How to Get From Lisbon to Porto

If you’re visiting Lisbon and are in need of a quick weekend getaway, consider traveling to Porto. As the second-largest city in Portugal, Porto offers a variety of activities and must-see sights that make it well worth the trip. From its famous seafood to its world-renowned port wine, lively nightlight, and impressive historical centre, which also happens to be a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, there are many reasons to visit this charming city. And luckily, getting from Lisbon to Porto is quite easy, so you shouldn’t have any problems adding it to your itinerary!

Travel Tips

There are several modes of transportation that you can choose from when planning your trip from Lisbon to Porto, but no matter which one you pick, remember to always bring your passport with you. You’ll not only need it to book your tickets, but you’ll also want to have it available when transiting between cities. When boarding planes, buses, or trains, you may be asked to show it as a form of identification, so it’s best to have it ready and on hand.

It is also a good idea to obtain a local Portuguese phone number. This will make it easier for you to book your travels and will give you the ability to directly contact local transportation companies. Vodafone is a good option to consider, as you can purchase their SIM cards online or from kiosks at the airport. 

Lisbon to Porto by Train

One of the easiest ways to get from Lisbon to Porto is by train via the national railway company, Comboios de Portugal, also known as CP. There are currently two train services that run between the cities – the Alfa Pendular and the Intercidades. Both train services depart from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station, which is located in the Alfama district, and arrive in Porto’s Campahna station.

Generally speaking, the Alfa Pendular service is the faster service, as it makes fewer stops along the way. The average travel time for this service is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. First-class tickets cost €44,60, while second-class tickets cost €31,90. Daily departure times are as follows: 07:00, 08:00, 09:00, 14:00, 17:00, and 18:00.

The Intercidades service stops more frequently and therefore takes a bit longer. The average journey time for this service is about 3 hours and 14 minutes. First-class tickets cost €37,15, and second-class tickets cost €25,10. Daily departure times are as follows: 06:30, 09:30, 11:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 and 22:00.

Lisbon to Porto by Bus

Daily bus services between Lisbon and Porto are offered through Rede Expressos. Tickets costs are as follows:

  • Adults: €20 
  • Youth (13-29) and Seniors (65+): €17 
  • Children (4-12): €15

Tickets can be purchased up to thirty days in advance. It’s actually a good idea to book your tickets as early as possible, as doing so may grant you access to discounted rates for certain departure times.

Buses depart Lisbon from two stations, the Sete Rios station, which lies in northern Lisbon, and the Oriente station, located near the airport. All buses arrive in Porto at the Campo 24 de Agosto station. On average, it takes about three and a half hours to reach Porto from Lisbon by bus. There are over 20 departures a day from both stations; however, departure times do vary depending upon the station that you leave from. They also offer additional departure times on the weekends.

Lisbon to Porto by Car Service

If you prefer to take a private transfer to Porto, there are several car services that you can utilize. You can book transfers online through services such as Viator and Get Your Guide. Rideshare services such as Uber are also available if you have a local phone number. And of course, you can also always just hail down a taxi. Prices for these services can vary depending upon the time and day, but you can typically expect to spend between €300 and €400 for a one-way trip. The distance between Lisbon and Porto is just over 300 kilometers, so if you drive directly there, it will take you about three hours to arrive. 

Lisbon to Porto by Plane

Flights between Lisbon and Porto only take about an hour; however, when you factor in check-in and wait times, you’re really looking at travel times of three to four hours. TAP-Air Portugal offers direct flights for as little as €45 depending on the day and time that you travel. There are currently 16 flights offered each day in each direction, so you are sure to find one that fits your schedule. You can book flights directly through TAP or via the booking website eDreams.

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