Planning a trip to Portugal and wondering how to get to Porto, Portugal? This colorful coastal city is full of charm, historic streets, lush river views, and some of the best food and wine in Europe. It is one of those places that has always been totally underrated, and now is truly starting to shine.

Whether you are flying in from abroad, coming from elsewhere in Portugal, or traveling overland from a neighboring country, there are several easy ways to reach Porto.

In this guide, we will break down exactly how to get to Porto no matter where you are coming from, along with visa details and other useful tips.

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How to Get to Porto, Portugal: Basic Info About Visiting

There are a few different ways of getting to Porto depending on your starting point. First, let’s look at where Porto is located and why it is such a beloved destination.

 Why Visit Porto?

Porto is a vibrant and picturesque city known for its iconic bridges, delicious cuisine, colorful riverfront, and world famous port wine. The mix of old world charm and modern culture gives Porto a unique atmosphere that makes any traveler fall in love.

From the tiled churches and medieval streets to the lively markets and cozy cafes, Porto is full of places to explore. It is also one of the most affordable major cities in Western Europe, which makes it an amazing place to begin your Portugal adventure.

 Where is Porto Located?

Porto is located in northern Portugal along the Douro River, close to the Atlantic coast. It is just under 120 km south of the border with northern Spain, and it is about 315 km north of Lisbon.

 How Do I Get to Porto, Portugal?

Porto may not be as centrally located as Lisbon, but getting there is actually very simple. The city is linked by an international airport, fast trains, long distance buses, and highways that make travel easy whether you are arriving from Portugal or another country.

Here are the different options for how to get to Porto, Portugal:

• Flying to Porto
• Taking a train to Porto
• Taking a bus to Porto
• Renting a car and driving to Porto
• Going to Porto by Bla Bla Car
• Sailing to Porto
• Hiring a private transfer to Porto
• Visiting Porto on a day trip
• Joining a group trip
• Experiencing Porto on a Biking Trip

How to Get to Porto, Portugal: Transportation Options

Ready to learn how to get to Porto, Portugal? Here are all the best options for reaching the city smoothly and on any budget.

 How to Get to Porto, Portugal from Abroad

For most international travelers, the easiest way to visit Porto is by flying. However, Portugal’s rail and bus connections also make it simple to arrive via Lisbon, or other nearby major cities like Madrid or Vigo in Spain.

 Does Porto Have an Airport?

Porto does have its own airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, which is modern, efficient, and well connected. It offers direct flights from dozens of major cities across Europe, along with connections from the Middle East, North Africa, and a few long haul routes that connect through bigger hubs.

 Cities that Fly Direct to Porto

You can fly directly from many European cities to Porto, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Basel, Berlin, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Faro, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, Helsinki, Krakow, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Manchester, Marseille, Milan, Munich, Nantes, Nice, Oslo, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Pisa, Prague, Rome, Stockholm, Toulouse, Valencia, Venice, Vienna, Vilnius, Warsaw, and Zurich.

From the Middle East and North Africa, you will find direct flights to Porto from Dubai, Doha, Marrakech, and Casablanca.

For longer haul travel, most travelers connect through Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, or a Middle Eastern hub before flying onward to Porto. These connections make Porto surprisingly easy to reach, with convenient options from across Europe and quick connections from other parts of the world.

Search for a flight to Porto or another city nearby:

 How to Get to Porto City from the Airport

There are lots of ways for getting to Porto's city center from the airport! It's nearby, and you can easily get there for cheap. Here are all of your options:

• Metro Line E: The fastest and most affordable option. Runs directly from the airport to central stations like Trindade and Bolhão in about 25 minutes.
• Public Bus: Routes 601, 602, and 604 connect the airport with different areas of Porto. Good for neighborhoods not served by the metro.
• Airport Shuttle Bus: Some hotels and private companies offer shuttle services into the city, which can be convenient for travelers with luggage.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside arrivals and take around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
• Ride Share Apps: Uber and Bolt operate in Porto and usually cost less than a taxi.
• Private Transfer: A pre booked transfer offers door to door service, ideal for families, groups, or late night arrivals.
• Car Rental: Rental companies are located inside the airport for those planning a Portugal road trip starting in Porto.

