Private car transfer
from Porto to Obidos

Door-to-door
in 2 h 20 min

From ...
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Porto.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 20 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Obidos.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

239 km
2 h 20 min

Overview: car trip from Porto to Obidos

Obidos is often considered a day trip from Lisbon, the most visited city in Portugal. Despite its small size, Obidos is definitely worth more than just a quick stopover, especially if you are traveling from Porto. The distance from Porto to Obidos is approximately 148 miles (239 km), and you can travel this route in around 2 hours and 20 minutes. However, you can extend your trip by exploring other cities and landmarks along the way.

The best way to do this is by securing a private car service like Daytrip. Begin your journey with a stop in Aveiro, known as Portugal’s ‘Little Venice’. Next, explore the charming university town of Coimbra and soak in medieval history at the well-preserved Castle of Montemor o Velho. Wrap up your journey by visiting the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Batalha or the Monastery of Alcobaca, and don’t miss the impressive waves along the coast of Nazare.

About Obidos

Just 50 miles (80 km) west of Portugal’s capital city lies the enchanting town of Obidos, perched on a hill. It is known for its highly well-preserved medieval architecture, charming cobblestoned streets, and the impressive 12th-century castle, where you'll find the best panoramic views of the city.

As you admire the city from above, you will see the typical white-washed houses with yellow and blue accents, the iconic terracotta roof tiles, and the walls that extend from the castle and surround the entire city.

Although it was once common to build walls around cities, many have lost their fortifications over the centuries. However, Obidos has managed to preserve its walls that now tell stories from the city’s past which makes it feel like you are walking through a museum.

Like many other parts of the Iberian Peninsula, Obidos was under Moorish rule until 1148, when Portugal’s first king, Afonso I, captured the town during the Christian Reconquista. In 1210, King Afonso II gifted Obidos to his wife, Queen Urraca. From the 12th to 14th century, Obidos’ symbol, the castle, was built.

Today, Obidos is known for its well-preserved medieval charm, but the city went through a period of neglect from the 19th to the mid-20th century. During these years, Portugal was undergoing economic and political changes, and Obidos was no longer used as a strategic site. It was not until the second half of the 20th century that the restoration works began and the city started attracting visitors ready to get transported back to medieval times.

From Porto to Obidos: travel tips

Even with the brief distance from Porto to Obidos, there are a couple of things to consider before you begin your journey:

Spend the night in Obidos

Obidos is more than just a quick stop, so plan an overnight stay. Spending the night allows you to beat the crowds at the main attractions like the castle and make the most of your visit by exploring the key landmarks first thing in the morning.

Parking is limited

Given that Obidos is a small town and a popular day trip destination, finding a parking place can be challenging. To avoid that, consider using alternative transportation options, such as Daytrip’s private car service.

Bring comfortable footwear

It is not just the lack of parking space that makes driving to Obidos less ideal. The town is perched on a hill, so expect many steep climbs. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear, although you should already be prepared after visiting Porto.

How to get from Porto to Obidos

Although Obidos is well-connected to Lisbon, it is a bit of a hassle to travel from Porto to Obidos, unless you opt for a straightforward mode of transportation. Here are the options you can choose from:

From Porto to Obidos by bus

There are no direct buses from Porto to Obidos. You first have to travel to Lisbon and then take a bus that goes from Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha with a stop in Obidos (so don’t miss it!).

For the first part of your trip (Porto to Lisbon), you can take a bus operated by Rede Expressos that will get you to Lisbon in 3.5 hours. Tickets cost around $6 (€5.45).

Once you reach Lisbon, take the Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha bus operated by Rodotejo. You can check the timetable online, however, bear in mind that you can only buy the tickets directly from the bus driver. It takes around 1 hour to reach Obidos.

From Porto to Obidos by rental car

If you would rather avoid taking multiple buses to Obidos, renting a car is a more convenient option. There are several car rental companies available, so it is a good idea to compare them to find the best deal. Just be aware that the route includes tolls.

From Porto to Obidos by private car service

Daytrip’s private car service is the best choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of buses and prioritize their comfort. Your driver will gladly pick you up from your accommodation in Porto, handle your luggage, and take you on a comfortable, nearly 2.5-hour drive to Obidos. Our cars are clean and well-maintained, equipped with air conditioning for summer travel, and we provide bottled water for your convenience.

While comfort is the core of our service, one of our main advantages is the option to include sightseeing stops. When you book with us, you can add any stops you like along the way from Porto to Obidos. Whether it is the stunning canals of Aveiro, Coimbra’s historic university, or the impressive city of Alcobaca, you will find something that suits your interests.

Things to do when you get to Obidos

Sometimes the tiniest towns offer the most memorable experiences, and Obidos is a perfect example. After exploring on your way from Porto to Obidos, get lost in this town’s charming streets. If you need some ideas, here we have summarized our favorite things to do or visit:

Admire the medieval castle

One of the main reasons many visit Obidos is its impressive, well-preserved Castle of Obidos. Although you cannot explore the interior of the castle since it has been transformed into a luxury hotel, you can visit the garden and walk along the castle walls, which stretch approximately 5,134 feet (1,565 meters). Be aware that some sections of the walls lack protective barriers, so exploring them may not be suitable for families with small children.

