Are you going to Portugal and want to know Portuguese words about transportation? Well, today is your lucky day. In this blog post, I will teach you everything you need to know about transportation in the Portuguese language.
Going around Portugal is straightforward. Everything is well-marked and indicated, and the public transport network is excellent and accessible. Although Portugal is a small country, there are many options for transportation you can get to travel across the country.
First of all, let’s learn the word for transportation in the Portuguese language: Transporte. The similarity is remarkable, and it is very easy to memorize. If you want to learn more about the Portuguese culture and language, here are a few recommended articles that will make you want to book a flight to visit Portugal:
- Top 10 Delicious Portuguese Food You To Try Out Today!
- How To Say Cheers In Portuguese
- 10+ Fun Facts About Portugal And Portuguese
Common Modes Of Transportation In Portugal

Carro (Car)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]carro[/Speechword]
Portugal is not a vast country, but at a fairly reasonable pace, you can cross the entire country from North to South in less than 8 hours by car. Even inside the cities, where there are some forms of public transport, having and using a car is a much more comfortable and faster way to get wherever you may want to go. Understand me, public transportation in Portugal is excellent, but you can’t deny that going in your car is much better.

Comboio (Train)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Comboio[/Speechword]
This will probably be your first choice if you want to travel between big cities in Portugal. The railway network is complete and reaches almost every city in the country. For example, you can go from Lisbon to Porto in under 3 hours by train.

Metro (Subway)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Metro[/Speechword]
This option is only available in both Lisbon and Porto. This mode of transportation is mainly used inside the cities and has been growing and reaching further out to suburbia every year. If you’re a tourist, you can get combined tickets for a day, several days, or a whole week where you can ride unlimited public transport inside the area of Great Lisbon or Great Porto.

Autocarro (Local Bus)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Autocarro[/Speechword]
If there are no subway stations near the place you’re going, I can assure you that a bus passes nearby. The yellow buses of Lisbon are everywhere, and the network of stops is unbelievably complex. I think it is almost impossible for someone to memorize the bus network, so if you’re a tourist, just put your address on Google Maps, and you’ll see which buses you must take to get to your destination.

Taxis (Taxi)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]taxis[/Speechword]
Taxis in Portugal have two looks: older taxis have a beige color and the famous sign on top of the car, while newer taxis have a combination of black and green colors.

Elétrico (Tram)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Elétrico[/Speechword]
One of Portugal’s oldest (and most iconic) ways of transportation is the Tram. These electric miniature trains run down mainly in the oldest part of town and are used by thousands of people daily. If you head to Lisbon, don’t forget to ride the famous 28 Tram that crosses the most beautiful part of town.

Barco (Ferries)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Barco[/Speechword]
Tejo crosses the city of Lisbon, and besides the two car bridges that cross it, you can take a ferry to head to the other bank. The North bank is where the city of Lisbon is located, while the South Bank is filled with incredible beaches and the famous Cristo Rei that overlooks the city. You can catch the ferry, and you’ve crossed the river in less than 30 minutes.

Bicicleta (Bicycle)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Bicicleta[/Speechword]
Lisbon and Porto are not very smooth locations for bicycle riding because they are not very flat cities. For example, Lisbon is known as the “city of the seven hills!” That is not something you want to hear when you’re a bike rider!
Despite having this increased difficulty, riding a bicycle in Portugal is still one of the best options for transportation: across cities, there are lots of bike lanes where you can ride safely and enjoy the views. Besides that, Portuguese drivers are very respectful to bicycle drivers.
To top it all off, cities in Portugal are being flooded with public electric bicycles that you can rent by the minute, helping you fight the steep streets and tiring hills.

Mota (Motorcycle)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]mota[/Speechword]
If you don’t want to pedal, then a motorcycle is also a great option to get around town. You can rent your motorcycle by the day or catch some of the newest public electric motorcycles spread out in Lisbon and Porto.

