How to get from Lisbon to Porto
Porto captured by Everaldo Coelho
Travelling from Lisbon to Porto
Lisbon and Porto are the two largest cities in Portugal, and have plenty to offer travelers planning both short and longer visits. With a vibrant culture and global recognition through the Globalization and World Cities Study Group, travelers will certainly remember any amount of time they spend in these colorful cities. Between Lisbon and Porto are some memorable sights, such as the extravagant Pena Palace in Sintra, the historic town of Obidos, the holy city of Fatima, Batalha (the home of the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria), the medieval town of Coimbra, and the colorful town dubbed as the “Venice” of Portugal - Aveiro.
About Porto
Being the second largest city and a wine center in Portugal makes Porto a favorite among travelers. But history and culture filling the city, the cobblestone streets you get to walk when you are going to a hip restaurant around the corner, and the dynamic city life are some of the main reasons why travelers come back to Porto. The city dates back to Roman times, meaning Porto owes its historic center, the Porto Cathedral, the gold-gilded Sao Francisco Church, and more of its age-old landmarks to its ancient roots.
One of the many neighborhoods in Porto to die for is the Ribeira neighborhood with its narrow streets and colorful azulejos. Getting here means the best panoramic views of the Douro River and the iconic Luis I Bridge, and a luxurious Portuguese meal in one of the acclaimed restaurants, such as Postigo do Carvão. Make sure to give a try to their oven-baked octopus!
Porto also boasts contemporary culture at the Serralves Foundation and Casa da Musica. Known for its fantastic wine, Porto is the birthplace of Port wine, produced since the 17th century. The city’s walkable streets, lined with distinguished architecture, make it easy to explore. With its blend of history, culture, and delicious cuisine, Porto promises an amazing time, no matter how long you stay there.
How to get from Lisbon to Porto
If you’re travelling from Lisbon to Porto, you have multiple travel options. For travellers on a budget, the bus and RyanAir are the cheapest way to travel from Lisbon to Porto. The fastest way to travel from Lisbon to Porto is by train or car. For convenience, a car is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto, though it isn’t faster than other options.
Lisbon to Porto by train
To travel from Lisbon to Porto by train, you need to get to the Lisboa Santa Apolónia station or Lisboa Oriente station and purchase a ticket to Porto Campanhã, or you can buy your tickets in advance online. The earliest train is at 5:50 AM, and the last train is at 9:30 PM, with trains departing every hour on average. The train from Lisbon to Porto is operated by Intercidades and Alfa Pendular, with train tickets from Lisbon to Porto costing around €25-€40 on average for the 2-hour and fifty-minute trip. The distance from Lisbon to Porto is about 313 km (194 miles). Trains have bathrooms on board and usually offer a dining car
Lisbon to Porto by bus
To travel from Lisbon to Porto by bus, there are about 25 departures a day to choose from. Travelers can hop on the bus from the Sete Rios bus station and hop off at the Terminal Rodoviário in Porto. The earliest bus is at 1:00 AM, and the last bus is at 11:00 PM, with several buses leaving every hour after 7 AM. The bus from Lisbon to Porto is operated by Rede Expressos and FlixBus, with bus tickets from Lisbon to Porto costing between €5.99-€25 for the 3-hour fifteen-minute trip. The distance from Lisbon to Porto is about 313 km (194 miles). All options offer direct service from Lisbon to Porto.
Lisbon to Porto by plane
To travel by plane, you need to get to Lisbon Airport (LIS). As usual with flights, you’ll want to buy your tickets in advance. For traveling such a short distance, only non-stop flights make sense. Flight tickets start around €40 for the one-hour flight from Lisbon to Porto, a distance of 274 km (170 miles). It’s recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before the flight, making this one of the slower travel options when considering total travel time.
Lisbon to Porto by private car service
For both speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto. You will be picked up at your accommodation, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Porto.
Stop by Óbidos
Óbidos through Henrique Ferreira’s lenses
What makes booking a ride with Daytrip from Lisbon to Porto a completely authentic experience is your option to stop on the way and mark another town in Portugal as “visited”. On the way, a medieval walled town is waiting for you to explore. Stopping by Óbidos is like stepping back in time. The calm and narrow streets lined with traditional houses and lively bougainvillea makes Óbidos a perfect place to spend time with family, friends, or on your own.
Consider our three tips to make the most of your time in Óbidos:
Explore the Medieval Castle
Wander through the well-preserved Óbidos Castle, a stunning example of medieval architecture. Climb the castle walls for panoramic views of the town’s white houses, and surrounding countryside.
Attend the Óbidos Literary Festival
Held annually, Óbidos Literary Festival, FOLIO transforms the town into a literary haven with book readings, author meet-and-greets, and various cultural activities. If you are visiting when FOLIO takes place which is between October 10 to October 20, don’t miss your chance to meet writers and literature enthusiasts from around the world.
Taste Ginjinha de Óbidos
Savor the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, served in edible chocolate cups. Numerous quaint bars and shops around town offer this delightful treat, providing a unique taste of Óbidos' traditional cuisine while you stroll through its enchanting streets.
