Plan an Epic Day Trip to Porto from Lisbon: Itinerary + Travel Tips

Wondering if it’s possible to plan a day trip to Porto from Lisbon? The answer is a big yes! With our carefully crafted Lisbon to Porto day trip itinerary, you’ll be able to explore many of Porto’s iconic sights without feeling rushed. We’ve included practical travel options for getting from Lisbon to Porto, plus personal recommendations and must-see spots from our own time in the city. 

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and is worth a visit. From historically significant landmarks to its charming quarters and picturesque viewpoints to the port wine cellars, Porto has it all! The one day Porto itinerary also includes a visit to attractions in Vila Nova de Gaia, located across the mighty River Douro.

How to Plan A Day Trip to Porto from Lisbon

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Getting from Lisbon to Porto: Drive, train, bus, tour, private transfer

Porto sits in the northern part of Portugal, about 200 miles (or 315 kilometers) from Lisbon. Getting there is easy, with plenty of travel options to choose from, whether you prefer to drive, take a bus or train, catch a quick flight, join a guided tour, or book a private transfer.

We have personally used all the options we have listed in this guide at different times (when I traveled solo for the first time, when we moved, and the countless visits with friends and family, and trips to the country). 

In a nutshell, there are 5 ways to complete this day trip from Lisbon to Porto – 

• Lisbon to Porto by Rental car (driving), 
• Lisbon to Porto Guided Tour in a Private Vehicle, 
• Lisbon to Porto by Bus, 
• Lisbon to Porto by Train and 
• Lisbon to Porto by Plane. 

Click to save this Google Maps link to check off all the sightseeing attractions in Porto

Lisbon to Porto Guided Tour in a Private Vehicle

We highly recommend this option as private transfers or guided tours are fantastic alternatives to travelling and visiting a city without having to worry about planning an itinerary, renting a vehicle, or purchasing bus, flight, or train tickets. 

This is perfect if you are pressed for time and wish to explore more Portuguese cities on your itinerary. The transfer includes pickup from Lisbon in an air-conditioned vehicle by your driver/guide. 

It also covers major attractions in Porto, including a visit to the famed wine cellars for a port wine tasting experience!  

Book your Lisbon to Porto Guided Day Trip here.

Lisbon to Porto by Car Rental 

If you are looking for a flexible alternative for this day trip, renting a car is a great option. You can rent a car via Discover Car Rentals for the best car rental and insurance options. This day trip from Lisbon to Porto takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. 

Travel Tip: When planning a road trip from Lisbon to Porto, keep in mind that there are motorway tolls along the way, so be prepared for those additional costs.

Portugal has a good network of autoestradas or motorways, but travel on these motorways is subject to tolls. Typically, car rental companies provide you with the option of renting a Via Verde device that facilitates automatic payment of tolls, which is charged back to you after the end of your trip.   

Book your Lisbon to Porto Car Rental here.

Lisbon to Porto by Train

Traveling by train from Lisbon to Porto is a great way to soak in the beauty of Portugal’s charming countryside. This is how I visited Porto for the first time on my solo trip (from Oriente Train Station near Lisbon Airport). 

The journey time for trains between Lisbon and Porto is usually around 3 hours and 20 minutes one-way, but to gain some time, you can book the high-speed Alfa Pendular train and cover the one-way distance between the two cities in 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

To get to Porto by train, there are 2 stations in Lisbon that service this route – Oriente Train Station and Santa Apolonia Train Station. To return to Lisbon by train, you will have to board the train at Campanha Train Station in Porto.

The first train from Lisbon to Porto usually departs around 6:30 – 7:00 am, and the last train from Porto to Lisbon typically leaves around 8 – 8:30 pm, which leaves you around 7-8 hours to explore Porto.

For more information on timetables/schedules, tickets, and fares, visit Comboios de Portugal – Schedule/Fares 

Getting to Porto City Center from Campanha Train Station

Once you arrive in Porto at Campanha Train Station, a direct train to the city center or a taxi to the city center are your best options. 

