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Your driver will meet you at your address in Santiago de Compostela.
You’ll travel in comfort for 5 h 20 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Lisbon.
You may have walked or cycled to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino de Santiago, but you are probably hoping to get to Lisbon a bit faster. The bus, train, and flight connections between these cities are not direct and require transfers of several hours, so we recommend hiring a private driver for a car trip to make the best use of your time abroad.
There are so many neat stops to make that this transfer will be the highlight of your vacation. As you travel down the western coast of the Iberian peninsula, you will see rugged cliffs and limestone shores carved out by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Take your time to stop by seaside towns like Pontevedra for lunch and shopping, or take a boat along the canals of Aveiro.
A private driver from Daytrip will help you go off of the beaten path to admire Portugal’s religious history at Braga, which is home to 30 churches and is the religious capital of Portugal - a Vatican city of sorts. The Monastery of Batalha is another stop to make on your trip. This UNESCO World Heritage Site took 200 years to complete and is a cornerstone of Portuguese architectural and religious culture.
A customized road trip is the perfect way to see the best parts of Spain and Portugal you might otherwise miss!
The name "Lisbon," or Lisboa in Portuguese, finds its roots in ancient times, believed to have been derived from the Phoenician words "Allis Ubbo," meaning "safe harbor." When you look at a map, you’ll see it is a fitting name.
Lisbon is nestled along the delta of the Tagus River as it meets the Atlantic Ocean on the Iberian peninsula. Lisbon has indeed served as a safe haven and target of conquest for various civilizations, from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Moors and Christians. Each one has left a mark on the city's landscape and identity. Who knows- maybe some ancient pilgrims also made the journey from Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon just like you?
Lisbon’s legacy is a series of conquests of major European forces and religions. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1200 BC, it later became a prosperous Roman outpost known as Olissipo. Following centuries of Moorish rule, Lisbon was reconquered by Christian forces in the 12th century, ushering in a period of maritime exploration and global influence during the Age of Discovery.
The golden era of exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries brought untold riches to Lisbon, making it a hub of trade. In order to build their wealth, the Portuguese colonized resource-rich lands in India and portions of the African coast, including modern-day Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. Brazil was Portugal’s biggest colony. Today, Brazil has 210 million Portuguese speakers, compared to Portugal’s 10 million population.
Today, Lisbon stands as a vibrant metropolis. The city's historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, are a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, adorned with colorful tiles and full of little cafes and shops. Amidst this backdrop from a bygone era, you can visit architectural religious marvels like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major. Or visit the iconic Belém Tower, which pays homage to Lisbon's past as an empire and maritime power. But at the same time, Lisbon is full of contemporary culture and innovation. The city's dynamic arts scene is evident in its numerous galleries, street art displays, and avant-garde theaters. Modern architectural masterpieces, like the MAAT museum and the Vasco da Gama Bridge, stand as symbols of Lisbon's forward-thinking mindset.
You are most certainly going to want to stop and take a break to stretch your legs during the six-hour drive from Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon. The distance is about 335 miles (540 km) and with so much to stop and see, it is worth the planning ahead. Here are our tips for getting the most out of the stops in your journey.
In Spain, most businesses, including shops and restaurants, take a siesta and close for a few hours from after lunch until about 4:00 PM. Of the restaurants that stay open, many only serve drinks between meals.
Have snacks and water for the road trip, and plan your stops with the siesta in mind. Portugal doesn't take a siesta, so try to cross the border before lunch. Your Daytrip driver is a local and will be able to advise you as well. The days in Spain and Portugal are longer and warmer than you may be used to. Due to the intense heat, these countries have a culture of doing more activities in the evening and nighttime. Dinner is around 9-11 PM, and you can expect restaurants to open later and serve meals later.
Speaking of the heat, if you are visiting in the warmer months, you can cool down in a cave. The Mira de Aire Caves were discovered in 1947 and are part of a 7-mile (11 km) cave system. Step into cathedral-like chambers full of stunning natural features and enjoy the constant 65 F (18 C) temperature. You can only visit with a guided tour, so make sure to book ahead and bring sturdy shoes for the slippery floors!
