Lisbon To Porto: By Train and Other Options 2023
Are you planning a trip to Portugal and wondering how to get from Lisbon to Porto?
Look no further – we’ve got the perfect guide for you! Whether you want to take the train, fly, or explore other options, this post will provide all the information you need.
We’ve traveled to the World Heritage site of Porto several times and will discuss the pros and cons of each option as well as give you some helpful travel tips along the way. So read on and discover which option is best suited for your needs!
✅ The most popular option is to go by train. The train journey between Lisbon and Porto is a scenic one. The high-speed Alfa Pendular trains are comfortable, fast, frequent, and reliable. This option really gets you the most bang for your buck!
✅ The most adventurous option is driving to Porto. It is a 3-hour drive (320 km) by car and you can rent one at Lisbon Airport or in the city center.
Driving is the best way to explore the landscapes of Portugal since there is so much to see along the way. You can stop to see the Medieval castle of Obidos, spend a few hours seeing the Batalha Monastery, or a few lazy hours in Aveiro enjoying the view.
Although parking a car in Porto is a pain, it’s worth it if you want to see more of Portugal.
✅ Flying to Porto is the least cost-effective option. You can fly directly from Lisbon airport and reach Porto in 1 hour by plane. However, this is the least cost-effective option, much more time-consuming than other options, and a lot more hassle.
✅ The cheapest option is to go by bus. The journey takes about 4 hours, with tickets starting from as little as 6 €. But since the train is faster, much more comfortable, and fairly well-priced, people only choose to go by bus if they are strapped for cash.
Whichever option you choose, I’m sure you’ll have a great time exploring new places along the Portuguese coast.
Table of Contents
How To Get From Lisbon to Porto
Read on to find out more about each option.

By Train
Taking the train from Lisbon to Porto is a great way to explore Portugal’s beautiful coastline in comfort and style. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and tickets start at 25.10€ for the Alpha Pendular service or 25.25€ for the Intercity service.
Both services offer two classes of travel, one being slightly more than the other. The Alpha Pendular trains are newer than the older intercity trains and offer customers things like free wifi and more comfortable seats.
Depending on where you are staying in Lisbon, you’ll want to get on at the Santa Apolonia station or the beautiful Oriente station so be careful when buying your ticket. Both these stations are conveniently on the metro line and provide lots of services like cafes, ATMs, lockers, etc.
✅ Check out the map of Lisbon’s metro here to help plan your trip.
🔴 Travel Tip! To get the best deals, and times for your trip make sure to buy your tickets in advance since this is the most popular way to get to Porto, and tickets tend to sell out, especially for cheaper seats!
Promotional prices of up to 50% are also a thing when tickets are bought more than 7 days ahead of time.
✅ Check out train ticket availability and price here.
🔴 Travel Tip! If you are going to Porto by train straight from the airport, calculate at least 2 hours to get through immigration and customs since Lisbon airport can have tedious lineups, especially during high season.
By your tickets leaving from Orient station: you’ll be right next to the Vasco de Gama mall if you’ve got time to kill, and can have a bite to eat or a coffee there while you wait.
When arriving in Porto you’ll want to get off at the Porto-Campanha station, which is slightly out of town. From here you can take a short 5-minute train ride into town which most passengers take on arriving in Porto. Follow the crowds to the right platform to make sure you’ve got the right connection to Sao Bento station.

By Bus
Traveling from Lisbon to Porto by bus with Flixbus is an easy, cost-effective and eco-friendly way to explore Portugal. It takes just 3.5 to 4 hours to journey between the two cities and offers stunning views along the way.
Departures from Lisbon’s Oriente Station are frequent and tickets can be as cheap as €6 one-way, with regular prices hovering around €20. However, to get the best value for your money, make sure to book ahead of time since tickets become more expensive closer to the date of departure.
Arrival in Porto is at Campanha station just like the train journey.
🔴 Travel Tip! Flixbusses are safe, reliable and clean, and usually have working wifi and a bathroom for customers. I will say they aren’t always punctual though. If you need to arrive at a specific time, the train is a better option for you.
✅ Check out bus schedules with Flixbus here.
By Car
Renting a car to drive from Lisbon to Porto is a great way to explore Portugal at your own pace and make some interesting stops along the way. The A1 highway connects these two cities, with a total distance of 314 km, and it usually takes about 3 hours to get from one city to another without traffic.
Driving in Portugal is not difficult, and highways are well-kept, although tolls are really quite expensive. To get to Porto you’ll need to rent a transponder with your car, and it will cost you 22.55 € in tolls to get there.
🔴 Travel Tip! Keep in mind that rental companies can charge exorbitant prices for cars in Portugal, so it’s worth shopping around before you commit. Read our post on how to keep the price of your rental down for more information.
✅ Check out car rental prices with Discover Cars.
Want the experience of driving, but don’t want to rent a car? Hire a driver! This is often a great option if you’re traveling as a group of up to 4 people. Drivers are always very knowledgeable and are a great source of local information!
✅ Check out this private transfer which takes you directly to Porto, or this private luxury road trip which stops in both Obidos and Nazare.
Along the way you’ll definitely want to stop and see a few of these gems:

Obidos – this is one of the most well-preserved medieval walled villages in Europe. You’ll want to spend a good hour or two here to enjoy the views and atmosphere of this special place!
🔴 Travel Tip! There are some delicious restaurants for lunch in Obidos, but be quick since they fill up in a snap. On arriving find a restaurant you’d like to eat at and make a reservation after you’ve toured the castle walls. Petrarum Domus is an interesting medieval option with decent food.