• Trains to the city centre: After arriving at Porto’s Campanha Train Station from Lisbon, the fastest way to get to the city center is by taking a direct train from Campanha Train Station to São Bento Train Station. The frequency of this direct train between Campanha Train Station to Sao Bento Train Station is every 15 minutes, and the travel time is around 5-7 minutes. 
• By Taxi or Uber: You also have the option of a taxi ride from the train station to the Porto city center. There is a taxi stand located outside Campanha Train Station.

Lisbon to Porto by Bus/Coach

Taking a bus/coach from Lisbon to Porto is undoubtedly the most popular and the cheapest option to travel between Lisbon and Porto. With a journey time of around 3.15 hours, some buses run all day between Lisbon and Porto, and with this option, you certainly have more choices with departure and arrival times for this round trip. 

FlixBus provides daily bus/coach services between Lisbon and Porto with buses that depart from Lisbon’s Oriente Bus Station and buses that leave from  Porto’s Campanha Bus Terminal for your return trip. Some buses leave Lisbon as early as 4:00 am in the morning, and the last departure from Porto is around 11:00 pm.

For more information on timetables/schedules, tickets, and fares for FlixBus, visit FlixBus Lisbon to Porto – Schedule/Fares 

Getting to Porto City Center from Campanha Bus Terminal

When you arrive in Porto at the Campanha Bus Terminal, the easiest way to reach the city center is either by taking a direct train or a taxi. 

• Train: To catch the train, you’ll need to walk about 8 to 9 minutes (around 550 meters) from the bus terminal to Campanha Train Station. Direct trains to São Bento Station, right in the heart of Porto, run every 15 minutes, and the journey takes just around 5 minutes.
• Taxi: If you prefer a taxi, you’ll find them waiting conveniently just outside the Campanha Bus Terminal, ready to take you straight to the city center.

Lisbon to Porto by Plane 

Travelling by plane is hands down the fastest way to travel between Lisbon and Porto. If you are starved for time, this is your best bet, as the one-way traveling time between the two cities is about 45 to 55 minutes (this may not be the most feasible for a day trip). 

Good to know: There are around 7-8 flights every day between the two cities. Lisbon is served by Humberto Delgado Airport, and Porto by Francisco Sa Carneiro International Airport.

Getting to Porto / Vila Nova de Gaia City Center from Porto Airport

The airport in Porto – Francisco Sa Carneiro International Airport is approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Porto City Center and is around a 15-minute drive. The public transportation network efficiently connects the airport and the Porto city center. You can choose between Metro, bus, or taxi to get to the Porto city center from the airport. 

• Metro: The Metro (Line E – Purple Line) connects the airport to Porto city center with trains that depart every 20-30 minutes. The journey time from the airport to the Porto city center is approximately 30-35 minutes. With Line E – Purple Line, we suggest getting down at Trindade Metro Station and taking Line D – Yellow Line (located at the lower level) to Sao Bento Metro Station, which will get you closer to some of the popular attractions. For more information on the Metro timetables/schedules, tickets, and fares, visit Porto Metro – Schedule/Fares

• Bus: Porto City Bus (STCP) has 3 routes that connect the airport to Porto. Depending on your area of visit in Porto, select the bus route. For more information on the Porto City Bus (STCP)  timetables/schedules, tickets, and fares, visit Porto Public Bus – Schedule/Fares 

• Taxi: You can also get a taxi to take you from the Airport to any location in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia, and they can be conveniently found outside the terminal.

Best things to do in Porto: Day trip itinerary

Given your short time frame in Porto, we have handpicked some of the top attractions that can be covered with ease. Additionally, to help you better plan your day, we have included the walking distances from one attraction to another

Whether you are arriving from Lisbon to Porto by train, bus, or driving, we recommend starting your day at São Bento Train Station, which will help you start your day closer to some of the must-see attractions in Porto. 

