Do I need exact change for buses?

No, but drivers prefer exact change and may not have change for large bills. Transport cards eliminate this problem entirely.

Can I use the same card in different Portuguese cities?

No, each city has its own system. Lisbon's Navegante won't work in Porto's Andante network. Buy a new card when you change cities.

Are there English announcements?

Major tourist routes have English announcements. Regular city transport is Portuguese-only, but stops are clearly marked and apps show your location.

What if I get caught without a valid ticket?

Fines start at €120 and must be paid immediately or within 48 hours. Inspectors are common and strict - always validate your ticket.

How to Use Public Transport in Portuguese Cities

Portuguese cities use integrated transport systems with rechargeable cards, contactless payment, and paper tickets. Buy a city transport card at metro stations or newsstands, validate before boarding, and keep your ticket until you exit. Most systems run 6am-1am with reduced weekend service.

Get the right transport card for your city. In Lisbon, buy a Navegante card (€0.50) or use contactless payment. In Porto, get an Andante card (€0.60). In Coimbra, buy SMTUC tickets at machines. Cards work across all transport modes in each city.
Load money or passes onto your card. Top up at metro stations, CTT post offices, or Payshop locations. Single rides cost €1.50-2.00. Day passes run €6.40 in Lisbon, €4.15 in Porto. Load exact amounts - machines don't always give change.
Validate when boarding. Tap your card on yellow validators when entering metro stations, buses, and trams. For trains and some trams, validate again when exiting. Keep your ticket - inspectors check regularly and fines start at €120.
Navigate the network. Download the official city app (Citymapper works too). Metro lines are color-coded with end station names. Bus stops show route numbers and destinations. Yellow trams in Lisbon are tourist routes - regular trams are modern and faster.
Know the operating hours. Metro runs 6:30am-1am (2am Fridays/Saturdays). Buses start at 6am, most routes end by midnight. Night buses (marked with 'N') run limited routes after midnight. Sunday service is reduced across all modes.

Do I need exact change for buses?: No, but drivers prefer exact change and may not have change for large bills. Transport cards eliminate this problem entirely.
Can I use the same card in different Portuguese cities?: No, each city has its own system. Lisbon's Navegante won't work in Porto's Andante network. Buy a new card when you change cities.
Are there English announcements?: Major tourist routes have English announcements. Regular city transport is Portuguese-only, but stops are clearly marked and apps show your location.
What if I get caught without a valid ticket?: Fines start at €120 and must be paid immediately or within 48 hours. Inspectors are common and strict - always validate your ticket.