Lisbon To Porto: The Best & Most Scenic Routes
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Lisbon to Porto is one of the more popular routes in Portugal – likely because people can’t decide which is better and are happy to figure it out for themselves – that’s the spirit! ❤️
I’m an equal-opportunity girl who believes in the power of the “AND,” so this article is all about how to get from Lisbon to Porto – along the fastest, cheapest, fanciest, and most pretty routes available.
Best Ways
Train (3 hrs)*
Car (3.5 hrs)*
Bus (3.5 hrs)
Plane (1 hr)
Distance
315 km
196 miles
(great roads)
Journey Time
Fastest: 1 hr (fly)
Average: 3 hrs
My preference is to either take the train or rent a car – and it comes down to a cost-benefit analysis that takes into account how many people are traveling and what type of flexibility you want. Here are the average costs, and how I think about it:
- A one-way train ticket from Lisbon to Porto is about €25 – 35 per person (a great option for quick, few-day trips or solo travelers)
- Car rental prices are about €50 per day (great if there are more people to split the cost, plus adds flexibility)
- Roundtrip flight from Lisbon to Porto on TAP (Portugal Airline) is about €100
All this to say, traveling from Lisbon to Porto is a quick, easy journey, and there are some decent options that lend to your preferences. So, let’s dive into the details!
Ultimate Guide: Lisbon to Porto
How To Get From Lisbon to Porto
One of the most popular ways to get from Lisbon to Porto is by train. The journey, which averages 3 hours, costs about €25 – 35 per person for a one-way train ticket.
👉 CHECK IT: It’s sometimes cheaper to rent a car than to take the train, especially if there are 2 of you. I use Discover Cars to double-check the prices for my dates.
I recommend renting a car if you want to explore small towns along the way and a few scenic viewpoints on the coastline (like Sitges, Coimbra, and Nazare). I usually do this because I like to spontaneously pop over to the beach, and meander through a more local Portugal. Car rental prices are about €50 per day.
A one-hour flight is also an option, though factoring in time for getting to/from the airport and check-ins/security will lengthen the whole ordeal to 4 hours.
Ultimate Guide: Lisbon to Porto
🚂 Lisbon to Porto By Train
The train is the most popular and easiest way to get from Lisbon to Porto,
The high-speed Alfa Pendular train is the quickest, zipping you between the two cities in just under 3 hours. Ticket prices range between €25 – 35, and it’s a nice comfy ride.
For those wanting a more chill pace, the inter-city train is an alternative. It takes around 3.5 hours but has more stops along the way where you can jump on and off to explore a bit. Tickets range between €15 – 25.
Both trains are operated by Comboios de Portugal – CP for short. This is the national railway company, and trains between the cities operate every hour.
PRO TIP: Tickets can be purchased online or at the station. I like to get all my tickets through the Trainline App. This way, I have my boarding pass right on my phone.
If you’re trying to be economical with time and money, the train is your best bet. Prices range between €15 – 35 depending on when you buy them (the earlier, the better). Obviously, the fast train will cost more than the inter-city train, but it’s much nicer!
Trains leave from Lisbon Santa Apolonia station, near Alfama. You can use the blue metro line to get to Santa Apolonia station. Trains also stop at the gorgeous Lisbon Oriente station, in case this is closer to where you are.
In Porto, all the trains arrive at Porto Campahna station, just a little outside of the city center. The Porto Campahna station is connected to the rest of the city by metro lines.
TRAVEL TIP: You can connect from Porto Campahna to Sao Bento Station in the city center of Porto. This is the iconic building decorated with beautiful blue tiles called azulejos. If it’s not on your bucket list for Porto, definitely put it there!
Is the train from Lisbon to Porto scenic?
I think it is, yes. While the train doesn’t take you along the Atlantic coast, the Portuguese countryside is pretty. Let me show you a few pictures.
Lisbon to Porto Train Stops
Here are the stops along the way from Lisbon to Porto if you were to take the slower (and cheaper) inter-city train:
- LISBOA – SANTA APOLINA
- LISBOA – ORIENTE
- VILA FRANCA DE XIRA
- SANTAREM
- ENTRONCAMENTO
- POMBAL
- COIMBRA-B (beautiful city stop)
- MEALHADA
- AVEIRO (beautiful city stop, “little Venice” near Porto)
- ESTARREJA
- ESPINHO
- PORTO – VILA NOVA DE GAIA-DEVESAS
- PORTO CAMPANHA
Ultimate Guide: Lisbon to Porto
🚗 Lisbon to Porto By Car
Going on a road trip from Lisbon to Porto is a beautiful opportunity to explore Portugal’s rich culture, heritage, and super pretty landscapes. It’s my favorite way to go about it!
