Exploring Portugal wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Porto, known for its picturesque riverfront, port wine cellars, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Wondering about going to Porto from Lisbon Airport? Find the ultimate guide in the following article!
Going to Porto from Lisbon Airport
Traveling from Lisbon Airport to Porto provides several convenient options. One choice is to take a train from Lisbon’s Oriente Station to Porto’s São Bento Station, which typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Alternatively, buses operate between the two cities, with a travel time of approximately 3-4 hours. For a more personalized journey, taxis and rental cars are available, taking roughly 2.5-3 hours via the A1 highway.
Both train and bus services are known for their frequency and reliability, offering a cost-effective and efficient means of transportation between these two picturesque Portuguese cities.
Now, before delving into further discussion, let’s first familiarize ourselves with Porto!
What’s Porto?
Located along the northwest coast of Portugal, Porto is renowned as the birthplace of port wine, a delightful sweet fortified wine. The city is characterized by its charming Douro River, vibrant architecture in the Ribeira district, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
A notable highlight in Porto is the historic Livraria Lello bookstore, famous for its breathtaking interior. Furthermore, Porto holds the prestigious status of being a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its cultural abundance and lively atmosphere.
Best Things to Do at Porto
Porto, a charming city in Portugal, offers a plethora of delightful activities. Here’s a curated list to enhance your experience:
1. Exploring Ribeira’s Historic District
Take a leisurely stroll through Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the colorful buildings, ancient architecture, and the serene Douro River. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, visit local shops, and savor the picturesque views.
2. Trying Francesinha
Indulge your taste buds with Francesinha, a hearty sandwich featuring meats, cheese, and a delectable sauce—a local favorite in Porto.
3. Set Sail on a Douro River Cruise
Embark on a scenic journey along the Douro River. Admire the city’s skyline, the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and the picturesque landscapes along the river. A river cruise offers a relaxing perspective to appreciate the beauty of Porto.
These activities give a taste of Porto’s history, food, and scenery, making your visit memorable.
Where to Stay?
Whether you prefer a central location, riverside relaxation, or luxury amenities, these accommodations cater to different preferences for a comfortable stay in Porto. Each of these options provides a unique experience in the city:
1. Eurostars Aliados
Nestled in the heart of Porto, Eurostars Aliados offers modern and comfortable rooms. Its central location provides easy access to major attractions, making it convenient for city exploration. Guests often commend the sleek design and panoramic views of Porto. The room rate starts from EUR 107/USD 117.87.
Eurostars Aliados
8.9 Excellent (4037 Reviews)
195 Avenida dos Aliados, Porto City Centre , Porto 4000-067
2. HF Ipanema Park
Overlooking the Douro River, HF Ipanema Park provides a tranquil stay away from the city center. The hotel features spacious rooms and a range of amenities, including a rooftop bar with stunning views, perfect for a peaceful retreat. The room rate starts from EUR 99/USD 106.
HF Ipanema Park
8.2 Excellent (3790 Reviews)
Rua De Serralves, 124, Lordelo do Ouro e Massarelos, Porto 4150-702
3. Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory
Offering a luxurious experience, this hotel is located in the Boavista district and provides elegant rooms with top-notch facilities. Renowned for its fine dining options, spa services, and a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views, Porto Palácio Hotel promises a lavish stay. The room rate starts from EUR 100.59/USD 107.79.
Porto Palácio Hotel
8.5 Excellent (2868 Reviews)
Avenida da Boavista, 1269, Boavista, Porto 4100-130
Best Way to Going to Porto from Lisbon Airport
Going to Porto from Lisbon Aiport, you have several options. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Train
Take a metro or taxi to the “Gare do Oriente” train station. From there, board a direct train to Porto (Campanhã station). The journey typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, and trains operate from early morning until late evening. The frequency is high, with departures approximately every hour.
Prices for going to Porto from Lisbon Airport start from EUR 25/USD 26.79 and can go up to EUR 35/USD 37.50 for second class, with variations based on the time of travel and class.
2. Bus
Rede Expressos operates buses from Lisbon Airport to Porto, with the journey typically lasting around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The price is affordable and can be the best way to go to Porto from Lisbon Airport.
Bus fares vary, ranging from EUR 20/USD 21.43 to EUR 30/USD 32.15 for a single journey, and are contingent on factors such as the time of travel and seat class.
You have the option for going to Porto from Lisbon Airport by renting a car or utilizing a rideshare service for a direct drive on the A1 highway from Lisbon to Porto. The journey typically spans approximately 3 hours, though travel time is subject to variation based on traffic conditions.
The cost associated with car rental or rideshare services can vary significantly. It’s important to factor in additional expenses such as fuel and tolls when making your decision.
4. Taxi
Taxis can be readily hailed for going to Porto from Lisbon Airport for direct transportation. However, it’s worth noting that taking a taxi can be a relatively expensive option, with fares typically falling within the range of EUR 250/USD 267 to EUR 350/USD 375 for the journey to Porto.
The travel time by taxi is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, contingent on traffic conditions and the chosen route for going to Porto from Lisbon Airport.
While taxis offer convenience, it’s important to consider that they are a pricier choice compared to alternatives such as trains, buses, or even flights for long-distance travel. This can be the best way for going to Porto from Lisbon Airport.
5. Plane
Going to Porto from Lisbon Airport flights are available throughout the day, although the frequency may vary among different airlines.
The pricing of flights is subject to variations based on the airline, timing of booking, and seat availability, generally ranging from around EUR 50/USD to EUR 150/USD for a one-way ticket.
To book a flight, it is advisable to check with airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, or other domestic carriers for schedules, fares, and availability. This is the fastest way for going to Porto from Lisbon Airport.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding schedules, fares, and ticket availability, it is recommended to visit the official websites of train services (Comboios), bus operators (Rede Expressos), or car rental services, as they often provide online booking options.
Now that you are informed about going to Porto from Lisbon Airport. If you plan to Porto by plane, you can book your ticket through Airpaz. Happy traveling!