 How to Visit Porto from Other Portuguese Cities

If you are already in Portugal, you will find several great ways to get to Porto. Fast trains connect Porto with Lisbon, Coimbra, Aveiro, Braga, and Faro, making rail one of the most popular choices for traveling around the country.

Most major cities and towns also have direct bus routes to Porto, which are often the cheapest option. Renting a car is another easy way to explore, especially if you want to stop at coastal towns or wineries along the way. Want to carpool? You can also use Bla Bla Car!

Train Stations in Portugal that Connect to Porto

Portugal’s rail network connects Porto with Aveiro, Braga, Coimbra, Covilhã, Évora, Faro, Guimarães, Lisbon, Portimão, Sintra, Tavira, Tomar, and Viana do Castelo.

Here are some popular train routes you can book for getting to Porto:

• Lisbon to Porto - 2 1/2-3 hours (starting at $25)
• Aveiro to Porto - 40 min (starting at $9)
• Faro to Porto - ~6 hours (starting at $65)
• Sintra to Porto - 4 hours (starting at $39 with 1 transfer)
• Evora to Porto - 5-7 1/2 hours (starting at $47 with 1 transfer)

 Buses to Porto from Other Portuguese Cities

Buses are one of the most affordable options for getting to Porto from other Portuguese cities. Here are some of the most popular routes you can book:

• Lisbon to Porto - 3 hrs 15 min (starting at $5)
• Aveiro to Porto - 55 min (starting at $4)
• Faro to Porto - 7-10 hours (starting at $19)
• Sintra to Porto - 3-3 1/2 hours (starting at $8)
• Evora to Porto - 6-6 1/2 hours (starting at $12)

Traveling by Car to Get to Porto

Portugal’s highways are well maintained, making driving to Porto simple and scenic. The A1 from Lisbon is the most common route and takes around three hours.

This is a particularly great option if you're looking to save money by flying to Lisbon, and doing a small road trip to enjoy both cities and some other fun stops in between.

 Using Bla Bla Car to Travel to Porto

Bla Bla Car is an excellent app to use for getting from one destination to another, and is quite popular in Portugal. It connects drivers who are already driving a certain route to other travelers looking to go there. It's affordable, fun, and is one of the most sustainable travel hacks.

How to Get to Porto, Portugal by Land from Spain

Portugal shares a land border only with Spain, which makes cross border travel straightforward. You can reach Porto from Spanish cities by train, bus, or car, depending on where you are coming from.

From Spain, the easiest way to reach Porto is by bus or car. Routes operate from cities like Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Madrid, and Salamanca.

There is also a train from Vigo to Porto, which is one of the most convenient overland options. Driving is simple as well, with well marked highways and beautiful scenery along the way.

Train Stations in Spain that Connect to Porto

The most popular connections from Spain to Porto are from Vigo. You can take trains from many Spanish cities, but the majority of them will be trains that first go to Vigo, and then from Vigo to Porto.

• Vigo to Porto - 2 1/2 hours (starting at $21)
• Santiago de Compostela to Porto - 4-7 hours (starting at $32 with a transfer in Vigo)
• Madrid to Porto - 11 hours (starting at $83 with a transfer in Vigo)

Buses to Porto from Cities in Spain

Buses are one of the most affordable options for getting to Porto from Spain, and there are several cities that have direct buses to Porto. Here are some of the most popular routes you can book:

• Vigo to Porto - 2-3 hours (starting at $12)
• Santiago de Compostela to Porto - 2-4 hours (starting at $20)
• Madrid to Porto - 8-9 hours (starting at $16)
• Valladolid to Porto - 6 hours (starting at $18)
• Salamanca to Porto - 4-7 hours (starting at $18)

Traveling by Car to Get to Porto from Spain

Sometimes flights to Spain or car rentals can be more affordable in Spain, or perhaps you're doing a bigger road trip around Western Europe. 

