Exploring Leiria
A vibrant city of historic revival
Leiria (sounds like lie.rea), situated in the central region of Portugal, stands as a prominent city and municipality, holding the distinction of being the second-largest urban center in the region. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring Leiria and surrounding region.
Nestled along the banks of the Lis and Lena rivers, Leiria beckons travellers to immerse themselves in its rich historical tapestry.
Delve into the allure of its meticulously preserved historic castle and buildings, traverse the charming network of narrow streets and alleys, and experience a captivating narrative woven from the realms of trade, architecture, sports, arts and literature.
Location and travel information
Getting in to Leiria
Road
The city is connected to four motorways, part of Portugal’s toll road system, connecting it to the suburbs and the rest of Portugal.
- A1 – Auto-estrada do Norte linking Porto to Lisbon, passing by Leiria.
- A8 – Linking Leiria to Lisbon.
- A17 – Linking Marinha Grande to Aveiro.
- A19 – Linking Leiria and Batalha, using part of the IC2.
Train
The Linha do Oeste railway (west railway line linking Cacém in the Sintra/Lisbon area to Figueira da Foz), serves the central western coast of Portugal.
Leiria railway station is approximately 2km from the city centre.
For train times and online train ticket booking visit the CP web site or we recommend downloading and registering to use the CP App if you plan to travel around Portugal by rail.
Bus and Coach
The main bus station service is located in the city centre. The bus service, called Mobilis (website in Portugues and English), is composed of 9 routes connecting the surrounding neighbourhoods and parishes of Leiria with the city centre.
There are also long-distance, intercity, bus and coach services that connect Leiria to many Portuguese cities.
Air
The nearest domestic and international airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (informally Lisbon Airport), 140 km from Leiria via the A1 or A8 toll roads.
Porto airport is approximately 200 km north via the A1 toll road.
There is a small airfield in Leiria (Aérodromo José Ferrinho), used for sports and recreation only. No domestic flights.
Getting around Leiria
Exploring Leiria city center is a seamless experience on foot, with numerous pedestrian-only zones enhancing the exploration of its charming locales. For main road crossings that connect different sections of the city there are many marked pedestrian pathways, often regulated by generously-timed traffic lights, ensure safety and convenience. In Portugal, pedestrians hold unequivocal priority over vehicular traffic, a practice that is well observed by the majority of drivers.
In the Leiria city area, maneuvering through road traffic is generally straightforward, although minor delays may be encountered during peak morning and evening rush hours.
Metered street parking is the norm along central streets, while day visitors can avail themselves of free parking at the Leiria Football Club stadium.
Utilising the complimentary Elevador 2 opposite the stadium, provides a convenient access to Leiria Castle (saving your legs the steep climb), and marks the beginning of a captivating day out tour of the city.
For those seeking the flexibility of personal transportation, Leiria offers various car rental agencies. To optimise your visit, it is advisable to prearrange all car rental details, including insurance, online prior to arrival, ensuring both time and cost savings.
Things to see and do in Leiria
Arts and Culture
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Parks and Nature
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Places of Worship
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Food and Drink
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