Getting to and travelling around Portugal is as convenient these days as any other destination in Europe, with good connections facilitated by modern airports and a network of highly efficient transport terminals located up and down the country.
Lisbon, Oporto, Faro, Madeira and the Azores have airports served by TAP Air Portugal, the national carrier, which has direct flights to Lisbon from a number of destinations including England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, the USA and Canada. Most major European airlines fly to Lisbon, while a succession of charter flights operate during the summer, especially to the Algarve. There are also international flights to Porto in the north and Faro in the south.
Direct and regular bus services operate from France, Spain and England, while train connections from France and Spain provide regular scenic stops en route.
If you're driving from England, the quickest route is via the Plymouth-Santander or Portsmouth-Bilbao ferries to northern Spain and then on to Portugal.
Portugal’s mainland rail system is cheap and extensive, and tourists have a wide range of special tickets available offering unlimited travel throughout the country.
Numerous privatised coach companies provide fast and efficient road transport in Portugal, at very reasonable prices.
On the islands of Madeira and the Azores, the shorter distances involved mean that a taxi is sometimes a more viable mode of transport than the local bus.