The 9 Best Day Trips from Porto Portugal
Situated along the majestic Douro River in the northern part of Portugal, Porto, for centuries, has enchanted visitors with its ageless architecture, enduring cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. It is also an incredible gateway to a captivating array of historic cities and towns, each with a rich history, unique character, and medieval charm. With Porto as your base, explore these historical gems on day trips that capture the true essence of Portugal!
After moving and living here, we have explored numerous towns and cities across Portugal on day trips from Porto. We can wholeheartedly vouch for how accessible and rewarding these journeys are.
This post highlights some of the best day trip destinations from Porto, complete with travel time, top things to do, and convenient options for getting there. Let us embark on this unforgettable experience together and discover the many wonders Portugal has to offer!
Best Day Trips from Porto, Portugal: Our Top Picks
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- Porto to Douro Valley
- Porto to Amarante
- Porto to Braga
- Porto to Coimbra
- Porto to Guimarães
- Porto to Aveiro and Costa Nova
- Porto to Fátima
- Porto to Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Porto to Lisbon
1. Day Trip from Porto to Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is the MUST-DO day trip from Porto. Think – port wine, charming quintas, river cruises, and gorgeous views everywhere! We have been there over 10+ times and continue to revisit.
The Douro Valley is one of the world’s best-known wine regions, producing some of the finest Port wine. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Douro Wine Region is the world’s first demarcated wine region.
With wine making history as old as nearly 2000 years, there are more than 200 wine estates in the region between the towns of Peso da Régua (Regua) and Pinhão (Pinhao). Most of them are family-owned, with some of them dating back to the 16th century, and boast a rich heritage of wine-making tradition in the country.
Travel Tip: If your Douro Valley day trip includes wine tastings, driving back to Porto using a car rental may not be the safest option. Instead, consider alternatives such as a Private Tour in a bus/Coach to ensure a safe return to Porto.
Travel Time from Porto to Douro Valley
Porto to Douro Valley takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by Car, 2 hours by bus/coach, and 1 hour 45 minutes by Train
Top Attractions and Experiences in Douro Valley
Wine Estate (Quinta) Tour
Experience the Douro Valley with a guided visit to a traditional wine estate or quinta, where you will discover the winemaking process, take in breathtaking views from the estate’s vantage points, and savor tastings of its finest wines.
Wine Tastings
Luxuriate in port wine tastings, typically included with wine estate tours.
Traditional Portuguese Lunch
Make the most of your day trip by enjoying a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant, perfectly complemented by a glass of delicious port wine.
River Boat Cruise
Embark on a relaxing hour-long river cruise along the Douro River, where you can enjoy picturesque landscapes of the valley, complete with wine estates or quintas and terraced vineyards.
How to get from Porto to the Douro Valley
For this day trip from Porto to Douro Valley, there are 3 ways to experience the exceptional beauty of the Douro Valley: by private tour in a Bus/coach, train, or by renting a Car.
Private Tour in Bus/Coach
Explore the vineyards of Douro Valley in a private tour, which, in our opinion, is the most convenient way to cover the prime attractions in the valley. This is how we did our very first trip to the Douro Valley.
The tour starts in Porto and typically includes a visit to 2 wine estates, where you will get an opportunity to not only learn about the history and production of the finest Port Wine but also indulge in some wine tastings!
Additionally, this private tour also includes a traditional Portuguese lunch followed by an hour-long boat cruise along the Douro River. With this bus/coach, you can rest assured of a safe return to Porto.
Book this Guided Douro Valley Tour with Private Tour in Bus/Coach experience here!
Train
Experience the stunning terraced landscapes of the Douro Valley on a scenic train ride from Porto. Begin your day trip from Porto’s São Bento or Campanhã train stations and enjoy a scenic 2–2.5 hour journey to Peso da Régua, the gateway to the Douro Valley.
You can book a standalone wine tasting tour at a quinta, or book a combined experience such as this one. It includes a visit to 2 wine estates or quintas, port-wine tastings, stop over traditional at a traditional local restaurant for some Portuguese lunch, and finally a soothing boat cruise along the Douro River.
