How To Go from Lisbon to Porto

Here are the different ways you can travel between these two destinations, along with approximate travel times and costs.

By Private Transfer

Private transfers are always convenient.

You get your own driver waiting for you at a designated point or picking you up from the airport.You can add some sightseeing along the way between Lisbon and Porto. You can customize your itinerary to suit your needs.

The downside is that such transfers are more expensive than other options.

If money isn’t an issue, check out this private transfer available on Viator.

By Train

One of the most convenient options is to take a train from Lisbon to Porto.

Usually I prefer not to bother with driving or finding where to park my car, hence I love commuting by train.

Alfa Pendular and Intercity trains run frequently, with the fastest trains making the trip in around 2.5-3 hours.

Ticket prices start around €25 one-way for second class. First class tickets cost around €35-40.

Should you decide to travel by train, book your tickets directly on the official website of Comboios de Portugal, the national railway operator, here.

Rossio train station is one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon

By Bus

Buses like Rede Expressos are a budget-friendly way to get from Lisbon to Porto.

The bus takes around 3-3.5 hours and one-way tickets can cost as little as €15-20 if booked in advance. Click here to see bus schedules and to buy your tickets.

The bus drops off and picks up at the major airports and city terminals.

By Car

If you have your own vehicle or rent a car, you can drive from Lisbon to Porto in about 3 hours via the A1 highway.

The road tolls cost €22, payable by cash or card at the toll booths on the highway.

The total distance is around 315 km. Gas, tolls, and parking will add to the cost compared to trains or buses.

I could even tell you the story of my road trip from Algarve to Porto, a trip that went awry when I mistook the GPS instructions and ended up in Spain, then had to spend one night in a hotel in Central Portugal.

By Plane

Flying is the quickest option but also the most expensive for just transport alone.

TAP Air Portugal has direct flights from Lisbon to Porto that take under 1 hour. One-way fares are typically €50-100+, depending on dates.

As a Day Trip

While a long day, it is possible to visit Porto as a day trip from Lisbon if you take an early start.

Click here to see one of these day-trips from Lisbon to Porto with up to three stops in Obidos, Nazare or Fatima, and Aveiro.

No matter which option you choose, the journey from Portugal’s capital city to its second largest metro area is quite easy and affordable with plenty of transport modes available.

Obidos Portugal is one of the most charming places to visit around Lisbon.

Why would anyone want to visit both Lisbon and Porto on the same trip? Simply because the two cities have a totally different vibe.

Somewhat more run down than Lisbon, Porto has a special charm to it that makes it magical.

Image by Marcel Gnauk from Pixabay

It’s impossible not to love Porto. See it once and you won’t be able to unsee it. You’ll always dream of returning. At least that’s what happened to me.

Lisbon, on the other hand, boasts some of the most impressive Portugal landmarks such as Santuario de Cristo Rei, Torre de Belem, and the palaces of Sintra.

In the ideal world, you’ll want to spend at least one or two weeks in Porto. In real world, though, one day trip from Lisbon to Porto is better than none.