Private car transfer from Cascais to Porto

It all begins as Cascais' picturesque port paves the path for Portugal's sunbaked landscape, gliding over its gently flowing hills. Venturing further north provides views of the nation's lush greenery, serving as the base of verdant vineyards nestled between traditional seaside villages.

Coimbra's labyrinth of medieval lanes is the ideal place to recharge and refuel halfway through the journey. After a leisurely pit stop, you'll be ready to embark on the final leg, sandwiched by the Norte region's rural vistas on your right and the stormy Atlantic Ocean on your left.

The Luis I Bridge's dominating presence will mark the end of your thrilling European road trip. But keeping your eyes on the road and admiring the awe-inspiring vistas will seem impossible. So, let someone else drive while you relax by picking from one of several transportation methods in our in-depth Cascais to Porto travel guide below.

Early Porto

Celtic tribes had inhabited modern-day Porto since the 1st century BC. However, their time here was short-lived, as the Romans acknowledged the region as a strategic port along the coast and Douro River. Ultimately, the empire invaded and conquered the land in 275 BC, renaming the city "Portus Cale," ascending from the Latin, warm port.

After the empire's fall in 476 AD, Porto continued its upward trajectory, notably within its wine industry. By the 18th century, British merchants had established a trade route, bringing significant cash flow to the city. The increasing wealth led to the construction of notable buildings, and Portugal's neutrality in World War II spared the destruction of these charming baroque buildings.

Modern Porto

Porto is a UNESCO-listed city, attracting over 3 million annual tourists. Winding brick-paved lanes, baroque homes decorated with intricate frescos, and rustic squares unite to create a charming setting seemingly trapped in a time warp. The vibrant atmosphere flowing through the rustic facades is like a year-round open-air festival.

Porto is also a haven for food and wine enthusiasts. Several port wine cellars reside in town, offering tours and distributing fermented grape juice to other bars for locals and visitors to savor. The best way to appreciate the delicacy is with an authentic meal at one of the countless traditional eateries around town or during a glamorous evening in one of seven Michelin-starred restaurants.

• Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: mild oceanic
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and F

Get sun-savvy for a seaside escape

Portugal is one of Europe's warmest nations, receiving over 300 days of sunshine annually. Even during winter, the coastal road from Cascais to Porto is basking in sunlight. Therefore, sunscreen, sunhats, and plenty of water are essential, whether you travel by bus, car, or train.

Choose your mode of transport wisely

The ride from Cascais to Porto is scenic. But on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you should step into postcard settings like Aveiro, dubbed the Venice of Portugal, or the Mira de Aire Caves, one of the seven wonders of Portugal, rather than viewing from afar. Book a travel method like Daytrip that can stop at attractions to explore en route.

Prioritize comfort

A transfer from Cascais to Porto isn't just a way to get from A to B. It's a surreal voyage with breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal's picture-perfect terrain. So don't forget to relax, appreciate the scenery, and choose a comfortable mode of transport.

Daytrip is the most pleasant way to travel. But you can also consider spending more on a first-class ticket or extra legroom on public transportation.

Flights from Cascais to Porto

In theory, a flight is the fastest way to travel from Cascais to Porto. TAP Air Portugal can fly from Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport to Porto Airport in under an hour. But this doesn't factor in the time for airport transfers, security checks, and checking in luggage.

To travel by plane, you first must book a taxi or catch multiple buses from Cascais to Humberto Delgado Airport. After arriving 1.5-2 hours before take-off, you can fly to Porto Airport, around a 35-minute metro ride from downtown Porto.

• Cheapest flight price: $33 (€30)
• Average flight price: $49 (€45)
• Average flight duration: 1 hour
• Overall travel duration: 4-4.5 hours
• Direct flights: 8-10 daily

Buses from Cascais to Lisbon

If you're traveling in Europe on a budget, look no further than the bus from Cascais to Porto. By booking online more than 30 days in advance, you can snag rock-bottom-priced seats with Flixbus or Rede Expressos.

All direct buses depart from Cascais Alcabideche and arrive at Porto Campanha. Flixbus is the more popular of the two bus firms, but Rede Expressos offers the cheapest fares. Both companies have free wifi, power outlets, and restrooms onboard.

