What is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto?
The best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto is by private car service. It is the most convenient and flexible option which allows you to customize your itinerary for a scenic and relaxing traveling experience.
How long does the car trip take?
The car trip from Lisbon to Porto takes around 3 hours, although the driving time can vary depending on traffic.
What should I expect to pay for a car service from Lisbon to Porto?
For a car service from Lisbon to Porto, you can expect to pay between тВм343 to тВм494 for a one-way trip without sightseeing stops, depending on when you book, seasonality, and your vehicle choice. The best prices are available when booking in advance. If you are traveling as a group of 7 passengers, the price can be as low as тВм71 per person!
Can I stop along the way to take pictures or visit attractions?
Yes, you can! An advantage of choosing a private car service with Daytrip is the possibility of quick stops along the way for photos or sightseeing stops. You can ask your driver for a quick photo stop during your journey or add sightseeing stops to your trip in advance of departure. For logistical reasons, you must add sightseeing stops to your itinerary in advance of your departure to guarantee them.
Is there a direct public transportation option from Lisbon to Porto?
There are direct bus, train, and plane options from Lisbon to Porto, although they can be less convenient and flexible than a private car service.
How far is it from Lisbon to Porto?
The distance from Lisbon to Porto is 195 miles (314 km) along the highway.
Are there any travel tips for making the journey more enjoyable?
Make sure to pack comfortable shoes for strolling around Porto. We also recommend traveling in the early morning or late afternoon to ensure a smoother journey with less traffic.
The road trip from the lively capital city of Lisbon to the more laid-back but fascinating city of Porto is not just a drive between Portugal's two biggest cities but an enchanting journey across PortugalтАЩs stunning west coast. Surrounded by rolling green hills and quaint countryside there are some scenic sightseeing stops to be discovered.
After meeting your driver at your desired pick-up point, you will leave behind the hilly Lisbon streets and hit the highway to Porto. Along the way, you will pass lush green hills, fruitful vineyards, and cozy towns nestled amongst the pretty Portuguese countryside. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views from the comfort of your climate-controlled vehicle, expertly driven by your local driver.
On route you can discover fascinating sightseeing stops. From the Gothic architecture of Batalha to the colorful fishing village of Aveiro, take the opportunity to discover some of the wonders of Portugal at your leisure. Your friendly and professional driver will happily share with you some local tips, turning your car trip into an insightful part of your Portuguese adventure.
Approaching Porto, you will be greeted with panoramic views of the Douro River which you will cross via bridge into the historic center of Porto. Your driver will expertly navigate the complex city streets and drop you off directly at your hotel, ready to explore the city.
Treat yourself to a scenic, convenient, and relaxed journey to Porto by traveling with Daytrip, where you can elevate your trip into a scenic sightseeing tour of PortugalтАЩs best treasures in comfort and leisure.
About Porto
Porto, PortugalтАЩs second largest city, is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe, offering historic architecture and cultural charm along a scenic riverside.
Porto dates back to Roman times and is full of history and culture at every turn. The cityтАЩs historic center, where you can find many magnificent landmarks to be inspired by, such as the iconic Porto Cathedral and the gold-gilded Sao Francisco Church, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The historic center stretches down to the famous Ribeira neighborhood, a picturesque waterfront area along the Douro River where the cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings decorated with bright azulejos (Portuguese tiles) and contrasting terracotta rooftops. Tourists and locals come together here to enjoy the restaurants and cafes while admiring the panoramic views of the river and the arched Luis I Bridge.
While it is a historic city, Porto also offers a wealth of contemporary culture such as at the Serralves Foundation where you can admire contemporary art, and the stunning Casa da Musica, a contemporary concert hall where you can catch the Porto Symphony Orchestra.
Fantastic food and wine are a key part of PortoтАЩs culture. Port wine takes its name from Porto. ItтАЩs been produced in the region since the 17th century and is the cityтАЩs biggest export. Many wine cellars dot the city, especially along the Douro River, where you can delight your senses with the stunning riverside views and sweet taste of fine wine.
Porto offers a relaxed experience among rich history and culture, easily explored through its walkable cobbled streets lined with vibrant architecture. With so much to do, see, and eat, youтАЩll definitely want to make this more than a day trip.
From Lisbon to Porto: Travel tips
Ensure a seamless travel experience across PortugalтАЩs west coast with these essential travel tips.
Choose a reputable provider for your tour
To ensure a comfortable, convenient, and stress-free travel experience, make sure to choose a reputable provider for your car service like Daytrip.