The meeting point for this activity is typically at the Peso da Regua train station, where you will meet your tour guide. Book this Guided Douro Valley Tour by Train experience!
A train ride is one of the beautiful ways to get to the Douro Valley from Porto, and it is particularly amazing in the fall months. For information on train schedules and fares for service between Porto and Peso da Regua, visit Comboios de Portugal – Train Schedules
Car Rental
This option provides great flexibility for this day trip; renting a car is your best choice. We recommend renting your car via Discover Car Rentals for the best car rental and insurance options.
We used this service during our second day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley, with pick-up and drop-off at Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. The airport is well connected to Porto / Vila Nova de Gaia city by taxi or the metro.
While most of the car rental kiosks are located at the arrivals area, there are a few car rental companies that do not have kiosks at the airport but are situated a few minutes away. These rental companies provide shuttle service, which typically runs every 15 minutes from the airport to their location.
2. Day Trip from Porto to Amarante
Amarante is one of our favourite towns in Northern Portugal (Salil adores this little town so much that he wants to move there). This quaint historic town is built around the picturesque River Tamega, and it features several charming cobblestone lanes, historic landmarks, beautiful plazas, restaurants, cafes, and shops on both sides of the river.
We first visited Amarante on my (Mayuri) birthday and just fell in love. It is the perfect spot to stay overnight to explore more of the Douro and the Minho region, as well as soak in the slow vibes, away from the hustle and bustle of Porto.
Travel Time from Porto to Amarante
Porto to Amarante takes around 45 minutes by car, 1 hour by bus.
Top Attractions and Experiences in Amarante
São Gonçalo Bridge (Ponte de São Gonçalo)
This beautiful, picture-perfect 18th-century bridge spans the River Tamega and will lead you to São Goncalo Monastery.
São Gonçalo Church (Igreja de São Gonçalo)
São Gonçalo Church, a 16th-century monument dedicated to the town’s patron saint São Gonçalo, is situated on the banks of the Tâmega River and boasts a blend of Manueline and Baroque architecture.
Ponte Confectionery (Confeitaria da Ponte)
For all our trips to Amarante, a visit to this cafe is an absolute must! Confeitaria da Ponte offers coffee and traditional local pastries along with magnificent views of the River Tamega with São Gonçalo Church in the background.
Luxuriate in the surroundings with local delicacies like Lérias, Brisas do Tâmega, or Foguetes along with some Portuguese coffee!
Amadeo de Souza Cardoso Museum (Museu Amadeo de Souza Cardoso)
This art museum hosts an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by the celebrated Portuguese artist Amadeo de Souza Cardoso.
Old Town of Amarante
Explore this charming town with its cobbled streets lined with local shops on foot. Pause for a bite and a brew in one of the many cafes and restaurants overlooking the River Tâmega.
How to get from Porto to Amarante
For this day trip from Porto to Amarante, there are 2 ways to get there – By Bus or Car Rental.
Bus/Coach
Amarante is extremely well connected to Porto via Rede Expressos, which offers a number of options for this day trip. It is only 50 minutes one way, and it is perfect!
Rede Expressos has more than 15 scheduled departures and arrival options to choose from, with the first departure from Porto around 7:00 am and the last bus from Amarante leaving at 9:00 pm, giving ample time in between to explore this beautiful city.
Car Rental
Renting a car provides a flexible alternative for this day trip from Porto to Amarante. One-way driving distance between Porto and Amarante is around 37 miles (60 kilometers) and takes around 45 minutes. For this day trip, we chose to rent a car through Discover Car Rentals, which offered excellent rental and insurance options.
For our trips to Amarante, we usually access the Public Parking – Parque Estacionamento Mini-Autocarro, located on Antonio Carneiro Street, a short 7 minutes from Amarante Town Center.
3. Day Trip from Porto to Braga
Braga is the third-largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon and Porto. It is widely cherished as one of the most significant religious and cultural destinations in the country.
Braga boasts many religious sites, including the famous pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte and Portugal’s oldest cathedral – Sé de Braga. Several museums in the city uncover the city’s deeply layered past, which is shaped by centuries of momentous events.
