This page documents Portugal’s public transportation systems including metro, trains, buses, trams, and ferries, with detailed ticket types, pricing, purchasing procedures, and operational rules. It serves as a reference for visitors navigating Portugal’s regional and national transport networks.
Quick Overview: Portugal Public Transport Systems
| City/Region | Metro System | Main Ticket Card | Single Fare | Day Pass | Monthly Pass | Operates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon Metropolitan Area | 4 lines, 56 stations | Navegante occasional (€0.50) | €1.85 | €7.00 (Carris/Metro) | €40 (residents) | 06:30-01:00 |
| Porto Metropolitan Area | 6 lines, 81 stations | Andante (€0.60) | €1.30-€4.30 (zone-based) | €7.50 (Andante Tour 1) | Variable by zones | 06:00-01:00 |
| National Rail (CP) | Nationwide network | No card required | Variable by service | N/A | €20 Green Rail Pass (residents only) | Variable by route |
| Lisbon Buses/Trams | Extensive network | Navegante occasional | €1.85 | €7.00 | €40 (residents) | 06:00-01:00 (varies) |
| Porto Buses | STCP network | Andante | Zone-based | €7.50 | Variable | 06:00-01:00 |
Lisbon Public Transport
Lisbon Metro System
Network Details:
- 4 color-coded lines: Blue (Linha Azul), Yellow (Linha Amarela), Green (Linha Verde), Red (Linha Vermelha)
- 56 stations total
- Red line connects airport to city center
- Operating hours: 06:30-01:00 daily
- Frequency: Every 5-9 minutes during peak; every 6-13 minutes off-peak
Coverage Area: Lisbon Metropolitan Area spanning 18 municipalities: Alcochete, Almada, Amadora, Barreiro, Cascais, Lisbon, Loures, Mafra, Moita, Montijo, Odivelas, Oeiras, Palmela, Seixal, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Sintra, Vila Franca de Xira.
Navegante Card System
Card Types:
Navegante Occasional (formerly Viva Viagem):
- Cost: €0.50 (non-refundable)
- Valid for: 1 year from purchase date
- Reloadable unlimited times during validity period
- Personal card (one person at a time)
- Cannot be shared even if loaded with multiple tickets
- Contactless smart card technology
Navegante Personalized:
- Cost: €7.00
- Valid for: Frequent users
- Requires application with photo and ID
- Personal use only
- Can hold monthly passes and zapping credit
Free Travel Eligibility:
- Children under 4 years: Free when accompanied by card-holding adult
- Youth under 23 years (residents only): Free with special under-23 pass
Ticket Options for Navegante Occasional
1. Single Ticket (Carris/Metro):
- Price: €1.85
- Valid for: 1 hour on metro and Carris services
- Transfer allowance: Multiple boardings within validity period on same operator
2. Zapping (Pay-As-You-Go):
- Deduction per ride: €1.66 (metro/bus)
- Credit can be loaded: €3-€40
- Benefits: Cheaper than single tickets; flexible use
- Important: Sufficient credit required for transfers between operators
3. 24-Hour Pass (Carris/Metro):
- Price: €7.00
- Valid for: All-day unlimited travel on metro, Carris buses, trams, funiculars, Elevador de Santa Justa
- Not valid on: CP suburban trains to Sintra/Cascais
4. 24-Hour Pass (Carris/Metro + Train):
- Price: €11.00
- Valid for: Carris/Metro services + CP suburban trains to Sintra and Cascais
Contactless Bank Card Payment
Available Since 2024: Visitors can tap contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) directly at metro validators.
Fare:
- Per ride: €1.85 (slightly higher than Navegante)
- No card purchase required
- Individual use only (cannot tap for multiple people)
Limitation: Available only at metro gates; not accepted on buses, trams, or funiculars.
