How to get from Lisbon to Porto: Train, bus, car or flight

Lisbon and Porto are a few hours apart, yet the best way to travel between them isn’t always obvious. Should you take the train, bus, drive, or even fly? Here’s my straightforward guide for first-time travellers to see these fantastic cities.

The best way to get from Lisbon to Porto TL;DR

For me the best way to travel between Porto and Lisbon overall is the train, but it depends on your circumstances and personal preferences. Read on for an in depth guide into each of the options so you can pick what works best for you.

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Travelling by Train

In my opinion, trains are the fastest and most convenient choice. Seats are always reserved, and services run all day. The Alfa Pendular trains are quickest whilst Intercidades are slower but cheaper, if you’re looking to save some money.

At both ends the train station is more central than the airport, so will save you time getting to your end destination.

For the latest timetables I recommend you use the CP website.

My Top Tip!: I usually take the Alfa Pendular for the speed and comfort. Wi-Fi and sockets make the journey easy. Note that you have to have a seat reservation to travel

Where the trains depart and arrive

Trains leave from Lisbon Santa Apolónia (central, Blue metro) or Lisbon Oriente (near the airport). In Porto, they arrive at Campanhã station, with a short connection available to São Bento in the historic centre.

• Time 2h 45–3h 15
• Cost €10–€35

Which train type to choose

Alfa Pendular (AP) is faster and more comfortable, with fewer stops.

• Time ~2h 45
• Cost €15–€35

Intercidades (IC) is slower but often cheaper.

• Time ~3h 15
• Cost €10–€25

How to book train tickets step by step

Book through cp.pt or the CP app. Select Santa Apolónia or Oriente station, add Porto Urban if you want São Bento

My Top Tip!: Make sure you do a quick internet search for Promo fares (up to 65% off). They are often available, so worth a little effort

Travelling by Bus

Buses are slower but often the cheapest way to travel. They’re modern, with Wi-Fi and air conditioning, so definitely still a good option, especially for those on a tighter budget.

Bus companies and timetables

Rede Expressos and FlixBus both run frequent services daily. The full timetables are available on their websites

• Time 3h 15–3h 45
• Cost €6–€15

Where the bus stations are in Lisbon and Porto

In Lisbon, buses depart from Sete Rios (Jardim Zoológico metro) and Oriente. In Porto, most arrive at the Terminal Intermodal de Campanhã (TIC) with metro connections.

Driving from Lisbon to Porto

Driving gives full freedom and works well if you have luggage or want to stop on the way. The route is simple on the A1 motorway, but tolls are high.

I purposely haven’t factored the cost of a hire car in my comparisons, so that’s another angle to consider when looking at your total costs.

In my opinion this is the best way to travel if you have a bit longer or are slow travelling in Portugal, there are some lovely stops you can do on the way. 

My Top Tip!: The drive is a simple one, waze or google maps will work all the way as well. Just be aware of the tolls.

Direct motorway drive

The A1 motorway takes just over three hours, with tolls of about €24.60 each way.

• Time ~3h
• Cost €24.60 toll + fuel cost estimates

Scenic detour ideas

You can detour to Óbidos (medieval walls), Nazaré (surf town), or Coimbra (historic university). All of which are simple to get to.

Flying from Lisbon to Porto

Flights are short in the air but rarely quicker overall once airport transfers and security are included. For most visitors, trains are faster and easier.

My Top Tip!: I’d only fly if connecting to another international flight from Porto.

When flying makes sense

Useful if you’re already at Lisbon Airport or need a connection from Porto.

• Time 3–4h total
• Cost €30–€80

How to get from airport to city centre

• Lisbon Airport: Red metro line to Oriente (~5 min) or to the city centre (~20 min).
• Porto Airport: Metro Line E (Purple) to Trindade (~27 min).
  Time 20–30 min • Cost ~€2

My Top Tip!: If time and convenience are more important to you, Uber works well in both Lisbon and Porto and is cheap when compared to lots of Europe. I personally usually do this.

Can You Do a Day Trip from Lisbon to Porto?

A day trip is possible but not realistic. I would strongly recommend against this.

Even the fastest train means six hours in transit, leaving little time in Porto. Both cities deserve at least a couple of days. The new high-speed line, when finished, may make day trips practical at about 1h 15, but this isn’t scheduled to be completed until 2030.

Tips for First-Time Travellers

• Book trains early for cheaper Promo fares.
• Sit on the right-hand side leaving Lisbon for gorgeous estuary views.
• Download CP, Porto Metro, and Citymapper apps.Citymapper is my personal favourite for route planning
• Use luggage racks on trains
• Bring snacks and water for evening travel when stations are quiet.