The city boasts a vibrant social scene, with a diverse mix of restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs.
Travel Time from Porto to Braga
Porto to Braga takes around 50 minutes by car and 1 hour by bus.
Top Attractions and Experiences in Braga
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte)
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated on the slopes of Mount Espinho.
The 18th-century sanctuary is undisputedly one of the most important pilgrimage places in Portugal and encompasses a church with the monumental Stairway of Five Senses. This stairway is ornately decorated with numerous fountains and statues representing the various senses of sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch.
We have been there 3+ times and still find something new to discover each time.
Braga Cathedral (Se de Braga)
Located in the historic city center, this 11th-century national monument is widely recognized as the oldest cathedral in Portugal and features a remarkable mix of baroque, Gothic, Moorish, Romanesque, and Manueline styles of architecture.
Santa Barbara Garden (Jardim de Santa Barbara)
Situated a short 5-minute walk from Braga Cathedral, this beautifully landscaped public garden features a statue of Santa Barbara set on a fountain, surrounded by an extraordinary display of floral arrangements.
The garden is one of our favorite places in the city to hang out.
Republic Square (Praça da República)
One of Braga’s most significant landmarks, this public square has proudly dominated the city center since the Middle Ages. Take a break for lunch and a drink in one of the many restaurants and cafes around the square.
How to get from Porto to Braga
For this day trip from Porto to Braga, there are 3 ways to get there – by bus, train, or car rental.
Bus/Coach
FlixBus offers several connections between Porto’s Campanhã Bus Station and Braga Bus Station.
With the first bus departing Porto around 05:30 am and the last bus from Braga leaving around 10:00 pm, FlixBus has more than 20 scheduled departure options between Porto and Braga to choose from.
Train
Comboios de Portugal offers direct train service between Porto and Braga. Select from over 20 departure and arrival options to best suit your itinerary. Campanha Train Station in Porto and Braga Train Station serve this route between the two cities.
The historic Braga Town Center is just a 10-minute walk from Braga Train Station, making it an easy and convenient way to reach the heart of the city.
Car Rental
Renting a car sure offers great flexibility for planning your departure and arrival for the day trip. One-way driving distance between Porto and Braga is around 34 miles (55 kilometers) and takes around 45 minutes.
You can rent your car via Discover Car Rentals for the best car rental and insurance options.
4. Day Trip from Porto to Guimarães
Travel Time from Porto to Guimarães
The travel time from Porto to Guimarães is approximately 45 minutes by car or bus/coach and 1.15 hours by train.
Top Attractions and Experiences in Guimarães
Old Town Guimarães (Centro Histórico de Guimarães)
One of our favourite things to do in Guimaraes is to wander the Old Town – their medieval neighborhoods is a fascinating maze of narrow cobbled alleys, lively squares, colorful balconies, historic churches, monuments, azulejo-tiled walls, and charming corner cafés, restaurants, and bars.
When there, don’t forget to stop by and admire the country’s most celebrated wall, inscribed with the words ‘Aqui Nasceu Portugal’ or ‘Portugal was born here’!
Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães)
Perched on the hill of Monte Largo, Guimarães Castle is widely regarded as a key pillar in the origins of Portugal. This 10th-century medieval fortress stands as an enduring symbol of Portugal’s foundation, independence, and national identity.
Step inside this castle and visit the museum that proudly showcases the rich history of Guimarães. We also recommend walking around the castle walls for an amazing view of the surroundings.
Palace of Dukes of Braganza (Palace Duques de Bragança)
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, built by the first Duke of Braganza – King Afonso, is a remarkable 15th-century residence that seamlessly blends Gothic and Renaissance architectural influences.
The palace museum showcases artifacts, tapestries, and exhibits from the era of Portuguese expeditions in North Africa.
Church of São Miguel do Castelo (Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo)
Built in the 13th century, the Church of São Miguel do Castelo is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Admire the church’s striking granite exterior, complemented by a serene interior complete with stone arches and ancient baptismal fonts.
