Although Porto’s city centre is quite compact and you can walk everywhere, a good public transportation network never hurts. Luckily for visitors, the city boasts a recent, reliable and ever-growing metro system that can take you pretty much anywhere. Let’s just say that when visiting Porto, taking a taxi is more of a commodity than a real necessity.
Transportation Options in Porto
METRO DO PORTO
Photo by: oportoblog
The city’s underground system is by far the easiest way to get around in Porto. Implemented in 2002, the vehicles and stations are still rather modern and the network keeps getting updated with new lines every couple of years. Here are some other interesting city areas you can reach by using the metro:
Line A – Matosinhos – Beautiful coast district with some of the best fish restaurants in the country;
Line C – Maia – Home to the city Zoo;
Line D – Vila Nova de Gaia – The district across the Douro River;
Line E – Airport – A metro line that will take you directly from the airport to the city centre;
All of these lines meet at Trindade, a transportation hub that can be regarded as the city’s central station.
In order to ride the metro you will need an Andante card, a contactless paper ticket that you can charge with as many trips as you like, that will cost you an extra 0,60€ to your very first trip. Please notice it can also be used on buses and trams. Ticket prices vary according to the number of zones you will cross along your trip. If you’ll only be travelling through 2 zones, you will need a Z2 ticket (minimum), if you’re travelling through 3 zones, you need to buy a Z3 ticket, and so on. A standard Z2 ticket costs 1,20€, and a regular Z3 ticket 1,55€. From that zone limit, you pay an extra 0,40€ for every zone you wish to add. On the other hand, if you want unlimited access to the entire public transportation network, you can buy a 24-hours Andante Tour Card for 7,00€, or a 72-hours version of the same card for 15,00€.
BUSES
If you don’t feel very comfortable underground, catching the bus can also be a great option to move around in Porto, especially if you want to reach the beautiful Foz do Douro district. Check out routes and timetables on Moovit.
TRAM
Photo by: oportoblog
Although there are still 3 remaining lines in Porto’s Tram Network, these lovely vintage vehicles are, most of all, a tourist attraction. You should use them at least once to move around the downtown and experience how locals used to travel many decades ago. For more information about prices, tram stops and timetables check out the Porto Tram City Tour webpage.
TAXI
Photo by: oportoblog
Finally, should you find yourself in need of an emergency ride, rest assured there are many cabs available throughout the city, as well as the global private transportation companies such as Uber or Cabify. Licensed cars are either beige or black, and both of them usually have a sign with the word “TAXI” on their ceilings. If that sign has a green light on, than that means it’s your lucky day and the cab is available for you! Cars which display the letter “A” near the licence plate or the dashboard can also be considered legal cabs, so feel free to wave once you see them. The drivers are required by law to display the number of their licenses on both the front and the rear of their vehicles. As for values, prices start at 3,25€ from the moment you enter the cab, after which every kilometre will cost between 0,55€-0,80€, depending on your journey’s distance and time, and on whether you’re taking your luggage with you or not. If you’re taking a cab during nighttime, prices increase by 20%.
Lastly, if you’re planning a trip to Porto, we recommend using Taxis Invicta (website) in case you need a quick ride: 225 076 400.
