Public transportPortugal

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Portugal. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


1. Public transport

Public transport is a system of shared passenger transport available for use by the general public. It commonly includes buses, trams, trains, metros and other scheduled passenger services operating along established routes or within a transport network.

Public transport vehicles may use dedicated lanes, tracks, stops, stations or special traffic signals and may receive particular priority under local traffic rules. Other road users must respect public-transport infrastructure, stops and any special traffic signs or signals that regulate interaction with these services.

What is public transport?

Public transport is shared passenger transport available to the public, commonly including buses, trams, trains and metro systems.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(n), 15, 18(7), 19 and 29; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 291–307, rail crossings and tramways; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 223, buses; national guidance example

Do public-transport vehicles always have priority?

No. Priority depends on the type of vehicle and local traffic rules. Trams may have special priority rules, and buses may receive priority when leaving stops in some countries.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(n), 15, 18(7), 19 and 29; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 291–307, rail crossings and tramways; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 223, buses; national guidance example

What should you do near tram tracks?

Remain alert for approaching trams, avoid unnecessarily obstructing the tracks and follow the applicable priority rules, traffic lights and road markings.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(n), 15, 18(7), 19 and 29; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 291–307, rail crossings and tramways; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 223, buses; national guidance example