Carris Services (Buses, Trams, Funiculars)
Operated Services:
- Bus network throughout Lisbon
- Iconic Tram 28E and other tram lines
- 3 funiculars: Ascensor da Bica, Ascensor da Glória, Ascensor do Lavra
- Elevador de Santa Justa street lift
Onboard Payment:
- Cash accepted from driver
- Contactless bank card at validator (higher fare than Navegante)
- Fare: €2.00-€3.00 onboard (more expensive than pre-loaded Navegante)
Validation:
- Tap Navegante card once when boarding (green light confirms)
- Do NOT tap when exiting buses/trams
- Load card before boarding; cannot reload on vehicle
Transtejo/Soflusa Ferries
Routes: Ferry services cross Tagus River connecting Lisbon to Cacilhas, Trafaria, Porto Brandão, Seixal, Barreiro, Montijo.
Ticket Validity: Navegante occasional card valid on all ferry routes within Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
CP Suburban Trains (Lisbon)
Lines:
- Linha de Sintra: Lisbon ↔ Sintra
- Linha de Cascais: Cais do Sodré ↔ Cascais
- Linha de Azambuja
- Linha do Sado: Setúbal area
Navegante Validity: Valid for all suburban services within Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Separate ticket or €11 day pass required for Sintra/Cascais lines.
CarrisWay Mobile App
Functionality:
- NFC-enabled smartphones can recharge Navegante card
- Load Zapping credit
- Purchase monthly passes
- Eliminates need to visit ticket machines
Availability: Official Carris app; download from app stores.
Porto Public Transport
Porto Metro System
Network Details:
- 6 color-coded lines
- 81 stations
- Operating hours: 06:00-01:00 daily
- Frequency: Every 4-15 minutes depending on time
Lines:
- Line A (Blue): Estádio do Dragão ↔ Senhor de Matosinhos
- Line B (Red): Estádio do Dragão ↔ Póvoa de Varzim
- Line C (Green): Estádio do Dragão ↔ ISMAI
- Line D (Yellow): Hospital São João ↔ Santo Ovídio
- Line E (Purple): Estádio do Dragão ↔ Airport
- Line F (Orange): Fânzeres ↔ Senhora da Hora
Key Interchange: Trindade station: All lines meet; central hub for connections.
Andante Card System
Card Types:
Andante Azul (Blue Card):
- Cost: €0.60 (non-refundable)
- Valid for: Rechargeable
- Designed for: Occasional users
- Personal use (one person at a time)
- Can hold: One type of zoned ticket at a time
Andante Gold:
- Cost: €6.00
- Valid for: Personalized with photo and name
- Designed for: Frequent users
- Can hold: Up to 2 monthly passes + 1 regular title
Zone System Pricing
Zone-Based Fares: Porto operates on zone system. Fare depends on number of zones crossed, not distance traveled.
Single Journey Prices (2024):
- Z2: €1.30
- Z3: €1.70
- Z4: €2.15
- Z5: €2.55
- Z6: €2.95
- Z7: €3.35
- Z8: €3.75
- Z9: €4.30
Important:
- Airport to city center (Trindade): Z4 ticket required (€2.15 + €0.60 card on first purchase)
- Check zone map at stations before purchasing
- Must have correct zones loaded before boarding
Multi-Trip Discount: Purchase 10 trips at once receive 1 additional trip free (11 trips total, same zones).
Andante Tour Cards
Purpose: Designed specifically for tourists; unlimited travel on entire Andante network.
Options:
- Andante Tour 1 (24 hours): €7.50 (valid 24 consecutive hours from first validation)
- Andante Tour 3 (72 hours): €16.00 (valid 72 consecutive hours from first validation)
Validity:
- All zones included (no zone restrictions)
- Porto metro
- STCP buses
- CP urban trains between Espinho, Valongo, and Travagem
Not Included:
- Porto historic trams (Lines 1, 18)
- Funicular dos Guindais
Validation Requirement: Must validate before every boarding even with unlimited pass. Failure to validate subject to fines.
Contactless Bank Card Payment (Pilot Program)
Availability (as of 2024): Limited to specific stations and bus routes.
