Elvas is a highly fortified town that is close to the Spanish boarder. Elvas has had turbulent history, being at the forefront of many major conflicts and only protected by the impregnable walls that encircle the town. Lisbon is the lively capital of Portugal and is the location for the main international airport of the region, so most visitors to the Alentejo region will pass through Lisbon.

The intercity buses are modern, clean and safe

Elvas and Lisbon are connected by a reliable and inexpensive bus network and this is the only means of travel for visitors who are reliant on public transport, as there is no railway near Elvas. This guide will provide a detailed guide to the Lisbon to Elvas bus service and includes ticket prices, timetables and bus station information.

Elvas lies 210km east of Lisbon and the majority of the route is the along the A6, the main express-way from Lisbon to Spain. Elvas is connected to the express intercity buses network that is operated by Rede Expressos who provide a fast, punctual and inexpensive bus service.

The view over Elvas

The direct bus services vary in length from 2hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, with journey times depending more on number of stops than traffic. The length of the bus journey makes it unsuitable to visit Elvas as a day trip from Lisbon, for a day trip from Lisbon consider Evora, Tomar or Obidos rather than Elvas.

Elvas bus station is modern

The price of a single Elvas Lisbon bus ticket costs €17.50 while a return costs €32.40. Tickets can be purchased from three sources; Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon, Central de Camionagem de Elvas (Elvas bus station) or over the internet at www.rede-expressos.pt. On-line tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance but once purchased cannot be altered or exchanged.

The Elvas Lisbon bus departs Lisbon from the Sete Rios bus station. This bus station is connected to the metro network by Jardim Zoologico on the blue metro line. The Lisbon metro connects directly to the airport via the red metro line so it is nowadays very easy to travel from the airport to Sete Rios bus station. Sete Rios is a major bus station with all expected facilities but it is not a pleasant place to wait for extended periods. All buses from Lisbon depart punctually so always arrive with plenty of time.

The Elvas bus station, called the Central de Camionagem de Elvas, is to the south of the historic town, just off the Rua do Rossio do Meio and next to the hospital. Often the Elvas Lisbon buses stop at the main square the Praça de Abril 25 first before heading to the bus station and as this square is within the city walls on the western side of the city it makes for an easier departure location. Elvas bus station is a medium size bus station and provides connections to local services and other long distance coaches, the booking office sells onward intercity tickets is open standard office hours.