How long does it take to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Porto by bus?
A car trip from Santiago de Compostela is about 2.5 hours, a direct bus is 4 hours, and a train is 4.5 hours.
Is it possible to get to Porto from Santiago de Compostela by plane?
Unfortunately, there are no flight connections between Santiago de Compostela and Porto. You can get to Porto by bus, train, or car.
Is there a direct train from Santiago de Compostela to Porto?
No, there is no direct train from Santiago de Compostela to Porto. In order to get to Porto by train, you first need to take a train from Santiago de Compostela to Vigo and a connecting train from Vigo to Porto.
How can I handle the tolls if I rent a car from Santiago de Compostela to Porto?
Portugal has both electronic tolls and traditional ones. You can either buy them at the booths or online. Some rental companies install toll devices on their cars, so look for the option to rent one with it.
Overview: Car trip from Santiago de Compostela to Porto (100 words)
Starting from the end-point of the Way of St. James, also known as the Camino de Santiago, a famous catholic pilgrimage route dating back to the 9th century, a car trip from Santiago de Compostela to Porto is a culturally rich journey that takes you through the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
On the 143-mile (230 km) drive, you will pass by fascinatingly blue views of the Atlantic Ocean, small seaside towns, lush green hills, and Galician cities. If you go directly from Santiago de Compostela to Porto, the drive takes two to three hours. But considering all the irresistible stops along the way, from historic towns to jaw-dropping churches, you might want to spend the whole day on the road.
About Porto
After a pretty colorful drive from Santiago de Compostela to Porto, you will end up in a gem of a city that steals the hearts of many. Porto, or Oporto, is known worldwide for its namesake wine. In fact, just sitting by the Douro River while sipping a glass of port is reason enough to visit. But Porto's history is even richer than its wine.
The history of Porto dates back to proto-Celtic tribes, but it was the Romans who established it as an important trading port. Porto has remained a cultural mainstay ever since. Porto is so staunchly Portugues that it's known as the “Cidade Invicta” or Unvanquished City for its robust resistance during the Portuguese Civil War in the 19th century.
The city’s historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, one can find many magnificent reminiscences of this well-preserved history such as the iconic Porto Cathedral and the gold-gilded Sao Francisco Church.
Outside of the historic center, the Dom Luís Bridge is another of Porto's iconic monuments. The steel arched bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel and is more than a little reminiscent of the famous Parisian tower. Not only does it provide some of the best views of the river and the city, but it also connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, the city where port wine is stored and aged.
Of course, you need something to pair with all that wine. Unsurprisingly, Porto is considered the culinary capital of Portugal, taking advantage of both fresh seafood from the Atlantic and meat and produce from the fertile Douro Valley.
From Santiago de Compostela to Porto: travel tips
The trip from Santiago de Compostela to Porto is relatively straightforward. Here are a few travel tips to make sure you enjoy it to the fullest and avoid any potential headaches.
Stop for sightseeing
Regardless of whether you walked the Camino de Compostela or not, you still have plenty of opportunities to enrich your Iberian adventure. When you ride with Daytrip, you can easily add stops to see the many historic towns and churches on the way from Santiago de Compostela to Porto.
Talk with your driver
There are numerous ways to get from Santiago de Compostela to Porto, including bus, train, driving, or private car service. Aside from door-to-door service, one of the biggest advantages of riding with Daytrip is the chance to talk with your English-speaking driver. They love sharing their insights on local history and culture, so ask as many questions as you want!
Learn basic phrases
English is widely spoken in Porto, but learning some basic phrases will definitely be appreciated by the locals. In Portugal, greeting with “Bom dia” (good morning), “Boa tarde” (good afternoon), and “Boa noite” (good evening) goes a long way in showing you're respectful of local customs and traditions.
Have some cash with you
Payment by card is common in both Santiago de Compostela and Porto, but you should still carry some cash with you for small purchases, small establishments, rural areas, and food markets. Since both Spain and Portugal are in the Eurozone you don't have to worry about exchanging currency.
