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Transfer Options from Porto Airport to the City of Porto

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer - 40+ countries and counting | MSc Wildlife Conservation Biology

August 3, 2024

From Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, you have four main modes of transport to choose from for your transfer into the city centre. The quickest and easiest method is by airport taxi, with a ride taking approximately 25 minutes outside of peak traffic hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a private transfer, which provides a more customised ride without the need to line up or wait for a taxi.

There are also two public transport options: the bus and the metro. Both provide a quick and relatively comfortable ride of around 25 minutes. The metro and the bus cost the same and offer a cheaper alternative to a taxi for travellers on a budget. However, expect longer wait times and allow time to walk to your destination from the train or bus stop.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Porto at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€35	25min	24/7
Private Transfer	€26	25min	24/7
Metro	€4.90	25min	08:30–20:00
STCP Buses	€4.50	25min	24/7

How to get a taxi from Porto Airport to the city centre

A Porto airport taxi is the simplest and most efficient method of transferring into the city. Most taxis are beige, but they can also be black with a green roof. They are modern and comfortable and are readily available from the stand at the airport. The green light on top indicates that the cab is free, and many drivers are competent English speakers. Each taxi can accommodate 4 passengers and the journey into the old town takes around 25 minutes in light traffic.

How much does a taxi cost from Porto Airport to downtown?

From Porto Airport to the city centre your taxi fare will be calculated using a taximeter, based on how far you’re travelling. During the day (06:00 – 21:00) you can expect to pay around €35 to reach the city centre, however, at night, at weekends and public holidays, the price increases by 20%. Charges for road tolls and carrying extra large luggage will also be added to the final fare price.

If you prefer to know the price of your upfront you can pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups and receive a competitive fixed-price fare with no extra costs.

Taxi prices

Day time
(05:00–24:00)

Night time
(00:00–05:00)

Duration

FROM OPO - TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

€23

€28

20 min

FROM OPO - TO CITY CENTRE

€23

€28

20 min

FROM OPO - TO PALACIO DA BOLSA

€25

€30

25 min

FROM OPO - TO MUSEU SERRALVES

€20

€25

15 min

FROM OPO - TO CAMPANHA

€30

€35

28 min

FROM OPO - TO BRAGA

€50

€55

40 min

FROM OPO - TO SAO BENTO STATION

€25

€30

25 min

Cost

€35

Trip Duration

25 Min.

*Rates may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

There is always a taxi available at Porto Airport.

Where can I get a taxi from?

The taxi stand is available at the airport outside of the Arrivals Hall. Always go to the taxi at the front of the line.

Convenience

Travelling by taxi is by far the most convenient option to get from Porto Airport into the city. As well as being available 24/7, taxis in Porto are very modern and comfortable and provide a door-to-door service.

Editor’s Note

If you need a larger vehicle you will need to phone a taxi company directly or pre-book a private transfer so that a vehicle is waiting for you on arrival.

Useful Tips

There are many ways to catch a taxi in Porto, from ranks, phones or via the many apps available. Be aware that some methods of ordering a taxi will cost more than others.

Luggage charges are high in Porto taxis - if you have large luggage expect to be charged €1.80 a bag.

Always ensure your taxi has a meter that is turned on only after the journey begins.

It is helpful to have your destination's name and address written in Portuguese as to ensure that the driver understands where you want to go.

How to get from Porto Airport to the city centre by private transfer

If you’re looking for something more personalised and even more convenient than a taxi, then pre-booking a private transfer from Porto Airport is the best way to get your trip started. Private transfers, such as those arranged by Welcome Pickups, are fully customisable to suit you and your group’s needs.

Some of the perks you’ll enjoy when you book a private transfer include competitive fixed fare rates, 24/7 access to a 5-star customer service team, airport meet-and-greets, and English-speaking drivers who love to provide passengers with a warm welcome to their city. Furthermore, you’ll be dropped straight to the door of your hotel in 25 minutes in comfort and style.

How much is a private transfer from Porto Airport to the city?

When you book a private transfer from Porto Airport to the city you’ll receive an upfront cost inclusive of all fees and surcharges so that you know exactly what to expect. Furthermore, your trip will be paid for at the time of booking so that on the day your transfer will run as smooth as possible.

A private transfer from Porto Airport to your hotel will cost €26 in one of our stylish 4-seater sedans, whereas one of our spacious 8-seater minivans will set you back €41. Booking is easy and can be completed in under 60 seconds. Simply head to the Welcome Pickups’s website or download their handy app, enter your personal information and flight details, along with the preferred date and time of collection.

Cost

€26

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Your flight will be monitored so that you driver is there to meet you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

One of the advantages of booking a private transfer service is that your vehicle and driver will be waiting for you when you land. No need to stand in line waiting for a taxi or worry about giving directions when there is a language barrier. When you book with Welcome Pickups, your driver will be standing in the Arrivals Hall holding a sign with your name. After a warm introduction, you’ll be helped with any luggage and shown to your pre-selected private vehicle so that you can be on your way!

Convenience

Similar to regular taxis, private transfers are fast and provide the convenience of a door-to-door service. However, private transfers offer greater flexibility alongside flight monitoring which ensures a driver is always waiting for you when you land. They’ll even provide you with a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination while letting you in on some must-do-and-see local secrets to help you get the most out of your holiday.

Editor’s Note

We recommend booking your collection time at least 30 minutes after the scheduled time of your flight to ensure you have enough time to clear Immigration and Customs and collect any baggage.

Useful Tips

Private transfer drivers are highly trained and local to the area ensuring the most direct route to your accommodation is always taken.

