What is the best way to travel from Porto to Lisbon?
The best way to travel from Porto to Lisbon is by car service. It offers a seamless door-to-door experience, the comfort of traveling at your own pace, and most importantly, freedom to stop for sightseeing along the way.
How long does the car trip take?
The drive from Porto to Lisbon typically takes just under 3 hours, but this can vary depending on traffic, especially during rush hour and peak tourist season.
Should I rent a car to get from Porto to Lisbon?
Driving is definitely the best mode of transportation because of the option for sightseeing. You could rent a car to visit these places yourself, but then you have to worry about navigating foreign roads and finding parking once you reach Lisbon. Using a car service like Daytrip gives you the convenience of door-to-door transportation and enriching sightseeing stops without these drawbacks.
What should I expect to pay for a car service from Porto to Lisbon?
Prices can vary based on the type of vehicle you choose and the season. It's best to book in advance for the best rates, but expect to pay around тВм350 for a one-way trip in a sedan. DaytripтАЩs price is per vehicle, not per passenger, so for large groups it can be as low as тВм70 per person, which is cheaper than some of the train tickets.
Is there a direct public transportation option from Porto to Lisbon?
Yes, you have multiple public transportation options! There are multiple train and bus departures from Porto to Lisbon every day. You can even fly, but this is usually slower and more expensive than other transportation options.
Can I stop along the way to take pictures or visit attractions?
Yes, one of the advantages of using DaytripтАЩs private car service is the flexibility to stop along the way. You can arrange for sightseeing detours right on the website, and ask your driver to pause for photos.
What is the distance from Porto to Lisbon?
The distance is approximately 320 kilometers or 200 miles.
Are there any travel tips for making the journey more enjoyable?
Traveling early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid traffic and enjoy the journey with fewer crowds. Don't forget to carry water and sunscreen, and remember many places are closed for siesta from 1:00 to 3:00.
Taking a car trip from Porto to Lisbon doesnтАЩt just mean driving between PortugalтАЩs 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 PortoтАЩs 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 worldтАЩs second-oldest university. And if you love Gothic architecture, Batalha, with its spectacular UNESCO-listed monastery, canтАЩt be missed. Then, right before you arrive in Lisbon, thereтАЩs Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that might just be the most exciting example of Romantic architecture in the world!
Fortunately, when you travel from Porto to Lisbon by car, all of these are possibilities. Every stop and detour enriches your experience in Portugal, creating unforgettable memories that youтАЩd just pass by on the bus or train. And unlike public transportation, you can explore on your own schedule, traveling door-to-door in comfort without having to lug your bags around bus stations and train terminals.
If you choose to take a car service like Daytrip rather than rent a car, you can expect unparalleled safety, comfort, and convenience. Your friendly, professional driver will meet you at your accommodation in Porto safely drive you to your final destination in Lisbon. You donтАЩt have to worry about finding parking or navigating narrow streets. Even better, you can easily add sightseeing stops, which theyтАЩll be happy to bring you to. And on the road, theyтАЩll share their insights about local culture and give you tips on what to see and do when you arrive in Lisbon.
About Lisbon
Lisbon, PortugalтАЩs 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 Sebasti├гo Jos├й de Carvalho e Melo, rebuilt the city center in an open rectangular plan with two main plazas. These mark LisbonтАЩs two main districts: the central commercial district, with caf├йs, 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.
Each neighborhood has its own unique identity, from seaside Belem with its iconic Torre de Belem tower to Mouraria, the Moorish quarter that survived the 1755 earthquake. With the famous S├гo Jorge Castle standing watch over the city high in Alfama, and the Monastery of Jer├│nimos on the opposite side of the city, visiting the top sights in Lisbon may seem like a daunting task. But fortunately, LisbonтАЩs iconic yellow trams make it easy to move between neighborhoods. Tram 28 in particular brings you to historic areas like Gra├зa and Alfama. The tram ride is an attraction in itself, with captivating scenes rolling by at every hairpin turn as the tram cuts through the cobbled stone streets.