Spain, France, and other nearby countries all have easy highways to naviagte, and are in the Schengen Zone, so you won't have to worry about any customs controls.

Using Bla Bla Car to Travel to Porto from Spain (or other countries)

Bla Bla Car has trips that vary every day. Someone can be heading to Porto from Paris and post their trip, so you can try to use Bla Bla Car from anywhere! The most popular cities that travelers post tend to be from cities like Vigo or Santiago de Compostela.

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How to Get to Porto, Portugal by Sea

If you're looking for how to get to Porto, Portugal in a more unique and scenic way, you can consider sailing there! Porto has the nearby Port of Leixões in Matosinhos, and it used in warmer months for Mediterranean cruises and river cruises.

How to Get to Porto, Portugal with a Mediterranean Cruise

Several major cruise lines include Porto or Leixões on their European routes. Cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Holland America feature Porto as a stop on select Atlantic, Northern Spain, or Western Mediterranean itineraries. 

Ships dock at the Port of Leixões in Matosinhos, which sits just outside the city and offers easy access to central Porto. If you are already planning a cruise that travels along the Iberian Peninsula, there is a good chance Porto may be one of the featured destinations.

 How to Get to Porto, Portugal with a River Cruise

Porto is also a finishing point for several Douro River cruises. These journeys sail through the Douro Valley’s vineyards and river towns before ending in Porto, giving travelers a beautiful and relaxed way to arrive in the city. 

Companies like Viking, CroisiEurope, and Riviera Travel offer river cruise itineraries where Porto is the final stop. While these routes do not function as regular ferry services, they are a unique option for reaching Porto by water if you prefer slow travel and scenic landscapes along the way.

Like the idea of sailing the Douro but have plans to arrive to Porto in another way? Here are some fun Douro sailing you can check out when you arrive:

How to Get to Porto's City Center from the Port

If you arrive by sea, you will dock at the Port of Leixões in Matosinhos. Getting to Porto from here is easy, and you have a few good transportation options.

 How to Get to Porto's City Center from the Port Most Easily

The quickest and easiest way is by taxi or ride share. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the city center depending on traffic. This is the best choice if you want a direct and comfortable trip.

How to Get to Porto's City Center from the Port Most Comfortably

Public transportation is also available. You can take the metro from Matosinhos Sul or Senhor de Matosinhos stations, both located near the port area. From there, Line A goes straight into Porto and connects with central stops like Trindade and Bolhão.

How to Get to Porto's City Center from the Port Most Affordably

Buses are another option, although they take longer than the metro. Routes link Matosinhos with different areas of Porto, making this convenient for travelers staying outside the historic core.

How to Get to Porto, Portugal with Private Transfer

A private transfer is one of the most comfortable and stress free ways to get to Porto. You can book a driver to pick you up directly from the airport, train station, or even from another Portuguese city, choosing the time that works for you. 

This option is ideal for families, groups, or anyone traveling with luggage. Private transfers offer door to door service and allow you to enjoy the views without worrying about navigation or public transportation.

How to Get to Porto, Portugal on a Day Trip

If you are staying elsewhere in Portugal, visiting Porto on a day trip is a great option. Cities like Lisbon, Braga, Guimarães, Aveiro, and Coimbra all have fast train and highway connections that make day trips easy. 

There are also organized tours that include transportation and a local guide, which is perfect if you want to see the highlights without planning everything yourself. Day trips are especially popular for travelers who want to explore Porto’s historic center and riverfront in just one day.

How to Get to Porto, Portugal with a Group Trip

Group trips are a fun and social way to get to Porto. Many tour companies offer multi day itineraries that include transportation, accommodation, and guided tours throughout northern Portugal. 

This is a great option if you want a planned experience with everything taken care of. Groups often travel by private bus or minivan, making it easy to move from city to city while enjoying the company of other travelers.