Portugal’s first king, Dom Afonso Henriques, was believed to have been baptized in this historic church.
Penha Sanctuary (Santuário da Penha)
Perched atop a hill, Monte da Penha, the Penha Sanctuary is a pilgrimage site offering spectacular views of Guimarães and the surrounding countryside. The sanctuary gracefully weaves natural granite formations with modernist architecture.
Penha Sanctuary is a perfect place for a picturesque stroll and panoramic vistas of Guimarães and its surroundings.
How to get from Porto to Guimarães
For this day trip from Porto to Guimarães, there are 3 ways to get there – by bus, train, or car rental. Our journeys from Porto to Guimarães have included both bus rides and car rentals, giving us the chance to experience the convenience of each option.
Bus/Coach
FlixBus has quite a few departure and arrival options between Porto’s Campanhã Bus Station and Guimarães Bus Station.
You can choose between 15 scheduled departure options between the two cities, with the first bus departing Porto in the morning around 07:30 am and the last bus leaving Guimarães Bus Station around 8:00 pm.
Guimarães Old Town is a short 15-minute walk from Guimarães Bus Station
Train
Comboios de Portugal offers over 15 train connections between Porto and Guimarães, with the earliest train leaving Porto’s Campanha Train Station around 06:15 am and the last train departing Guimarães Train Station around 11:00 pm.
Guimarães Old Town is approximately a 15-minute walk from the Guimarães Train Station.
Car Rental
One-way driving distance between Porto and Guimarães is around 34 miles (55 kilometers) and takes around 45 minutes via the A3 motorway. Get the best car rental deals and competitive insurance options through Discover Car Rentals.
5. Day Trip from Porto to Coimbra
Coimbra is a city located about an hour and a half from Porto. It is home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, and a must-visit. Other than the iconic site, the city also has several historical landmarks and beautiful buildings in the centre.
Travel Time from Porto to Coimbra
Porto to Coimbra takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, 1 hour and 25 minutes by bus, and 1 hour and 10 minutes by train.
Top Attractions and Experiences in Coimbra
University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra)
One of the oldest institutions in Europe, the University of Coimbra was established in 1290 by King Dinis of Portugal. This ancient university is situated on a hill and presents amazing views of the city along with the River Mondego.
During our visit to this university, we stopped by some must-see highlights like the University Tower (Torre Universitária), Chapel of São Miguel (Capela de São Miguel), Botanical Garden (Jardim botânico), Aqueduct of Saint Sebastian (Aqueduto de São Sebastião), and the historic Joanina Library (Biblioteca Joanina), an elegant baroque jewel with its frescoed ceilings, ornate woodwork, and an extensive collection of antiquarian books.
Old Town of Coimbra
Coimbra’s historic core, with its centuries-old buildings and cobblestone streets flanked with cafes, restaurants, local shops, and heritage sites, exudes a distinct medieval vibe.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Coimbra Old Town echoes the city’s cultural legacy and ageless appeal.
Monastery of Santa Cruz (Mosteiro de Santa Cruz)
The Monastery of Santa Cruz, a 12th-century architectural gem, is located in the heart of Coimbra Old Town. The monastery is constructed in Manueline style, and is the final resting place of Afonso Henriques and Sancho I – the first two kings of Portugal.
How to get from Porto to Coimbra
For your day trip from Porto to Coimbra, there are 3 ways to get there – by bus, train, or car rental. Our journeys from Porto to Coimbra have included both bus rides and car rentals, giving us the chance to experience the convenience of each option.
Bus/Coach
FlixBus has several departure and arrival options between Porto’s Campanhã Bus Station and Coimbra Bus Station. FlixBus has more than 25 scheduled departure options between Porto and Coimbra, with one of the earliest buses leaving Porto around 06:00 am and the last bus departing Coimbra around 10:30 pm.
Coimbra Town Center and Coimbra University are approximately a 10-minute drive from Coimbra Train Station. You can Uber or hire a taxi from the train station to get to the town center or the university.
