While taking the bus doesn’t sound as appealing as a whimsical European train ride, there are many advantages to taking buses between cities and throughout Portugal.
During my first three months in Portugal, I took the train on every day trip and side quest, mostly because taking the bus didn’t even occur to me. After getting some local tips and insights, I learned the bus was a much better option for several journeys in Portugal, and now 5 years and many trips later, I take the bus more frequently than the train when traveling Portugal.
I recognize bus travel in the US has a pretty bad reputation and is not as commonly used as it is in other countries, but bus (or ‘coach’) travel in Portugal is quite pleasant, comfortable, clean and affordable. Having taken the bus in Portugal, on numerous routes and for varying durations, at lease 40 times, I can vouch for their comfort, efficiency, and cost savings.
Here, I will give a full breakdown of bus travel in Portugal, so you can determine if it is a good option for you and be fully prepared for what to expect, whether it is across the country, for a quick day trip, or to connect to another city.
This guide will explain the advantages to taking the bus in Portugal, as well as give an overview of each of company providing bus service, ticketing, and more to answer all your questions and ease any hesitations about taking the bus in Portugal.
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What Are the Benifits of Taking the Bus in Portugal
Cost
One of the biggest benefits of taking the bus throughout Portugal is the cost. With tickets on some routes starting at just €3-5, the bus is often far more cost effective than any other mode of transportation. On popular routes like Lisbon to Porto, the bus is often 1/3, or less, the cost of a train ticket.
Route Availability
Though Lisbon’s train network is quite vast, there are several destinations where the bus is the only option, or a much more practical option.
The bus connects more of Portugal than the train system, with more routes and stations, and also connects Portugal to neighboring Spain, while the train system requires numerous transfers and takes considerably longer without direct routes.
Train travel between some cities and small towns is non-existent, making the bus the only option outside of driving, or routes may be offered on the train with numerous connections and/or lengthy travel times.
These are some popular tourist trips in Pourtgal that are better by bus:
Lisbon-Algarve:
While some argue the train is still the better option, I disagree. The train requires a transfer to a commuter train that can get quite packed and lacks luggage space. It also requires having to make the transfer with luggage and storing your own luggage, as opposed the bus which is direct and offers storage under the coach. This journey by bus is also significantly less expensive.
Lisbon to -
Nazare
There is no train directly into Nazare, with the closest station nearly 4km from the town center. There are also no direct routes by train, making the journey over 3.5 hours, while the direct bus takes less than 90 minutes and arrives directly in the town center.
For my Complete Guide to Nazare, including bus information, click here!
Evora
There is a train to Evora from Lisbon, and it is also a good option, but the bus is generally more cost effective, takes about 15 minutes less time and has more schedule options, as the train only runs 4 times per day.
Obidos
There is no direct train to Obidos. You can piece together a train route, but it will take over 2 hours and can get a bit pricy. There are direct buses to Obidos from Lisbon that take just over an hour and can cost as little as €3-4.
Porto to -
Guarimaes:
The bus is the most affordable and efficient way to get from Porto to Guimaraes. With tickets starting at 2,95€ and the journey taking just 45 minutes, this is the way I would recommend getting from Porto to Guimaraes. The Historical City Center of Guimaraes is about a 15 minute walk from the bus terminal.
For my complete guide to Guimaraes, including train and bus information, click here!
Aveiro:
Both the train and bus will get you to Aveiro, but the train has a more limited schedule with trains taking between 34 minutes and over an hour to get to Aveiro and fares ranging in cost from €3,90 to €17 each way depending on train and how far in advance tickets are booked. The bus offers tickets for as little as €3 and takes just 45 minutes.
For my complete guide to Aveiro, including train and bus information, click here!
Braga:
Braga is a popular day trip from Porto and is easily reached by train or bus. I prefer the bus to Braga because it is more efficient and more affordable, with tickets as low as €3 each way.
For my complete guide to Braga, including train and bus information, click here!
✈️Airports
Both Rede Expressos and Flixbus offer routes directly from all mainland Portugal airports, which eliminates the cost and hassle of transiting to the train station with luggage.
⭐When booking, be sure to select the airport and not the station/city center
Transit Strikes
Due to being privately owned, the bus companies are unimpacted by Portuguese national and transit strikes, making them a great alternative to trains when strikes occur. If it is possible your itinerary may be impacted by a transit strike, I recommend buying bus tickets as a backup, even if the strike is called off and you are able to take the train as planned, it is a good idea to have a backup plan.
Portugal Bus Companies
Portugal has three official bus providers, with Rede Expressos and Flixbus offering the broadest range of service and ALSA offering select domestic routes and international routes. I have taken both Rede Expressos and Flixbus extensively throughout Portugal, and ALSA from Lisbon to Seville, Spain.
While some travelers have preferences of bus companies in Portugal, I find them comparable in price, service, and availability.
Rede Expressos
Rede Expressos is the national bus provider for Portugal, offering extensive routes throughout the country. In Lisbon, Rede Expressos primarily operates out of Sete Rios bus terminal with some buses operating out of Oriente Station.
I have taken Rede Expressos numerous times and find it reliable, comfortable and affordable. The fleet of coaches is newer, making the ride smoother, and the buses clean and comfortable.
🎟️Refund Policy:
up to 7 days before the departure time indicated on the outbound ticket (in case of round trip) correspond to a 100% refund of the booking value.
