Private car transfer from Sintra to Porto

The starting point of your Portuguese adventure begins beneath the soaring peaks of Sintra Natural Reserve. The winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean will propel you from the multicolored buildings to the unspoiled vistas of the nation's heartlands. The mix of rustic farmyards, whitewashed villages, and rugged rolling hills in the distance paints a new postcard image every mile you venture.

The further you drive, the denser the lush foliage becomes. A stop at the bright walls of Coimbra allows you to sample the region's famous cuisine, characterized by suckling pigs and fresh shellfish, and recharge for the final leg of the journey.

With the glimmering Atlantic waters on your left and the free-flowing hills to your right, the E1 highway will guide you straight to the Portos Luis I Bridge, serving as the finish line of the epic voyage. You can exit the station and order a taxi to your hotel or opt for Daytrip and continue to your accommodation, where you'll depart ready for exploration!

The establishment of Porto

Celtic tribes founded Porto, naming the region Portus Cale. However, the Romans were the first to grow the settlement into a town after their invasion in 138 BC. The city established its connection with the sea during this period when the empire created a trading hub for ships along the Douro River and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean.

Port Wine

Port Wine is world-renowned and vital to Porto's growth in the Middle Ages. Although experts produce this delicacy in the nearby Douro Valley, workers could only ship it along the waterways to Porto for centuries, where its cellars would store the wine. In 1703, the Methuen Treaty with Britain strengthened its popularity and led to a demand for wealthy aristocrats throughout Europe.

Modern Porto

Today, Porto's entire old town is a UNESCO-listed landmark. Colorful and picturesque yet rustic and historic, the winding lanes and cobbled footpaths provide cliched scenes of European postcards. The atmosphere is as intoxicating as the famous Port wine served at the alfresco terraces before being consumed under the sun's golden glow.

The narrow lanes and the frescoed squares are undoubtedly the highlights of Porto. But the city also has a grandness to it. Its thriving museum scene complements the elegant baroque architecture littered throughout town. And the riverside beauty is worthy of being the final scene of any romantic Hollywood film.

• Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Time zone: GMT
• Plug types: C and F

Pack for the weather

Northern Portugal isn't the sundrenched escape you might expect, like traveling along the southern Algarve coast. In fact, Porto receives around 150 days of rainfall annually.

Consider packing a light bag outside your primary luggage. Include umbrellas and waterproof clothing for when you arrive and for exploring landmarks en route.

Take the coastal road

The most direct route from Sintra to Porto speeds through the nation's heartlands, missing out on the breathtaking coastal views. By selecting a mode of transport like Daytrip that can switch to this trail, you'll turn an ordinary ride from A to B into a scenic road tour.

You can also stop at the mesmerizing towns visitors miss, such as Aveiro, Portugal's answer to Venice, or Nazare, home to pristine golden beaches!

Organize in advance

Booking seats on this demanding route from Sintra to Porto will save you money and guarantee you a seat at your desired time. However, planning to get to your accommodation after arriving at the airport or station is also crucial.

Taxi drivers can target tourists, and public transport timetables might be limited during the evenings. Remember to organize your transport before you leave Sintra, or opt for Daytrip and get a professional driver to drop you off directly at your hotel!

Flights from Sintra to Porto

A flight is one of the fastest means of transport from Sintra to Porto. Air Portugal can travel from Lisbon Airport to Porto Airport in only 1 hour. However, this doesn't include time for airport transfers and security checks.

After purchasing a ticket online through AirPortugal, you'll travel from Sintra to Lisbon Airport via bus 18468 before swapping to the red metro line towards Aeroporto. After a 1-hour flight, you'll arrive at Porto Airport and catch metro line E every 20 to 30 minutes to the city center.

• Cheapest flight price: (€30)
• Average flight price: (€50)
• Overall travel duration: 4.5-5.5 hours
• Direct flights: 8-10 daily

Buses from Sintra to Porto

The bus is the best way to travel from Sintra to Porto when visiting Europe on a budget. Flixbus and Rede Expressos offer multiple daily services at an affordable price. However, you'll still want to book early for the best deals.

