Last Updated on September 15, 2026 by Themigonikitchen

If you are planning a trip to Portugal with kids, I’m sure you are overwhelmed with trying to figure out how to get around this country! Because it is smaller than a lot of the other popular European countries, public transportation within the larger cities is a bit more limited than in bigger European cities like Paris, Madrid, Rome, etc. There are high speed trains to connect some major hubs, but often times the drive time is similar to the train travel time, making it less efficient than the high speed trains in France, Germany and Italy. Plus renting a car can mean more flexibility to visit outside of the major hubs.

So, which is better? Deciding whether to rent a car or take public transit in Portugal depends entirely on your specific itinerary. While high-speed trains seamlessly connect major hubs, rural regions and coastal beach towns are better explored with a car, especially with kids. We opted to rent a car for this reason, but we did still rely on a lot public transportation within the busier cities like Lisbon and Porto and also flew on a cheaper carrier airline to get from Porto to the Algarve to save time. 

Planning your complete travel itinerary? Combine these transit tips with our full 10-Day Portugal Travel Guide & Itinerary to map out your daily route!

Option 1: Renting a Car in Portugal (our preferred method!)

Renting a car is the best choice if you plan to explore the coastal Algarve, take scenic drives through the Douro Valley wineries, or visit regional towns like Sintra, Cascais, Évora, and Óbidos.

• When to Avoid Driving: Do not drive inside central Lisbon or Porto. Traffic is heavy, streets are narrow, and parking is difficult and expensive. Pick up your rental vehicle on the day you leave Lisbon, or drop it off as soon as you arrive in Porto. If you must have it within the city, leave it parked at your hotel and just use it to leave/enter the city on travel days.

• Tolls & Via Verde Transponders: Portugal uses an electronic toll system on highways like the A22 (Algarve), A8, A17, and A29. Rent a Via Verde transponder from your car rental agency. Overhead scanners charge your credit card automatically, saving you from navigating complex 5-day post office payment windows.

• Parking Rules: Avoid parking in historic city centers. Park in underground garages using apps like Parkopedia. Pay attention to street curb markings:

  • White Lines: Free parking.

  • Blue Lines: Paid/metered parking.

  • Red Lines: Resident parking only.

  • My parents got a boot put on their rental car in plus an expensive parking ticket in Lisbon for not understanding this system!

• Driving & Fuel: Major highways are in great condition. Portuguese drivers move quickly, so enforce strict left-lane passing rules. Gas averages €1.80–€2.10 per liter (equivalent to about $7.80-$7.90/gallon); rent a hybrid, or electric car to lower fuel costs.

Book your rental car with Discover cars! They offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, no hidden fees and clear pricing!

Option 2: Trains in Portugal (Comboios de Portugal)

Rail travel via Comboios de Portugal (CP) is a relaxing, scenic way to travel between main cities like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Faro without dealing with traffic or parking.

• Alfa Pendular (AP): Express high-speed trains equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a café car.

• Intercidades (IC): Express regional trains that make slightly more stops at a lower fare.

• Regional (R) & Urbano (U): Local commuter trains, such as the direct line from Lisbon to Sintra or Porto to Guimarães.

• Booking Discount: Purchase AP or IC tickets 5 to 8 weeks in advance on cp.pt or the CP app to lock in promo discounts up to 50% off standard fares.

Option 3: Intercity Buses in Portugal

• Best Uses: Ideal for budget travelers or reaching destinations without direct train stations, such as Nazaré, interior villages, or coastal routes like Lagos to Sagres.

• Top Operators: Rede Expressos and FlixBus operate clean, modern buses with free Wi-Fi and reliable schedules. Transit times on main routes often match train travel times. Might be difficult to set up car seats on the bus.

Option 4: City Transit, Rideshares, & Taxis

• Rideshares: Uber and Bolt operate extensively throughout Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Bolt frequently offers slightly lower rates than Uber.

• Taxis & Tuk-Tuks: Taxis are reliable for airport connections—ensure the meter is running or negotiate the fare upfront. Treat city tuk-tuks strictly as sightseeing excursions rather than practical transit.

Portugal Transit Route Cheat Sheet

Getting around in Lisbon:

While Uber and Bolt are affordable and plentiful, carrying a bulky car seat around town just for short rideshare hops is exhausting.

• The Solution: Use open-top Hop-On / Hop-Off sightseeing buses (such as City Sightseeing or Yellow Bus). Picking these up right outside major hubs (like Santa Apolónia Station) functions as a car-seat-free, hands-free transit network connecting top sights like Parque das Nações, Baixa, and Belém. You can pay onboard with cash or card or pre-purchase your tickets online.

Riding the iconic yellow Tram 28 is a must-do, but taking it with kids requires two major ground rules:

• Board at the Terminus: Always board Tram 28 at its starting stop in Praça Martim Moniz. Attempting to board mid-route in Chiado or Alfama usually results in packed trolleys that cannot fit families or folded compact strollers.

• Always Carry Small Euro Cash: If paying onboard, drivers cannot break €20 or €50 bills. Always keep €0.50, €1, €2 coins, and €5 bills in your day bag.

• Save with Viva Viagem Cards: To avoid onboard cash fumbling, purchase reloadable Viva Viagem (or Navegante) cards at any Metro station (e.g., Rossio or Baixa-Chiado) for tap-and-go discounted rides.

For more details on planning your time in Lisbon, check out our guide to exploring this amazing city with kids.

Getting around in Porto:

• Rideshares (Uber & Bolt) & Local Buses: Ride-hailing apps are inexpensive in Porto. Taking a quick Uber or local bus (like the line heading up to Graham’s) saves you from walking uphill at the end of the day.

For more details on planning time in Porto, check out our guide for details on how to organize your time with kids.