Purple Line (E) Stations: Aeroporto, Senhora da Hora, Casa da Música, Trindade
Other Metro Stations: Campanhã, Bolhão, Campo 24 de Agosto, São Bento, Aliados
STCP Bus Route: Line 500 (Praça da Liberdade ↔ Matosinhos/Mercado)
Pricing:
- Per journey: Z4 fare (€2.15)
- Valid for: 1h 15m on Metro do Porto and STCP
- Unlimited boardings during validity period
- Daily cap: €7.50 maximum (equivalent to Tour 1 after 4+ journeys)
STCP Buses
Network: Extensive bus coverage throughout Porto and surrounding areas.
Payment:
- Andante card (pre-loaded)
- Cash onboard (€1.85, more expensive than pre-loaded)
- Contactless bank card at validator
Important Routes for Tourists:
- Routes 900, 901, 906: Porto ↔ Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellars (depart from Trindade)
- Route 904: Batalha and Praça da Liberdade ↔ Gaia
Porto Historic Trams
Lines:
- Line 1: Infante ↔ Passeio Alegre
- Line 18: Carmo ↔ Massarelos
Pricing:
- Single journey: €5.00 (€3.50 children 4-12)
- Two journeys same day: €7.00
- Two-day ticket: €10.00 (€5.00 children)
Payment: Cash only at tram stops or onboard. Andante cards NOT valid on tourist trams.
Funicular dos Guindais
Route: Connects Ribeira district to Batalha upper level.
Pricing:
- Single journey: €4.00 (€3.00 children 4-12)
- 25% discount with Porto Card
Payment: Cash at funicular station. Andante Tour 25% discount, not fully included.
CP Urban Trains (Porto)
Coverage: Suburban services between Espinho, Valongo, and Travagem.
Ticket Validity: Andante card valid within Porto Metropolitan Area zones.
National Rail Network (CP)
Train Types and Services
Alfa Pendular (AP):
- High-speed tilting trains
- Maximum speed: 220 km/h
- Routes: Porto ↔ Lisbon ↔ Faro; Porto ↔ Braga/Guimarães
- Classes: Turística (2nd class), Conforto (1st class)
- Features: Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, cafe-bar car
Intercidades (IC):
- Long-distance express
- Maximum speed: 200 km/h
- Routes: Lisbon to Porto, Braga, Guimarães, Guarda, Covilhã, Évora, Faro
- Classes: 2nd class, 1st class
- Features: Air conditioning, cafe-bar car, some power outlets
Inter-Regional (IR):
- Medium-distance service
- Stops only at main stations
- Routes: Porto-Viana do Castelo-Valença, Porto-Régua-Pocinho (Douro Valley), Lisbon-Coimbra
Regional (R):
- Local service
- Stops at all stations
- Coverage throughout country outside major metropolitan areas
Urbano (U):
- Urban/suburban service
- Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra metropolitan areas
International (IN):
- Porto ↔ Vigo, Spain (Celta service)
- Formerly: Lisbon ↔ Madrid (discontinued 2020)
CP Ticket Types
Promo Tickets:
- Available: 5-60 days before departure
- Discounts: Up to 65% off regular fare
- Non-refundable
- Can be changed with restrictions
- Limited availability (sell out quickly)
- Optimal booking: 30-63 days advance for best prices
- Example: Lisbon ↔ Porto from €9.50-€15 (AP/IC 2nd class)
Normal Tickets:
- Available: Any time up to departure
- Full price
- Refundable with fee
- Flexible changes
- Always available (won’t sell out)
Class Pricing Examples (Lisbon-Porto, 2024):
- AP Turística (2nd): €25-€40 Normal; €9.50+ Promo
- AP Conforto (1st): €35-€55 Normal
- IC 2nd class: €20-€35 Normal
- IC 1st class: €28-€45 Normal
Seat Reservations
Included Services: Alfa Pendular and Intercidades include mandatory seat reservations in ticket price.
Booking Process: When purchasing online, passengers select specific seats from seating plan. Name assigned to seat; conductor verifies during journey.
Regional/Inter-Regional: No seat reservations; open seating.
