How to Travel from Lisbon to Porto: A Complete Guide
Traveling from Lisbon to Porto is a fantastic experience, offering several transportation options depending on your budget, time constraints, and preferences. The two cities, approximately 313 km (194 miles) apart, are well-connected by train, bus, car, and even airplane.
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a city of stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food, while Porto, famous for its wine cellars and scenic riverside, offers a more laid-back yet equally charming experience. If you’re planning a trip between these two major Portuguese cities, this guide will help you choose the best way to get there.
1. Traveling by Train: Comfort and Convenience
One of the most comfortable and efficient ways to travel from Lisbon to Porto is by train. The Comboios de Portugal (CP) railway service offers two main types of trains:
Alfa Pendular (AP) – The Fastest and Most Comfortable Option
The Alfa Pendular train is the fastest and most modern option, reaching speeds of up to 220 km/h (137 mph). It connects Lisbon and Porto in about 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Key Information:
Duration: 2h50 to 3h
Ticket price: €25 to €45, depending on class and booking time
Departure stations in Lisbon: Santa Apolónia and Oriente
Arrival station in Porto: Campanhã (with connections to the city center)
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, power outlets, and a bar service
Intercidades (IC) – A Cheaper Alternative
The Intercidades train is slightly slower, taking about 3h15 to 3h30, but offers a more affordable option.
Key Information:
Duration: 3h15 to 3h30
Ticket price: €15 to €30
Similar departure and arrival stations as Alfa Pendular
Pros and Cons of Traveling by Train
✅ Comfortable and spacious seats
✅ Fast and reliable
✅ Free Wi-Fi and power outlets
✅ More sustainable than driving
❌ Can be more expensive than buses
❌ Tickets may sell out during peak seasons
How to Book Train Tickets
You can buy train tickets online at www.cp.pt or through travel apps like Trainline. Booking in advance often results in lower fares.
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2. Traveling by Bus: A Budget-Friendly Choice
If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get from Lisbon to Porto, buses are a great option. Several companies operate frequent services on this route, including:
Rede Expressos
FlixBus
ALSA
Buses take between 3h30 and 4h30, depending on traffic and stops.
Key Information:
Duration: 3h30 to 4h30
Ticket price: €5 (promo) to €20
Bus stations in Lisbon: Sete Rios, Oriente
Bus stations in Porto: Campo 24 de Agosto, Casa da Música
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, reclining seats, and USB charging ports
Pros and Cons of Traveling by Bus
✅ More affordable than trains
✅ Many departure times available
✅ Comfortable seating for long journeys
❌ Slower than the train, especially with traffic
❌ Less legroom than train seats
How to Book Bus Tickets
You can buy tickets through the official websites of FlixBus, Rede Expressos, or at bus stations. Booking early can help you get better prices.
3. Traveling by Car: Flexibility and Road Trip Experience
Driving from Lisbon to Porto offers flexibility, allowing you to explore smaller towns along the way, such as Coimbra, Fátima, and Aveiro.
The Main Route: The A1 Highway
The A1 motorway is the fastest route, covering the 313 km (194 miles) in about 3 hours under normal traffic conditions.
Estimated Costs of Driving:
Car rental: €30+ per day (varies by provider)
Fuel cost: €40 to €60, depending on car consumption
Toll fees: Around €23 (if using the A1)
Alternative Route Without Tolls
If you want to avoid tolls, you can take the N1 National Road, but this will extend travel time to 4-5 hours.
Pros and Cons of Traveling by Car
✅ Full flexibility with stops
✅ Good option for groups or families
✅ Can visit smaller towns along the way
❌ Expensive for solo travelers
❌ Parking in Porto can be difficult
Car Rental Options
If you don’t have your own car, you can rent one from companies like Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, or Avis.
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LISBON CITY TOUR4. Traveling by Plane: The Quickest Option?
If time is your priority, flying between Lisbon and Porto may seem like a good idea. However, while the flight itself is short, the total travel time (including getting to and from the airports) may not be much shorter than taking the train.
Flight Information:
Flight time: 55 minutes
Total travel time: 3-4 hours (including airport transfers and security checks)
Price: €30 to €100, depending on when you book
Airline: TAP Air Portugal
Departure airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Arrival airport: Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)
Pros and Cons of Flying
✅ Quick flight time
✅ Can be cheap if booked early
❌ Time-consuming airport procedures
❌ Additional costs for baggage
How to Book Flights
You can find tickets on airline websites like TAP Air Portugal, travel agencies, or booking platforms like Skyscanner and Expedia.
Which Transportation Option is Best for You?
The best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto depends on your priorities:
Option Best For Time Cost Comfort
🚆 Train (Alfa Pendular) Comfort & speed 2h50 €25-45 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚆 Train (Intercidades) Affordable alternative 3h30 €15-30 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚌 Bus Budget travelers 3h30-4h30 €5-20 ⭐⭐⭐
🚗 Car Flexibility & road trips 3h-4h €60+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✈️ Plane Saving time (if lucky) 55 min (3-4h total) €30-100 ⭐⭐⭐
For comfort and speed, the Alfa Pendular train is the best option.
For budget-conscious travelers, the bus offers the cheapest solution.
For freedom and adventure, renting a car allows for exploring smaller towns.
For business travelers, flying may be worth considering.
Regardless of your choice, both Lisbon and Porto offer incredible experiences. Safe travels! 🚆🚌🚗✈️