The Iberian Peninsula, adorned with diverse landscapes and rich cultural treasures, invites travelers to embark on a journey of exploration and travel between Spain and Portugal.
Travel between Spain and Portugal: the alternatives
To facilitate this exciting venture, various transport alternatives offer distinct experiences, each with its own merits. Let’s delve into the main options—planes, trains, cars, and buses—unveiling the charm and convenience they bring to the table.
On the video next you will find more details about each of the transport alternatives outlined next.
✈️ Taking to the skies: flying between Spain and Portugal
For those seeking swift connections between the vibrant cities of Madrid and Lisbon or the sun-kissed beaches of Barcelona and Porto, air travel stands out as the go-to option. There are regular flights from a handful other airports in Spain like Valencia, Alicante, Málaga o Seville. Airlines like Iberia and TAP Air Portugal provide efficient and time-saving flights, allowing travelers to soar above the picturesque landscapes and arrive at their destination in a matter of hours.
🚊 Embracing the Iron Rails
Embarking on a scenic train journey through the Iberian countryside offers a unique perspective on the beauty that lies between Spain and Portugal. Unfortunately, the number of direct train connections between Spain and Portugal is quite limited. Currently, only Porto and Vigo have a direct train connection. Renfe, the Spanish railway company, and Comboios de Portugal need to work harder to bring the countries together.
And before you ask, no, there is currently no direct train connection between Madrid and Lisbon.
🚘 Cruising on the roads
Road trips beckon those who crave flexibility and wish to uncover hidden gems along the way. Renting a car or driving your own car provide the freedom to explore charming towns, pristine beaches, and lush countryside at your own pace. The well-maintained highways and picturesque routes make driving between Spain and Portugal a delightful experience, allowing travelers to create their own itineraries.
Check out our list of 20 best road trips in Spain and 5 best road trips in Portugal.
🚌 Busing across borders
Budget-conscious travelers can opt for long-distance buses that link the two countries efficiently. Companies like ALSA and Rede Expressos offer cost-effective and comfortable options, enabling passengers to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty rolling by. With numerous routes available, bus travel provides an economical and eco-friendly way to traverse the Iberian landscapes.
In conclusion, the journey between Spain and Portugal is as exciting as the destinations themselves. Whether you opt for the swiftness of air travel, the romance of train journeys, the freedom of road trips, or the budget-friendly buses, each mode of transportation promises a unique experience. So, pack your bags, choose your preferred method, and set forth on an unforgettable adventure across the enchanting Iberian Peninsula.
Hi Tony, We are visiting feb 3 rd to 6 th in Madrid. We want go to avila one day trip. Rest spent time madrid city. Any advice?
Also we want to go to fatima portugal. Any suggestions?
Hi Ouseph, I assume you already know Madrid, as you are dedicating very little time to the city. Check out our Madrid Travel Guide. To go Fátima you will need to fly to Lisbon first and then take a bus to Fátima.
Hola Tony
We are a family of four with the goal to explore Lisboa, Fatima, Madrid, Barcelona. Any suggestions for a 10 day itinerary to spend quality time in each city?
Hi Rafael, we intend to create a consultancy service to help with queries like yours, but so far it is at a planning stage.
In the meantime, the following video is a good starting point for any planning.
¡Hola Tony! Te escribo desde Italia. A mi novia y a mí nos gustaría hacer un viaje que incluya Portugal y Galicia. Mi pregunta es ¿cómo están conectados y si lo son Braga con Vigo y la segunda pregunta es Vigo merece una parada?
Hola Chris, tienes la respuesta a tu primera pregunta en el vídeo. Vigo es interesante, pero como parte de un recorrido de bastantes días por Galicia.
Hola Tony: Thank you so much for your Madrid Airport video.
I am coming in from DFW to Porto Wednesday/Thursday. I am ticketed thru American Airlines, but in Madrid I am changing to Iberia (still an AA flight number). Will my luggage be checked all the way to Porto or will I have to pick luggage up at MAD? My connection time is only 2 1/2 hours.
One of the comments mentions that they had the help of a luggage assistant. If I need one, how do I set it up.
Thank you again for your videos.
Cecilia
Hello Cecilia. If both flights are issued under the same ticket and with AA flight numbers, chances are your luggage will be sent through to its final destination, but double check at the time of check-in. Never heard of a luggage assistant in Madrid. All the best.
Hola , Tony mi esposo y yo queremos viajar en junio para Portugal y España, me encantaría saber si puedes hacer un itinerario de Lisboa a España con la ciudades mas importantes de España. El viaje sería de 15 días.