Nazare – Nazaré and Ericeira are the two most visited surf destinations in Portugal. You’ll want to check out the vibe in at least one of them, and Nazare is located right off the A1 highway on the way to Porto. This makes it a convenient lunch stop along the way. The stunning beaches with rolling waves, tasty seafood restaurants, and unique cliff-top views create an ideal 2-hour pit stop.
🔴 Travel Tip! In both Nazare and Ericeira, seafood and fish are king! Make sure to chow down on some of the best seafood in Europe while you are there.

Aveiro – Aveiro is a picturesque city that has been affectionately nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal” because it features a canal which runs through it where traditional Moliceiros boats float along offering tours. You’ll also want to try ‘ovos moles’, a traditional custard sweet from Aveiro.

Coimbra– Coimbra is the former capital of Portugal and home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Make sure you explore the university’s grounds, libraries, museums and fountains for an unforgettable experience! It’s also a great place to have lunch. Although ancient Coimbra has a wealth of attractions, you can spend 3 to 4 hours and in that time have lunch in the center, wander the narrow winding stone roads, and see the university.
🔴 Travel Tip! Depending on the time of year, tours can fill quickly and are set at specific times, so first go to the ticket counter and then eat lunch around the time given to you.

Batalha Monastery– This World Heritage Monument is an incredible example of Gothic architecture and a must-see for anyone interested in history. The building is beautiful and offers many things to explore including its cloisters, chapel, art galleries, and tombs. And 1.5 hours is all you need to see the stunning Unesco monument.

By Air
Traveling from Lisbon to Porto by air is fairly cheap and goes for about 45 – 80 €, but it isn’t the most convenient way of getting between the two cities.
The flight time is only an hour long, but with the hassle of getting to the airport, checking in, and going through security, it can easily take over 4 hours to get there.
In Lisbon, you can get to the airport on the metro line, but when arriving in Porto this isn’t an option. You will have to take a 45-minute train ride to the city center which only departs every 20-30 minutes.
🔴 Travel Tip! If you decide to fly into Porto get your tickets as far ahead as possible. Early bird prices can go for as low as 10 Euros!
✅ Check flight availability and prices here.

Lisbon to Porto: FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get from Lisbon to Porto?
The cheapest way to get from Lisbon to Porto is by taking the bus. Bus tickets are usually much cheaper than train tickets, and there are plenty of buses running between the cities throughout the day. You can also look into carpooling with other travelers or taking a shared shuttle service- both options will likely save you some money compared to train or air travel!
What is the fastest way to get from Lisbon to Porto?
The fastest way to get from Lisbon to Porto is by taking the train. Train services run frequently between the two cities and generally take around 2-3 hours, depending on the type of service you choose. You can search for train tickets online or at any of the major stations in both cities.
What is the distance from Lisbon to Porto?
The distance from Lisbon to Porto is approximately 314 kilometers (170 miles) and is easily reached in about 3 hours by train or driving.
When Is the Best Time to Travel to Porto?
The best time to travel to Porto is from April to October as the weather is generally mild and temperatures range from 12°C- 30°C. During this time there are plenty of festivals and events taking place, such as The Queima das Fitas (an annual celebration) and celebrated Holy Week festivities.
Summer months (June – August) are usually busy with tourists, so it’s recommended to book accommodation in advance! However, if you plan on traveling outside of these months then you may find better deals on hotels and flights.
Is Porto Worth A Day Trip From Lisbon?
Yes, Porto is definitely worth a day trip from Lisbon! With its stunning architecture, historic sites, beautiful natural landscape, and delicious wine, Porto is one of the highlights of Portugal.
The city can be easily reached in a few hours by train or car (the distance is about 314 kilometers), making it an easy day trip for those wanting to explore Portugal’s wine capital but don’t quite have enough time!
If you do have a little more time, Porto is definitely worth at least one night since the vibrant Unesco World Heritage Site has a lot to offer and is a great springboard to the Douro Valley.

Where To Stay in Lisbon and Porto
Wondering where to stay in Lisbon? Here are some of the best places to stay awhile.
Lisbon Accommodation
➡️ Luxury Flat in Lisbon – Prefer to stay in a flat? Right in Lisbon’s center, just a few steps from Anjos metro, this luxury flat is ideal for up to 4 people
➡️ Geronimo Guest House Belem – This budget hotel is right next to the Geronimo Monastery and really gives an incredible experience for the price. It even has a hot tub!
➡️ The Editory Riverside Santa Apolonia -This really nice mid-range hotel is conveniently located in Santa Apolonia right next to everything downtown. It has a fabulous river view and stellar rooms.
Porto Accommodation
➡️ Pause Apartments – Really need your own kitchen? Check out these flats! The variety and quality offered with terraces and more will have you coming back for a second visit.
➡️ 157 Republica – The quality of this hotel really outdoes anything else you can get for this price! The stylish rooms, balconies, elegant bathrooms, and service are top-notch.
➡️ Bessa Hotel Baixa – This is a great mid-range hotel which has incredible service and a spa for those needing a little rest! The amazing terrace and delicious breakfast really make this an exceptional place to stay.

Conclusion: Lisbon to Porto
Traveling from Lisbon to Porto is easy and convenient, whether you prefer the speed of a train or want to take your time driving. Whichever option you choose, make sure to plan ahead if possible by booking accommodation in advance.
With its stunning architecture, historic sites, beautiful natural landscape and gorgeous wine, Porto is an excellent destination for a day trip or overnight stay. Don’t forget that there are plenty of exciting festivals and events taking place throughout the year as well! Start planning your next trip to Portugal: You won’t regret it!