Avião (Airplane)
[Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Avião[/Speechword]
By far the fastest way of transportation but the more limited one in terms of locations. Currently, you use this method in Portugal to get between three areas: Lisbon, Porto, and Faro.
Other Portuguese Words About Transportation
As useful as money, here is some Portuguese vocabulary about transportation that I can guarantee you will either say or hear during your visit to Portugal.
Portuguese | English | Pronunciation |
Aeroporto | airport | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]aeroporto[/Speechword] |
Segurança do Aeroporto | airport security | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]segurança do aeroporto[/Speechword] |
Bagagem | luggage | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]bagagem[/Speechword] |
Voo | flight | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]voo[/Speechword] |
Partida | departure | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]partida[/Speechword] |
Verificação de segurança | the security check | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]verificação de segurança[/Speechword] |
Embarcar | to board | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]embarcar[/Speechword] |
Aterrar | to land | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]aterrar[/Speechword] |
Passaporte | passport | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]passaporte[/Speechword] |
Visto | visa | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]visto[/Speechword] |
Identificação | ID | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]identificação[/Speechword] |
Porta | gate | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]porta[/Speechword] |
Atrasado | delayed | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]atrasado[/Speechword] |
Terminal | terminal | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]terminal[/Speechword] |
Escala | connection | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]escala[/Speechword] |
Words For Traveling By Train Or Bus
Portuguese | English | Pronunciation |
Lugar | seat | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]lugar[/Speechword] |
Transporte Público | public transportation | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]transporte público[/Speechword] |
Elétrico | tram | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]elétrico[/Speechword] |
Estação | station | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]estação[/Speechword] |
Estação de comboios | train station | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]estação de comboios[/Speechword] |
Estação de autocarros | bus station | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]estação de autocarros[/Speechword] |
Controlo de Identificação | ID control | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]control de Identificação[/Speechword] |
Bilhete | ticket | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]bilhete[/Speechword] |
Plataforma | platform | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]plataforma[/Speechword] |
Paragem | stop | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]paragem[/Speechword] |
Passageiro | passenger | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]passageiro[/Speechword] |
Horário | timetable | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]horário[/Speechword] |
Apanhar | to catch | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]apanhar[/Speechword] |
Mudar | to change (planes, buses, etc.) | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]mudar[/Speechword] |
Reservar | to reserve | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]reservar[/Speechword] |
Words For Travelling By Car
Portuguese | English | Pronunciation |
Camião | truck | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]camião[/Speechword] |
Caravana | caravan | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]caravana[/Speechword] |
Taxi | taxi | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]táxi[/Speechword] |
Alugar um carro | to rent a car | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]alugar um carro[/Speechword] |
Taxímetro | taximeter | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]taxímetro[/Speechword] |
Taxa | fee | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]taxa[/Speechword] |
Condutor | driver | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]condutor[/Speechword] |
Estrada | road | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]estrada[/Speechword] |
Auto-estrada | highway | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]auto-estrada[/Speechword] |
Trânsito | traffic | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]trânsito[/Speechword] |
Cinto de segurança | seat belt | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]cinto de segurança[/Speechword] |
Carta de condução | driver’s license | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]carta de condução[/Speechword] |
Conduzir | to drive | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]conduzir[/Speechword] |
Chegar | to arrive | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]chegar[/Speechword] |
Entrar | to get in | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]entrar[/Speechword] |
Sair | to get off | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]sair[/Speechword] |
Avariar | to break down | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]avariar[/Speechword] |
Estação de serviço | gas station | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]estação de serviço[/Speechword] |
Combustível | fuel | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]combustível[/Speechword] |
Pneu | tire | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]pneu[/Speechword] |
Pisca | turn signal | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]pisca[/Speechword] |
Inversão de marcha | u-turn | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]inversão de marcha[/Speechword] |
Rotunda | roundabout | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]rotunda[/Speechword] |
Motor | engine | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]motor[/Speechword] |
Travão | brake | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]travão[/Speechword] |