• Cheapest bus ticket price: $4.50 (€4)
• Average bus ticket price: $13 (€12)
• Quickest bus duration: 3 hours and 55 minutes
• Longest bus duration: 4 hours and 25 minutes
• First bus departure: 6:45 AM
• Last bus departure: 6:30 PM

Trains from Cascais to Porto

The train is the most popular way visitors travel from Cascais to Porto. It's more scenic and more comfortable than the bus. But it's more expensive, and no direct services are available.

Traveling by train requires you to reach Lisboa Oriente Station by bus or taxi. You can book a direct ticket in advance through Comboios de Portugal or at the station to Campanha Station. After departing at your destination, it's only a 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi to the city center.

• Cheapest train ticket price: $11 (€10)
• Average train ticket price: $24 (€22)
• Quicket train duration: 2 hours and 49 minutes
• Longest train duration: 3 hours and 23 minutes
• First train departure: 6:30 AM
• Last train departure: 10 PM

Daytrip from Cascais to Porto

Daytrip is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient carrier from Cascais to Porto. A private door-to-door service can transfer you within 3 hours and 10 minutes in a clean and quiet vehicle with modern conveniences, saving your precious vacation time and leaving you re-energized when you arrive in Porto.

But at Daytrip, we combine luxury with adventure. Our optional sightseeing packages let you experience sights hidden among Portugal's dense nature or cities only accessible by car when traveling en route.

The mix-and-match architecture of the National Palace of Pena is a must-see when venturing through Portugal. Or, if you wish to create a unique travel trail away from the tourists, a stop at the stunning whitewashed village of Obidos is in order. With your luggage safely stored in the car trunk, you don't need to worry about dragging bags through century-old walkways.

• Seats from: $84 (€74)
• English-speaking driver
• Help with your luggage
• Complimentary bottle water
• Equipped for kids, pets, groups, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7, customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing

Lose yourself in the UNESCO-listed old town

The UNESCO-listed old town is the only place to kick off your adventure in Portugal's second city. Begin by strolling along its narrow, cobbled streets, lined with colorful buildings, bustling cafes, and local shops.

Eventually, you’ll stumble upon Ribeira Square, a perfect spot to soak up the local ambiance. A walk along the Douro River offers stunning views of the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge. You can also take a river cruise on a traditional Rabelo boat, once used to transport port wine from the Douro Valley.

Eat through the Mercado do Bolhao

It's no secret that Porto is one of Europe's top culinary havens. The city has a thriving food scene, from vibrant street food stalls to refined Michelin-starred restaurants. But the best place to sample the most mouthwatering European delicacies is at Mercado do Bolhao!

This historical market will introduce you to staples in the local diets, such as Leitao Casado (roast suckling pig), bolos de bacalhau (cod cakes), and port wine. You get to sample local flavors while also admiring the neoclassical architecture!

Ascend Clerigos Tower

Clerigos Tower is part of the beautiful Clerigos Church, standing proudly almost 250 feet (76 m) over Porto's orange-tiled roofs. Its twisting staircase leads to one of Europe's most Instagrammable locations. But beware of the 49 bells here while venturing to the top. The noisy racket can give you an unexpected fright!

Remember to head into the church once you return to ground level. The stunning interior is one of the primary reasons this place of worship took almost two decades to build.

Decent into port wine cellars

The famous port wine comes from the nearby Douro Valley. Yet Porto City has a close relationship with the rich beverage. In fact, up until the late 1980s, it could only be exported from the south of the city.

Fortunately, Porto has several cellars in Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River. Porto Ferreira is the most sought-after place where you can join tours that include a walk through the cellars, a history lesson on port wine, and tastings of various styles.

Traveling from April to May and September to October lets you take advantage of the glorious sunshine without tourist groups clogging up the narrow UNESCO-listed streets. Temperatures are lower than in the sweltering summer season, making them ideal for visiting museums or embarking on walking tours.

Porto is at its most beautiful during the shoulder months. In the spring, urban green spaces burst into a rainbow of colors as wildflowers bloom into life. City lanes explode into a sea of browns and oranges during autumn as trees begin to shed their leaves.

Lastly, you'll travel more sustainably by visiting outside the peak summer season. Spending money on businesses helps locals financially year-round, and you'll put less pressure on the public transport system that residents use to continue their daily lives.