With 4-6 direct daily buses, the journey is also straightforward. All Flixbus services depart from Sintra Portela Estacao Sul, and Rede Expressos coaches leave Sintra Av. Mario Firmino Miguel. All will arrive at Porto Terminal Intermodal de Campanha, around a 10-minute taxi from downtown.

• Cheapest bus ticket: $5 (€4)
• Average bus ticket: $13 (€12)
• Quickest bus journey: 3 hours and 35 minutes
• Longest bus journey: 4 hours and 10 minutes
• First bus departure: 7 AM
• Last bus departure: 6:45 PM

Trains from Sintra to Porto

Traveling by train from Sintra to Porto strikes a balance between luxurious and economical modes of transport. No direct carriages travel on this line, but multiple buses or a 40-minute taxi can take you to Santa Apolonia, where Comboios de Portugal operates daily.

Up to 15 trains travel directly to Porto Campanha Station. You can purchase tickets at the station, but you'll save significant cash by reserving a seat online at least 30 days before departing. Remember to grab a seat on the left-hand side, facing the engine, for the best views!

• Cheapest train ticket: $16 (€15)
• Average train ticket: $24 (€22)
• Quickest train duration: 2 hours and 48 minutes
• Longest train duration: 3 hours and 23 minutes
• First train departure: 6:30 AM
• Last train departure: 10 PM

Daytrip from Sintra to Porto

Daytrip is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel from Sintra to Porto. After deciding when you want a private door-to-door service to collect you at your hotel, you can unwind in a clean and quiet vehicle while your professional driver handles your luggage and whisks you off your feet.

Daytrip is also the fastest and most flexible option from Sintra to Porto. In only 3 hours, you can get from your hotel in the south to the reception of your new one, ready for check-in. But due to our flexible sightseeing stops, you might need to add more time to your schedule.

As a knee traveler, it'll seem impossible to pass up the opportunity to explore fascinating towns and landmarks like the majestic Mafra National Palace, the whitewashed walls of Obidos, or the culinary landscape of Coimbra. With your bags stored in the trunk, you can roam the historical settings without the burden of your luggage!

• Seats from: $87 (€78)
• English-speaking driver
• Complimentary bottled water
• Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing

Visit the Bolsa Palace

This 19th-century neoclassical masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Porto's most famous landmarks. The palace, originally the Stock Exchange, is renowned for its affluent interiors, particularly the Arab Room.

You can join a guided tour through lavish rooms with intricate woodwork, gilded carvings, and impressive chandeliers. You'll get a glimpse into Porto's affluent past and its connections to global trade.

Wander the Historic Center of Oporto

If one UNESCO Heritage isn't enough, maybe the Historic Center of Oporto will satisfy your appetite for adventure. The organization listed this entire neighborhood in its Hall of Fame in 1966 due to its 2,000 years of history!

You can get lost in a daydream, admiring the colorful houses and the curling alleyways. But when you need a break, you never have to search far for a cozy cafe or a traditional eatery to refuel for a final experience here: a cruise along the Douro River!

Sample Port Wine

A trip to Porto is only complete with a visit to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Otherwise, it's like going to Ireland and not having a pint of Guinness!

Take a guided tour to learn about the history and production of port wine, followed by a tasting session where you can sample different varieties. The cellars, often housed in centuries-old buildings, offer a fascinating glimpse into one of Porto's most famous exports. The views of Porto from Gaia are a bonus.

Embark on a food tour through Mercado do Bolhao

Portugal is home to some of Europe's finest culinary delights. The best way to experience the freshest products isn't at tourist traps along the Douro River. But it's at the Mercado do Bolhao, the local's most beloved market!

Since the 1910s, you can pick up the region's best meat, fish, fruit, flowers, and vegetables. You can cook up a mouthwatering feast at your apartment for a fraction of the price you'd pay in a restaurant, or you can remain in the vacation spirit by letting someone else do the work and savor a meal at one of the many onsite street food vendors!

Festival season is also in full swing from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn. Festival Mares, Primavera Sound Porto, Eletrico Festival, and many more occur within a few weeks of each other.

There's also a party atmosphere along the streets during this timeframe. Unfortunately, Porto doesn't get year-round sunshine. But when the gray clouds make way for clear blue skies, the locals are out in force, filling up the bars and restaurants!