Heading SouthWest starts in Bragança, northeastern Portugal, and finishes at Cabo São Vicente, near Sagres, on the southwest coast.
Because the event starts and finishes in different parts of Portugal, riders should plan both their journey to Bragança and their return from Sagres before travelling.
Getting to Bragança
By Air
Porto Airport (OPO)
Porto is a practical option for international riders travelling to Bragança.
The organiser identifies a rail-and-cycle option via Pocinho, approximately 100 km from Bragança. Riders considering this approach should allow sufficient time for the additional cycling and check current railway bicycle policies.
Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Lisbon is another international arrival option, particularly for riders arranging onward transport by road or combining their trip with travel elsewhere in Portugal.
By Bus
The organiser identifies Rede Expressos as a bus operator serving Bragança.
Bicycles must be appropriately bagged or disassembled for transport, subject to the operator’s conditions.
Check routes, timetables, luggage allowances and bicycle transport requirements before booking.
By Rail and Bicycle
The organiser identifies two possible rail-and-cycle approaches:
- Pocinho, Portugal: Approximately 100 km of additional cycling to Bragança.
- Puebla de Sanabria, Spain: Approximately 40 km of additional cycling to Bragança.
These are additional cycling journeys, not direct railway connections to the event start.
Bicycle Transport and Storage
Bike Bags
Riders flying with bicycles should confirm their airline’s packaging and baggage requirements.
The organiser identifies Oficina 35 in Lisbon as an option for storing bicycle transport bags during the event.
Confirm availability and arrangements directly with the organiser before relying on this service.
Car Sharing
Heading SouthWest promotes participant car-sharing through its event WhatsApp community.
This may be useful for coordinating transport to Bragança or onward journeys after finishing.
Returning from Sagres
The event finishes at Cabo São Vicente, near Sagres.
Riders should make their own arrangements for onward travel, including transporting their bicycle and any luggage.
Allow for the distance between the finish and your chosen onward transport connection, particularly if travelling with a packed bicycle.
No dedicated 2027 finish-to-airport shuttle has been confirmed.
Before You Travel
Check the following directly with the relevant transport providers:
- Bicycle carriage and packaging requirements.
- Available services to Bragança.
- Transport arrangements from Sagres after finishing.
- Bicycle bag storage availability.
- Any changes to timetables or luggage restrictions.
For the latest event-specific travel instructions, consult the organiser.