Transportation and Infrastructure in Portugal

1. Public Transportation

a. Urban Transport

• Buses: Operated by various companies in cities. Lisbon has Carris, while Porto has STCP. Tickets typically cost €1.50-€2.00.
• Trams: Iconic in Lisbon, especially Tram 28. Tickets are similar to bus fares.
• Metro: Available in Lisbon and Porto. Lisbon's metro has four lines, with a ticket price of €1.50. Rechargeable Viva Viagem cards are available for multiple trips.

b. Intercity Transport

• Buses: Rede Expressos and FlixBus connect major cities. Prices vary based on distance, generally ranging from €10 to €30.
• Trains: Comboios de Portugal (CP) operates the national railway. High-speed trains (Alfa Pendular) connect Lisbon to Porto, with prices from €25 to €40.

2. Road Networks

• Highways: Portugal has an extensive network of highways (autoestradas). Major routes include A1 (Lisbon to Porto) and A2 (Lisbon to the Algarve).
• Tolls: Many highways are tolled. Costs vary; for example, the A1 toll from Lisbon to Porto is approximately €20.
• Driving Regulations:
  • Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in urban areas.
  • Seat belts are mandatory, and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.

3. Railways

• National Rail Service: Comboios de Portugal (CP) offers regional, intercity, and high-speed services.
• Tickets: Can be purchased online, at stations, or via mobile apps. Discounts available for seniors, youth, and groups.
• International Connections: Trains to Spain (e.g., Madrid) are available, with prices starting around €35.

4. Airports

• Major Airports:
  • Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS): Main international gateway, well-connected to the city via metro and buses.
  • Porto Airport (OPO): Second largest, with metro access to the city.
  • Faro Airport (FAO): Serves the Algarve region, with limited public transport options.
• Domestic Flights: TAP Air Portugal and low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet operate numerous domestic routes.

5. Other Key Infrastructure

• Ports: Major ports include Lisbon, Porto, and Leixões, facilitating cargo and cruise operations.
• Bicycle Infrastructure: Increasingly developed in urban areas, with bike-sharing programs available in cities like Lisbon and Porto.
• Accessibility: Public transport systems are gradually improving accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility.

6. National Regulations and Considerations

• Public Transport Tickets: Validate tickets before boarding to avoid fines.
• Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Insurance: Mandatory for vehicles; ensure coverage is valid in Portugal.
• Language: While many Portuguese speak English, especially in urban areas, learning basic Portuguese phrases can enhance communication.

7. General Costs

• Public Transport: Average monthly pass in Lisbon is around €42.
• Fuel Prices: Approximately €1.70 per liter (as of late 2023).
• Taxi Fares: Starting fare around €3.50, with additional costs per kilometer.

8. Country-Specific Considerations

• Cultural Norms: Punctuality is valued, especially in business contexts.
• Safety: Portugal is generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken in crowded areas.
• Tourist Information: Local tourist offices provide maps and schedules for public transport.

This structured overview provides essential insights into Portugal's transportation and infrastructure, catering to both visitors and immigrants.