Getting Around Porto: Your Ultimate Guide to Public Transport

Nov 10

5 min read

When you touch down at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Oporto Airport), you’ll want to dive right into the vibrant life of Porto. The metro is a speedy and efficient way to get into the city.

Metro – From the Airport into the City

Take line E from the airport to “Trindade” in the city centre. This falls into Zone 4 (Z4) according to the zone map.

Ticket prices vary based on the number of zones you cross. For example, Z2 starts around €1.40, while farther zones can go up to about €3.20.

You’ll need an “Andante” card, the blue version for occasional travel. It costs about €0.60 as a base, and then you charge it with the correct zone fare. You can find more details on the official metro site.

Zones work like “rings.” When you validate your ticket in a station, you pay for the zone of that station plus adjacent zones, depending on how far you go.

Example: If you travel from the airport (Z4) into central Porto, you’ll likely need a Z4 ticket. Check the zone map to see which ticket applies.

Tip: Always validate your ticket before entering the platform. Failing to do so may result in a fine.

Bus – Covering the City & Suburbs

The bus network, operated by STCP and others, covers many streets, hills, and suburbs that the metro doesn’t reach easily.

Occasional single tickets range from €1.40 for closer zones, rising depending on distance or zone. You can find detailed bus tariffs on the STCP Prices – Occasional Tickets.

Make sure to check the schedule for the bus line you need. Many buses stop earlier at night, and some routes change on weekends or holidays.

Tram – The Historic Ride Along the River

Riding the historic tram is both transport and an experience. Lines like Line 1 (Infante → Passeio Alegre) take you along the riverfront and out to Foz.

Ticket pricing is about €3.50 for a single ride and around €6.00 for two rides on the same day.

Timetable example: Line 1 runs roughly from around 09:30 to 18:00, but check for seasonal adjustments.

You can buy tickets on board or at tram stops when available. Just a heads up: the tram may be slower and more for sightseeing than rapid transit.

Funicular – Funicular dos Guindais (Porto Side)

The funicular connects the river-level Ribeira area up the steep hill toward Batalha. It’s a useful route and a fun ride.

Tickets cost about €3.50 for one way. It’s especially handy if you’re staying or exploring near the riverside and want to reach the upper streets without climbing.

Cable Car – Teleférico de Gaia (Vila Nova de Gaia Side)

On the Gaia side of the Douro River, this cable car offers spectacular views over Porto, the river, and the city rooftops.

Ticket prices are as follows: One-way adult €7.00, child (5-12) €3.50; Round-trip adult €10.00, child €5.00. You can find more information on the official site.

The cable car operates daily, with seasonal times varying, providing a memorable aerial route between the two riverbanks.

Train Connections from Porto

1. Porto → Braga

Departure: From Porto’s main stations (e.g., Porto‑Campanhã Station or Porto‑São Bento Station).
Travel time: Around 40-50 minutes for the fastest direct trains.
Typical ticket cost: Starting around €8-€17 one way (depending on train type & when booked).
On arrival: Braga station is in the city centre, often within a 10-15 minute walk from the main historic square.
Tip: A great choice for a day trip, very manageable from Porto.

2. Porto → Guimarães

Travel time: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on service.
Ticket cost: Around €10-€13 one way (sometimes slightly more).
Walking distance: The station is quite central – roughly 5-15 minutes on foot to the historic heart.

3. Porto → Aveiro

Travel time: Fast trains can reach in about 34-40 minutes, though slower services may take over an hour.
Typical ticket fares: From around €4-€7 for basic tickets (booked early) up to higher depending on class.
Walking distance: Aveiro station is pretty central, about a 5-10 minute walk from the main canal area and city core.

4. Porto → Douro Valley (via train)

Route: You usually leave from Porto’s São Bento or Campanhã stations on the scenic Douro Line.
Travel time: To major stops like Pinhão, it’s around 2 hours 20 minutes; to further endpoints like Pocinho about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Ticket cost: From around €12.20 one-way to Pinhão, other fares slightly higher.
Walking distance: The stations in Douro Valley towns are usually right in town or a very short walk to the main sights.
Tip: Ideal for a relaxed full-day trip (or overnight) to enjoy vineyard views and the river.

Where to Buy Tickets & Useful Links

For all above trains, you can purchase tickets online via the national rail operator at CP.

You can also buy on-site at major stations (Campanhã, São Bento) from kiosks or ticket counters.

🚖 Taxis, Uber & Bolt – Getting Around the Easy Way

While Porto’s public transport network is excellent, sometimes you just need a quick, comfortable ride. This is especially true if you’re carrying luggage, it’s late at night, or you’re heading somewhere off the main routes.

🚕 Taxis

Taxis in Porto are safe, reliable, and metered. You’ll find them at official taxi stands near stations, major squares, and shopping streets like Santa Catarina.

Base fare: Around €3.25 (includes the first few minutes).
Per kilometer: About €0.94 during the day; €1.13 at night or on weekends.
Airport supplement: Roughly €2.00 extra when departing from the Airport.
Luggage fee: Around €1.60, only if you have large bags.

Most taxis now accept credit/debit cards, but it’s always good to confirm before you start the ride.

💡 Tip: If you’re taking a taxi from the airport to the city center, expect to pay around €25–€30 depending on traffic and your final destination.

📱 Uber and Bolt

Both Uber and Bolt operate widely across Porto, and locals use them every day.

Prices are often 10–20% cheaper than traditional taxis, depending on demand.

You can book directly in the app, track your driver, and pay securely with your card — no need for cash.

At the airport, follow the signs to the designated rideshare pickup area (usually near Arrivals, clearly marked).

Average prices (approx.):

Airport → City center: €15–€20
Ribeira → Boavista: €6–€9
Short inner-city trips: €4–€7

Bolt tends to be slightly cheaper, while Uber usually has more drivers available, especially during busy hours.

Traveler’s Tips

Always check which zone you’re travelling in (especially with metro and buses) so you buy the correct fare.
Some tourist passes (like the Andante Tour) cover multiple transports and may save you money if you’ll use many modes.
Validate your tickets before boarding. In metro and buses, you’ll find validation machines — failure to validate can lead to fines.
For scenic transport (tram, funicular, cable car), allow a bit more time — they’re slower but memorable.
At night or early morning, check schedules: last services may run earlier than usual.
Keep a printed or offline map of transport lines (or save the link) — signal can be patchy in old town alleys.