We have mentioned above how to get to São Bento Station from the airport, train station, or bus terminal. So now that we are at São Bento Train Station, let us start this amazing Porto sightseeing experience here!

1. Sao Bento Train Station (Estação de Trem São Bento)

São Bento Train Station, one of Portugal’s most beautiful train stations, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Monument. It is one of the must-see places in Porto, particularly for its azulejos tiles. 

As you step into the main hall on your way out from the train station, you will notice the striking blue and white painted tiles that grace the interiors of the station. The main hall of the train station is decorated with over 20,000 azulejos tiles depicting stories of Portugal’s incredible history. 

The exterior of São Bento Station is characterised by elaborate stone carvings that epitomize historic figures and significant events from Portugal’s bygone era. 

Plan to spend around 15 minutes at São Bento Station. 

Travel Tip: If you want to stop for a quick snack, head over to TimeOut Porto, located adjacent to the station, to grab a bite to eat. Although not as expansive as the TimeOut Market in Lisbon, it is still a nice place to hang out with multiple food and drink options under one roof!

2. Clerigos Church and Tower (Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos)

São Bento to Clerigoes Tower: The Clerigos Church and Tower are a short 7-minute walk from São Bento train station. 

After spending some time admiring the interiors of São Bento Train Station, head to Clerigos Church and Tower, our second highlight of the day. Clerigos Church and Tower are covered with the Lisbon to Porto Guided Tour in a Private Vehicle option.

Clerigos Church and Tower, one of Portugal’s most celebrated landmarks, stands majestically at 75 meters high and is to date the tallest structure in Porto. The baroque style Clerigos Church and Tower was designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century. 

Notice the graceful divided stairway that leads to the front entrance of the church, while the imposing tower is located behind the church. Spend some time admiring the exteriors, and also head to the back of the church to get a full glimpse of the tower. 

Entering the church tower calls for an entry fee, but we highly recommend it as the views from above are mindblowing! Just know that you have to climb 6 floors with 240 steps of the Clerigos Tower to admire the unforgettable 360° views of Porto. 

Plan to spend around 1 hour at the Clerigos Church and Tower.

Skipped the TimeOut Porto by São Bento? If you are looking to grab a bite or sip some brew, there are several eateries around the Clerigos Church and Tower. You can also find souvenir shops and lifestyle stores near the complex.

Admission to the Clerigos Church and Tower

Opening Hours

• Every day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm 

Cost of Tickets

• Entry to Church – Free
• Entry to Tower and Museum – €10 (Free entry for children up to 10 years old) 
• Night Ticket – €5 (Available only on specific dates during Easter, summer, and Christmas season)

3. Lello Bookstore (Livraria Lello) –  Optional activity

Clerigos Tower to Livraria Lello: Lello Bookstore is a 4-minute walk from the Clerigos Church and Tower. 

Visiting the Lello Bookstore, recognized as one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe, is an optional activity; however, if you do not wish to enter the bookstore, we recommend a quick walk by this historic building that houses Porto’s most visited bookstore. 

The Lello Building was constructed in 1894 and designed in the Neo-Gothic style. It features a colourful facade with 2 figures that symbolize art and science, painted by José Bielman. 

The bookstore has sublimely beautiful interiors that seamlessly blend the vast assemblage of books stacked in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. It boasts exquisite interiors, including an elegant curving red staircase (a hot favorite with Instagrammable spots lovers), intricately carved arches, and a grand stained glass ceiling (which is our absolute favorite). 

Apart from possessing an extensive collection of books across multiple genres, the bookstore also has spaces dedicated to rare books, first editions, and cherished manuscripts.

Rumours have it that this bookstore served as a source of inspiration to acclaimed British author J.K. Rowling for her Harry Potter series, and have never quite faded away, and to date continue to draw Harry Potter fans from around the world to get a glimpse of this magical bookstore.

This bookstore is very popular with tourists, and you will always see a long line-up in front of the store. When I visited Porto for the first time in 2022, I paid for a priority entry ticket with a book offer (valued at 15 euros). It is pretty crowded most days of the week inside the bookstore, too, so we recommend adding extra time here if you are planning to step inside the store. 

