Getting There & Away: Setubal

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the main international airport for Setúbal.

Air Travel Info

LIS serves as a major hub for TAP Air Portugal.
Numerous European low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet) and major international airlines (Lufthansa, Delta, etc.) fly to LIS.
Direct flights to Lisbon are available from many global cities including New York, Toronto, London, Paris.

Seasonal Pricing & Facilities

Flight prices vary by season, impacting your budget.

Smart Travel Choices

Highest prices: Peak summer (June-August), major European holidays, festivals. Better value: Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October). Lowest: Low season (November-March).
LIS facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges.
Booking in advance for high season travel often results in better prices. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Train from LIS

Take Metro (Red Line) to Oriente, then Fertagus train to Setúbal. Journey around 1 hr 15 mins.

Taxi/Ride-share from LIS

Direct route. Cost between €60-€80+ depending on traffic and time. Uber/Bolt available.

Bus from LIS

Carris Metropolitana buses indirectly connect to Setúbal, often with transfers. Less direct than train.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Fertagus: Main service connecting Lisbon to Setúbal (25 de Abril Bridge crossing).
For longer distances (Porto, Faro), connect via Lisbon stations (Oriente, Sete Rios) to Fertagus.
Trains run frequently, especially during weekdays.

Bus Options

Carris Metropolitana: Regional bus services within Lisbon Metropolitan Area connecting to Setúbal.
Rede Expressos: Portugal's largest national bus company for long-distance connections from Setúbal's Rodoviária.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Requirements

Valid driver's license (IDP recommended for non-EU/EFTA). Minimum age 21/23 (young driver fee for under 25). Credit card for security deposit.

Road Conditions

Excellent motorway network (A2 connects Lisbon to Setúbal). Arrábida Natural Park roads can be narrow, winding, and steep.

Tolls & Safety

Most motorways have electronic tolls (Via Verde). Rental cars usually include a transponder. Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits: 50/90-100/120 km/h (urban/national/motorway). Consider DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Water transport plays a role, notably for local connections.

Troia Peninsula Ferry

Regular service (Atlantic Ferries) connects Setúbal to Troia Peninsula.
Accommodates both passengers and cars, offering quick access to Troia's beaches and Roman ruins.
The ferry ride itself provides scenic views of the Sado Estuary.

River Transportation & Cruise Ports

Beyond the Troia ferry, river transport mainly serves tourist activities.

Specialized Water Journeys

River transportation in the Sado Estuary is for dolphin watching or birdwatching tours.
Setúbal's commercial port does not serve as a major international cruise ship destination (Lisbon is the main cruise port).
For rare international sea arrivals, standard Schengen Area immigration procedures apply. Local ferry to Troia is domestic.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure from Setúbal.

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes imposed on tourists departing Portugal.
Air Departure (LIS): Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. Factor in Lisbon traffic.
Train/Bus Departure (Setúbal): Arrive 15-30 minutes before scheduled departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Amenities for departing travelers.

Departure Comforts

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS): Duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, lounges.
Setúbal's main train station & bus terminal: Basic amenities like ticket offices, waiting areas, small cafes.

Critical Reminders

Confirm departure times and transport connections well in advance.
Factor in potential traffic when traveling to Lisbon Airport.
Consider potential delays during public holidays.

Verify flight frequency for some routes might reduce during low season.
Any applicable taxes are typically included in your flight or ticket price.

Public Transportation

Bus Network & Hubs

Setúbal's urban public transport mainly relies on a bus network.

Navigating Buses

Bus network managed by Carris Metropolitana covers city center, residential areas, and connections to train station and beaches (summer).
Main bus terminal (Rodoviária) near city center serves as a hub for urban and regional routes.
Important stops around Praça do Bocage, Avenida Luísa Todi, and near the Setúbal train station.

Ticketing & Accessibility

Choose your ticketing method and note accessibility details.

Smart Options

Viva Viagem Card: Reusable, rechargeable, most cost-effective. Purchase for €0.50, load with "Zapping" credit for cheaper fares (€1.35 per ride).
On-board tickets: Purchase from driver (€1.50-€2.00). Carry small denominations of cash.
Newer buses are accessible (ramps, wheelchair spaces). Older models and cobbled streets may pose challenges.

Operating Hours

Buses operate from early morning (~6 AM) until late evening (~midnight). Frequency varies by route and time.

Navigation Tips

Use Google Maps or Carris Metropolitana app for real-time schedules. Purchase a Viva Viagem card early.

Walking & Cycling

Historic city center is pedestrian-friendly. Waterfront promenade for walks/cycling. Local shops rent bicycles.

Efficient Travel

Purchase a Viva Viagem card upon arrival. It saves you money on bus fares and makes your travels around Setúbal easier. Load it with "Zapping" credit.

Getting There & Away