The shortest road distance from Cascais to Porto is 211 miles (340 km), which can take only 3 hours and 10 minutes when driving safely. Porto's rush hour traffic is the most significant factor that increases the duration. Drive outside the peak hours of 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM to reduce the travel time.
Is Porto or Lisbon better?
Overall, Porto is more appealing to visit than Lisbon. It's cheaper and more laid-back, and its compact center is ideal for exploring on foot. Porto also receives far fewer tourists, allowing you to experience authentic Portuguese culture in a town unaffected by over-tourism. Finally, Porto has a slightly cooler climate than Lisbon, which is more pleasant for embarking on a city break.
How long is the train ride from Cascais to Porto?
The average train ride from Cascais to Porto takes 3 hours and 23 minutes, while the quickest duration is only 2 hours and 49 minutes. However, no direct train travels from Cascais. Instead, you must travel to Lisbon Oriente Station. Overall, the voyage will take 3.5-4 hours.
How do you get from Cascais to Porto?
As of 2024, four modes of transport can transfer you from Cascais to Porto, each with unique benefits. A bus is the cheapest option, a flight is one of the fastest, a train is the most scenic, and a Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the quickest, most comfortable, and most convenient option.
What is the fastest way to get from Cascais to Porto?
Daytrip is the fastest way to travel from Cascais to Porto. A private door-to-door service can transfer you between the cities in only 3 hours and 10 minutes. A professional driver will collect you at your hotel and drop you off at your new one, saving you more valuable vacation time getting to and from stations.
Is Porto worth visiting?
Porto is one of Europe's most underrated cities worth visiting. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to charming cobbled lanes, quaint squares, and traditional eateries. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene and a thriving museum culture, so there's something for every visitor to appreciate here regardless of their travel preferences.
The car trip from Cascais to Porto is drizzled with sunshine and peppered with natural wonders along Europe's western frontier. For 211 miles (340 km), you'll pass by scenic coast roads, hills home to rustic farmyards, and historical relics you'd expect to see in a WW2 blockbuster film.
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.
About Porto
Lisbon may be Portugal's political and financial headquarters, but Porto is undoubtedly the nation's cultural capital. After traveling from Cascais to Porto, you'll arrive in a mid-sized city home to almost 240,000 residents.
The city lies along the Douro River in Portugal's Norte region. Its position here on the Atlantic shorelines and less than 70 miles (113 km) from the Spanish frontier are pivotal reasons Porto was such a significant city throughout history.
### 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
From Cascais to Porto: travel tips
If you're fortunate enough to travel along the Portuguese coast from Cascais to Porto, you must take full advantage of the experience. That's why we included insider tips for traveling on this route.
### 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.
How to get from Cascais to Porto
There's no shortage of ways to travel from Cascais to Porto. But your travel preferences, needs, and budget will dictate the best option.
### 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 (âŹ30)
Average flight price: $49 (âŹ45)
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 (âŹ4)
Average bus ticket price: $13 (âŹ12)
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 (âŹ10)
Average train ticket price: $24 (âŹ22)
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 (âŹ74)
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
Things to do when you get to Porto
The entirety of Porto's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite this, just over 3 million visitors travel to the city annually. To make sure you don't miss out on bucket list experiences after your Cascais to Porto transfer, we listed the highlights below for you to uncover.
### 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, youâll 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.
When is the best time to visit Porto?
Portugal's second city is action-packed year-round. But if you want to elevate your European venture to new heights, consider booking your Cascais to Porto transfer in the shoulder months!
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.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Pena Palace in Sintra
King Ferdinand IIâs fantastical jumble of architectural styles is Romanticism on the grandest scale. Genius or MadnessÂ
Obidos
Traditionally owned by the Queen of Portugal, every house in this hilltop town had to meet the royal aesthetic. The Town of QueensÂ
Mira de Aire Caves
Elected as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, the Mira de Aire Caves are the largest in Portugal at an astonishing 11 kilometres in length. An Underground MarvelÂ
Batalha
Dominated by the great Dominican monastery of Santa Maria da VitĂłria, Batalha was developed alongside the Monastery after securing Portugal's independence. A City Built on Victory Â
Coimbra
Halfway between Lisbon and Porto, this varied and captivating city has a long history and vibrant atmosphere built around the country's oldest university. Â The Medieval Capital of PortugalÂ
Aveiro
Dubbed âthe Venice of Portugalâ because of its canals and gondola-like boats, visitors will find Aveiro has its own unique identity. The âVeniceâ of PortugalÂ