Plan to spend around 30 to 45 minutes at Lello Bookstore.

Admission to Lello Bookstore – Tickets

• Silver Ticket – €10 (Regular line to Livraria Lello) 
• Gold Ticket – €15.95 (Entrance ticket to Livraria Lello via Gold waiting line)
• Platinum Ticket – €50 (Priority entry to Livraria Lello)

Visiting Hours: Open every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, except 25 December, 01 January, Easter Sunday, 01 May, 24 June

4. Bolhao Market (Mercado do Bolhão)

Livraria Lello to Bolhao Market: Our next stop is the historic Bolhao Market, around 15 15-minute walk from the Clerigos Tower or the Lello Bookstore. 

Bohao Market is one of Porto’s oldest markets and a monument of public interest. This market, established in 1839, continues to serve the people of Porto through its 80 stalls, 10 restaurants, and 38 outdoor stores. 

As you step inside Bolhao Market, you will be struck with amazement at the wide assortment of gastronomic and lifestyle commodities offered in the indoor stalls and outdoor stores of the market. It’s one of our favorite spots in the city, and we often visit to pick up flowers, grab some wine and cheese whenever we are celebrating anything special!

Walk by the indoor stalls and enjoy freshly baked bread and cakes, wine, cheese, nuts, coffee, spices, fresh flowers, produce, meat, fish, and souvenirs, or the outdoor stores that sell a selection of lifestyle products.

We recommend that you stop by one of the indoor stalls inside the market to relish some Portuguese wine (sold by the glass) paired with cheese (you can sample different types of cheese) or some of the local Portuguese delicacies. 

Additionally, if you are looking for some sit-down restaurant options, make your way to the upper floor of Bolhao Market, where you can find restaurants that offer authentic Portuguese cuisine. During summer months, seasonal stalls and market tables are also set up, offering handmade jewelry and other crafts.

Plan to spend around 1-1.5 hours at Bolhao Market.

Admission to Bolhao Market

Entry to the Market is free.

5. Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

Bolhao Market to Porto Cathedral: Our next stop is a visit to the historic Porto Cathedral, a 12-minute walk from Bolhao Market. Porto Cathedral is covered with the Lisbon to Porto Guided Tour in a Private Vehicle option.

Perched atop Penaventosa Hill, the Porto Cathedral offers some of the most breathtaking views of the city’s neighborhoods and the Douro River. It’s truly a must-visit spot in Porto—not just for the panoramic vistas, but also for its beautiful architecture. Inside, you’ll find stunning azulejos tiles and a deep sense of history, which continues just next door at the Bishop’s Palace.

The construction of the Porto Cathedral commenced in the 12th century, but the complex underwent numerous alterations and renovations over several centuries, which translated into a unique blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. 

The Porto Cathedral complex is full of character and charm. It features two square bell towers that frame the main building, a stunning cloister adorned with classic blue and white azulejo tiles, and the Casa do Cabido, a fascinating space that holds treasured religious manuscripts and artifacts. 

With its fortress-like design and battlemented walls, the cathedral stands as one of Portugal’s most significant religious landmarks, blending spiritual importance with centuries of history.

Plan to spend around 1.5 hours at Porto Cathedral, including visiting the museum, the church cloisters, and the tower. After visiting the interiors, step outside to the terrace and soak in the views of the Douro River and the colorful buildings – this is one of the best Porto viewpoints that you can explore (for free). 

Admission to Porto Cathedral 

6. Luis I Bridge (Ponte de D. Luís) 

After visiting Porto Cathedral, it is time to walk on one of the most iconic bridges in the world – the Luis I Bridge. This bridge is a 2-minute walk from the Porto Cathedral. 

 As you walk to the upper level of the Luis I bridge, soak in uninterrupted views of the River Douro flanked by the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia on each side. The upper level is a shared path between pedestrians and the Porto Metro, and while you enjoy the vistas, be mindful of approaching trains around you. 

