Learn Portuguese (Portugal): O autocarro aproxima-se da paragem.

The verb here is aproximar-se (to get closer to / to approach), which is a reflexive verb. It literally means the bus is bringing itself closer. In European Portuguese affirmative sentences, this reflexive pronoun (-se) is attached to the end of the verb with a hyphen.

Why do we use da before paragem? Shouldn't it be a directional word like à or para?

The reflexive verb aproximar-se must always be followed by the preposition de when mentioning the destination. Because paragem is a feminine noun, de combines with the word for the (a) to become da. In Portuguese, you don't approach 'to' a place, you approach 'of' a place.

The translation says 'is approaching'. Why don't we use the continuous tense here?

While you could say está a aproximar-se (is approaching), the simple present tense (aproxima-se) is very commonly used in Portuguese for actions happening right now. For immediate, observable events like a vehicle pulling up, the simple present sounds completely natural and is often preferred.

Are autocarro and paragem the standard words for 'bus' and 'bus stop'?