Transportation in Porto
Porto has an efficient public transport system. Unless there happens to be a strike.
Metro
Porto Metro (Andante) – Quick Guide
- The metro is the cheapest way from the airport to the city.
- Use Google Maps; main transfer station is Trindade.
- Buy tickets at the metro machines (the metro is a 2–3 min walk from arrivals).
- Find your station on the yellow board and note the zone. To central Porto this is likely Z4.
Zones
Porto public transport fares are zone-based. The city centre is Z2. From there:
- South: Santo Ovídio Z2, Vila d’Este Z3, Espinho Z4 (train change at General Torres)
- West: Matosinhos Z3
- North: Airport Z4, Póvoa de Varzim Z6
- East: Fanzeres Z3
Fares (2025):
- Z2 → €1.40 per ride
- Z3 → €1.80
- Z4 → €2.25
- Z5 → €2.75
- Z6 → €3.20
- 24-hour passes: Z2 → €5.15, Z3→ €6.65 etc.
Cards:
- You get a reusable Andante card.
- Airport tip: Load two rides if returning to the airport.
- One card per person.
- Max load: 10 rides (+1 free) per card.
- Different zones = separate cards (mark them to avoid confusion).
Validation:
- Always scan before boarding and when changing lines.
- No scan = no valid ticket.
- Fine without valid ticket: €95.
Coverage:
- North: Póvoa de Varzim (~28 km)
- South: Espinho (~18 km)
Long stays:
- Monthly unlimited: €40
- Buy a card at Trindade office, left of the main entrance (€6)
- Valid until end of the calendar month.
Bus
This chapter is short. The andante card is also valid for buses within the Porto Metropolitan Area, so you already have all the info you need.
Taxi
There are several types of taxi services in Porto: regular street taxis, Uber, and Bolt. Uber and Bolt are usually the cheapest and most convenient.
To use them, download the app, enter your details, and add your bank card. When you request a ride, you’ll see the price upfront. Confirm the booking, your card is charged automatically, and when the ride ends, you’re done. I personally use Uber and have never encountered any problems.
Airport taxis
Airport taxis are worldwide a different breed. It’s best to avoid unlicensed taxis and never accept rides from drivers who approach you inside the terminal claiming to be a taxi. This can lead to severe overcharging. You can easily book an Uber.
Transportation to cities further away
Bus: https://global.flixbus.com/
Train: https://www.cp.pt/en
