Can I get around Portugal by train?

Is it easy to get around Portugal by train?

Train travel in Portugal? Piece of cake, mostly! Unless you’re trying to reach my aunt’s goat farm in the Alentejo – then you’re on your own, pal. Trains are cheap as chips, though. Cheaper than my last date.

Pros:

• Network’s HUGE: Covers most places, like a fluffy blanket of steel and wheels.
• Scenic routes: Gorgeous views, unless you’re stuck behind a freight train hauling cork – that’s less picturesque.
• Budget-friendly: You’ll have money left over for Pastéis de Nata – trust me on this.

Cons:

• Frequency varies wildly: Some lines are as frequent as my thoughts about winning the lottery, others… well, let’s just say less so.
• Connecting is sometimes a nightmare: Think herding cats – but replace the cats with bewildered tourists.
• Delays happen: Happens everywhere, even in my fantasy life where everything goes perfectly, except for that time I accidentally set my hair on fire while making toast.

My buddy went last year, he said it was smooth sailing, except that one time the train got stuck. He said it was kinda like being trapped in a giant metal sardine can, but with nicer views, somehow. He’s also a bit prone to exaggeration, though. Anyway, 2024’s train schedules are available online, naturally. Check those things out.

How do tourists get around Portugal?

Okay, so Portugal transport. Lemme tell you ’bout Lisbon, 2023. Got lost so many times!

It was hot. July hot. Like, sweat-dripping-down-your-back hot. Public transport? Yeah, it’s the way to go. It’s budget-friendly for sure.

Think I was aiming for São Jorge Castle? Ended up near the river. The Tejo. The buses are like, everywhere.

Buses, trains… Car rentals, too, if you’re brave. Driving those narrow streets? No thanks!

Remember seeing “Carreiras” bus? Maybe? The expressos seem faster. Honestly, I was just following the crowds.

Lisbon trams are iconic. They squeak and rattle like crazy! The Elevador de Santa Justa is a must-see, even if it’s touristy.

Okay, some things I learned on the fly:

• Lisbon Card is your best friend.
• Metro’s super easy to navigate.
• Uber’s an option, but locals prefer taxis.
• Walk! Seriously, just walk and get lost (carefully).
• Be patient. Things move at a slower pace.

Trains are great for longer distances, Porto, maybe? I didn’t do that part of Portugal yet!

What is the cheapest way to get around Portugal?

Buses. Hands down. Cheaper than trains. Way cheaper than flying.

Budget travel? Buses are your weapon.

• Local buses: Dirt cheap.
• National network: Extensive, surprisingly efficient. My recent trip? Lisbon to Lagos: €25.
• Consider overnight options: Sleep, save on accommodation. I did this last year; totally doable.

Train travel: Overpriced. Save your euros.

Flights: Ridiculous for internal travel.

Pro Tip: Avoid peak season. Book tickets in advance, especially for longer routes. Check Rede Expressos. They’re the main player. Their app is good.

My last trip? Scored a sweet deal. Used mostly buses. I saved enough to upgrade my hotel. Pretty much a win-win.

What I wish I knew before going to Portugal?

Okay, before Portugal? Right, right.

• Flights: Skip direct flights from tiny Phu Quoc to Lisbon or Porto. Big oof!

• Instead, fly Phu Quoc to Hanoi, then… honestly, any major European hub.

• Think strategically about airline alliances. One-stop shopping, you know? Fewer headaches is always the best.

• Timing is everything. Consider seasonality. High season equals high prices. Trust me on this one.

• “Language.” Learn basic Portuguese phrases. I tried winging it in English alone. It was a disaster. Muito obrigado goes a long way.

• Transportation. Trains are good. Uber works in cities. Rent a car to explore the Algarve or Douro Valley.

Portugal’s a vibe. It’s all about going with the flow. And maybe a little vinho verde. Ah, yes, vinho verde is essential.

Is it safe to walk around Portugal at night?

Portugal at night? Safe? Hmm. Walking… yeah, depends where, right?

Like, Lisbon, touristy areas? Probably fine. Just watch your bag, you know? Pickpockets exist everywhere, sadly.

But some random backstreet in Porto? Eh, maybe not so much. Common sense, really. I always carry pepper spray when I’m solo traveling, just in case.

I remember that time in… was it Lagos? Late, grabbing a kebab. Felt totally safe, but that was years ago. Things change. Ugh, that kebab was amazing, though.

Oh! Vietnam! That karst seascape… is it Ha Long Bay? Stunning, absolutely stunning.

Coach, private car, train… train sounds nice and relaxing. See the countryside drift by. Was that Vietnam tho? Or was I thinking about Portugal again? My brain.

• Lisbon: Tourist areas = generally safe-ish. Be alert.
• Porto: Backstreets = questionable.
• Lagos: Felt safe then, not necessarily now.
• Vietnam: Ha Long Bay is where it is. Karst, so pretty.

And, oh yeah, maybe download a map on your phone. Offline. Because you know the data plan will act up. Don’t depend on wifi!

Also, a small flashlight is a great idea. I keep one on my keychain. You never know. Think I need a new one, actually.

Can a foreigner live in Portugal?

Portugal allows foreign residency. Visas exist. Golden Visa. D7 Visa. Work permits. Pathways vary. Effort required. Research essential.

• Golden Visa: Investment required. Property, funds, or job creation.
• D7 Visa: Passive income. Retirement funds, online income.
• Work Permit: Employer sponsorship.

Hanoi to Halong Bay: No direct train. Hanoi to Hai Phong. Train, roughly one hour. Then car or taxi. Three more hours to Halong Bay. Travel time varies. Traffic, weather. 2024 information. Consider a private car. More expensive. More convenient.

How many days are enough for Portugal?

Ten days minimum. Portugal demands it.

Flights: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang (DAD) – numerous daily options. Check Skyscanner, Google Flights.

Hoi An Transfer: Thirty minutes tops. Taxi or Grab. Avoid peak hour.

Note: My last trip, 2023, saw flight delays. Factor that in. Budget accordingly. Seriously.

• Portugal: Requires dedicated time. Don’t rush.
• Vietnam: Quick transfer. Da Nang to Hoi An seamless.
• Travel: Always account for unexpected delays. Always.