Hello. We are planning a December trip to Portugal, thinking of Lisbon to Braga, and visiting cities inbetween. I have just started the research and am looking for some great advice. Any input on a rental car, train, or combo of both? Thank you!!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6977 posts
If public transportation goes where you want to visit and the schedules are somewhat regular, then that might be easier. If you intend on visiting places not regularly served by public transportation, then a rental car might be the best solution.
Posted by
329 posts
A car is mostly an hindrance inside Lisbon and Porto but a plus almost everywhere else.
Your itinerary and budget will be the determinig factors if you want a car between Lisbon and Porto.
Itinerary - if you are going direct from Lisbon to Porto you can take the AP train( about 3hours), but if you want to visit places along the way , then it becomes cumbersome, time consuming and more expensive taking local buses/ taxis.
Budget - if booking the Lisbon to Porto AP train first class seats last minute it's €47.40 each ( €94.80 for 2 people) compare that to the car rental cost for one day.
The train usually has discounts if purchased in advance.
We have used all modes of transportation in Portugal, based on our experience rent the car.
Wrote a trip report that has some photos of Braga and other places north of Lisbon (Aveiro, Conímbriga, São Martinho do Porto).
It's a long trip report you'll have to scroll to the posts of interest to you if you want to check it out.
https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/extended-trip-to-portugal-1711933/page2/