Train
Comboios de Portugal offers direct train service between Porto and Coimbra. The first train typically leaves Porto’s Campanha Train Station around 06:00 am while the last train leaves Coimbra-B Train Station around 11:00 pm, leaving you with more than 20 departure and arrival options to choose from for this day trip.
Coimbra Town Center is approximately a 30-minute walk from the train station. Alternatively, you can always Uber or hire a taxi from the train station to the town center or Coimbra University.
Car Rental
The one-way driving distance between Porto and Coimbra is around 78 miles (125 kilometers) and takes around 1.15 hours via the A1 motorway. For this day trip, we rented through Discover Car Rentals and consistently found reliable cars and competitive insurance options.
6. Day Trip from Porto to Aveiro and Costa Nova
Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is beautiful and one of the charming places to visit in Portugal! You will find canals, colorful boats, vibrant Art Nouveau architecture, and quaint lanes. It is the perfect day trip to soak in the colors, enjoy a ride, or even better, hit the beach (Costa Nova).
Travel Time from Porto to Aveiro
The travel time from Porto to Aveiro is approximately 50 minutes by car or bus/coach and around 45 minutes to 1 hour by train.
Top Attractions and Experiences in Aveiro and Costa Nova
Canal Cruise in Moliceiro Boat
Enjoy a traditional Moliceiro boat tour through Aveiro’s canals, once used to harvest and transport seaweed (moliço) from the Ria de Aveiro lagoon.
Today, these beautifully painted vessels offer 45-minute rides that cruise past some of the city’s most iconic sights, including Praça do Peixe (Fish Market Square), the salt pans, Rossio Garden, and the Captaincy building.
Along the way, pass by the Church of Santo António and soak in the city’s elegant Art Nouveau buildings that characterize Aveiro’s architectural charm.
Old Town Aveiro
Aveiro’s old town radiates an alluring charm, perfect for a relaxed stroll that will take you through elegant Art Nouveau mansions along scenic canals that are lined with traditional Moliceiro Boats.
During our visit to Aveiro, we sauntered along the charming cobblestone streets as we made our way to the bustling fish market, followed by a stop at a local cafe to sip some Portuguese coffee along with some Ovos moles de Aveiro – a traditional sweet delicacy from Aveiro.
Aveiro Museum (Museu de Aveiro)
Situated in the historic old town, the Aveiro Museum is an essential stop for those intrigued by the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Set within the beautifully preserved 15th-century Convent of Jesus, the museum showcases an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, tiles, ceramics, furniture, and vestments spanning from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
Costa Nova
Founded by the fishermen community in the 19th century, Costa Nova is a picturesque coastal village that is renowned for its golden sandy beaches and vibrant wooden houses painted in colorful stripes.
Today, Costa Nova is a popular tourist destination where visitors can soak up the sun and relax on the soft sand.
How to get from Porto to Aveiro and Costa Nova
For this day trip, which covers Aveiro and Costa Nova from Porto, there are 2 ways to get there: by private tour or car rental.
Although buses and trains connect Porto and Aveiro, if you’re planning to visit both Aveiro and Costa Nova in a single day, we recommend opting for a private tour or renting a car for greater flexibility.
Private Tour in Bus/Coach
Embark on this Porto to Aveiro, Costa Nova, and Capelha da Pedra Full-Day Trip that covers prime attractions in and around Aveiro, including a boat ride in a traditional Moliceiro boat.
We had an incredible time exploring the enchanting northern coast of Portugal on this day trip, which effortlessly combined the region’s highlights with fascinating glimpses into its rich history.
Alternatively, if you are strapped for time, consider exploring the top attractions of Aveiro and Costa Nova in a Porto to Aveiro and Costa Nova Half-Day Trip.
Car Rental
The one-way driving distance between Porto and Aveiro is around 47 miles (75 kilometers) and takes around 50 minutes via the A1 motorway. You can find some of the best car rental deals and competitive insurance options through Discover Car Rentals.
7. Day Trip from Porto to Fátima
Fatima is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, and also a magical place to be in. The Sanctuary has a very calming and healing effect on you when you visit. It is completely free to visit, and this is the spot most tourists visit.
We recommend setting aside time to visit the little town as well – maybe stop for a meal, or coffee and snacks.
