Porto Transport

It is highly recommended that you make use of the excellent public transport network in Porto. Transportation is convenient, reliable and inexpensive, and uses a combination of the metro, buses, trams and trains. Taxis are also a good way to get around town. They are all metered and offer fairly good value for money and door-to-door service. Driving is not recommended in Porto, as it can lead to accidents due to the difference in driving ways and laws.

By Metro

The Metro operates on a total of five different lines, which are conveniently marked with different letters (A through to E) and by different colours. The metro covers virtually the entire city as well as some neighbouring towns. Trains are clean, efficient and reliable as well as being excellent value for money. Fares are based on destination zones and tickets can be bought at all Metro stations. For more information visit: www.metrodoporto.pt.

By train

The local train network is also used to get around Porto, although it is usually used for getting to neighbouring towns and cities than for travel within Porto itself. All mainline trains stop at Sao Bento Station, where it is also possible to get connections all across the region and even the country.

By tram

The tram network is commonly used by tourists. Although it is a form of public transport, it is normally used as a means of seeing the city as well as travelling between the main tourist attractions.

By bus

Portugal's domestic bus services are generally quicker than a similar journey by train, although they can be more expensive. Porto’s network of private buses covers the entire city as well as the surrounding areas. Carreiras stop at every stop on their route and are clean, reliable and very good value for money.

Taxis

Taxis are an excellent way to get around Porto. They are fairly inexpensive and very easy to find. You can either book them in advance or hail one off the street. You can also arrange to hire a taxi for an entire day, at an agreed price, to take you on a guided tour around the city. It is highly recommended that you take a taxi to and from the wineries, as public transport does not generally visit them. Surprisingly, taxi drivers, in general, are friendly, English-speaking and extremely helpful, Two of the most popular companies are Invicta Radio Taxis do Porto and Radio Taxis Os Unidos. For more information on local taxis, visit: www.infotaxi.org/city-884.htm.

From the airport

Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport can be found 11kms from downtown Porto and is therefore well serviced by public transport. Local buses can be found outside Arrivals, and follow routes across the city and surrounding areas. Bus timetables can be found at the main information desk.

Shuttle buses offer direct services to your hotel and the city centre. Services run during the day only and leave every 30 minutes. They are incredibly convenient, but are also more expensive than local buses.

Taxis can be found outside of the terminal building and are there day and night. They will take you to wherever you want to go and are metered and fairly inexpensive. There is a 20 per cent rise in fares at evenings and weekends.