Phrases About Transportation In Portuguese
Take my word, you may think that English will be enough to get around in a country until you reach out to locals and hear a round “No English” from them. In this case, you should have a few arrows in your quiver, like these Portuguese phrases about transportation that I’m going to teach you.
Portuguese Question | English Question | Pronunciation |
Onde é a estação dos comboios? | Where is the train station? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde é a estação dos comboios?[/Speechword] |
Em que estação devo sair? | Which train station do I get off at? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Em que estação devo sair?[/Speechword] |
Onde fica a estação de metro mais próxima? | Where is the nearest metro station? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde fica a estação de metro mais próxima?[/Speechword] |
Onde posso apanhar um táxi? | Where can I get a taxi? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde posso apanhar um táxi?[/Speechword] |
Como é que vou até ao aeroporto? | How can I get to the airport? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Como é que vou até ao aeroporto?[/Speechword] |
Qual é a forma mais rápida de chegar à estação de comboios? | What’s the quickest way to get to the train station? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Qual é a forma mais rápida de chegar à estação de comboios?[/Speechword] |
Onde é a entrada da auto-estrada? | Where is the entrance to the highway? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde é a entrada da auto-estrada?[/Speechword] |
Eu vou de bicicleta. | I’ll take my bike | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Eu vou de bicicleta.[/Speechword] |
De onde parte o autocarro? | Where does the bus leave from? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]De onde parte o autocarro?[/Speechword] |
Posso sair na próxima estação? | Can I get off at the next station? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Posso sair na próxima estação?[/Speechword] |
Onde fica a próxima estação de autocarro? | Where is the next bus stop? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde fica a próxima estação de autocarro?[/Speechword] |
Quanto é o bilhete de autocarro? | How much is the bus ticket? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Quanto é o bilhete de autocarro?[/Speechword] |
Quanto é um bilhete só de ida? | How much for a one-way ticket? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Quanto é um bilhete só de ida?[/Speechword] |
Quanto é um bilhete ida-e-volta? | How much for a round-trip ticket? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Quanto é um bilhete ida-e-volta?[/Speechword] |
Tem desconto de estudantes? | Do you have discounts for students? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Tem desconto de estudantes?[/Speechword] |
Onde posso comprar o bilhete de comboio? | Where can I buy a train ticket? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde posso comprar o bilhete de comboio?[/Speechword] |
Tem bilhetes disponíveis? | Are there any tickets available? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Tem bilhetes disponíveis?[/Speechword] |
Onde posso alugar um carro? | Where can I rent a car? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde posso alugar um carro?[/Speechword] |
Quanto é o aluguer do carro? | How much is the car rental? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Quanto é o aluguer do carro?[/Speechword] |
O motor parou de funcionar | The engine has stopped working | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]O motor parou de funcionar[/Speechword] |
O carro não liga | The car won’t start | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]O carro não liga[/Speechword] |
Onde fica a estação de serviço mais próxima? | Where’s the nearest gas station? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde fica a estação de serviço mais próxima?[/Speechword] |
Que tipo de combustível usa? | What kind of fuel does it use? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Que tipo de combustível usa?vão[/Speechword] |
O carro tem um pneu furado | The car has a flat tire | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]O carro tem um pneu furado[/Speechword] |
O avião chega a horas? | Is the plane on time? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]O avião chega a horas?[/Speechword] |
Quanto tempo está o avião atrasado? | How long will the plane be delayed? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Quanto tempo está o avião atrasado?[/Speechword] |
Onde é a minha porta? | Where is my gate? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde é a minha porta?[/Speechword] |
Para que terminal vou? | Which terminal do I go to? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Para que terminal vou?[/Speechword] |
Eu queria um lugar à janela | I’d like a window seat | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Eu queria um lugar à janela[/Speechword] |
Eu queria um lugar no corredor | I’d like an aisle seat | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Eu queria um lugar no corredor[/Speechword] |
Para que plataforma vou? | Which platform do I go to? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Para que plataforma vou?[/Speechword] |
Onde é o lugar (inserir lugar)? | Where is the seat number (insert number)? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde é o lugar (inserir lugar)?[/Speechword] |
Devo sair aqui? | Do I get off here? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Devo sair aqui?[/Speechword] |
Quanto tempo é a viagem de comboio? | How long will the train ride take? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Quanto tempo é a viagem de comboio?[/Speechword] |
Há comida disponível no comboio? | Is there food available on the train? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Há comida disponível no comboio?[/Speechword] |
Há casas-de-banho a bordo? | Are there washrooms on board? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Há casas-de-banho a bordo?[/Speechword] |

Learn More About Portuguese
Ready to take your Portuguese to the next level and impress your friends the next time you travel to this coastal country? If your answer is yes, I have the perfect tool for you. I present to you, Ling!
Ling App is a vocabulary and grammar-packed application that will teach your favorite language. This application offers games, quizzes, writing exercises, an Ai chatbot, and much more to help you learn in a fun and interactive way!
This application fits perfectly in your phone and can be downloaded from iOS App Store and Google Play. But wait, there’s even more: the app has recently expanded to offer Ling Live, where you can get live lessons with a real tutor for beginners and advanced language learners.
What are you waiting for? Download it now and start learning Portuguese!