Getting Here and Around

The city is congested, so leave your car at the hotel. You can walk around most of central Porto, but be prepared for the steep hills, which can prove tiring in the summer heat. To reach the few outlying attractions, you can use the city’s good network of buses, trams, and funicular—all run by Sociedade dos Transportes Colectivos do Porto (STCP)—or the metro. Its five lines run from 6 am to 1 am, mostly aboveground as a light-rail service outside the center but converging underground at the Trindade stop. In 2016, the metro began offering 24-hour service on weekends and holidays to select stations, from June to early October. (It remains to be seen if the program will be reinstated in future years.) Bus service is reduced after 9 pm. You can also rent bicycles to pedal out to coastal towns and beaches.

Maps for all routes are available on the STCP website. The tourist office can provide information; they'll also sell you a Porto Card, which is valid for public transportation and admission to 21 city sights (and discounts for others) for 24 hours (€13), 48 hours (€20), or 72 hours (€25). There’s also a transport-only Andante Tour card valid for 24 hours (€7) or 72 hours (€15) from the first time it is used, when you must validate it at the yellow box at the entry point.

On buses, you can buy an individual ticket on board (€1.50 one-way), but if you’re going to use public transport more than once, save money by first buying a €0.50 rechargeable Andante card from a metro station, STCP kiosk, or affiliated convenience stores (look for the Andante decal), then load it up with cash or trips. For both metro and bus journeys with an Andante card, the cost depends on whether trips are within the city limits (€1.20 one way) or beyond (up to €5). On each trip, tickets and Andante cards must be validated.

In downtown Porto you’re never far from a taxi stand, but you can also order a cab by phone or online—the city's main taxi company even has an app for smartphones. Make sure the driver turns on the meter; if you have phoned for the cab, you pay €1 extra. Within the city limits travelers are charged by meter, which starts at €2.50 (rates increase between 9 pm and 6 am, on weekends, and on holidays). Luggage fees are approximately €1.80 per item. Outside the city center (including over the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine cellars are), the rate is €1 per km (plus 20% between 9 pm and 6 am, on weekends, and on holidays). Taxis that run outside the city center have a letter "A" on the door. It's considerate, but not obligatory, to tip up to 10%. For a significantly cheaper alternative to city taxis, Uber is a terrific way to get around.