Keep walking on the upper level of the bridge until you arrive at the Hill Garden (Jardim do Morro) located on Republic Avenue (Avenida da República) in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia.  

Plan to spend around 15-20 minutes on the upper level of the Luis I Bridge, and make sure to take a selfie here :)

7. Hill Garden (Jardim Do Morro) & Monastery of Serra do Pilar (Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar)

Hill Garden is located at the end of the upper level of the Luis I bridge towards Vila Nova de Gaia. As soon as you step off the bridge, to the right you will find a beautiful garden with amazing views of Porto and the River Douro. 

If you feel like sipping some brew or grabbing a snack, there is also a restaurant adjacent to the Hill Garden that presents a great spectacle of Porto and its surroundings.

From the garden, head to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on a hill right across the Hill Garden. There is a path across the Hill Garden that will lead you up the hill to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar. The monastery is an 8-10 minute walk from Hill Garden (you will love the views from up there, even more)!

This Monastery boasts a circular-shaped church, cloister, and an extraordinary viewpoint overlooking Hill Garden, Luis I bridge, and the Douro River with the city of Porto in the background. For this day trip itinerary, just head up there for the sunset views alone. 

Plan to spend around 1-1.5 hours at Hill Garden and the Miradouro Serra do Pilar.

From the Hill Garden / Monastery of Serra do Pilar, head down to Gaia Riverside Promenade, located along the banks of the River Douro. 

There are 2 ways to get to Gaia Riverside Promenade. The first option is to take the stairs/path located next to Hill Garden and walk along the narrow street that will lead you down to the riverside promenade. 

If you’d rather skip the walk and give your legs a break, another great option is to hop on the Gaia Cable Car (Teleférico de Gaia). This scenic ride glides above the Douro River, connecting the Hill Garden (Jardim do Morro) to the Gaia Pier (Cais de Gaia) along the riverside promenade.

The cable car covers a distance of 562 meters, with one-way tickets priced at approximately €7 for adults and €3.50 for children aged 5 to 12. It’s a fun and relaxing way to soak in the views while getting from one beautiful spot to another!

8. Ribeira District

Once you get to Gaia Riverside Promenade, you can get beautiful views of the Ribeira District, located in Porto, across the River Douro. 

The walk from Gaia Riverside Promenade to Ribeira District via the lower level of the Luis I bridge is around 15-20 minutes. The visit to the Ribeira District will be the last stop in our itinerary before your return trip to Lisbon.

Ribeira District, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often voted as one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Europe. This neighborhood is known for its colorful buildings, medieval alleys, and charming cafes, restaurants, and bars. 

Take a stroll along the riverbank of Ribeira and enjoy superlative vistas of the Luis I Bridge, the River Douro, and the caves of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar. 

Plan to spend around 1.5-2 hours in the Ribeira District. You can also opt for dinner here (lots of eateries in the area. There is also a McDonald’s in the vicinity. )

Returning to Lisbon from Porto

After a day of exploring Porto, you have the option of either returning to São Bento Station to catch a direct train from Sao Bento Station to Campanha Train Station, or returning directly to Campanha Train Station or the Bus Terminal to get to Lisbon. 

Final Words + Travel Tips

We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect day trip to Porto from Lisbon! As locals who’ve explored Porto inside and out—and made this journey more times than we can count—we’ve created this itinerary to help you make the most of a short visit. While Porto has many hidden gems and incredible nearby day trips, such as the famed Douro Valley wine tour, we’ve left those out here to keep things simple and realistic for a one-day adventure.

Our best tip? Start your day early, wear comfy shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking), and don’t forget to pause and soak in the views—Porto is all about the vibe as much as the sights. Whether you choose to explore by train, car, or join a tour, you’re in for a day full of charm, history, and unforgettable views along the Douro.

If you fall in love with Porto (and we think you will!), consider coming back for a longer stay—you’ll find so much more waiting to be discovered.

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