Travelling through Portugal with little ones is an incredible experience, from the exciting train rides, to the stunning views along the way. If you want to travel sustainably and explore Portugal beyond Lisbon, you are in luck. Portugal has an efficient and family-friendly public transportation system, including trains and coaches, that can make your journey smoother.
Here’s what you need to know about getting around Portugal by train and coach with young children.
Your transportation options
Portugal offers a variety of convenient and affordable transportation options for families exploring the country.
- Comboios de Portugal (CP) provides an efficient rail network connecting major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, with family-friendly amenities and no car seat requirements for young children.
- For long-distance bus travel, Rede Expressos is a popular coach service, connecting a lot of places unreachable by trains (see network map), allowing infants to ride on a parent’s lap.
- FlixBus is another common and very affordable option, which strictly requires car seats for children under 3, so parents should plan accordingly. You can rent Flixbus-friendly car seats from us.
- For shorter trips around the cities, metros (in Lisbon and Porto) and local buses are budget-friendly and don’t require car seats.
- Taxis in Portugal (including Bolt & Uber) are generally exempt from car seat requirements. Still, parents are responsible for their child’s safety. Pre-booking taxis or airport transfers that provide car seats is highly recommended for family travel. You can also rent a lightweight car seat for your taxi travel or opt-in for a car seat stroller.
Booking your tickets
In the peak season, it is highly recommended to book your train and coach tickets in advance.
Children under the age of 4 can travel for free on Rede Expressos buses, provided they do not occupy a seat. On Flixbus network in Europe, all children have to have a paid ticket.
Children aged 3 and under can travel for free on Comboios de Portugal (CP) trains in Portugal if they don’t occupy a seat. If a child under 3 requires their seat, they will need to purchase a half-price ticket. Children aged 4 to 12 are eligible for a half-price fare on most CP train services.
In Lisbon, children up to the age of 3 can travel for free on buses and the metro, as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. In Porto the same applies to children under 4.
Why rent baby gear for your Portugal trip?
Travelling with kids means packing a lot of gear, but you don’t have to haul it all across the Atlantic. Renting baby equipment in Portugal means:
✔ Less luggage stress – No need to check bulky car seats or strollers.
✔ Convenience – Have gear delivered to your accommodation.
✔ Safety compliance – Ensure you meet local transport regulations (like FlixBus’ car seat rule).
Whether you need a stroller for cobblestone streets, a car seat for coach travel, or a portable crib for your Airbnb, we’ve got you covered.
Portugal is a fantastic destination for families, and with the right preparation, getting around can be easy, even with little ones in tow. Ready to explore? Book your baby gear rental today and enjoy a hassle-free adventure!
Have questions about travelling with kids in Portugal? Drop us a message!
