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Getting Around Porto
To visit Porto you do not need a car. It is best not to drive at all in the city. Parking is a challenge unless you opt for paid parks. Distances between major sights are accessible and most can be done on foot. Walking through the various parts of the city allows you to enjoy and get to know the city better. Part of Porto’s charm is its winding cobbled streets, the day-to-day life details and the views you get.
Come prepared with comfortable shoes and a camera
The Metropolitan Porto Network (Subway)
The Metropolitan Porto network (Subway) passes the airport. The E line (lilac) connects the airport to Porto’s city centre in just 30 minutes
However, the Porto Metro or subway network favours the cities outer neighbourhoods. You will only need to use it if you stay in one of the suburbs, otherwise, the entire centre of Porto can be easily explored on foot.
There are 3 ticket types: Andante Azul, Andante 24 and Andante Tour.
Andante Azul is the most basic ticket and the fare varies according to the route (zones) you intend to take.
The Andante 24 is similar to the Andante Azul, the difference being that the trip between the selected zones can be undertaken, unlimitedly, during 24 consecutive hours. The Andante Tour is the most complete ticket of the Porto subway, which covers the entire network for 24 or 72 hours.
Recommendation
- Do not forget to validate your ticket on the machines, otherwise, you may be heavily fined.
- The ticket is personal. If you are a group of 3, you will have to acquire 3 different cards.
- Each card has the initial cost of € 0.60, which can be reused the next time you need to recharge the card, so do not throw it away.
- Please note that if you recharge the card for a certain zone, that card can only be used on the circuits covered by that zone.
Download the Metropolitan Porto network (Subway) map here
Trams
Although the Porto tramway is one of the oldest, it dates from 1895, it is currently a more touristy than useful means of transport
There are three possible routes, each with its charm. Baixa Line, Restauração Line and Marginal Line.
Marginal Line | Line 1
Departing from the Church of S Francisco, it passes through the Ribeira and follows along the Douro river to the Passeio Alegre, in Foz. It is the busiest route
Restauração Line | Line 18 Circular Route
It takes the route between Massarelos and Carmo. Departing from the Museu do Carro Eléctrico, in Ribeira, climbs up to the Clérigos Tower, descending again towards the Douro and stops in front of the Museu do Carro Eléctrico
Baixa Line (downtown) | Line 22 Circular Route
It travels across the most emblematic arteries of the centre of the city of Porto, in a circular route between Carmo and Batalha / Guindais. Point of interest in this route: Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, S. Bento and Batalha, one of the most typical neighbourhoods of the City.
At Batalha, you can get out and take the Funicular do Guindais which takes you in 2 minutes to Ribeira. It offers a superb view over the Douro and the D Luiz I bridge. The cable car ticket can be purchased locally
All tickets for the tram can be purchased on board and cost approximately € 3.50
The tram routes last approximately 20 to 30 minutes, leaving with the same frequency. They operate between 9 am and 7 pm
Buses
STCP Bus 601 and 602 connect the airport to the city centre (Cordoaria).
To consult this and other routes click here
Here the Andante card is also valid. If you do not have already purchased this title you can buy your ticket on the bus, although it is slightly more expensive
Trains
The main train stations in Porto are Campanhã and S Bento. The S. Bento station is the most central and a true work of art. Decorated with twenty thousand tiles illustrating the means of transport over time.
Here you can easily catch an urban train to visit the cities around Porto such as Braga, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro and Guimarães
If catching a train from Lisbon to Porto, or vice-versa, you should take into account that there are no direct trains from S Bento. You need to change trains at Campanhã
Check the Train Map, here
Buy your online ticket here
Taxi and Uber
All of Porto’s taxis are easily identified by their beige colouring or black with the green roof.
The average price of a route through the city is around 6 euros, and the journey from the airport to the centre of Porto is approximately 25 euros.
On Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and every day between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am, rates are increased by 20%.
The normal taxi takes up to 4 passengers, however, there are vehicles prepared to take 7 people. Due to their scarcity these must be reserved previously and have a 20% increase on the price.
The Uber network also operates in Porto and may sometimes be a cheaper option
Hop on Hop off Tour
A great option for those short on time or travelling with children. A quick view of the city that can be combined with a Rabelo boat trip and visit to the wine cellars, giving you the best value for money
Rabelos Boats
The Rabelos boats were used to transport the wine barrels from the various farms scattered along the banks of the Douro River to the Wineries in Gaia. Nowadays, they still maintain their essence but they are mostly used for sightseeing tours. Part of Porto’s identity that should be enjoyed on your visit to the city
The most offered route is the six-bridge cruise. Departing from the Ribeira dock, they sail under the 6 bridges, providing breathtaking views of the colourful city of Porto and the Cellers of Vila Nova de Gaia
Magic Train Tour
The Magic Train Tour is an all in one tour of Porto. Good value for your money as it includes a train tour through the roads of Porto, a stop at the wine cellar with wine tasting and to top it off a boat rides on the emblematic Rabelo boats
The train departs from the Sé Cathedral every 30 minutes