Porto city center (Aliados/Bolhao area) is about 11 km south of the airport, easily reached by metro, taxi, or ride-hailing.

About Porto City Center

Porto's city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that cascades down steep hillsides to the Douro River, presenting a spectacular panorama of colorful tiled buildings, Baroque churches, and medieval streets. The Ribeira waterfront district, with its narrow houses leaning over the river, is the city's most photogenic quarter and the heart of its social life, filled with restaurants and cafes.

The city is famous worldwide for port wine, and the historic lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River offer tastings and tours in centuries-old cellars from brands like Graham's, Taylor's, and Sandeman. The iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-deck iron arch bridge designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, connects the two sides and offers breathtaking views from both its upper and lower decks.

Porto's cultural wealth extends well beyond wine. The São Bento Railway Station features 20,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history. The Livraria Lello bookshop, with its stunning neo-Gothic interior and crimson staircase, is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. The Clérigos Tower provides a 360-degree view over the city's terracotta rooftops, and the contemporary Serralves Museum showcases modern art in a stunning Art Deco estate.

Nearby Landmarks

Dom Luís I Bridge Ribeira district São Bento Station Clérigos Tower Livraria Lello

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35
Time 20-30 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $18-25
Time 20-30 min

Follow signs to ride-hailing pickup area outside arrivals

Train (Metro Line E (Violet))

Cost $3
Time 30 min
Frequency Every 20-30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Buy an Andante Z4 ticket or Andante Tour card at the metro station. Take Line E (Violet) toward Estadio do Dragao. Change at Trindade for other lines.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 20-30 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $18-25 20-30 min Budget-conscious, app users
Train $3 30 min Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Metro operates until approximately 1:00 AM, with the last train from the airport departing around 12:30 AM. After that, taxis from the airport to the city center cost €20-25 (fixed rate, no night surcharge). Uber also operates and is slightly cheaper. There are no night buses from the airport.

Luggage Tips

Metro trains have open floor areas suitable for luggage. The ride is relatively empty starting from the airport terminus. Porto city center involves steep hills and cobblestone streets — wheeling large suitcases from metro stations to hotels can be challenging. Consider a taxi for the final stretch if your hotel is in hilly Ribeira.

Accessibility

Porto Metro stations are all wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps. Metro trains have level boarding. However, Porto's city center is extremely hilly with many steps and cobblestones, which can be very challenging for wheelchair users. The Ribeira district is particularly steep.