Private car transfer from Lisbon to Coimbra

Overview: car trip from Lisbon to Coimbra

Coimbra is probably not the first city that crosses your mind when you think of Portugal. However, nestled between the major cities of Lisbon and Porto, visitors often stop by to stretch their legs along the way. But passersby soon realize that Coimbra is much more than just a let’s-take-a-quick-break type of destination. With its UNESCO-listed university, Coimbra is a city that holds many stories, and they deserve to be heard. And so do the stops you can discover as you travel from Lisbon to Coimbra.

If you are looking for a convenient way to make your trip from Lisbon to Coimbra more than just a transition from one city to another, Daytrip’s got you covered. With Daytrip's private car service, the adventure kicks off the moment you buckle up. You have flexibility to explore any sightseeing stops along the way, which is something no other mode of transportation will offer you.

About Coimbra

While the hilly streets might be something you already saw in Lisbon, Coimbra has its own unique charm that no other city will offer you. Coimbra, located in the heart of Portugal, actually used to be Portugal’s heart for more than 100 years! It was the capital from 1139 to 1256 until Lisbon gained this title.

As Coimbra is located in central Portugal alongside the Mondego River, back in the day it was considered an important city due to its strategic location. The city was also renowned for its economic stability, and even Portuguese monarchs chose it as their main residence and administrative center.

From Lisbon to Coimbra: travel tips

While the distance from Lisbon to Coimbra is relatively short, it is always a great idea to come prepared, no matter where you go! Here are some tips that we have prepared for you:

Pack your most comfortable shoes

You probably already experienced the hilly (and possibly slippery) Lisbon, so walking around Coimbra should not be an issue. Nevertheless, make sure you have your most comfortable footwear with you, as you will have to stick with these for a bit more!

How to get from Lisbon to Coimbra

Finding the most reliable mode of transportation to reach your destination is an important part of trip planning. Make sure you find the most convenient Lisbon to Coimbra transfer method. To save you some time, we have gathered the most popular ways of traveling between these two cities:

From Lisbon to Coimbra by bus

One of the most popular modes of transportation for traveling between Lisbon and Coimbra is the bus. Rede Expressos offers frequent rides from Lisbon to Coimbra with the cheapest tickets starting from just over $4 (€3.95) but keep in mind that these buses depart at midnight. Generally, tickets cost from $9.50 to around $16 (€9-€15). The journey time is usually around 2-2.5 hours.

Things to do when you get to Coimbra

Once your journey from Lisbon to Coimbra is over and you are settled in, it is time to unveil the beauty of Coimbra. Here are some of our top recommendations in case you cannot decide on what to explore:

Admire the University of Coimbra

The University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history and beautiful architecture. And its Joanina Library is one of the most impressive in the world. The library is a striking Baroque building, showcasing Portugal’s architecture from the 18th century. The interior is even more impressive, dripping with gilt.

When is the best time to visit Coimbra

As Coimbra is situated farther north and inland compared to Lisbon, temperatures generally tend to be slightly lower. Throughout the year, temperatures typically do not drop below 43°F (6ºC), and in the warmer months, they generally do not exceed 86°F (30ºC).

If you are seeking a balance of less rainfall and mild temperatures, April and September may be the best months to visit Coimbra. The months with the least rainfall are July, August, and September, while you can expect frequent rainfall from October to February. The coldest months are January and February, so if you don’t mind cooler weather, it might be a great time to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices.