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Travel - Internal
AIR: TAP Air Portugal and Portugália run services between Lisbon, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, Oporto and the Azores. Charter flights are also available. The airline for the Azores is SATA (Sociedade Acoriana de Transportes Aereos) (website: www.sata.pt), which operates its Air Açores service between the various islands.
SEA/RIVER: Transport is available from all coastal ports and along the major rivers. For details, contact local ports.
RAIL: Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses (Portuguese Railways) (website: www.cp.pt) provides a rail service to every town. The tourist areas of Cascais and Sintra are connected to Lisbon by frequent express trains. High-speed Alfa trains run between Lisbon and Porto via Coimbra and Aveiro. Fertagus trains cross the River Tagus in Lisbon, operating between Entrecampus station to Fogueteiro (on the south bank).
Cheap fares: On ‘Blue Days’, usually Monday afternoon to Thursday, special rates are available. There are also special fares (with 20-30 per cent reductions) for groups of ten or more (Bilhetes de Grupo), travelling for a minimum distance of 75km/47 miles (single journey) or 150km/94 miles (return journey). Application should be made four days in advance by the group leader. Tourist Tickets (Bilhetes Turisticos) for seven, 14 or 21 days of unlimited travel are also available. The Rail Cheque (Cheque Trem), obtainable in four different values, can be in one name or a company’s name and has no time limit; it gives a reduction of ten per cent and can be used both for purchasing tickets and many other railway services.
An International Youth Ticket (BIJ) entitles those aged 12-26 to a discount (subject to certain conditions) in 25 countries for two months, including Portugal.
Senior citizens are entitled to 50 per cent reduction on production of proof of age. Children under four travel free. Children aged between four and 11 pay half fare.
Family Card, Inter-Rail Card, Rail Inclusive Tours, Euro Domino and Special Tourist Trips are amongst other offers from the Portuguese Railways (Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses), Calçada do Duque 20, 1249-109 Lisbon Codex (tel: 2132 12900 or 321 5700; fax: 2132 15879; website: www.cp.pt). Rail information is also available from ICEP/Portuguese Trade and Tourism Office; see Contact Addresses section.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. Every town and village can be reached by an adequate system of roads. Petrol stations generally stay open 0700-2000, although some are open 24 hours. Travel by motorway is subject to a toll according to distance covered and type of vehicle. A small tax may be added to petrol bought with a credit card. Bus: There are frequent coach services between all Portuguese cities. For further information, contact Rede Nacional de Expressos (website: www.rede-expressos.pt). Taxi: Charges are according to distance and taxis are all metered. Taxis are usually painted beige (although some taxis painted in the old colours of green and black still exist). In the city, they charge a standard meter fare; outside the city limits they charge per kilometre and are entitled to charge for the return fare. There is a surcharge for carrying luggage in the cities. Car hire: Available from main towns and airports, with or without driver. Regulations: Minimum age for driving is 21. Cars may be imported for up to six months. Traffic signs are international. Headlights should be dipped in built-up areas and side lights used when parking in badly lit areas. Children should not travel in the front seat. Seat belts should be worn. Warning triangles are compulsory. It is forbidden to carry cans of petrol in vehicles. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas and 120kph (70mph) on motorways. Visitors who passed their driving test less than one year previously must display a yellow disc with ‘90’ on it on the rear of their vehicle and must not go faster than 90kph (56mph) (or lower where appropriate). Permitted speeds will vary if trailers are being used. Documentation: International Driving Permits or foreign driving licences are accepted. Third Party insurance is compulsory and a Green Card must be obtained. Under the requirements of the Portuguese Road Code, those wishing to drive a car must possess a valid national/international driving licence, other official documentation with photograph, log book or rental contract and adequate car insurance. Failure to produce, on request to the authorities, any of the above will result in an on-the-spot cash fine. A Carnet de Passage is needed for a van.
URBAN: Lisbon has an underground (Metropolitano) (website: www.metrolisboa.pt), which is currently being expanded. Trams also operate in major Portuguese cities. A tram ride in Lisbon also provides a good opportunity to see the city. There is also an extensive bus network in Lisbon (website: www.carris.pt). Cheap fares: In Lisbon, a Tourist Pass is available for either four or seven days travel on trams, buses and the underground. The Lisboa Card (for sightseeing) is valid for 24 or 72 hours and offers unlimited bus, tram and underground travel as well as entry to 26 museums and 50 per cent discounts to other cultural attractions.
TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Lisbon to other major cities/towns in Portugal.
| | Air | Road | Rail |
| Faro | 0.35 | 4.00 | 5.00 |
| Oporto | 0.45 | 5.00 | 3.00 |
| Funchal | 1.30 | - | - |
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