How to get from Santiago de Compostela to Porto
Traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Porto basically means enjoying a blissful coastal trip of bliss for several hours. But first, you need to decide how to get from Santiago de Compostela to Porto.
Santiago de Compostela to Porto by bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Santiago de Compostela and several companies operate the route. A direct bus trip usually lasts four hours, with tickets costing between $16 and $50.
It is possible to buy the tickets at the bus stations but it is always better to book in advance and online for better prices and to guarantee you get a seat. Most of the buses depart from the main bus station of Santiago de Compostela and arrive in Porto at either Campo 24 de Agosto bus station or Casa de Musica, depending on the bus company. There are usually several departures throughout the day.
Santiago de Compostela to Porto by train
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from Santiago de Compostela to Porto. Instead, you need to take a train from Santiago de Compostela to Vigo, and there, change to another train to Porto. The train trip takes around four and a half hours and tickets average $30.
There are frequent trains going to Vigo from Santiago de Compostela and the train ride takes about two hours. After transferring to the connecting train to Porto, you will arrive there in about two hours. You can book your tickets on the websites Renfe or Comboios de Portugal.
Santiago de Compostela to Porto by private car with Daytrip
Traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Porto by car is quite the most convenient and flexible way, especially in the high travel seasons and hot weather.
Booking a private car ride with Daytrip not only means you'll travel door-to-door, but that you get help with your luggage and a friendly driver to cater to all your needs. Along the way, you can talk with them about local culture, or stop for sightseeing before they help you to your accommodation.
Things to do when you get to Porto
After your journey from Santiago de Compostela, there is only one last thing to do; enjoy Porto to the fullest! Here are some of the best things to do when you get to Porto:
Roll along the Douro Ribeira
The oldest part of Porto winds its way up from the Douro River. Walk along the waterfront, or take in the views of the city on a boat tour before diving into the narrow lanes of its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Just getting lost here is a great way to spend a day.
Try to make it to the Miradouro da Vitoria though. This viewpoint gives you a panoramic view of the town and Dom Luís I Bridge. The best viewpoint in the city though is Clérigos Tower. Built in 1753, this Baroque bell tower is one of Porto’s most iconic monuments. Climb the 225 steps to the top for 360° views of the city and to burn off some calories from Porto’s rich cuisine.
Eat til you drop
From Michelin-starred Euskalduna and Le Monument to the local offerings at Mercado do Bolhão, Porto’s most famous market, you might end up needing to loosen your belt after your visit. Porto’s signature dish is francesinha, a sandwich filled with sausage, steak, and ham, covered in a beer sauce and topped with a fried egg and cheese served on a bed of french fries. And, of course, wash everything down with Douro Valley wines.
Visit the magical Lello Bookstore
Lello Bookstore’s intricately carved wooden decor, sweeping staircases, and ceiling-high bookshelves have earned it the title of “the most beautiful bookstore in the world”. J.K. Rowling worked in Porto in the 90s and it’s said the red-carpeted staircase and art-nouveau timber interior inspired some of the architectural features of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.
Survey the Serralves Foundation
For art lovers, the Serralves Foundation is a must-see. The Serralves Museum and surrounding park are an award-winning example of contemporary, Modern, and Art Deco architecture. Inside, you'll find exhibitions of modern Portuguese and international art.
沿途参观这些景点
Pontevedra
Shaped by a rich maritime history, this seaside city has one of the largest historic quarters in the region. The Wright Side of History
Vigo
Fresh local oysters and a scenic old quarter make this port city a treat for the senses. In Love with the Sea
Tui Cathedral
This hilltop cathedral is no mere church - its battlements and thick walls make it more like a fortress. God’s Castle
Ponte de Lima
While the Limia River won't wipe your memories, the oldest town in Portugal might make you forget about the outside world. Utterly Enchanting
Barcelos
The birthplace of the iconic Lucky Rooster, Barcelos is known for its pottery, but its rich architecture is just as eye-catching. Lucky Cluck
Braga
Portugal’s ancient religious capital is chock full of churches, baroque architecture, and scenic side streets. Churches, Churches, Everywhere
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