The direct drive of 315 km along the A1 highway should take about 3 – 3.5 hours. But who’s in a rush on a road trip?!
Renting a car is relatively cheap in Portugal compared to most other European cities. You will be looking at about €40 – 60 a day for the peak summer and fall months and a little less in the off-season.
This is what I use to check rental car prices:
➡️ Discover Cars ⬅️
Be mindful of fees if you choose to rent in one city and return the vehicle to another city, as well as a few other rules of the road when driving in Europe.
Turning the drive from Lisbon to Porto into a little north Portugal road trip is a unique opportunity to experience a more authentic Portugal! Here are a few gems I recommend adding to your itinerary:
✅ Sintra (spend a couple of nights)
✅ Obidos (spend a couple of nights)
✅ Tomar
✅ Aveiro (great day trip)
✅ Coimbra (spend a couple of nights)
✅ Vila Nova De Gaia
Ultimate Guide: Lisbon to Porto
⭐️ Lisbon to Porto By Private Transfer
I wanted to put this option out there for you to consider, as it’s especially ideal for those traveling in small groups, families with small kids, or folks with mobility issues.
Think luxury Mercedes vans that fit about 7-8 people with plenty of room for luggage. The drivers are super knowledgeable about Portugal and will make a snack stop along the way.
➡️ I recommend this Private Transfer from Lisbon to Porto and back!
👉 NOTE: This is the best alternative to renting a car if you have kids, unruly partners who don’t follow road rules, or folks with mobility issues!
Ultimate Guide: Lisbon to Porto
🚌 Lisbon to Porto By Bus
While Lisbon and Porto are super well connected by trains, these two cities also have good bus system going. There are multiple connections every day, with an average bus journey taking 3.5 hours.
If you buy tickets in advance, the bus ticket costs should be around €8-10. You can see the schedule and fees with FlixBus – it’s what I use.
Busses typically leave Lisbon from the Lisboa Oriente station and arrive at Porto Campanha station, similar to the trains.
✈️ Lisbon to Porto By Plane
The great news is that Lisbon to Porto is a 1-hour flight, from takeoff to touch-down. The bad news is if you factor in getting to and from the airport, this option will take about 4 hours.
Both airports are well connected to the inner cities and can be reached by metro, but even with the good transport to and from the airports, taking the train or bus from Lisbon to Porto is still faster.
Airline tickets average between €40-100 on Portugal’s national airline, TAP, and many flights go back and forth daily, so there are plenty of options.
TRAVEL TIP: I would only recommend flying from Lisbon to Porto if you are already connecting from another city through Lisbon. Otherwise, take the time you can in the beautiful city of Lisbon and opt for the train or a road trip as you head up to Porto.
Ultimate Guide: Lisbon to Porto
FAQs: Getting From Lisbon to Porto
Let’s get into some quick-hitter questions so you can start planning your trip from Lisbon to Porto.
Is Porto Worth A Day Trip From Lisbon?
I don’t think a day trip to Porto from Lisbon is worth it. It takes an average of 3 hours to get from Lisbon to Porto and another 3 hours back. Because of this, you’d be on the road a lot longer than you’d actually be experiencing what Porto has to offer.
If you’re looking for a day trip from Lisbon, shoot for a closer destination, like Sintra or Cascais!
What is the cheapest way to get from Lisbon to Porto?
The cheapest way is probably by bus, followed closely by train.
Bus tickets average about €8-15. You can see the bus schedule and costs with FlixBus – it’s what I use.
Train tickets average about €16-30. Check the train schedules and costs with Omio.
What is the fastest way to get from Lisbon to Porto?
Technically, a flight is the fastest way as it only takes 1 hour from Lisbon to Porto. But when you factor in getting to the airport and allowing another couple of hours for security and baggage on both the Lisbon and Porto side, the actual time it takes to fly is about 4 hours.
The more realistic answer of the fastest way to get from Lisbon to Porto is by train. The high-speed Alfa Pendular train is the quickest, taking you from Lisbon to Porto in just under 3 hours while providing scenic views of the Portuguese countryside.
What is the distance from Lisbon to Porto?
The distance from Lisbon to Porto is 315 kilometers or 196 miles.
It takes about 3 – 3.5 hours to drive that distance on the A1 highway with normal traffic.
Is there a high-speed train from Lisbon to Porto?
