Braga, nestled in the northern region of Portugal, is a city brimming with history, charm, and a distinctly relaxed pace of life. While many flock to the historic churches, picturesque squares, and lush parks, the cost of travel can often add up, especially if you’re not careful. Having recently spent several days in Braga, I found that transportation costs can be easily managed with a few simple strategies. Here’s how I navigated the city without burning a hole in my wallet.
1. Getting to Braga: Affordable Transport from the Airport
The first step in any journey is figuring out how to get to your destination from the airport, and in Braga’s case, it’s a bit of a trek from Porto Airport (Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro), the closest international airport. There are several ways to get from the airport to Braga, but I opted for the metro and train combination, which turned out to be the most affordable option.
From Porto Airport, I took the Metro Line E towards the city center, which costs around €2.00 for a single ride. The metro ride is comfortable, relatively quick, and an easy way to get a feel for the city. Once I reached the Trindade station in Porto, I switched to a direct train to Braga at the nearby São Bento Railway Station. The train ticket was around €5.50, and the journey took roughly 40 minutes. This combination of metro and train was not only the cheapest option, but also one of the most scenic and relaxing, with a smooth transition between the two forms of transport.
2. Walking Around Braga: A City Best Explored on Foot
Braga is a relatively compact city, so once I arrived and checked into my accommodation, I found that walking was by far the best way to get around. Most of the key attractions are within walking distance of each other, including the Braga Cathedral, Bom Jesus do Monte, and the historic Archbishop’s Palace.
There’s something special about wandering through the cobbled streets of Braga, especially in the historic center. You can easily spend hours just strolling, taking in the beautiful architecture, stopping at cafés, and browsing the shops. Best of all, walking is completely free, and it gives you the chance to experience the city at your own pace.
One thing I noticed during my walks was that many of the streets in the city center are pedestrian-friendly, making it a lot easier and safer to explore without having to deal with traffic or the stress of navigating through busy streets. This was a big bonus, as I didn’t have to rely on taxis or public transport much during my time in Braga.
3. Public Transport: Buses and Trams
While walking was the most enjoyable way to see the city, there were occasions when I needed to venture a bit further out or reach a spot that wasn’t quite within walking distance. That’s where the local buses came in handy. The Braga bus system is relatively straightforward, with clear routes and affordable fares. A single bus ticket usually costs between €1.50 and €2.00, depending on the distance.
The buses are also very punctual, which made it easy to plan my trips. One afternoon, I decided to head to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, a bit further from the city center, and the bus ride was both quick and affordable. I also used the bus to visit the Ponte de Lima, a quaint town nearby, and the price was incredibly reasonable for the short journey.
In addition to buses, Braga also has a tram system, but I didn’t find myself using it as often. Trams operate on limited routes and can be a bit slower compared to buses. However, for those looking to experience a more traditional mode of transport, the trams are a nice throwback to the past, and the fares are similar to those of buses.
4. Day Passes and Travel Cards
If you plan on using public transport frequently during your stay, it’s worth considering purchasing a day pass or a multi-ride card. These passes allow unlimited travel within a certain period (usually 24 hours) and can save you money if you plan on taking multiple buses or trams in a day.
I ended up getting a Braga Transport Card, which offered unlimited travel on both the buses and the metro for €5. This allowed me to visit various neighborhoods outside the historic city center, such as the Braga Parque Shopping Mall and the University of Minho, without worrying about individual ticket prices.
5. Biking Around Braga: A Cheap and Fun Option
Another affordable way to get around Braga is by bike. The city is becoming more and more bike-friendly, with designated lanes and easy access to rental bikes. I was keen to try biking as a mode of transport, so I rented a bike for a day from a local bike shop near Avenida Central.
The rental fee was about €10 for a full day, and I was able to explore areas like Parque da Ponte and the Braga Botanical Gardens. Cycling around the city was a refreshing change from walking and offered a different perspective of the beautiful landscapes. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to see more of Braga without the cost of taxis or other forms of transport.
In addition, there are also several bike-sharing schemes available in Braga, which can be an even more affordable way to get around if you’re just planning on short trips. A typical ride might cost as little as €0.50 for 30 minutes, which is a great option for quick errands or a casual afternoon ride.
6. Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Use Sparingly
While taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Braga, they tend to be more expensive compared to public transport or walking. I only used a taxi once during my trip, when I was running late for a scheduled visit to the Braga Football Stadium. The taxi fare was around €8 for a short journey, which was more than I expected, considering how affordable other transport options in Braga are.
However, there are occasions when taxis or ride-sharing might be more convenient. If you’re traveling with luggage or need to get somewhere in a hurry, they can be a practical choice. But, for the most part, I found that public transport and walking served my needs perfectly well.
7. Visiting Nearby Towns: The Best and Cheapest Day Trips
One of the best ways to save money on transportation while in Braga is to make use of its excellent train and bus connections to nearby towns and cities. I decided to take a day trip to Guimaraes, known as the birthplace of Portugal. The train ride was a mere €3, and the journey took about 30 minutes. The city is small and walkable, so once I arrived, I just walked around, exploring the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another day, I took a bus to Barcelos, a charming town famous for its rooster-shaped souvenirs. The bus ride cost only €2.50, and the trip took about an hour. Exploring the town’s medieval center was an absolute joy, and I didn’t need to spend much on transportation to get there.
8. Combining Transportation with Sightseeing: Discounts and Passes
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Braga, there are also several tourist passes available that combine entry fees with transportation discounts. For example, the Braga City Pass offers access to several of the city’s top attractions, including the Braga Cathedral, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, and the Museum of Sacred Art, while also providing discounts on transportation.
I purchased the pass on my second day in Braga, and it turned out to be a great way to save money. The pass costs about €15, and it includes free access to several sites I had planned to visit anyway. Plus, it gave me discounts on local transport, including bus rides to some of the more outlying attractions.
9. Making the Most of Your Braga Experience
Braga is an incredibly affordable destination when it comes to transportation. Whether you’re relying on the extensive bus and metro networks, exploring the city on foot, or opting for a bike rental, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down. By using these budget-friendly strategies, I was able to make the most of my time in Braga without worrying about transportation expenses.