CP Discount Categories
Children:
- Age 0-3: Free (no seat; must sit on adult’s lap)
- Age 4-12: 50% discount (own seat)
- Proof of age required
Youth (13-25):
- 25% discount on all fares
- Valid ID required during journey
Seniors (65+):
- 50% discount on applicable services
- ID verification required
Disability:
- Up to 75% discount
- Documentation required
Green Rail Pass (Portuguese Residents Only)
Introduced: October 21, 2024
Eligibility: Portuguese residents only (not available to tourists).
Pricing:
- 30 days: €20
- 60 days: €40
- 90 days: €60
Valid On:
- Regional (R) trains: Unlimited
- Inter-Regional (IR) trains: Unlimited
- Intercidades (IC): 2nd class only with seat reservation (up to 24 hours advance; max 2 trips/day)
- Coimbra urban trains: Unlimited
NOT Valid On:
- Alfa Pendular (AP)
- International services
- 1st class travel
- Lisbon/Porto metropolitan urban trains
How to Purchase: Loaded onto CP card. Available from 21st of month preceding validity period.
Luggage Allowance
No Official Limits: CP trains have ample luggage storage at car ends and overhead racks. No weight or size restrictions enforced for reasonable personal luggage.
Accessibility
Services: All Alfa Pendular and Intercidades equipped with wheelchair spaces.
Advance Notice: Request mobility assistance when booking to ensure station staff arrangements.
Purchasing Transport Tickets
Lisbon Ticket Purchase Locations
Metro Stations:
- Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Accept cash (notes/coins) and credit/debit cards
- Ticket Offices: Staff assistance; cash and cards accepted
- Airport station has English-language machines
Online:
- Portal VIVA website
- CarrisWay mobile app (NFC smartphones)
CTT Post Offices: Navegante cards and recharges available.
Multibanco ATMs: Monthly passes can be loaded at Portuguese ATM network (1,600+ machines in Lisbon alone).
Porto Ticket Purchase Locations
Metro Stations:
- Ticket Vending Machines: Cash and card payment
- Andante Shops: Trindade, Campanhã, Hospital São João, Casa da Música stations
- Airport metro station
Tourist Offices: Official tourist information booths sell Andante Tour cards.
Online: Andante website and mobile app for registered users.
Multibanco ATMs: Monthly passes available at Portuguese ATM network.
National Train Ticket Purchase
Official Channels:
- CP website: www.cp.pt (English available)
- CP mobile app
- Omio: Only authorized third-party seller
- Station ticket offices
- Station ticket machines
Important Warning: Rail Ninja, Trainline, and RailEurope are NOT authorized CP sellers. Avoid third-party sites other than Omio.
Payment Methods:
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- PayPal (online)
- Cash (at physical locations)
Mobile Tickets: Accepted on all CP services; no need to print tickets.
Validation Requirements
Lisbon Metro
Entry: Tap Navegante card at gate validator; wait for green light and gate opening.
Exit: Tap card again at exit gates (fare deduction based on journey).
Lisbon Buses/Trams/Funiculars
Boarding: Tap Navegante once when entering vehicle near driver; green light confirms validation.
Exiting: Do NOT tap when exiting.
Porto Metro
Entry: Tap Andante at station validator before entering platform.
Exit: Tap again at exit gates.
Line Changes: Validate when changing lines.
Porto Buses
Boarding: Tap Andante at validator near entrance when boarding.
Exiting: Do NOT tap when exiting.
CP Trains
No Tap Validation: Tickets checked by conductor during journey. Have ticket (mobile or printed) and ID ready.
Station Entry: Some major stations have gates; tap Navegante if using suburban services.
Enforcement and Penalties
Fare Inspection
Random Checks: Transport inspectors conduct spot checks on all services.