Explore the literary heritage

Obidos is undoubtedly a paradise for literature lovers. It is quite fitting, as the town itself looks like it is straight out of a fairytale. In 2015, Obidos hosted its first International Literature Festival (known as FOLIO in Portuguese), and the town has since been recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature

As you explore the castle walls that surround the city, you will encounter a surprise—the Santiago Bookstore. Obidos truly takes literature to the next level, with even a book-themed hotel available for accommodation. If you’re a book lover searching for a place to stay in Obidos, look no further!

Sample the famous cherry liquor

Although you can find cherry liquor, or _ginja _as the locals call it, in other parts of Portugal, sampling it in Obidos is a unique experience—it is served in chocolate cups! While you can enjoy the drink without the chocolate cup, tasting it this way adds a special touch. Search for the street of Rua Direita where cups of _ginja _can be found for just over $1 (€1)!

When is the best time to visit Obidos

If you want to experience one of Obidos’ iconic events, be sure to check the exact dates and book everything in advance. However, if you prefer to explore the town’s medieval charm without the added buzz, the best time to visit Obidos is from March to September.

During these months, there is a lower chance of rain, and the temperatures are pleasant. Make sure to check the dates of the events mentioned above to avoid any overlap with your visit. Since Obidos is a popular day trip destination from Lisbon, try to avoid visiting on weekends if you prefer to escape the crowds.

However, Obidos is a city that offers something in each season. Here are a few of the special events:

Spring: the Chocolate Festival
Summer: the Medieval Fair
Fall: Literary Festival
Winter: “Christmas Village”

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Porto to Obidos

While it is possible to travel between these cities by train, it involves several transfers, slow rides, and wait times. You would first take a train from Porto to Lisbon, then transfer to another train from Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha, and finally take a third train to Obidos.

Traveling from Porto to Obidos can be quite complicated unless you choose a straightforward mode of transportation, such as a rental car or private car service. Taking the train is not very convenient, and buses typically involve multiple transfers.

There is no direct bus from Porto to Obidos. To travel by bus, you first need to take a bus to Lisbon and then transfer to a bus heading to Caldas da Rainha, which will stop at Obidos.

The fastest way to travel from Porto to Obidos is by rental car or private car service, such as Daytrip. This allows you to go directly to your destination without worrying about transfers or potential delays. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The easiest way to travel from Porto to Obidos is with Daytrip’s private car service. You won’t have to worry about finding the right bus station, dealing with delays or missed buses, or the risks associated with renting a car. A local driver will be assigned to take you to your destination and stop at any sightseeing stops you might want to explore along the way.

Absolutely! Although Obidos is quite touristy, it is for good reason. This charming town transports you back to medieval times, offering a unique experience.

Visit these sights on the way

Aveiro

Dubbed “the Venice of Portugal” because of its canals and gondola-like boats, visitors will find Aveiro has its own unique identity. The “Venice” of Portugal

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. The Medieval Capital of Portugal

Montemor-o-Velho castle

Originating as an Islamic fortification, this imposing fortress is predates the very concept of Portugal as a nation. Older than Portugal Itself

Batalha

Dominated by the great Dominican monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, Batalha was developed alongside the Monastery after securing Portugal's independence. A City Built on Victory

Alcobaca

This medieval city is inextricably linked to its UNESCO-protected Monastery. Monk Made

Nazare

This historic fishing village attracts beach-goers, culture-lovers, and surfers, who come to ride its record-breaking waves. A Real Catch

Why people love Daytrip

4,800+ reviews

568 travelers took this route with us

Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B

James B

Nov 9, 2024

May 8, 2019

Great private transfer service

“This was our first time using Daytrip (from Obidos to Porto with stops at Coimbra and Aveiro) and the overall experience is great. We booked our trip only 2 days in advance and felt a sense of relief after getting the confirmation within an hour. The driver information was clear and we managed to contact the driver on the day of our trip. Our driver Mauricio A. was very friendly and professional, speaking fluent English and we did have a good conversation. We got an upgrade on the vehicle class which had plenty of space for two of us and our bulky luggage. A convenience and hassle free door-to-door transfer which allows you to add stops.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler cliffyeung

cliffyeung

May 8, 2019

Jul 15, 2018

portgual

“We used Daytrip in Portugal - from Obidos to Porto and then Porto to Lisbon. Excellent service - from hotel to hotel. My wife and I have always used train or bus in Europe - but this sure made life easier and convenient. to be able to set your own schedule on a vacation can be priceless.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Raj T

Raj T

Jul 15, 2018

Dec 19, 2017

Way to go

“We used this service between Porto and Óbidos Portugal and it was definitely the right decision. Fast door to door service. Great driver.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Paula1a

Paula1a

Dec 19, 2017

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat

Passengers and luggage

Clean
Comfortable
Air conditioned
Handicapped accessible
Child seats
Pet friendly
Smoke-free

From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class

Passengers and luggage

All standard sedan features
Luxurious vehicle
Chauffeur-style service
Extra amenities

From ... per seatSelect

More options

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran

Passengers and luggage

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Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito

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The Daytrip driver advantage

Local knowledge about the route from Porto to Obidos
Including available sights:
English speaking*
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
Safety first!
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

Available 24/7
Close relationship with drivers
Experts on the route from Porto to Obidos

US +1 628 201 9501 UK +44 20 3318 1119 daytrip@daytrip.com

Flexible cancellation policy

Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,700+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.