Portugal Trip Costs: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Written by Mike Ho Updated Feb. 29, 2024

Are you thinking about a trip to Portugal and looking for information on how much to budget for your expenses? Our comprehensive guide will provide you with all of the necessary information, including costs for international flights, hotels, domestic transportation, meals, and attractions.

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How Much Does a Portugal Trip Cost?

Our cost estimates are primarily tailored for family travelers with one or two children or couples seeking comfortable accommodation, unique experiences, and private transfers. On average, such a private Portugal tour costs approximately 400–500 USD per day per person.

For a family of four (with children under 10 eligible for a 30–50% discount), a 1-week tour would typically amount to 14,000 USD. For couples, the cost would be about 7,000 USD. (Please note that international flights are not included in these estimates.)

Our private tour package includes city transfers, 4-star hotels, a tour guide, meals, tickets for attractions, a private car and driver, and a full-day itinerary.

During the peak season (June to August), tour prices may increase by approximately 30% to 50%. Booking your tour in advance is highly advisable, especially if you are traveling during the high season. Prices tend to increase significantly as summer vacations arrive.

If you prefer to avoid the stress of handling numerous bookings on your own, we highly recommend opting for our private tour option. Our dedicated private tour service would handle all of your expenses throughout Portugal, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free trip across the country. Additionally, exploring with a knowledgeable tour guide would provide you with a deeper understanding of the destination's history and culture.

The prices provided are approximate and should serve as a reference point. If you require a more specific quote tailored to your own itinerary, travel dates, and group size, please do not hesitate to contact our travel advisors. They would provide you with further details.

Costs of International Flights to Portugal

There are direct flights available from the USA to major cities in Portugal, including Porto and Lisbon. During non-peak seasons, you could typically find direct flights ranging from 500 to 900 USD (for a one-way trip). However, it's important to note that prices tend to increase significantly during the peak season from June to August.

If you opt for a connecting flight, the cost should be lower than that of a direct flight, usually by about 30% to 50%. Please keep in mind that airfare prices often vary considerably, so the figures provided here serve only as a reference. For more accurate cost estimates, we recommend checking the official websites of airlines at the time of booking.

If you're flying from London to Lisbon, the airfare typically costs about 100–150 USD. This route offers more flight options to choose from.

When planning your trip during peak seasons, we strongly advise booking your flights to Portugal at least 2–3 months in advance. This would allow you to secure better prices and have a wider range of flight options available to you.

Costs of Accommodation in Portugal

The cost of accommodation in Portugal varies depending on the city, location, type of accommodation, and time of year.

Generally, a 4-star hotel offers a comfortable stay with a convenient location. In Lisbon or Porto, you could expect to pay about 150–200 USD per night per room for a quality 4-star hotel. For example, we recommend the EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel in Lisbon. There, you could enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views at Amoreiras. The hotel is conveniently located, making it easy to explore nearby popular attractions, such as the Arpad Szenes - Vieira da Silva Museum.

If you require family accommodation, you have the option to book double rooms with extra beds or specifically designated family rooms at a higher price, costing an extra 50–100 USD. As travel agents, we partner with numerous hotels to provide competitive pricing on carefully-selected high-quality hotels that cater to various preferences, whether you prefer adult-only or family-friendly settings.

Please note that hotel prices fluctuate with seasons and tourism demand. A hotel could double its price during peak times. Booking in advance allows for better prices, so we generally recommend making reservations at least 3 months prior to your stay.

Costs of Transportation in Portugal

When traveling between the main cities in Portugal, trains are the most popular mode of transportation. The price of a train ticket varies depending on the type and class of service.

For a train journey from northern Portugal to the south (stopping in Lisbon), the cost typically ranges from 60 to 100 USD, depending on the type of seat you choose.

For example, if you plan to travel from Porto to Lisbon, the Alfa Pendular train is the fastest and most comfortable option for this route. One-way ticket prices start at about 30 USD for 2nd class and could go up to 50 USD or more for 1st class. The journey typically takes approximately 2½ to 3 hours.

From Lisbon, if you wish to continue your journey to Faro, you could take either an Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train. Similar to the Porto to Lisbon route, one-way ticket prices for this leg start at about 30 USD for 2nd class and could reach 50 USD or more for 1st class. The travel time from Lisbon to Faro is also approximately 2½ to 3 hours.

For families traveling with a significant amount of luggage or planning to visit the countryside or seaside towns, opting for a private car transfer between cities is advisable. By doing so, you could avoid the hassle of managing both your luggage and your children simultaneously, ensuring a more convenient and stress-free travel experience.

Costs of Meals in Portugal

The cost of meals in Portugal varies depending on the type of restaurant, location, and the specific dishes or menu you choose.

For budget dining, local cafés, bakeries, or small traditional restaurants are good options. There, you could expect to pay about 10 to 20 USD for a simple meal, such as a set menu or a sandwich with a drink.

For mid-range restaurants, the cost per person usually ranges from 20 to 50 USD for a meal (excluding drinks). This price typically includes a main course, a beverage, and possibly a dessert or coffee. Local eateries often offer reasonably-priced traditional Portuguese dishes, such as Bacalhau à Brás (codfish with scrambled eggs and potatoes) or grilled sardines.

In major cities, such as Lisbon or Porto, upscale or fine-dining restaurants provide a more elaborate dining experience. Prices per person at these establishments range from 50 to 100 USD or more, depending on the restaurant, menu, and wine selection.

Cost of Attractions and Activities in Portugal

The entrance tickets for castles, palaces, museums, or historical sites in Portugal typically range from 10 to 20 USD, depending on the type of attraction you wish to visit. However, if you're interested in experiencing local culture through activities like dolphin watching, a pastéis de nata baking experience, or tile painting, these costs would be higher.

Make Your Portugal Trip a Custom-Made Tour

All of our tours can be customized based on your interests and requirements. Feel free to contact us.

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