6 days and 72 hours before the departure time indicated on the outbound ticket (in case of round trip) correspond to a 75% refund of the booking value.
between 71 hours and 24 hours before the departure time indicated on the outbound ticket (in case of round trip) correspond to a 50% refund of the booking value.
between 23 hours and 3 hours before the departure time indicated on the outbound ticket (in case of round trip) correspond to a 25% refund of the booking value
RFlex Tickets can be canceled for a full refund up to 72 hours before departure
For Rede Expressos full refund policy, click here
🧳Luggage - The passenger may carry free of charge two hold bags (up to 20 kg combined), with maximum dimensions of 80x50x30 cm, and one hand luggage (up to 10 kg, non-rigid)
⭐I have never, ever seen luggage weighed or measured on a Rede Expressos bus. Passengers load their own luggage under in the hold.
🚲🏄🏼♂️If traveling with large sporting equipment, such as bicycles or surfboards, specific tickets must be purchased in advance (can be purchased on board, but are subject to availability)
📶On-Board Wifi
🐶Small pets permitted on board in approved carrier (domestic routes only), see details here
FlixBus
Flixbus is pretty well-known globally, and while it can get some mixed reviews, I have taken it in numerous countries and many times in Portugal without any issue.
🎟️Refund Policy:
⭐Flixbus offers refunds in the form of vouchers to be used on future Flixbus journeys
Time before departure Refund (% of ticket price)
Less than 2 days 20%
Between 2 and 6 days 40%
Between 7 and 29 days 70%
30 days or more 100%
Extras like seat reservations and excess baggage, the refund is 100%. Booking fees and service fees are non-refundable.
📶On-Board Wifi
💺💺Flixbus offers “neighbor free” journeys that allow you to book the seat next to you at a discounted fare
🧳Flix bus officially allows hold luggage up to 23kg (50lbs), measuring 51cmX30cmX80cm and carry-on sized luggage weighing up to 12kg (25lbs). Like Rede Expressos, I have never ever seen luggage weighed or checked on a Flixbus.
🚲Bicycle bookings are available on most routes via the Flixbus website and app and must be booked in advance. For more information on traveling with a bicycle on Flixbus, click here
🚫🐶Pets not allowed on board (service animals permitted)
ALSA
If you are looking for an affordable way to from Portugal to Seville or Madrid, the ALSA bus is a great option. Is the bus the quickest way to get between the two countries? Of course not, but is IS typically the least expensive, especially if you are traveling with luggage.
I took the ALSA bus from Lisbon to Seville for just €21, which was considerably cheaper than flying, particularly factoring in my luggage. While the bus from Lisbon to Seville was 6 hours, compared to a one-hour flight, the duration was not that much longer when considering time spent getting to and being at the airport.
For my budget travelers, there are overnight buses from Portugal to Spain, which are cost effective and also eliminate the cost of accommodations for the night.
Where to Buy Bus Tickets in Portugal
Advanced Tickets
If you are on a schedule, want the best rates, or are traveling during peak times, it is best to book tickets in advance (typically a month in advance is best practice).
For comparing schedules and fares across providers, OMIO is a great option and will show all your options for your date of travel. You can book through OMIO, which is the only officially recognized third party ticket vendor in Portugal.
To compare rates and fares, and purchase tickets, click here.
You can also purchase tickets directly through the bus companies:
Rede Expressos tickets can be purchased here or via the Rede Expressos App.
Flixbus tickets can be purchased here or via the Flixbus app.
⭐Pro Tip
All bus tickets are sold as one way tickets (there is no discount or cost difference for booking round trip), so check both companies, or OMIO, to compare fares and schedules. Sometimes booking one way with one company and the other way with another fits your schedule and/or budget better.
Tickets purchased through the company’s website, or OMIO, will be delivered via e-mail containing a PDF or a QR code the driver will scan, same with the apps .
On-Site
Can I buy bus tickets in Portugal on-site? Yes. Both bus services have a kiosk and/or agents selling tickets at their designated stations. If you have loose plans, aren’t sure of how long it will take to clear immigration or want flexibility on a day trip, you have the option of buying tickets on the spot.
Last minute tickets can be more expensive, and there is a chance of them selling out during peak times on popular routes, so be sure to have a contingency plan or be cautious not to show up for the last bus.
What to Expect On-Board Portugal Buses
What is it like on-board buses in Portugal?
I’m 6’1 and pretty thick and find the buses comfortable enough. They aren’t luxury or bougie, but the majority of the buses are newer and comfortable for several hours.
Here are some commonly asked questions about Portugal buses:
📶Is there Wifi? Yes. Depending on the route, there may not be Wi-Fi for the entirety of the trip, but it is quite reliable.
🚻Are there bathrooms? Yes. All coaches are equipped with bathrooms. Only on one occasion have I taken a us in Portugal where the bathroom was out of order.
⭐Bathrooms are located by the stairs at the rear entrance of the bus (not in the back of the bus like in North America)
🕑Are the buses on time? With any form of transportation, delays can happen, but I have only had one significantly delayed bus in Portugal (out of almost 40 rides) with a handful having 15ish minute delays. I do find Flixbus is better sending notifications for delays and the bus tracker feature in the app is quite helpful.
🧼Are the buses clean? For the most part, yes. Of course, there are times when there is some trash on the floor or in the seatbacks, but overall, I find the buses in Portugal to be well maintained and clean.
Whether you are looking to save some money, take a more efficient route, save some time, or any other reason, the bus is a great way to travel across and throughout Portugal.
I hope this guide has armed you with all the insights and information to make booking and taking the bus in Portugal seamless and stress-free.
I came to Portugal 4 years ago & fell in love.
Since then, I spend half the year in Portugal, exploring the country like both a local & a curious traveler—sharing insights on popular spots, gems, & where to eat, wander, & soak in the magic of everyday Portuguese life.
Follow all of my adventures on IG and Facebook!
