Which means of transport to use Porto?

From the airport to the city centre Porto

Oporto airport is close to the city (11 km) and is therefore accessible by metro via the E line. A bus service (Getbus) takes you to the city centre in 25 minutes. If you wish to take a taxi so that you do not have to change connections, take it in the departure area. Be careful to check that it belongs to one of the official companies, as some taxis are a bit thieving. You can also order a VTC.

Arrival by train Porto

The train company in Portugal is called comboios de Portugal (www.cp.pt). Two stations are located in Porto and connect the major cities of Portugal, the northern region, and some cities in Spain. You will probably arrive in São Bento, the central station. If not, it is Campanhã, east of Porto. From the train stations you can take the metro or bus to your accommodation.

Arrival by boat Porto

There is currently no regular maritime link between France and Portugal. Only cruises will allow you to make this type of connection, with short stopovers, by sea (consult a specialized agency).

Public transport Porto

Porto has a network of subways (www.metrodoporto.pt), buses and trams. The metros (6 lines) operate from 6am to 1am, with a frequency between 4 and 15 minutes. They do not serve all the tourist places. Buses are a bit more random and can get stuck in traffic during rush hour. They allow you to reach Vila Nova de Gaia and other places not served by the metro or the tourist tram (3 lines). The easiest and cheapest way to use the transport system is to buy the Andante Azul card (€0.60, valid for one year) and to load it with a specific number of journeys according to the areas you are going to. For example: 10 journeys + 1 offered in Z4, 5 journeys in Z3, etc. With a Z4 it is possible to travel in Z3, no need to buy a trip of course. Andante 24 allows you to travel for 24 hours in the maximum zone chosen (between Z2 and Z12). For unlimited use of transport in all zones for 24 hours, it costs 7 €; for 3 days 15 €. This is the Andante Tour card, mainly intended for tourists who don't want to take the trouble (and they are right!). It is valid from the first time you stamp it at the yellow terminal of a bus, metro or tram. It is possible to load an Andante Tour onto the Andante Classic. You will find the Andante card in Andante shops (airport info point, metro terminals for example), and train stations, among others. With the Porto Card, you can use all the transport you want. The Guindais funicular connects the Ribeira with the upper part of the city for €2.50; it is taken opposite the Luis I bridge.

Bike, scooters & co Porto

With the ups and downs, the narrow roads and the cobblestones, the city is not really made for bikes, except of course for riding along the coast where, this time, it's all flat and very well equipped for bikes. However, you will find electric bikes, scooters and scooter companies for rent. Although there are no free bikes yet, electric scooters are starting to flourish, all over Porto, but especially along the Douro, and even as far as Matosinhos. To use them, you have to download the application of the scooter brand and follow the directions.

With a driver Porto

Since a few years Uber and the other VTC companies (Cabify, Blacklane...) have settled in Porto. Until now Uber operates differently from France. You have the option Uber X (the price is announced in advance) and Uber black (a little more expensive). The rates change regularly so it may or may not be cheaper than a taxi. You will recognize the official taxis by their color (black and green) and by the obligation to display their license number. If you fall well, you will arrive at your destination in less than two because the drivers know the city like the back of their hand. Rates increase by 20% on weekends and holidays between 9pm and 6am. From the airport it costs about 25 € and in the city centre 6 €.

By car Porto

As in all major cities in Portugal, driving is exhausting and places are extremely scarce. One solution is to park outside the city centre at Arrabida Shopping, Vila Nova de Gaia, or Edificio América, and use public transport. There are inexpensive underground car parks such as the Palacio de Cristal (€12/day), the Lapa (€3 for 7 hours) or the Cristal Park (€15). In areas with parking meters (paying on working days from 8am to 8pm), you can park for a maximum of 4 consecutive hours. Be careful because it seems that the company controlling the parking lot is very vigilant and you can have your car taken to the impound lot very quickly. Also be careful, in certain residential zones, spaces are reserved for holders of a resident card.

Accessibility Porto

Accessibility to public transport in Oporto is very good. The metro is 100% accessible (lifts, ramps...), as are most of the buses and the Guindais metro. A good number of tourist sites make it easy to come by wheelchair, but this is not the case for access to churches for example. If you come with a child, remember to take a sturdy stroller.

Tourist traps Porto

Beware, some taxi drivers take advantage of your unfamiliarity with the city to make detours and raise the fare. Remember to ask for a price range at the start and check that they turn on the meter.