Required Documentation:
- Valid validated ticket/card
- Proof of discount eligibility (age, student status)
- ID matching ticket name (CP long-distance services)
Penalty Fares
Lisbon/Porto:
- No ticket/validation: €100-€150 fine
- Expired ticket: €100-€150 fine
- Wrong zones (Porto): Fine equivalent to 50-100× single fare
- Payment within 48 hours: Reduced penalty (typically 50% discount)
CP National Services:
- No ticket: Fine + ticket cost
- Traveling in wrong class: Upgrade fee + penalty
- No age verification for discount: Full fare + penalty
Common Violations
- Entering without validating (even with loaded card)
- Using expired card/ticket
- Insufficient Zapping credit for transfer
- Wrong zone coverage (Porto)
- Sharing personal card
- No ID for discounted ticket
Tourist Cards vs Transport Cards
Lisboa Card
Type: Sightseeing pass with transport included.
Pricing (2024):
- 24 hours: €21
- 48 hours: €26
- 72 hours: €44
Includes:
- Unlimited public transport (metro, Carris, CP trains to Sintra/Cascais)
- Free entry: 39 museums/monuments
- Discounts: Multiple attractions outside Lisbon
Best For: Visitors planning extensive museum visits (3+ daily) who also need transport.
Porto Card
Type: Sightseeing pass with optional transport.
Pricing (2024): Without transport:
- 1 day: €6
- 2 days: €8
- 3 days: €11
- 4 days: €14
With transport:
- 1 day: €13
- 2 days: €20
- 3 days: €25
- 4 days: €33
Includes:
- Free entry: 11 museums
- Discounts: 160+ attractions
- Transport version: Andante Tour unlimited travel
Best For: Visitors planning museum visits plus requiring transport. Compare costs based on planned activities.
Common Operational Issues
Navegante “Cannot Be Read” Error: Check credit balance at ticket machine or office. If card has credit but not reading, show purchase receipt to staff for free replacement (within validity period).
Porto Zone Confusion: Zones not arranged concentrically unlike typical metro systems. Always verify zones on destination list at stations before purchasing.
Insufficient Zapping Credit: When transferring between operators (metro to bus), ensure Zapping balance covers both legs. System deducts fare at each validation.
Expired Card with Remaining Credit: Expired cards can no longer be reloaded but remaining loaded tickets remain usable until depleted.
Missing Validation Causes Penalty: Even with valid loaded card, failure to tap validator at entry triggers penalty during inspection. Always validate regardless of card contents.
Bank Card Payment Limitations: Contactless payment at validators available only at specific locations (Lisbon metro gates, limited Porto stations). Not universal replacement for transport cards.
Andante Tour Validation Requirement: Despite unlimited travel, must validate before EVERY boarding. Common misconception causes fines.
Porto Trams Not Included: Historic tourist trams (Lines 1, 18) require separate cash payment. Andante cards invalid.
Green Rail Pass Resident Requirement: €20 monthly rail pass available only to Portuguese residents with tax ID. Tourists cannot purchase regardless of stay duration.
Free Travel for Children
Lisbon:
- Under 4 years: Free when accompanied by fare-paying adult
- Must not occupy separate seat
Porto:
- Under 4 years: Free on public transport and most attractions
- Museum entry typically free
CP National Trains:
- Under 3 years: Free without own seat
- With own seat: Half-price 4-12 discount applies
Accessibility Services
Wheelchair Access:
- All Lisbon metro stations: Elevators available
- Porto metro: Most stations accessible (verify specific route)
- CP trains: Alfa Pendular and Intercidades equipped with wheelchair spaces
- Request assistance when booking or at least 24 hours advance
Station Assistance: Available at major stations; request via intercom at Help Points or customer service desks.
Official Transport Authorities
Lisbon:
- Metropolitano de Lisboa: Metro operator
- Carris: Bus, tram, funicular operator
- Transtejo/Soflusa: Ferry operators
- CP (Comboios de Portugal): Suburban and national rail
- Portal VIVA: Unified ticketing system
Porto:
- Metro do Porto: Metro system operator
- STCP (Sociedade de Transportes Coletivos do Porto): Bus operator
- Andante: Integrated ticketing system
- TIP (Transportes Intermodais do Porto): Coordination authority
National:
- CP (Comboios de Portugal): National railway operator
- IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes): Transport regulatory authority