It is also one of the best ways to explore the Douro Valley and nearby towns as part of a larger adventure.

Here are some group trips you can take to visit Porto and other cool places in Portugal!

 Other Adventurous Ways to Visit Porto, Portugal

Looking for a bit of thrill on your trip? There are some really epic adventures you can embark on to explore Porto and other destinations in the area, including group biking trips or personal motorcycle or bike trips that include luggage transfers and special itineraries.

It's a fun and unique options for getting to experience Porto, as well as the stunning landscapes and towns that surround it!

Here are a few exciting excursions we found for you to sign up for:

How to Visit Portugal: Entry Requirements

Before traveling to Porto, it is important to understand the entry requirements and customs rules. Portugal follows the same regulations as other countries in the Schengen Area.

 Visa Entry Requirements for Portugal

Most travelers from Europe, North America, and other visa exempt countries can enter Portugal for short stays without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date.

Travelers from the US, Australia, Canada, the UK, and many other countries do not need a visa to visit Portugal, and can stay up to 90 days in a 180 day period within the entire Schengen Zone.

 The 90/180 Rule

Keep in mind the 90/180 rule. You can spend 90 days within a 180 day period inside the Schengen Zone in total. If you spend 10 days in Spain, for example, those 10 days count toward your overall total in Portugal and anywhere else in the Schengen area.

We always use the Schengen visa calculator. It is very helpful for travelers planning long term or multi country trips.

 Schengen Visas

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or if your nationality requires a visa, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa in advance. Make sure to check your specific entry requirements so that your trip to Portugal goes smoothly.

How to Get to Porto, Portugal: Final Thoughts & Travel Tips

Now that you know how to get to Porto, Portugal, here are a few quick travel tips to make your visit easier:

 Getting Around: Porto’s historic center is walkable, but the city has steep hills. There are metros, trams, funiculars, buses, and taxis for getting around.

 Where to Stay: Ribeira is the most atmospheric area. Cedofeita and Baixa are also great for food, cafes, and nightlife.

 Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.

 Currency: Portugal uses the Euro. Cards are widely accepted, but it is good to have small cash for markets and bakeries.

 Safety: Porto is generally very safe for tourists with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

 Weather: Porto has mild winters, warm summers, and a bit more rain than Lisbon. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit.

 What's Next?

Now that you know how to get to Porto, Portugal, you'll probably want to learn more about visiting! We have a few other Porto guides coming but, but in the meantime, you can also check out the other travel guides we have about the Azores and Madeira.

Here are the travel guides we have about the Azores:

✈️ How to Get to the Azores

🛳 How to Get to Terceira Island

⛴ How to Get Around the Azores

📆 The Best Time to Visit the Azores

🍴 Terceira Food Guide

📸 Best Photo Spots in Terceira

🤩 The Best Viewpoints in Terceira

🐳 Fun Things to Do in Terceira

🤳🏻 34 Azores Travel Tips

📖 Ultimate Azores Travel Guide

Here are travel guides that we have about Madeira:

✈️ How to Get to Madeira

🪂 The Best Things to Do in Madeira

📸 45 Photo Spots in Madeira

🤩 Best Viewpoints in Madeira

💦 Best Waterfalls in Madeira

🥾 Levada das 25 Fontes Hike

🚗 How to Get Around Madeira Island

📆 The Best Time to Visit Madeira

🍴 Madeira Food Guide

 The Ultimate Guide for Madeira

 Madeira or Azores? Comparing the Islands of Portugal

We'll also be having new Portugal articles each Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Now you have all of the information for how to get to Porto, Portugal! Have any other questions though? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!

Want to learn more visiting other areas of Portugal? We have tons of other Portuguese Travel Guides for you, as well as new ones coming up every week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you're able to stay up to date with our most recent articles, and get special discounts on our shop.

Ready to start planning an amazing trip to Portugal? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning, so you can skip the hassle, and simply enjoy your trip. Take a peak at our travel planning packages we offer, or simply email us to get started today!

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