Transit Options from Porto Airport to City Center
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport lies within just 11 km/6.8 miles from downtown Porto. Thus, journeys from OPO Airport to the city center are, in general terms, fast and relatively hassle-free. Airport taxis and private airport transfers are undoubtedly the most convenient and relaxed options, whereas car rentals guarantee independent journeys and are ideal for travelers planning on exploring Porto’s surrounding areas. On the other hand, if you are traveling on a tight budget, you should choose a public transit ride to your destination. Verily, urban buses and private shuttles link Porto Airport to downtown, while savvy travelers usually opt for the fast, cheap, and efficient Porto airport metro to get to their journey’s end.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 25 | 26.30 | 20 min |
| Bus | 2.15 | 2.28 | 50 min |
| Metro | 2.15 | 2.28 | 27 min |
Porto Airport to City Center by Taxi
Porto airport taxis provide safe and reliable services at Porto International Airport. Plenty of taxi companies are present at OPO Airport, yet ANTRAL is the main airport’s taxi company. Thus, if you are in search of a comfortable way to travel from OPO Airport to the city center, you should head to the taxi rank (praça de táxi) lying outside the Arrivals area as soon as you retrieve your luggage. You’ll find plenty of cream-colored or black-with-green-roof taxis lining there. As far as their cost is concerned, Porto airport taxis are metered. Thus, they don’t offer a fixed fare for rides from Porto Airport to downtown, but their cost depends on the final destination and the traveling time, hence the traffic conditions. In any case, if you settle on a Porto airport taxi, you should expect a 20-minute journey to the city center (yet your ride will last around 40 minutes if roads are congested) and a 25€/26.30$ cost. Nevertheless, during peak hours, the final fee may rise, while from 09:00 pm to 06:00 am and on public holidays, taxi journeys are approximately 20% costlier. Hence, a taxi ride to the city center during the night usually costs around 30€/31.60$. Moreover, any piece of luggage measuring more than 55X35X20cm brings an extra 1.60€/1.69$ fare, while pets are charged similarly. However, wheelchairs, strollers, and service animals are out of charge. Although card payments are usually accepted, this is not the rule. Verily, many Porto airport taxis don’t have POS. On the other hand, if you are planning on using cash to pay your taxi fare, small bills are highly recommended. Finally, tipping is customary but not obligatory.
Our Tip: Most Porto taxi drivers can communicate in English, even though they don’t speak fluently.
Porto Airport to City Center by Metro
Porto airport metro efficiently links OPO Airport to the city center. Verily, the Metro Line E (Purple or Violet Line) departs from the metro station lying outside the terminal’s Arrivals level, within a 5-minute walking distance from the baggage claim area. Trains depart every 15-30 minutes (depending on the time of the day) from Porto Airport to Trindade Metro Station, which is to be found in the city center. As a matter of fact, the metro operates from 6:06 am (06:33 am on Sundays) to 00:42 am and needs 27 minutes to reach downtown Porto. It should be noted that depending on the season, the metro’s timetable may vary.
Porto airport metro is clean and efficient. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have luggage racks.
Metro Fares from Porto Airport to Trindade Metro Station
The metro fare system is rather complicated, as it is based on zones. Thus, the ticket’s price is formed according to the traversed Andante zones (identified by a letter -C, S, or N- and a number).
First of all, you’ll have to buy an Andante Azul Card, which is a simple Blue ticket that isn’t personalized but can be used by one person at a time and is priced at 0.60€/0.64$. It can be recharged with single tickets (if you buy 10 of them, you get one for free) or Andante 24 tickets, which allow free rides at the selected rings within 24 hours. Please note that in both cases (Andante 24 tickets and single tickets), you’ll have to buy the right ticket according to the number of zones you’ll pass during your metro journey. As far as metro rides from Porto Airport to Trindade Metro Station are concerned, the number of traversed rings is four. Thus, you’ll have to buy either a Z4 title, costing 2.15€/2.28$, or an Andante 24 ticket for 4 zones, paying 7.55€/7.99$. Either way, you’ll be able to use the Andante Card for all your metro and urban bus rides, as well as at CP trains and some ET Gondomarense, Valpi, Maia Transportes, and Espírito Santo buses. Moreover, a Z4 ticket or an Andante 24 ticket for 4 zones allows free rides within 75 minutes from the first validation. Hence, cards must always be validated before starting the ride.
You can load your Andante Azul Card with only one type of ticket (ex. with Z4 titles).
Alternatively, you can opt for an Andante Tour Card for your ride from Porto Airport to Trindade Metro Station. Andante Tour Cards are valid for journeys within the Metropolitan Area of Porto for 24 hours (Andante Tour 1) or 72 consecutive hours (Andante Tour 3). In the first case, the card costs 7€/7.41$, whereas Andante Tour 3 is priced at15€/15.88$.
You’ll find ticket booths at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Andante Tour Cards can also be purchased from the airport’s Info Desks. In any case, children up to 4 years of age travel for free.
