Private car transfer from Porto to Lisbon

Overview: Car trip from Porto to Lisbon

Taking a car trip from Porto to Lisbon doesn’t just mean driving between Portugal’s two largest cities. Going by car is the perfect way to experience more of Portugal's beautiful natural scenery, vivid culture, and rich history.

Leaving behind Porto’s sumptuous dishes and sweet wine, the drive ahead of you is filled with exciting possibilities. Do you take a detour to Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal, to walk along the canals and see the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the bay? Or maybe visit Coimbra, Portugal's former capital, where medieval houses line the streets around the world’s second-oldest university. And if you love Gothic architecture, Batalha, with its spectacular UNESCO-listed monastery, can’t be missed. Then, right before you arrive in Lisbon, there’s Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that might just be the most exciting example of Romantic architecture in the world!

About Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city, is one of the oldest in Europe, having been founded by pre-Celtic tribes before the Phoenecians arrived. From a far-flung outpost at the edge of the known world, Lisbon became the base for Portuguese exploration in the 15th century, which brought unimaginable wealth to the city. A devastating earthquake in 1755 leveled much of the city, so Prime Minister Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, rebuilt the city center in an open rectangular plan with two main plazas. These mark Lisbon’s two main districts: the central commercial district, with cafés, theaters, and restaurants, and the port which welcomes returning ships with an impressive triumphal arch. From there, Lisbon stretches across a series of rolling hills overlooking the Tagus River.

From Porto to Lisbon: Travel tips

If you decide driving from Porto to Lisbon best suits your transportation needs, we have some essential travel tips to make the most of your journey.

Selecting a reputable car service is crucial

Opt for a provider like Daytrip, that offers a fleet of well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers who can navigate Lisbon’s narrow, hilly streets with ease. This will ensure your comfort and safety, as well as provide an opportunity to gain local insights during your ride. Using a reputable service also guarantees the price and travel time up front.

Timing is key

The drive usually takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic and the time of year. To avoid congestion and enjoy a more leisurely ride, consider departing early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you’re planning on sightseeing on the way, starting early also ensures you’ll beat the crowds at the more popular attractions (just don’t go too early when things are closed).

How to get from Porto to Lisbon

You have several transportation options to get from Porto to Lisbon. Which is best for you depends on your travel preferences. Do you want to get to Lisbon as quickly as possible, are you looking for the cheapest transportation, or do you want to experience as much of Portugal as possible? We can pretty confidently say skip flying though.

From Porto to Lisbon by train

Taking the train is one of the most popular ways to travel from Porto to Lisbon. The modern railway is efficient and comfortable. The train ride from Porto to Lisbon takes around 2.5 hours, and tickets cost between $40 and $90 depending on your departure time. Since you don’t have to worry about traffic, taking the train is the fastest way to get from Porto to Lisbon - especially if you spring for the high-speed Alfa Pendular.

From Porto to Lisbon by bus

For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Porto to Lisbon. Tickets start at 16 EUR (about $17), and the travel time is closer to 3 hours, which can be even longer if there’s traffic. The buses have air conditioning and comfortable seating and depart several times a day, so it’s easy to find one to fit your schedule.

Things to do when you get to Lisbon

When you arrive in Lisbon you’ll find it’s an exciting modern capital on par with Europe’s other major cities with a rich history. After dropping off your luggage at your accommodation, take a ride on Tram 28 into the old Alfama district. This scenic tram ride is the perfect way to get your first taste of Lisbon. It leaves you at the foot of the Estrela Basilica, one of Lisbon’s largest churches and most beautiful monuments. From here, dive into the Alfama district’s winding warren of cobbled streets. Dating back to the Moors, it’s the oldest part of the city, with historic monuments aplenty, from the great Lisbon Cathedral to the remains of the old city walls. The crowning landmark here though is St George’s Castle. Dominating the Alfama District, the foundations of Lisbon’s most visible landmark date back to the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Today, the castle shows the influence of the city’s subsequent rulers, from the Berbers to the Reconquista knights, and its ramparts offer amazing views of the city below.