Porto’s airport is close to the city, and the connection is genuinely good: a direct metro line runs into the centre in under half an hour for a few euros. The right choice depends on three things — what time you land, how much luggage you have, and where your hotel is.
01Metro line E (violet)
The airport station is a short walk from arrivals. Line E runs to Trindade, the city’s main interchange, in about 27 minutes, with stops including Casa da Música for Boavista. Some trains continue beyond Trindade towards Campanhã; others terminate at Trindade, so check the destination board if you are going further.
- Ticket: buy a reusable Andante card (€0.60) and load a Z4 single (€2.30), valid 1 hour 15 minutes including changes.
- Contactless: you can also tap a contactless bank card on specially marked validators at the airport station; it is charged at the Z4 fare.
- Validate before every boarding — inspections are common.
- Hours: roughly 06:00 to 01:00; check Metro do Porto for the current timetable.
Andante cards are not shared. Each traveller needs their own card (or their own contactless bank card).
02Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis wait outside arrivals; ride-hailing apps also operate at OPO from a designated pickup area. The trip to the centre usually takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi fares are metered rather than fixed, and supplements can apply for luggage and tolls, so ask for an estimate if you need one.
For hotels in Ribeira’s lanes, note that a car may not be able to reach the door — ask your hotel where drivers usually stop.
03Private transfers
A prebooked transfer meets you in arrivals with a name sign and takes you to your door at a fixed price. It is worth it for:
- late-night arrivals after the metro stops;
- families and groups, where it may cost little more than a taxi;
- travellers with heavy luggage heading to old-town hotels;
- onward trips to Gaia, Foz or straight to the Douro Valley.
04Which option is right for you?
| You are… | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Travelling light, landing in daytime | Metro line E | Fast, cheap and direct to the centre |
| Staying in Boavista | Metro to Casa da Música | About 22 minutes, no change needed |
| Staying in Ribeira with big bags | Taxi or private transfer | Avoid stairs and long walks on cobbles |
| Landing after midnight | Private transfer or taxi | The metro may have stopped running |
| Heading straight to the Douro | Car hire or private transfer | Rail connections require a change in the city |
QuestionsFrequently asked
How long does it take to get from Porto airport to the city centre?
About 27 minutes to Trindade on metro line E, or 20–30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
How much is the metro from Porto airport?
A Z4 single costs €2.30, plus €0.60 once for the reusable Andante card (2026 fares).
Can I pay for the Porto metro with a contactless card?
Yes, at specially marked validators at the airport station and some central stations, charged at the Z4 fare.
Photos on this page come from Wikimedia Commons photographers and are credited under each image.