Travel Time from Porto to Fátima
The travel time from Porto to Aveiro is around 2 hours by Car or Bus/Coach. There is no train option from Porto to Fátima, as the city is not served by any train station.
Top Attractions in Fátima
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima (O Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Fátima)
This expansive religious complex stands in the heart of Fátima, drawing pilgrims from around the world for prayer and reflection.
The origins of the sanctuary date back to the miraculous apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, witnessed by three shepherd children — Lúcia dos Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto. Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary (A Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário).
The stunning neoclassical basilica was built between 1928 and 1953 to commemorate the miraculous Marian apparitions of 1917. This sacred space now enshrines the tombs of the three shepherd children who witnessed the visions, making it a significant site of devotion and remembrance.
Chapel of the Apparitions (Capela das Aparições)
This chapel stands on the very spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917.
Religious Merchandise Stores
Fátima is home to several religious shops offering an extensive selection of Catholic artifacts, local crafts, and traditional Portuguese souvenirs.
After visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, we stopped by the famous Fábrica Factory, a spacious store featuring beautifully crafted religious sculptures, including statues of Our Lady of Fátima, rosaries, pendants, candles, and souvenirs.
How to get from Porto to Fátima
Private Tour in Bus/Coach
Discover the religious history of Fátima along with the town of Batalha in a Full-Day Trip from Porto to Fátima, Batalha, and the Church of Santa Maria de Válega. This day trip starts in Porto and encompasses visits to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, followed by the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória in the town of Batalha.
The day tour also includes a stop at the stunning Church of Santa Maria de Válega, situated in the town of Válega and known for its vibrant and colourful exterior.
Alternatively, if you wish to combine a day trip to Fátima with the endearing charm of Coimbra, consider the Full-Day Trip from Porto to Fátima and Coimbra.
Car Rental
One-way driving distance between Porto and Fátima is around 121 miles (195 kilometers) and takes around 1 hour 50 minutes via motorway A1. Find some of the best car rental options and competitive insurance deals through Discover Car Rentals.
8. Day Trip from Porto to Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, is a breathtaking expanse of wilderness spanning nearly 270 square miles (70,000 hectares) of unspoiled beauty.
Nestled in the northern region of the country along the Spanish border, this natural haven captivates visitors with its majestic mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lagoons, and a meandering river that carves through scenic valleys.
Scattered throughout the landscape are picturesque centuries-old villages that carefully preserve the charm of traditional Portuguese life. Beyond its scenic splendor, the park supports a rich, thriving ecosystem that is home to diverse flora and fauna.
Travel Time from Porto to Peneda-Gerês National Park
The travel time from Porto to Peneda-Gerês National Park is around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car or bus/coach. There is no train option from Porto to the national park.
How to get from Porto to Peneda-Gerês National Park
Private Tour in Bus/Coach
Discover the natural splendor of Peneda-Gerês National Park in a Full-Day Guided Tour of Peneda-Gerês National Park with Lunch. Set off on an unforgettable day trip from Porto to Peneda-Gerês National Park aboard a classic 4×4 Land Rover.
We embarked on this guided tour from Porto and were treated to breathtaking landscapes, a glimpse into the authentic rural life of a Portuguese village, complete with a chance to savor traditional local cuisine.
Enjoy a scenic hike to two stunning waterfalls and their crystal-clear lagoons, along with an exhilarating off-road journey across the park’s rugged mountain trails.
Car Rental
One-way driving distance between Porto and Peneda-Gerês National Park is around 59 miles (95 kilometers) and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via motorway A3. You can easily find great car rental and insurance options through Discover Car Rentals.
9. Day Trip from Porto to Lisbon
Travel Time from Porto to Lisbon
Travel time for a one-way journey from Porto to Lisbon takes around 3-3.5 hours by car, bus/coach, or by train.
Top Attractions and Experiences in Lisbon
Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio)
Commerce Square, one of Lisbon’s most important squares, overlooks the mighty River Tagus and is flanked by a yellow-coloured plaza on 3 sides.
