Bus

Portugal's network of regional bus service is comprehensive, punctual, and comfortable. It's a relatively inexpensive way to get around the country, and the views from your window are often spectacular. The only downside is that the great distances between the country's northern and southern reaches mean that if you want to see several different regions you'll spend a lot of time sitting.

Three of the largest bus companies are Rede Expressos, which serves much of the country; Rodo Norte, which serves the north; and Eva Transportes, which covers the Algarve the Alentejo. For major bus lines, you can buy a ticket online before you depart. For smaller rural lines, look for the schedules posted in the local bus station or at the local tourist offices. It's always wise to reserve a ticket at least a day ahead, particularly in summer when a lot of people are traveling.

There are three classes of bus service: expressos are comfortable, fast, direct buses between major cities; rápidas are fast regional buses; and carreiras stop at every crossroad. Expressos are generally the best cheap way to get around (particularly for long trips, where per-kilometer costs are lowest).