Transport

“Setúbal — 45 minutes from Lisbon, but a world away from the capital’s hustle”

Getting to Setúbal

Fertagus Train

Fertagus is the most convenient and popular way to reach Setúbal from Lisbon. Trains depart from Roma-Areeiro station and cross the Tagus over the lower deck of the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Route: Roma-Areeiro — Entrecampos — Sete Rios — Campolide — Pragal — Corroios — Foros de Amora — Fogueteiro — Coina — Penalva — Palmela — Setúbal

Payment: Lisboa Viva card (Navegante) or single ticket. With a Navegante Metropolitano pass (€40/month), you can travel unlimited across the entire metropolitan area, including Fertagus.

Current fares at fertagus.pt. Prices may be updated annually.

Bus

Carris Metropolitana operates routes from Lisbon and surrounding areas to Setúbal. After the 2023 public transport reform, bus routes were unified under a single brand. Routes to the south bank of the Tagus (Margem Sul) are numbered in the 4xxx series.

Rede Expressos (intercity operator) also runs buses from central Lisbon to Setúbal. Travel time is about 1 hour, departing from the Sete Rios bus terminal.

By Car

From Lisbon to Setúbal is about 50 km, ~40 minutes without traffic.

Main routes:

• A2 (Autoestrada do Sul) + A12 — via the 25 de Abril Bridge and south. Toll roads (portagens).
• Ponte Vasco da Gama + A12 — alternative route from eastern Lisbon, slightly longer but often faster during rush hour.

Tolls are paid via the Via Verde electronic transponder system, or via Easy Toll / Toll Card for rental cars.

Toll calculator: viaverde.pt

From Lisbon Airport

• Taxi/Uber/Bolt — the fastest option. ~40–60 minutes, €40–60 depending on traffic.
• Public transport — metro to Sete Rios or Roma-Areeiro, then Fertagus to Setúbal. Total ~1.5 hours.
• Transfer services — pre-booked shuttle services, convenient with luggage.

City Transport

Carris Metropolitana Buses

City buses in Setúbal are operated by Carris Metropolitana (formerly TST). Main routes connect the city centre with São Sebastião, Bonfim, Azeitão, and Palmela.

Payment: Lisboa Viva card. Without a card, you can buy a single ticket from the driver, but it’s more expensive. The Navegante Metropolitano pass (€40/month) covers all public transport in the metropolitan area.

Lisboa Viva / Navegante Card

• Navegante Municipal (~€30/month) — unlimited within one municipality
• Navegante Metropolitano (~€40/month) — unlimited across the entire Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, including Fertagus, buses, and metro

Cards can be purchased at Fertagus sales points, Lisbon metro stations, or online.

Ferries: Setúbal — Tróia

Atlantic Ferries operates the crossing between Setúbal and the Tróia peninsula — year-round, virtually 24 hours a day.

Two Types of Crossing

Fares (2025–2026)

Terminals

• Setúbal: Rua Teotónio Banha (waterfront in the centre, near Avenida Luísa Todi)
• Tróia: next to Troia Marina

Schedules change seasonally. Current timetable at atlanticferries.pt. Tel.: (+351) 265 235 101.

Intercity Transport

Rede Expressos

National intercity bus operator. From Setúbal you can reach:

• Lisbon (~1 hour)
• Évora (~1.5 hours)
• Algarve (Faro) (~3 hours)
• other Portuguese cities

Setúbal’s bus station is located on Avenida 5 de Outubro. Tickets at rede-expressos.pt or at the counter.

CP — Comboios de Portugal

The national railway company. There are no direct CP trains from Setúbal — the main rail connection is provided by Fertagus. For journeys south (Alentejo, Algarve), transfer in Lisbon.

River Transport on the Sado

The Sado estuary has been a living transport artery for centuries. Read more about ferries, barges, and bridges in River Transport on the Sado.

Cycling Infrastructure

Setúbal is developing its cycling infrastructure, though it still lags behind major European cities:

• Bike lanes — along the Avenida Luísa Todi waterfront and in park areas
• Bike rental — municipal system and private rentals
• Terrain — the city centre is relatively flat, but hillside areas (towards Arrábida) require good fitness or an e-bike

For trips to the Arrábida Natural Park, cycling is a great option, but be prepared for elevation changes.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Uber and Bolt

Both platforms operate in Setúbal (regulated under TVDE law — Transporte em Veículos Descaracterizados). Driver availability is lower than in Lisbon, especially at night and outside the centre.

Taxis

Traditional taxis (beige or black-and-green) are available at ranks near the train station, Mercado do Livramento, and in the centre. Meter is mandatory. Night tariff (22:00–06:00) and weekends are ~20% more expensive.

Useful Links and Apps

Prices and schedules as of February 2026. We recommend checking official websites before travelling.