Talk to your driver
While they are not professional tour guides, your local, English-speaking driver will be happy to share their local knowledge of the region with you during your drive and will ensure your comfort in case you need to stop for restroom breaks or to adjust the climate control or music. So if thereтАЩs anything you need, donтАЩt hesitate to ask your driver.
Decide the best departure time
The roads will be busier at peak hours in the morning and evening, especially during the busy tourist season. For this reason, if you can leave early morning or late afternoon we recommend you to do so. There will be fewer chances for traffic jams and for more time for sightseeing!
Pack well for the city
Being a walkable city with cobbled streets, make sure you have comfortable flat shoes for walking around Porto.
Enhance your trip with sightseeing stops
The route from Lisbon to Porto is lined with fascinating sightseeing locations to discover, such as the picturesque Pena Palace and the historic city of Coimbra. Make the most out of your journey by adding some sightseeing stops to your trip, turning your trip into a spectacular sightseeing tour across Portugal. If there is somewhere you would like to stop that is not listed on our website, we can help you add this to your trip! Feel free to fill out our custom route form with your desired itinerary and you will be provided with a quote. Please note that due to logistical constraints, you must add your sightseeing stops to your itinerary well in advance of your departure to ensure they are guaranteed.
Finally, enjoy the road trip!
The journey from Lisbon to Porto offers you the opportunity to see the stunning Portuguese west coast, all from the comfort of your vehicle with a friendly local driver. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
How to get from Lisbon to Porto
Deciding how to go from Lisbon to Porto is a key part of your Portuguese holiday that you should plan with consideration. With many travel options possible, each option offers its own unique experience. A private car service stands out as the best option, as it is convenient, comfortable, effortless, and allows for customization.
From Lisbon to Porto by car
The drive from Lisbon to Porto is 195 miles long (314 km) and the driving time is approximately 3 hours, but can vary based on traffic. While convenient, driving a rental car around Porto is challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking spots, making it a potentially stressful experience.
From Lisbon to Porto by train
Train services run regularly from Lisbon to Porto. The travel time is between 2 hours and 40 minutes and 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on if you get a high-speed or an intercity train. While this option is fast, getting a train can be inconvenient due to luggage handling and inflexible train schedules.
From Lisbon to Porto by bus
Bus services run regularly from Lisbon to Porto and the travel time is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. While inexpensive, getting a bus takes the longest amount of time, meaning less time for sightseeing. You also have the inconvenience of handling your luggage and your departure time being determined by bus schedules.
From Lisbon to Porto by plane
Traveling from Lisbon to Porto by plane takes around 1 hour. Considering how far apart Lisbon and Porto are, this appears to be the quickest option. But you have to take into account travel times to and from the airport and time going through the airports, making the journey time longer. You will also not have the chance to admire the beautiful Portuguese countryside or sightseeing stops along the route.
From Lisbon to Porto with Daytrip
Alternately, traveling via private car service with Daytrip offers a seamless, convenient, and stress-free experience from the beginning. We offer a door-to-door service, so you will be picked up directly at your doorstep in Lisbon and dropped off at your accommodation in Porto. This removes the hassle of handling your luggage or having to rush to get the next bus or train as you have the freedom to choose your departure time.
With Daytrip, you also have the advantage of being able to customize your trip. You can choose your vehicle from a comfortable sedan car to a spacious van or travel in style in a luxury sedan. Then personalize your itinerary with optional sightseeing stops along the way. We offer our hand-picked recommendations on our website such as the historic town of Obidos, or the coastal town of Nazare. If there is another spot you are interested in stopping at, even for a quick pastel de nata break, with a private car service like Daytrip, you can create your perfect trip!
You also have the benefit of having a local, English-speaking driver with Daytrip, who will share their local knowledge of the region, transforming your trip to a fascinating journey across PortugalтАЩs west coast.
Overall, a private car service like Daytrip stands out against the other transport options as the best way to get from Lisbon to Porto. It offers a seamless, stress-free, and convenient experience where you can travel at your leisure and have the opportunity to discover some spectacular sightseeing stops along the way in comfort. ItтАЩs all the benefits of going by car, without any of the drawbacks!
Things to do when you get to Porto
Arriving in Porto, you will find a city full of history and culture at every turn, natural beauty in its scenic riverside, and a vibrant food and wine scene.
Begin in the UNESCO-listed historic center, the heart of Porto, to discover many beautiful churches and the breathtaking cathedral. Begun in the 12th century, it blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, and throws in a splash of color with 18th century azulejos. Stroll along to Francisco Church, where the dark Gothic exterior contrasts with the opulent gold-gilded interior.