The weather in Lisbon is almost unerringly pleasant, with 290 days of sunshine a year, and temperatures rarely dropping into the 50s (15 celsius) and peaking in the low 80s (28 celsius). This means youтАЩre almost guaranteed perfect weather for relaxing in the broad squares, or exploring the narrow, cobbled alleys. This perfect weather, combined with the cityтАЩs architectural beauty and proud history probably explains why Lisboetas are universally warm and inviting. As one of the happiest cities in the world, and one of the most hospitable, interacting with locals is always a pleasant experience, whether itтАЩs asking for directions, or ordering LisbonтАЩs famous pastel de natas, egg custard pastries that have become LisbonтАЩs culinary symbol.
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 LisbonтАЩs 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 youтАЩre planning on sightseeing on the way, starting early also ensures youтАЩll beat the crowds at the more popular attractions (just donтАЩt go too early when things are closed).
### Pack wisely for the trip
Even though itтАЩs a short ride, it's wise to have essentials such as water, sunscreen, and a camera ready. The sun can be strong, even through the windows of a car - and as you approach Lisbon, chances are itтАЩs going to be sunny. And if youтАЩre making a sightseeing detour, youтАЩll want your camera handy so you donтАЩt waste time digging through your luggage.
### Communicate with your driver
A knowledgeable local driver can enrich your trip with stories and facts about the region. DaytripтАЩs drivers love sharing their insights, so donтАЩt hesitate to ask for recommendations or more information. Your driver will happily give you advice on everything from what to do in Lisbon, to some signature dishes to try.
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 donтАЩt 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 thereтАЩs traffic. The buses have air conditioning and comfortable seating and depart several times a day, so itтАЩs easy to find one to fit your schedule.
### From Porto to Lisbon by plane
While a flight from Porto to Lisbon takes just one hour, and tickets can be even cheaper than the train if you book in advance, we donтАЩt recommend this option. You still need to get to and from the airport in both Porto and Lisbon, which adds to the travel time and cost. And then you also need to arrive an hour early for your flight. Between the added costs of getting to and from the airport, and having to get to the airport early, it usually ends up being the most expensive and slowest option.
### From Porto to Lisbon by car
Probably the best way to travel from Porto to Lisbon is by car. It takes about 3 hours, but the travel time doesnтАЩt matter here, because driving lets you explore the countryside and experience more of PortugalтАЩs culture and beauty. With public transportation you canтАЩt swing by Aveiro to see the canals and traditional fishing boats, or marvel at the intricate architecture at UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery. While you can rent a car and drive yourself, taking a car service like Daytrip is even more convenient; you get all the benefits, including sightseeing, without having to worry about traffic or finding parking. You get all that for not much more than the train.
Things to do when you get to Lisbon
When you arrive in Lisbon youтАЩll find itтАЩs an exciting modern capital on par with EuropeтАЩs 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 LisbonтАЩs largest churches and most beautiful monuments. From here, dive into the Alfama districtтАЩs winding warren of cobbled streets. Dating back to the Moors, itтАЩs 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 GeorgeтАЩs Castle. Dominating the Alfama District, the foundations of LisbonтАЩs most visible landmark date back to the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Today, the castle shows the influence of the cityтАЩs subsequent rulers, from the Berbers to the Reconquista knights, and its ramparts offer amazing views of the city below.
From the heights of Alfama, head down to the beaches of Belem. Along with swimming and enjoying LisbonтАЩs perpetually perfect weather, itтАЩs here youтАЩll find the Torre de Belem, which has commanded the mouth of the Tagus River since the 16th century. Its fusion of every architectural style, from Romanesque to Moorish, Mudejar to Gothic, combined with its picturesque location in the waters of the Targus has made the Torre de Belem perhaps the single most iconic monument in Lisbon. While youтАЩre down by the water, be sure to head to the huge Lisbon Oceanarium. One of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe, youтАЩll find 16,000 creatures from 450 species. ItтАЩs one of only a few aquariums in the world where youтАЩll be able to see an ocean sunfish (mola mola).