Porto Airport to City Center by Bus
You can catch one of the local bus lines to travel from Porto Airport to downtown. The STCP Bus 601 links Porto Airport to Cordoaria in the city center, with available routes from 05:30 am to 01:10 am on a 25-minute frequency. On the other hand, Bus 602 also travels to Cordoaria but via Padrão de Moreira. The bus is available from 05:30 am to 08:45 pm and runs every 25 minutes as well. Buses 601 and 602 need around 50 minutes to reach downtown, as they make numerous stops on their way and are highly affected by traffic levels. During the night, OPO passengers can catch the Night Bus 3M which travels from 00:30 am to 06:00 am every 30-60 minutes.
Cordoaria lies close to Rua Santa Catarina, Avenida dos Aliados, and Bolhão.
To pay for your bus fares, you’ll have, once again, to buy a Blue Andante Card (at a 0.60€/0.64$ fee). You’ll load it with either a Z4 ticket, paying 2.15€/2.28$, or an Andante 14 ticket for 4 zones, costing 7.55€/7.99$. As with the metro rides from Porto Airport to Trindade Metro Station, free onward journeys are allowed within 75 minutes from the first validation. Thus, you’ll have to validate the card as soon as you enter the bus. On the other hand, you can buy your ticket onboard from the driver. However, only cash payments are accepted, and drivers often run out of change. Hence, it is recommended to pay with the exact amount of money. Onboard tickets cost 2.50€/2.65$. Last but not least, Andante Tour Cards can be used in STCP buses too.
Alternatively, several private shuttle companies provide connections from Porto Airport to city center. For instance, getbus shuttles run to Campanhã Bus Station from 09:00 am to 06:30 pm. A one-way ticket costs as much as 3€/3.18$, while children between 4 and 13 years of age pay just 1.50€/1.59$ for their ticket. Tickets can be purchased from the driver, online, or via the airport’s getbus Help Desk. The Help Desk accepts only card payments. Buses reach their terminus in Porto in about 25 minutes.
Car Rental from Porto Airport to Downtown
A Porto airport car rental is the number one transit choice for DIY travelers. Verily, you can pick up your vehicle just outside the OPO terminal and begin your ride to your destination in the city center worry-free. Naturally, the traffic jams and the parking difficulties are two of the main downsides when it comes to Porto car rentals. Still, nothing can beat the rental cars when it comes to journeys outside the city limits. Verily, with a rental car, you can explore all the region’s secret gems at your own pace. As far as the cost is concerned, plenty of car hire companies are present at OPO Airport. Thus, if you opt for an early reservation, you’ll certainly find not-to-be-missed deals.
The ride with your rental car from Porto Airport to downtown should last around 20 minutes. That being said, when roads are congested, the previously mentioned traveling time may even double. Once you reach your destination, you’ll have to park the vehicle. Unless your accommodation offers parking services, you’ll have to use one of the numerous car parks scattered around the city center. Street parking is also an option, but the parking spots are few, and they come with a time limit.
Private Airport Transfers from OPO Airport to City Center
A private airport transfer is the most convenient way to reach the city center once you land at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. You’ll find your driver waiting for you at the Arrivals hall, ready to assist you with your luggage and escort you to the vehicle parked outside the terminal. Private airport transfers guarantee tailored traveling experiences. Thus, you can choose each and every detail of your ride from Porto Airport to downtown. From the vehicle’s type to extra amenities (luggage racks, child seats, etc.), private airport transfers are the ultimate way to travel once landing at OPO Airport.
FAQs
How do I get from Porto Airport to city center?
Are you worried about your ride from Porto Airport to downtown? If convenience is a top priority for you, you can opt for a taxi or a private airport transfer, whereas car rentals are ideal for DIY travelers. On the other hand, Metro Line E is the top value-for-money option for the journey from Porto Airport to Trindade Metro Station. Finally, urban buses and private shuttles provide connections to the city center.
Is there a train from Porto Airport to downtown Porto?
No, Porto International Airport doesn’t have a train station. Still, it has a metro station. Thus, Metro Line E connects Porto Airport to Trindade Metro Station in the city center, running from 6:06 am (06:33 am on Sundays) to 00:42, with available routes every 15-30 minutes.
How much does it cost to go from Porto Airport to city center?
The cost of your ride from OPO Airport to the city center depends on the chosen transit mode. Thus, journeys with airport taxis cost around 25€/26.30$, whereas bus and metro rides are priced at 2.15€/2.28$ (plus an extra 0.60€/0.64$ for the Blue Andante Card).
How much is taxi from Porto Airport to city center?
Porto airport taxis are metered. Hence, their rates depend on the traffic conditions and the exact location of the destination. Overall, a taxi ride from Porto Airport to downtown costs around 25€/26.30$ during the day and 30€/31.60$ from 09:00 pm to 06:00 am and on public holidays. Nevertheless, extra charges (for instance, a 1.60€/1.69$ fee for excessive luggage) may also apply.