You have several options when choosing how to get from Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon, but the best combination of cultural experience, price, convenience, and speed is going to be with a private driver. Buses and trains all require transfers and take up to 10 hours, but a car ride will give you the flexibility you need to explore the countryside.
Traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon via a private driver offers the flexibility and convenience of door-to-door transportation, allowing you to tailor the journey according to your preferences and schedule. Customize your itinerary with Daytrip to get the most out of your transfer. Add sightseeings stops at destinations like Braga and Coimbra that you wouldn’t be able to visit if you take public transportation.
The best part, though? Your private driver will take you directly to your accommodation within Lisbon, and help with your luggage. No need to return a rental car or worry about parking on Lisbon’s hilly streets. Let Daytrip provide a seamless and comfortable travel experience from start to finish.
While it's slower than other modes of transportation, the bus is a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers. Begin your journey by taking a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Porto, Portugal. The part of the journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Upon reaching Porto, you'll need to transfer to another bus that travels from Porto to Lisbon. This leg of the journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. You'll then just need to get from the bus station to your accommodation.
Similar to the bus routes, the train also requires a transfer to Porto. Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, operates high-speed and regional trains on this route. This half of the journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Once in Porto, you'll need to transfer to another train that travels from Porto to Lisbon. Portugal's national railway company, CP - Comboios de Portugal, operates regular train services between Porto and Lisbon. This half of the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Your train will arrive at one of Lisbon's main railway stations, such as Santa Apolónia or Oriente.
There are no direct flights between these cities. Any flight would require a transfer to a major Spanish city, so skip looking for flights for this trip!
Believe it or not, Lisbon is 400 years older than Rome! With that much history and time to develop a vibrant culture, it is no wonder there are endless things to do when you get to Lisbon. Come see all the history that shaped the map of the Iberian peninsula. You’ve finished your camino to Santiago de Compostela, and now it is time to enjoy the city! Make sure these locales make it onto your itinerary:
Welcome to Lisbon's Alfama District! Once you've unpacked and settled in, it's time to start the adventure aboard Tram 28, an absolute must-do for any visitor to the city. This charming tram ride promises a thrilling glimpse into Lisbon's soul. This iconic tram winds its way through the narrow streets and colorful neighborhoods, eventually leading you to the heart of Alfama.
Picture-perfect views await as you're dropped off right at the doorsteps of crown jewels of Lisbon’s architectural heritage, like the Estrela Basilica, St. George's Castle, and the Lisbon Cathedral. Visit the remnants of the city's ancient walls to see just how old Lisbon really is.
Once you’ve seen all of Alfama, follow the shore of the Tagus River west to the Belem District. It is the perfect place to rest from all that walking on Lisbon’s hilly, cobblestone streets. Admire the iconic Torre de Belem, a monumental fortress that has stood sentinel at the mouth of the Tagus River since the 16th century. Then head to the beach to relax and catch some sun.
If you still can’t get enough of the ocean, make sure to stop by the Lisbon Oceanarium. As one of Europe's largest indoor aquariums, the Lisbon Oceanarium is a must-visit destination for any marine enthusiast. Prepare to be amazed as you encounter a mesmerizing array of sea creatures and the cycling of short-term exhibitions from all over the world.
You probably noticed an artistic theme of stunning hand-painted tiles as you walked around Lisbon. Portugal has a rich heritage in tile-making, and the National Tile Museum offers a captivating journey through centuries of craftsmanship and creativity. Don't miss the chance to take a piece of Portugal home with you! Explore the museum's collection and discover the perfect souvenir to commemorate your time in this enchanting country.
Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate characterized by gentle winters and hot summers. It is a popular destination year-round, but the best time to visit are the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. Lisbon is also very hilly, so if you are heat-sensitive, avoid visiting in the summer. You may also have reduced accommodation rates and smaller crowds compared to the bustling summer peak if you visit during March-May or September-October.
Temperatures during spring and autumn hover comfortably between the mid-60s and low 70s Fahrenheit (approximately 18-24°C). During spring, you can enjoy the blossoming flowers and festivals. In autumn, the tree-lined streets become vibrant shades of red and yellow.
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Spain - Portugal
Spain - Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Spain - Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Spain - Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Spain - Portugal
Portugal
Spain - Portugal
Spain - Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Spain - Portugal
Portugal