How to Get to Porto: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Porto. A city oozing charm and history, sprinkled with the scent of Pastéis de Nata still warm from the oven in its narrow cobbled alleys. Whether you are summoning up a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or making the quick work trip — there’s one thing you need to know before heading out of the house: how to get to Porto! Let’s unpack this puzzle with advice, hacks, and bits of wisdom you’re less likely to know.

✈️ Air: The Porto Gateway

Flying is the quickest, and for many, most straightforward option to reach Porto. Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is about 11 km northeast of the city center and serves connections to many European as well as international destinations. Airlines such as Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, and easyJet frequently have low-cost tickets available — especially if you book in advance.

Insider tip: The best fares can be found on flights that land midweek and during shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October).

When you land, the next question is “How do I get from the airport to central Porto?”

• Metro (Line E — Purple): Porto’s metro system is very efficient, clean, and budget-friendly. For just €2.60, it’ll whisk you from the airport to the city’s center in about 30 minutes.
• Private Transfer: Book a ride with City Transfers in advance for a hassle-free and personalized experience. You’ll be met by a professional driver who will drive you in comfort — a great option for families or business travelers.
• Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis to the city center cost about €20-25, while rideshare services like Bolt and Uber are a few euros less.

🚄 By Train, The Countryside Way

For people already staying in Portugal or bordering countries, trains provide a scenic and leisurely way of traveling to Porto. The city has two big stations:

• Campanhã Station: Most intercity and regional trains stop here. If you’re approaching from Lisbon, this will probably be your first stop after a three-hour journey on the high-speed Alfa Pendular or Intercidades trains.
• São Bento Station: A spectacle in its own right, São Bento is a historic centerpiece right in the heart of the city. Its tiled interior tells tales from Portugal’s past, making your arrival an experience, not just a pit stop.

Tip: If you buy tickets online in advance, they can cost as little as €10 from Lisbon to Porto at Comboios de Portugal (CP).

🚗 Road: The Freedom to Roam

Driving to Porto unrolls a landscape tapestry — rolling vineyards, rugged coastlines, and picturesque villages along the way. Portugal’s road network is excellent, with well-kept highways (Autoestradas).

• From Lisbon: The drive to Porto’s approximately 313 km takes about 3 hours via the A1 motorway. Bear in mind tolls of about €20.
• From Spain: Porto is only a 2-hour drive from Vigo (Galicia, Spain). Your best bet is the A3 highway.
• If you don’t like driving, City Transfers provides long-distance rides from other spots in Portugal or neighboring Spain. Choosing a chauffeur service means avoiding the frustrations of renting cars, parking, and road tolls.

🚌 By Bus: Affordable Travel Options

Traveling by bus is a great alternative if you want to save money. Buses run by Rede Expressos, FlixBus, and ALSA connect Porto to other cities economically. Though not as fast as trains (the Lisbon-Porto route takes roughly four hours), buses usually price under €10 with advance purchase.

Pro tip: Traveling into Porto on an overnight bus sneaks in accommodation at the same time as freeing up extra hours of your holiday for sightseeing.

🚢 By Water: An Uncommon Epicurean Adventure

Less common but still possible are river cruises or sailing along the Atlantic coastline to Porto. The Douro River cruises are particularly delightful. Some tours tackle Porto as part of a more extensive cruise itinerary.

Private yachts can dock at Marina da Afurada, just a short distance from the city center.

🛤️ Lesser-Known Options

Feeling adventurous? Mix modes of transport for a unique trip:

• By Bike from Spain: Cyclists often ride over the border into Porto, particularly along the Camino Portugués coastal route.
• Blablacar (Ride-Sharing): An economical, environmentally friendly option to connect with locals.

Practical Tips for New Travelers

• EU Citizens: Travel with no passport checks. Non-EU visitors may require a Schengen visa.
• Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Try a few Portuguese phrases for a warm welcome.
• Money: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases or markets.

Why City Transfers Make Porto More Accessible

Convenience is king when it comes to traveling. City Transfers offers the best options for hassle-free travel — from airport transfers to chauffeur services and long-distance rides. No crowds, no dragging suitcases, no stress. Let professionals handle the logistics so you can enjoy your journey.

Book a ride now with City Transfers!

Final Note: Porto is only the start of your journey. Whether you arrive by air, rail, road, or sea, you’ll be enveloped in the warm embrace of this vibrant city. So, what are you waiting for? Your Porto adventure awaits!