Traveling Around Porto, Portugal
Hills, bridges, and the glittering expanse of the Douro River are all part of the scenic but sometimes challenging backdrop of Porto. Luckily, the city boasts an excellent transportation network for getting around, featuring a speedy metro system, charming trams, along with buses, taxis, and even a funicular for good measure.
Porto has a compact city center, making it an ideal location for exploring on foot, particularly in the narrow lanes of the Ribeira district, where transport options may be limited. For reaching the more remote corners of the city, there are plenty of efficient travel options available. While Porto’s transportation network is generally reliable, occasional delays may occur, so it’s wise to allow ample time to reach your destination and consider alternative plans if necessary.
Travel from the Middle Ages to the 21st Century on the Metro
As you stroll through the medieval alleys of the Ribeira district, you can hop on the metro to visit the Casa da Música, a cutting-edge architectural masterpiece by Rem Koolhaas. Porto’s metro system offers six lettered and color-coded lines, providing a time-travel experience as you traverse various city districts.
It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with the most useful lines. Line E (violet) runs from the airport to the city center, while Line D (yellow) connects to the Ribeira area (São Bento station) and crosses the Dom Luís I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. Moreover, Line B (red) is Porto’s longest line, extending from Estadio do Dragão (home to FC Porto) to quaint coastal villages. The metro operates daily from 6 am to 1 am.
Admire Porto’s Best Views Aboard the Teleférico de Gaia
While it’s only a five-minute ride, the teleférico de Gaia presents spectacular views over the Douro River and the city skyline. The aerial cable car travels between the Vila Nova de Gaia waterfront and the southern end of the Dom Luís I bridge, making it an excellent addition to a day spent tasting port at one of the nearby wine lodges. The upper station is a short walk from the Jardim do Morro (metro station), and the one-way fare is €6 (€9 return). The funicular operates from 10 am to 8 pm during the warmer months, with earlier closure times from late September to late April.
Explore the City on the Bus
Porto’s extensive bus network can transport you nearly anywhere in the city while allowing you to enjoy views of its architecture, plazas, and life along the streets—visuals often missed on the metro. Several bus lines cater specifically to tourists, including Line 207, which takes you to the avant-garde Serralves cultural institution, stopping near significant attractions like the Soares dos Reis Museum and the Palácio de Cristal gardens.
Purchase an Andante Card for Convenient Travel
With an integrated bus and metro network, getting around Porto is convenient by acquiring an Andante Card. Several card variants are available; for limited travel, the Andante Blue Card (€0.60) allows you to load credit for a few rides. Conversely, for those planning extensive travel, the Andante Tour Card is ideal: the 24-hour card costs €7, while the 72-hour card is €15.
These cards can be obtained at tourist information offices in the airport and town, along with various metro stations. Keep in mind that trams and the funicular are not included in the Andante Card unless you purchase a monthly pass.
Experience Nostalgia on the Number 1 Tram
Tram Número Uno is a beloved feature of Porto, cheerfully painted and providing a delightful ride along the waterfront. This vintage tram has been transporting passengers since the 1870s, originally pulled by mules but now electrified, moving at a leisurely pace. Its interior features vintage wood paneling and large windows, allowing you to maximize those breezy views.
Tram No 1 connects the Ribeira district to Passeio Alegre, just a short walk from the beaches of Foz do Douro. Tickets are priced at €3.50 for one-way and €6 for a return journey. In the central area, two other trams operate if you’re eager to enjoy a broader tram experience; considering a two-day unlimited tram pass for €10 (€5 for children) may be worthwhile.
Enjoy Scenic Views on the Funicular
Porto features one inclined rail line, the Funicular dos Guindais, which takes you from a street near the base of the Ponte Dom Luís I to Batalha-Guindais station, close to Igreja de Santa Clara. This 25-passenger funicular completes the 281-meter (922-foot) journey in just three minutes, offering incredible views of Porto’s iconic steel bridge and Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine lodges. A ride on the funicular costs €2.50 and is not part of the Andante pass unless you have a monthly subscription.
Go Green with Electric Biking and Scooting
Porto is in the early stages of developing an electric bike and e-scooter sharing program aimed at promoting eco-friendly travel. With 2,100 transport units available at 210 locations across the city, using this service promises to be convenient. Apps like “Bird – Ride Electric” and “Circ – Enjoy the Ride” will facilitate access.
To use the service, download the app, scan the QR code on a bike or scooter, and you’re ready to ride! Estimated pricing is €1 to unlock and €0.15 for each subsequent minute. Keep in mind that service is unavailable from 10 pm to 6 am, and riders are encouraged to use bike lanes instead of sidewalks. While wearing a helmet isn’t mandatory, it is highly recommended.
Use Taxi and Ride-Share for Night Travel
Taxi ranks can be found throughout Porto, along with ride-share options like Uber and Bolt, which can be quite handy for late-night trips when public transport is limited. Expect to pay between €6 and €8 for rides within the center during the day, with a 20% surcharge applying at night.
Accessible Transportation in Porto
Travelers with mobility challenges will find Porto’s transport network much more accommodating compared to Lisbon. Most metro stations are fully accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and designated spaces for wheelchair users. You can find a detailed accessibility map here. Generally, the majority of buses are also accessible, with low-level floors and ramped access. Onboard announcements notify riders about upcoming stops. However, it’s worth noting that historic tram lines are not wheelchair accessible.
For additional resources related to accessible travel, consult online materials available on the Lonely Planet’s Accessible Travel portal.
Why Riding the Tram is a Favorite in Porto
Stepping onto the trams feels like entering a time machine. You’ll experience the vintage handles and wheels that conductors use while marveling at the polished wood details of the interior. As you find your seat or perhaps stand while holding a strap, you can listen to the soothing clatter of the wheels as the tram rolls through the city.
This slower pace of travel, combined with expansive windows, offers a cinematic experience of Porto in motion. Keep an eye out for glimpses of local life, from cafe-goers engrossed in newspapers to neighbors exchanging greetings. The best time to ride is in the morning, providing a deeper look into the authentic rhythm of Porto’s daily life.