For more beautifully designed buildings, visit the enchanting Lello Bookstore, said to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world. ItтАЩs rumored that when JK Rowling was working in Porto in the 90s, the art-nouveau wooden interior and a stunning red staircase provided inspiration for some of HogwartsтАЩ architectural elements in the Harry Potter series.
From here, visit the Clerigos Tower. Standing at 246 feet (76 meters) tall, climb the 240 steps for magnificent views of the cityтАЩs terracotta rooftops and the Douro coastline. Then head downhill for a stroll through the cobblestone streets to the famous Ribeira waterfront. Tourists and locals come together in this picturesque, authentic, and lively area to enjoy the colorful buildings and tranquil river dominated by the iconic Luis I Bridge. Full of traditional restaurants and vibrant cafes, itтАЩs the perfect place to stop after some sightseeing for a bite to eat. Here you can try PortoтАЩs famous francesinha, a sandwich of cheese and meat, covered in a rich beer sauce. For more flavors of Porto, visit a Port wine cellar for a tour and a chance to taste the full-bodied and sweet wine the city is famous for.
For art lovers, donтАЩt miss the Serralves Foundation. The award-winning pink art deco building, surrounded by a beautifully manicured park, houses the Serralves Museum. Inside, youтАЩll find exhibitions of Portuguese and international contemporary art.
As the sun begins to set, catch panoramic views of Porto from the architecturally impressive Luis I Bridge or take a stroll across the bridge to Morro Garden to take a cable car up to the lively palm tree-lined hilltops, where an even more spectacular city view awaits you.
King Ferdinand IIтАЩs fantastical jumble of architectural styles is Romanticism on the grandest scale.┬аGenius or Madness┬а
Obidos
Traditionally owned by the Queen of Portugal, every house in this hilltop town had to meet the royal aesthetic.┬аThe Town of Queens┬а
Nazare
This historic fishing village attracts beach-goers, culture-lovers, and surfers, who come to ride its record-breaking waves.┬аA Real Catch┬а
Batalha
Dominated by the great Dominican monastery of Santa Maria da Vit├│ria, Batalha was developed alongside the Monastery after securing Portugal's independence.┬аA City Built on Victory ┬а
Fatima
After 3 children had visions of the Virgin Mary, this farm-town transformed into a miraculous mecca.┬аPortugalтАЩs Holy City┬а
Coimbra
Halfway between Lisbon and Porto, this varied and captivating city has a long history and vibrant atmosphere built around the country's oldest university. ┬аThe Medieval Capital of Portugal┬а
Aveiro
Dubbed тАЬthe Venice of PortugalтАЭ because of its canals and gondola-like boats, visitors will find Aveiro has its own unique identity.┬аThe тАЬVeniceтАЭ of Portugal┬а
тАЬOur Daytrip tour with Vanda in January from Lisbon to Porto was terrific! She was very knowledgeable and personable, and we totally enjoyed our day, which included stops at Aveiro and Coimbra. We were happy to find a service like this that provides both transportation and sightseeing. Instead of a day spent waiting at the airport for a short flight and then having to find transportation to our hotel, we had door-to-door service, help with luggage, and a guide who could show us new and interesting parts of Portugal, instead of just flying over them! Great concept; reliable service!тАЭ
тАЬMy memory of the trip is a little bleary because we had just come off of an overnight flight, but we all (my family) have only positive feedback to give! Nuno was helpful and gracious and kind. He found us a great little breakfast place in Nazare and described the local pastries. Showed us around the surf area, which was impressive. Enabled us to see Fatima, which was important to a person back home for us to see. It was great to have the ride paired with some tour guide - like information. He was a careful, safe driver and our trip to Porto was pleasant and uneventful and we got to our rental apartment easily while also checking out a little of Porto while entering the city. He did a great job and I love what your company is doing!тАЭ
тАЬBooked a private transfer from Porto to Lisbon. Made stops along the way. Our driver Nuno was excellent. He showed up early and already had our luggage loaded in the car. He allowed some flexibility within our trip while keeping us on time to reach our final destination. He showed us the things to do within the stops and ensured we had enough time to visit. Overall I would highly recommend DaytripтАЭ
тАЬFantastic trip. Excellent service. Our driver, Mr. Pedro was very professional, friendly and helpful. We would definitely use the service again. Highly recommend.тАЭ
тАЬPedro was our driver from Lisbon to Porto with stops along the way. Pedro was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating to any requests, along with being a safe driver. He shared so much interesting information about Portugal and let us take our time at each stop. We could not have asked for a better driver or experience!тАЭ