Yes. The high-speed Alfa Pendular train is the fastest, zipping you between the two cities in just under 3 hours.
You can get tickets with Trainline. Make sure you select the route that says AP-###, as this signifies Alfa Pendular high-speed train.
How long is the train ride from Lisbon to Porto?
The train ride from Lisbon to Porto averages about 3 hours.
Using the high-speed Alfa Pendular will take about 2 hours and 58 minutes. You can get tickets with Trainline. Just make sure you select the route that says AP-###, as this signifies Alfa Pendular high-speed train.
Using the inter-city train will take about 3 hours and 23 minutes.
Is there a luxury train from Lisbon to Porto?
No. In October of 2022, The Presidential Train, a luxury train experience through the Duoro Valley from Lisbon to Porto, ran its last trip.
Tickets went for €1,500, and it boasted some of the best chefs in Portugal preparing your lunch and pairing it with the best Portuguese wine to boot! Sadly, the train runs no longer.
For my fancy people, I cry with you. In the absence of a Presidential Train, I recommend taking the Alfa Pendular high-speed train, as it offers really nice first-class seating. You can get tickets with Trainline.
What is the best way to go to Porto from Lisbon?
The best way to get from Lisbon to Porto is by train or car via road trip.
The benefits of the train are as follows:
✅ The train will get you there in one day (about 3 hours).
✅ It is an easy, scenic ride on a pretty train.
✅ It is relatively inexpensive, with tickets averaging €16-30
The benefits of renting a car and making a road trip:
✅ If there is more than one person traveling, it’s sometimes the cheapest option!
✅ You can take your time getting from Lisbon to Porto by turning the journey into a multi-day road trip.
✅ Rental cars range from around €50 a day and offer flexibility.
✅ Authentic Portugal lies in the small towns between Lisbon and Porto.
✅ A road trip with a few unique stops is the best way to explore off-the-beaten-path Portugal.
Ultimate Guide: Lisbon to Porto
Where To Stay In Lisbon and Porto
Some of my favorite neighborhoods in Lisbon to stay in are Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto, which are packed with lively outdoor bars, restaurants, cute little shops, and even cuter little parks and cafes.
When we head over to Porto, I recommend Ribeira and Baixa neighborhoods because they are right in the middle of all the things – restaurants, sights, nightlife, etc. For a more upscale and family-friendly feel, look in the Boavista neighborhood.
👉 PRO TIP: Airbnb is more expensive in these cities and has some serious added service/cleaning charges. This is why I use Booking.com to search for unique little gems. And while Portugal is cheap, lodging is not, thanks to all the ex-pats (even a hostel can go for $70 a night).
Where To Stay In Lisbon
📍 Lisbon Best Choice Apartments in Alfama ($$) – While they can definitely work on their naming, this little apartment is perfect for a longer stay because it’s got a little kitchen, great light, and a spacious living room/working area. If you’re staying in Lisbon for a week or so, this (or similar) is my recommendation.
📍 Dare Lisbon House ($$$)- Ahh!! I cannot recommend this boutique hotel one enough – it’s right in the middle of everything near Chiado, and the old-school meets new-school vibe is perfect. Book ahead because this one is usually booked out!
Where to Stay In Porto
📍 One Shot Aliados Goldsmith 12 ($$) – Simple, chic, but cute, this is perfect for a couple of nights in the city.
📍 Cocorico Luxury House – Porto ($$$)- The boutique hotel of the boutique hotels, complete with color-coordinated linens and drapes and that unique vibe of antiquity, but with a newly renovated artistic touch. I feel like I’m describing wine notes here, ha! And what’s more, it comes recommended by a few traveler friends and is just darling – especially for a girls’ weekend! ❤️
Conclusion: Lisbon to Porto
Lisbon and Porto, two of Portugal’s most captivating cities, each offer a unique experience highlighting their distinct personalities.
As the sun-kissed capital, Lisbon is famous for its coastal scenery, city life, and remarkable architecture. Exploring Lisbon’s iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery or getting out in its crazy nightlife, you can feel the city’s vibes blending with Portugal’s rich history.
On the other hand, Porto charms its visitors with a soulful ambiance shaped by the winding Douro River, the city’s iconic narrow streets, and an air of romantic melancholy. Now I’m really getting into my feels! But seriously, its historic Ribeira district, adorned with blue tiled facades, and the world-famous port wine cellars leave an indelible impression.
As siblings with individual identities, Lisbon and Porto invite you in to discover their unique personalities, history, and enchanting spirit that is quintessentially Portuguese.