Hi Vionette, we intend to create a consultancy service to help with queries like yours, but so far it is at a planning stage.
In the meantime, the following video is a good starting point for any planning: https://youtu.be/GkgrYc89s_o You can also count with our self-guided walking tours, see the details here https://travelguidesspainandportugal.com
Placer saludarlo. Mi esposa y un servidor, tenemos planeado viajar a España por un mes. ( Octubre 24- Noviembre 24) y queremos visitar Fatima Portugal. Mi pregunta es Cual seria el mejor trasporte para ir desde Sevilla? se requiere visa para pasar la frontera entre España y Portugal?
Gracias.
Buenos días. Tendrás que ir primero desde Sevilla a Lisboa (opciones explicadas en el vídeo) y luego de ahí a Fátima. Tu pregunta sobre la frontera también está respondida en el vídeo que abre esta entrada. Un saludo.
Mr. Tony GálvezWe want to say thank you for your videos and education you provide on youtube, they are very insightful and greatly appreciated. It has encouraged us and motivated us to plan a trip to visit Portugal and Northern Spain, Wine Country and ending up in Madrid for a few days to explore the Capitol. There is a restaurant in Leon name El Capricho.
We are researching the best way to travel starting in Lisbon Portugal, working our way through the following cities (See list below) to end up in Madrid and return home from Madrid?We are trying to gauge a reasonable time to spend over all on the trip and yet not feel rushed through the entire trip. Cities starting and stopping along the way would be as follows.1.) Arrive in Lisbon2.) Visit Cascais Portugal3.) Porto Portugal4.) Pontevedra, Spain5.) Santiago De Compostela, Spain6.) Bilbao, Spain7.) San Sebastian, Spain8.) Logrono Spain9.) Leon, Spain (Restaurant El Capricho) and site see for a 1-Day10.) Madrid – Spend min. 3 days to visit museums, architecture, cathedrals , squares and enjoy the rich Culinary Madrid has to offer. Depart from Madrid to the US.
Any advice on the best way to travel with a family to the cities listed above? We would like to travel by train if possible and preferred unless you would suggest a better option. We would like to accomplish the trip within 15 days total and we understand we would lose approximately 2-days in travel from the US to Lisbon/Madrid.
Your suggestions are greatly appreciated and we thank you again for your videos and education about Spain and Portugal. Thank you again for your time and efforts.
Dear Martin, many thanks for your kind words. We intend to create a consultancy service to help with queries like yours, but so far it is at a planning stage. You mention you don’t want to feel rushed but for the cities you intend to cover you would need at least 30 days. Anything less that that will become a mad rush from one place to the other. All the best.
Hello,
Is it safe to drive from Madrid ->Salamanca -> Porto ->Lisbon -> Seville -> Malaga -> Granada -> Valencia -> Barcelona -> Bilbao -> Madrid in December. Will there be snow in December in these areas. Please suggest.
Hi, there might be snow going to Salamanca, and leaving Granada, but you will only now a couple of days in advance.
Hello Tony, I arrive at 2345 into Seville airport from Lisbon. Does the airport bus run that late and how about safely walking from the bus station to the hotel? If I take a taxi is there a flat rate from airport to city center. Great content and thank you for your help.
Hi George. The airport bus runs till midnight. Depending on the location of your hotel, it can be an incredibly long walk to it. Taxis operate with a flat rate of 25€ until 9 pm.
Hi Tony
Loved your videos! In May We are planning on renting a car in Lisbon and would like to end up in Malaga. Is this possible at a reasonable price?
You will struggle hard to find a car rental company allowing it but, in any case, not for a resasonable price. The extra charge will be hefty.
Hello Tony, I and my wife planning to rent a car from Madrid and drive to Lisbon. I have read about cross boarders fees which is 30 euros however the car rental companies charges 80 euros. could you please advise
Hi Richy, you will have to shop around, each company has their own policy on the issue. We’ve just done a cross border car hire and paid 50€ for it.
Hi Tony, my wife and I will have two days in Lisbon this October we are seniors and found the hotel Marques De Pombal for 365 euros including breakfast south of Pombal square. We are planning a half day trip to visit Ajuda and Queluz palaces and gardens.
Should we try and stay in city center or is this a good deal. Planning just to do some short walking around and have some good food, coffee and pastries, during our short trip.
Thanks
Hello David, we have a specific text on where to stay in Lisbon where we will be happy to answer your questions on that topic. All the best!