Lisbon has a wealth of other cultural attractions that will vie for your attention. Portugal is world-renowned for its ceramics, and thereтАЩs no better place to see the countryтАЩs mastery than the National Tile Museum. It will walk you through the history of tile making from when the Moors first introduced the art to Iberia, exhibiting many amazing ceramics, including, of course, incomparable azulejos. The National Museum of Ancient Art showcases a prestigious art collection spanning everything from Renaissance paintings to Baroque decor, metalwork, and ancient Roman sculptures. The Museu do Oriente stands as a fascinating reminder of PortugalтАЩs former far-flung empire, pulling together artifacts from everywhere Portugal had a colony or trading post.
One experience that locals will always recommend is a day trip to Sintra. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with rich churches, mansions, and multiple palaces of former Portuguese kings and queens. The Romanticist Pena National Palace with its bold colors and mix of styles is one of the most unique buildings in the world. But you may want to plan more than a day in Sintra to be able to visit the medieval Castle of the Moors and the Renaissance Sintra National Palace as well.
Dubbed тАЬthe Venice of PortugalтАЭ because of its canals and gondola-like boats, visitors will find Aveiro has its own unique identity.┬аThe тАЬVeniceтАЭ of Portugal┬а
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. ┬аThe Medieval Capital of Portugal┬а
Fatima
After 3 children had visions of the Virgin Mary, this farm-town transformed into a miraculous mecca.┬аPortugalтАЩs Holy City┬а
Batalha
Dominated by the great Dominican monastery of Santa Maria da Vit├│ria, Batalha was developed alongside the Monastery after securing Portugal's independence.┬аA City Built on Victory ┬а
Nazare
This historic fishing village attracts beach-goers, culture-lovers, and surfers, who come to ride its record-breaking waves.┬аA Real Catch┬а
Obidos
Traditionally owned by the Queen of Portugal, every house in this hilltop town had to meet the royal aesthetic.┬аThe Town of Queens┬а
Pena Palace in Sintra
King Ferdinand IIтАЩs fantastical jumble of architectural styles is Romanticism on the grandest scale.┬аGenius or Madness┬а
тАЬOur Daytrip tour with Vanda in January from Lisbon to Porto was terrific! She was very knowledgeable and personable, and we totally enjoyed our day, which included stops at Aveiro and Coimbra. We were happy to find a service like this that provides both transportation and sightseeing. Instead of a day spent waiting at the airport for a short flight and then having to find transportation to our hotel, we had door-to-door service, help with luggage, and a guide who could show us new and interesting parts of Portugal, instead of just flying over them! Great concept; reliable service!тАЭ
тАЬMy memory of the trip is a little bleary because we had just come off of an overnight flight, but we all (my family) have only positive feedback to give! Nuno was helpful and gracious and kind. He found us a great little breakfast place in Nazare and described the local pastries. Showed us around the surf area, which was impressive. Enabled us to see Fatima, which was important to a person back home for us to see. It was great to have the ride paired with some tour guide - like information. He was a careful, safe driver and our trip to Porto was pleasant and uneventful and we got to our rental apartment easily while also checking out a little of Porto while entering the city. He did a great job and I love what your company is doing!тАЭ
тАЬBooked a private transfer from Porto to Lisbon. Made stops along the way. Our driver Nuno was excellent. He showed up early and already had our luggage loaded in the car. He allowed some flexibility within our trip while keeping us on time to reach our final destination. He showed us the things to do within the stops and ensured we had enough time to visit. Overall I would highly recommend DaytripтАЭ
тАЬFantastic trip. Excellent service. Our driver, Mr. Pedro was very professional, friendly and helpful. We would definitely use the service again. Highly recommend.тАЭ
тАЬPedro was our driver from Lisbon to Porto with stops along the way. Pedro was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating to any requests, along with being a safe driver. He shared so much interesting information about Portugal and let us take our time at each stop. We could not have asked for a better driver or experience!тАЭ
