cities.

• Eco-friendly travel: Travelers are seeking sustainable and small-group experiences (that’s exactly what Eco Trilha offers!).

• Digital ease: Booking trains, museum tickets, and transfers online is now the norm.

• Rural escapes: Travelers are venturing beyond Lisbon and Porto — exploring Alentejo, the Douro Valley, and the islands.

• Contactless payments: Widely accepted across Portugal, even in small cafés.

9. Final Tips for Your Arrival

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro (€).

• Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Power outlets: Type F plugs (same as most of Europe).

• Tap water: Safe to drink everywhere.

• Arrival transfers: Pre-book with your tour company or hotel — we’re always happy to help with that!

10. Why Portugal Should Be Your Next Trip

Warm sunshine, incredible food and wine, kind people, and a deep sense of culture — Portugal has everything you need for a memorable holiday.

Whether you’re here for a culinary journey, a walking tour, or simply to slow down and enjoy life, Eco Trilha Portugal Tours is ready to make your trip easy, authentic, and unforgettable.

So… how will you get to Portugal?
However you choose, we can’t wait to welcome you here soon!