Navigating Portugal is actually pretty easy when you have the right resources. After moving here from the U.S. in 2023, I’ve picked up some helpful apps that have made traveling around the country smoother and more enjoyable.
These 10 types of apps are the ones we use most often for daily life in Portugal, and they’re must-haves for any visitor exploring the country.
1. Comboios de Portugal (CP)
Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the official train ticketing app used across Portugal. If you’re traveling between cities like Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and Faro, I highly recommend downloading the CP app.
Although you can purchase train tickets at the counter or on a browser, the CP app makes it easy to check train schedules on the go, save your tickets to your smartphone wallet, and have everything in one place.
And it’s a little vocab lesson: comboios = trains in Portuguese!
Download the CP app for iOS or Android.
2. Bolt and Uber
Public transit is great in Portugal, but rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt are convenient, especially if you have mobility limitations or are traveling at off hours. Both apps are common in cities and towns throughout Portugal.
Does Lyft Work in Portugal?
Lyft is not currently available in Portugal, but Uber and Bolt are two rideshare apps that are common and just as easy to use!
💡 Tip: Uber One is cheaper in Portugal than the U.S. (€5/month) and offers 5-10% credit back. You can use code qkt4bumnb6v3 to get discounts on your first 5 Uber trips!
Side note: If you plan on traveling to less populated and touristic areas like the Alentejo region of Portugal, Uber and Bolt will not be as common.
Download Uber for iOS and Android.
Download Bolt for iOS and Android.
3. FlixBus or Rede Expressos
For those looking to travel to the Algarve, Alentejo, and many other regions of Portugal, FlixBus and Rede Expressos are two bus apps that’ll help you get there.
FlixBus is used throughout Europe and in some places in the US. They often have promos that will take you across the entire country for as low as €5.
The thing I don’t like about FlixBus is that they usually charge you to select your seats, so even though it’s “low cost”, it’s low cost with limitations.
Download FlixBus for iOS and Android.
Rede expressos’s app is tis our go-to for travel between Lisbon and the Algarve. Seat selection is free and the buses are surprisingly nice. Fares between Lagos and Lisboa are usually about €10/person but can be as low as €3,95 one way. The app makes it easier to store your tickets and check bus times on the go.
You can join the RFlex program if you have a NIF/NIPC (Portuguese finance number). This will save you 10-65% off all tickets. The more you ride throughout the year, the more you save! I have taken dozens of buses since we moved to Portugal but just found out about this program as I was grabbing links for this article!
Download the Rede Expressos app for iOS and Android.
4. Google Maps
This one’s a classic, but for good reason. Google Maps is great for navigating Portugal’s walkable cities, road trips, and public transportation. Our favorite feature is the ability to save maps offline, so even if you don’t have service, you can get directions and easily navigate your surroundings.
Google Maps is extremely helpful for navigating the public transit system when you come to see Taylor Swift in Lisbon, Portugal. You can toggle your route by driving, walking, and public transportation routes to select the one that works best for you.
5. Citymapper
Citymapper helps you navigate metro systems, buses, and trams in Portugal’s major cities. It’s one of the top recommended apps from locals and visitors alike. It allows you to navigate multiple kinds of transport and works well across most major European cities!
Download Citymapper for iOS and Android.
6. TheFork
TheFork helps you discover and reserve tables at restaurants. Especially helpful in Lisbon, Porto, and other popular areas where making a reservation can save time and stress. You can filter by cuisine, budget, and rating.
This app will help you find some of the best spots in major cities like Bifanas do Alfonso in Lisboa:
💡 Pro tip: Try a pastel de nata at every bakery you can—find your favorite! Our personal pick? A Merenda Padaria e Pastelaria.
But honestly, Pastel de Nata from any local bakery is going to be delicious! It’s fun to try the different ones to pick a personal favorite.
Download TheFork on iOS and Android.
7. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the preferred communication tool in Portugal—used not just by individuals, but also by restaurants, delivery drivers, and small businesses. It’s more reliable for international travelers than SMS or iMessage.
Tip: Create a WhatsApp group with your travel companions before your trip.
Download WhatsApp to be a cool traveler on iOS or Android.
8. Mobile Network Provider App
Check with your mobile carrier about international service before you arrive. Many U.S. plans throttle data speeds abroad, so you may want to get a Portuguese SIM or eSIM.
What are the best ways to get phone service in Portugal with my US phone?
If your phone has the ability for dual SIMs, it’s super easy to just get a temporary SIM card for your travels. Here are three companies you can use to purchase an international SIM.
We haven’t personally used Orange, but Mike’s uncle who toured Europe this year with his band and they all used this eSIM option to have service throughout his extended stay abroad. It worked very well throughout each country on his tour and he was able to easily sign up after he arrived in Europe.
- NOS pre-paid monthly SIM
This is the service we use, which costs us about €21/mo for 5GB and unlimited calls.
This is the other major Portuguese cell phone carrier. It offers both SIMs and public WiFi passes. Paying for the hotspot access is a great option to supplement your current plan if you’re only in Portugal for a short time.
Although it’s helpful to get international plans, many areas throughout Lisbon have free public WiFi, including the main praças and most restaurants. However, it’s critical to check your carrier in advance so that you can have easy access to your Taylor Swift tickets once you arrive in Lisbon!
9. DeepL Translator App
DeepL was first recommended to us by our Portuguese teacher, Portuguese with Anita! DeepL is especially helpful for European Portuguese (instead of Brazilian Portuguese). We also recommend following Anita on socials for Portuguese phrases, vocab, and tips.
Download DeepL for iOS and Android.
10. Too Good to Go
Too Good To Go connects you with local restaurants, cafés, and bakeries offering surplus food at discounted prices. It’s a win-win: save money and reduce food waste while discovering new places to eat. You won’t know exactly what you’re getting until pick-up, but that’s part of the fun.
Final Tips for Preparing for Portugal
- Download apps before you travel, especially those requiring account setup.
- Create a travel folder on your phone for quick access.
- Check roaming data policies and consider using airplane mode + WiFi if needed.
We hope these apps help you have the BEST time during your upcoming Portugal trip! For our favorite places to see and activities to do, check out our YouTube Portugal Playlist or Portugal section of our blog.
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