Travelling Around
You can get almost everywhere easily and efficiently by either train, bus or ferry as distances are small in Portugal. Although trains are usually cheaper, and some lines are highly scenic, it's often quicker to go by bus - especially on shorter or less obvious routes.
By road
Buses are usually more flexible than trains and fares are usually competitive. Most of the lines leave from a town's central terminal. On a number of major routes (particularly Lisbon-Algarve) special express coaches can knock hours off the standard multiple-stop bus journeys.
Car rental rates in Portugal are high out of season (around €40-60/day). To rent a car you must be over 21 and have held a driving licence for over a year. If you break down you can get assistance from the Automovel Clube de Portugal, which has reciprocal arrangements with most other automobile clubs. In the north, phone their Porto service (tel 22 830 1127); in the south, phone Lisbon (tel 21 942 9103). Both operate 24 hours a day.
By rail
The Portuguese railway company, CP, operates all trains. About ninety percent are designated Regional , stop at most stations en route, and have first- and second-class cars. Intercidades are twice as fast and twice as expensive, and you should reserve a seat in advance. The fastest, most luxurious and priciest of all are the Rapidos (known as " Alfa "), which speed between Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto - sometimes they have only first-class seats. For more information visit www.cp.pt .
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