Free Public Transport in Portugal for Young People Under 24

Young people in Portugal can benefit from free monthly public transport passes until the age of 24, helping to reduce one of the regular costs of studying, working and living in the country.

Although the scheme is not new, it remains relatively little known, particularly among international families considering a move to Portugal.

Portugal's Passe Gratuito para Jovens covers children and young people from the age of four up to 23, with eligibility based primarily on age rather than student status. The scheme is available to both students and non-students through public transport networks across Portugal's metropolitan areas and intermunicipal communities.

For families planning to settle in Portugal, or young adults looking to study or begin their careers in the country, the scheme can help reduce the cost of living in Portugal by making everyday travel more affordable

The scheme is divided into two main categories:

Eligibility is based primarily on age, meaning that young people do not need to be enrolled in education to qualify for the standard sub23+TP pass.

This represents a change from the previous system, under which free travel for young adults was more closely linked to student status. In December 2024, the Portuguese Government extended the benefit to all eligible young people up to the age of 23, regardless of whether they were studying.

The scheme provides free access to eligible monthly public transport passes within the relevant metropolitan area or intermunicipal community.

Depending on the local network, this can include buses, metro services, suburban trains and other forms of public transport. In Lisbon, for example, the scheme operates through the Navegante system, while in the Porto metropolitan area it is available through Andante.

However, the free pass does not provide unlimited access to every public transport service in Portugal.

The benefit applies to eligible monthly local and regional transport passes. Long-distance train services such as Alfa Pendular and Intercidades are not included, while the Passe Ferroviário Verde is a separate paid product.

Young people who regularly travel between neighbouring metropolitan or intermunicipal areas for work or education may also be eligible for a pass covering both areas. In these cases, additional documentation may be required to demonstrate the need for travel between them.

Applications are generally handled by the public transport operator or ticketing authority responsible for the applicant's area.

In most cases, young people will need to present a Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão) or another valid identification document confirming their date of birth.

Depending on the circumstances, additional documents may be required. These can include a NIF (Portuguese tax identification number), proof of address or evidence of where the applicant studies or works. This is particularly relevant for those applying for passes covering more than one metropolitan or intermunicipal area.

Students who qualify for the extended age entitlement through certain integrated higher education courses must also provide proof of enrolment.

In Lisbon, the free youth pass can be activated on a personalised Navegante card, including through the Navegante app in eligible cases. In Porto, Andante offers both online and in-person options for obtaining and loading the pass.

Access to public transport is an important consideration when deciding where to buy or rent a home, particularly for families with children, university students and young professionals.

Living near a metro station, suburban railway line or established bus network can reduce the need for a car and make daily journeys to schools, universities and workplaces easier. This is particularly relevant when considering places like Cascais and Oeiras, where access to the railway line can make a considerable difference to commuting times

The free youth pass offers an additional financial benefit. Households with teenagers or young adults may be able to significantly reduce their monthly transport expenses, particularly when their home is well connected to the local public transport network.

In the Lisbon metropolitan area, for example, a standard Navegante Metropolitano pass costs €40 per month. For an eligible young person who would otherwise need to purchase this pass, free travel could represent a saving of up to €480 per year.

For international families considering a move to Portugal, this makes transport connections another factor worth examining alongside property prices, schools, local services and commuting times.

When choosing a property, it is worth looking beyond the distance to the nearest bus stop or train station and considering the routes, frequency of services and transport passes available in the area. For households planning a permanent move, these practical details can make a considerable difference to everyday life.