The square has 2 major attractions – the majestic Rua Augusta Arch and an equestrian statue of the former king of Portugal, Joseph I.
Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
Built in the 16th century, Jerónimos Monastery stands as an extraordinary symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, honoring the navigators who set sail from nearby Belém to explore the unknown worlds.
After admiring its stunning Manueline architecture, stop by the nearby Pastéis de Belém bakery to relish the original Pastel de Nata – the celebrated Portuguese custard tart first created by the monks of this very monastery.
Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
Located along the bank of the River Tagus, this iconic monument is a tribute to the “Portuguese Golden Age of Discoveries”.
Belem Tower (Torre de Belém)
Belem Tower, located along the River Tagus, was constructed as a fortification to protect Lisbon during the “Age of Discoveries”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent tower was constructed during the 16th century.
São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
São Jorge Castle, a 9th-century medieval castle built by the Moors, was transformed into a military base and subsequently into a royal residence. Situated on the highest hill in Lisbon, this historic castle offers splendid views of Lisbon.
Alfama
Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, is steeped in centuries of history. With its maze of cobblestone alleys, cozy eateries, and innumerable viewpoints, Alfama is an unmissable stop in Lisbon.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
Constructed in 1147, Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in Lisbon and a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture with Gothic and Baroque influences. The cathedral has an imposing fortress-like exterior complete with twin bell towers, while the interior boasts graceful stone arches and stained-glass windows.
How to get from Porto to Lisbon
There are a few ways to get to Lisbon from Porto – by car rental, bus/coach, train, or private transfer.
Car Rental
Porto is connected to Lisbon via the A1 motorway, and the road distance between the two cities is about 196 miles (315 kilometers). This journey takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, and you will find several conveniently located rest stops along the A1 for a comfortable drive between the two cities.
You can rent a car via Discover Car Rentals for the best car rental and insurance options. Having used this car rental option multiple times for our trips between Porto and Lisbon, we can confidently vouch for its ease and convenience in planning a day trip.
Bus/Coach
FlixBus provides affordable daily services between Porto and Lisbon, with a travel time of around 3 to 3.5 hours via the A1 motorway.
FlixBus offers a wide range of options for this day trip, with buses that depart from Porto’s Campanha Bus Terminal and arrive at Lisbon’s Oriente Bus Station.
Train
A train ride from Porto to Lisbon typically takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. You can also opt for the high-speed Alfa Pendular, which shortens the journey to roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes.
For this day trip, you can board your train at Campanha Station in Porto, and on your return, catch a train back from either Oriente or Santa Apolónia Station in Lisbon.
For more information on timetables/schedules, tickets, and fares, visit Comboios de Portugal – Schedule/Fares
Private Tour in Bus/Coach
Porto to Lisbon with private guided tours is a fantastic way to explore some of the top attractions of Lisbon in 1 day, without the hassle of planning the itinerary. This guided day trip from Porto to Lisbon includes pickup from Porto in an air-conditioned vehicle by your driver and guide. The duration of this guided tour is typically between
Best way to Discover Lisbon in 1 Day
With your limited time in Lisbon, we highly recommend exploring Lisbon with a guided Tuk-Tuk tour. We have a few Tuk-Tuk tour options to help you make the most of your 1 day in Lisbon.
4 Hour Guided Tuk-Tuk Lisbon Tour
This 4-hour guided TukTuk tour takes you through some of the major landmarks in Lisbon, like the Lisbon Cathedral, Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Commerce Square, Estrela Basilica, and Alfama, along with viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
Based on your convenience, the tour also has 7 pick-up and drop-off locations in Lisbon.
Explore Lisbon with a knowledgeable local who will guide you through the charming city streets in an electric Tuk-Tuk.
Book this 4 Hour Tuk-Tuk Lisbon Tour here!
Travel Tip: Porto Transportation Guide
For your road trips with a car rental from Porto to surrounding towns and cities, be aware that most of the routes are subject to motorway toll fees.
Car rental companies typically will provide you with the option of adding a Via Verde device, which allows for automatic toll payments that are conveniently billed to you at the end of your trip.