There's no need to carry any cash on you for your private transfer ride unless you wish to tip your driver at the end of your trip.

If you select a 5-seater vehicle there will be enough space for 4 passengers and a standard suitcase each.

Private transfers can be booked for in-city rides too.

How to get from Porto Airport to the city centre by metro

The Metro of Porto provides a quick transit option into the city from the airport and is the most popular method of public transport available. The route servicing the airport is the Purple Line (Line E) which stops at Trindade Station in the city. The train takes approximately 25 minutes – not including wait times – to reach the centre city, leaving every 20 – 30 minutes (even on weekends and holidays) and stops at many convenient locations along the way such as Casada Musica before terminating at Dragon Stadium.

How much is the Metro from Porto Airport to the city centre?

The Porto metro system is charged based on zones and Porto Airport is located in Zone 4. You’ll first need to purchase an Andante Card paper ticket which costs €0.60 and then €2.25 to it which is the cost of a one-way journey from Porto Airport to the city. This brings the total cost per traveller to €2.85.

Ticket purchases are available from ticket machines in the airport in the Metro station or from Adente shops in the Arrivals Hall.

Photos (2)

Porto Airport metro and ticket validating machine

Cost

€2.45

Trip Duration

25 Min.

The metro departs every 20 to 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Metro runs between 08:30 and 20:00 on weekdays and between 06:00 and 00:30 on weekends.

Where do I get the metro from?

The Metro station is located on the underground level of the airport which can be reached by taking the lift opposite the Arrivals Hall. There should be plenty of directional signage in the airport.

Convenience

The Metro is the most convenient option for those who wish to travel by public transport. However, it can be a hassle to purchase tickets, as well as being restricted by limited operating hours and long wait times. Furthermore, it’s likely you’ll need to transfer to another line or walk to reach your final destination.

Timetables

Porto Airport to Trindade Station

Line E Timetables and Prices

Editor’s Note

If you plan on using public transport during your stay or at least the day of your arrival, an Andante Tour Card which is exclusively for tourists may be a more economical option. This allows unlimited travel on any transport mode for 24 hours from the time you validate your ticket for €7.50.

Useful Tips

Special tickets (i.e for a longer duration) are only available for purchase from ticket counters in the airport Arrivals Hall.

Ticket machines take coins and notes and give change, and cards purchased are rechargeable.

Ticket counters are only open between 08:00 and 20:30.

Ensure that you validate the ticket at the yellow machines by the escalators. You risk a €95 fine if your ticket isn't not validated.

How to get from Porto Airport to the city centre by bus

Porto Airport provides multiple bus lines that run from the airport to various points within the city, providing a great budget alternative to taxis and private transfers. Buses run by the company STCP include the 601 and 602 Cordoaria lines and the 3M Aliados line. To get off near the city, passengers should disembark at Trindade, Cordoaria or the Aliados Terminal. Journey times vary between 25 and 45 minutes, with the 3M service offering the most direct route.

*In the evenings only the 3M service runs.

How much is the bus from Porto Airport to the city centre?

Since the airport is located in Zone 4, a single-use ticket into the city shouldn’t cost you more than €2.25, plus the €0.60 for the rechargeable card, if you should need it. Tickets with rechargeable cards will need to be purchased from ticket machines in the airport’s Arrival Hall. You may also purchase a single journey ticket from the driver on the bus, in cash, for €2.25.

Cost

€2.25

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Buses run approximately every 30 minutes during the day and once an hour between midnight and 05:30.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Buses run 24/7.

Where do I catch the bus from?

The bus stations are located outside of the Arrivals Hall at Porto Airport. There will be plenty of directional signage in the airport to guide you as well as tourist desks should you get lost.

Convenience

Navigating multiple bus lines can be confusing which is why it is generally better to use the metro, as it is not only quicker but also cheaper and safer than the bus. However, the advantage of taking the bus is that there may be slightly more space for luggage, and with more stops than the metro, you may be able to disembark nearer to your accommodation.

In any case, if you prefer to avoid the hassle of navigating public transport stations and timetables and would rather be dropped straight at the door of your hotel, a pre-booked private transfer is a more convenient option.

Timetables

Airport to Cordoaria

STCP Bus Timetables

Airport to Trinidade Station

3M Bus Timetable

Editor’s Note

It is best to check in advance all available bus lines and see which lines are best suited to get you to your destination since they all take different routes with varying stops.

Useful Tips

The 3M bus is the nighttime service between the airport and the city centre.

If you plan on taking the bus again during your stay, it's best to get a multi-trip card.

Several private bus companies run shared shuttles to and from the airport, though they are more expensive than the local bus companies.

Sometimes the metro needs to undergo maintenance or there are issues on the track which is when taking the bus is a more reliable option.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Porto. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€24

NIGHTTIME

€24

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Porto Airport to the centre?

An airport taxi into the city centre will be calculated by a taximeter which means travelling on the weekend, holidays and at night may affect the final price. However, the journey from Porto Airport to the city should cost around €35, depending on your final destination.

How far is it from Porto Airport to the city centre?

From Porto Airport to the city centre the distance is around 11 km and the journey by car should take around 20 minutes in normal traffic.

How to get from Porto Airport to the city centre?

There are four transport options available from the airport to downtown: taxi, private transfer, bus, and the metro. The most efficient is by taxi or private transfer which takes 25 minutes in light traffic.

If you prefer to travel from Porto Airport to the city centre by train, you can take the metro Line E, or you can opt for one of several bus lines. These provide a great budget alternative and also take around 25 minutes, not including wait and transfer times.

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