The road trip from the lively capital city of Lisbon to the more laid-back but fascinating city of Porto is not just a drive between Portugal's two biggest cities but an enchanting journey across Portugal’s stunning west coast. Surrounded by rolling green hills and quaint countryside there are some scenic sightseeing stops to be discovered.
After meeting your driver at your desired pick-up point, you will leave behind the hilly Lisbon streets and hit the highway to Porto. Along the way, you will pass lush green hills, fruitful vineyards, and cozy towns nestled amongst the pretty Portuguese countryside. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views from the comfort of your climate-controlled vehicle, expertly driven by your local driver.
On route you can discover fascinating sightseeing stops. From the Gothic architecture of Batalha to the colorful fishing village of Aveiro, take the opportunity to discover some of the wonders of Portugal at your leisure. Your friendly and professional driver will happily share with you some local tips, turning your car trip into an insightful part of your Portuguese adventure.
Approaching Porto, you will be greeted with panoramic views of the Douro River which you will cross via bridge into the historic center of Porto. Your driver will expertly navigate the complex city streets and drop you off directly at your hotel, ready to explore the city.
Treat yourself to a scenic, convenient, and relaxed journey to Porto by traveling with Daytrip, where you can elevate your trip into a scenic sightseeing tour of Portugal’s best treasures in comfort and leisure.
About Porto
Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe, offering historic architecture and cultural charm along a scenic riverside.
Porto dates back to Roman times and is full of history and culture at every turn. The city’s historic center, where you can find many magnificent landmarks to be inspired by, such as the iconic Porto Cathedral and the gold-gilded Sao Francisco Church, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The historic center stretches down to the famous Ribeira neighborhood, a picturesque waterfront area along the Douro River where the cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings decorated with bright azulejos (Portuguese tiles) and contrasting terracotta rooftops. Tourists and locals come together here to enjoy the restaurants and cafes while admiring the panoramic views of the river and the arched Luis I Bridge.
While it is a historic city, Porto also offers a wealth of contemporary culture such as at the Serralves Foundation where you can admire contemporary art, and the stunning Casa da Musica, a contemporary concert hall where you can catch the Porto Symphony Orchestra.
Fantastic food and wine are a key part of Porto’s culture. Port wine takes its name from Porto. It’s been produced in the region since the 17th century and is the city’s biggest export. Many wine cellars dot the city, especially along the Douro River, where you can delight your senses with the stunning riverside views and sweet taste of fine wine.
Porto offers a relaxed experience among rich history and culture, easily explored through its walkable cobbled streets lined with vibrant architecture. With so much to do, see, and eat, you’ll definitely want to make this more than a day trip.
From Lisbon to Porto: Travel tips
Ensure a seamless travel experience across Portugal’s west coast with these essential travel tips.
Choose a reputable provider for your tour
To ensure a comfortable, convenient, and stress-free travel experience, make sure to choose a reputable provider for your car service like Daytrip.
Talk to your driver
While they are not professional tour guides, your local, English-speaking driver will be happy to share their local knowledge of the region with you during your drive and will ensure your comfort in case you need to stop for restroom breaks or to adjust the climate control or music. So if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask your driver.
### Decide the best departure time
The roads will be busier at peak hours in the morning and evening, especially during the busy tourist season. For this reason, if you can leave early morning or late afternoon we recommend you to do so. There will be fewer chances for traffic jams and for more time for sightseeing!
### Pack well for the city
Being a walkable city with cobbled streets, make sure you have comfortable flat shoes for walking around Porto.
### Enhance your trip with sightseeing stops
The route from Lisbon to Porto is lined with fascinating sightseeing locations to discover, such as the picturesque Pena Palace and the historic city of Coimbra. Make the most out of your journey by adding some sightseeing stops to your trip, turning your trip into a spectacular sightseeing tour across Portugal. If there is somewhere you would like to stop that is not listed on our website, we can help you add this to your trip! Feel free to fill out our custom route form with your desired itinerary and you will be provided with a quote. Please note that due to logistical constraints, you must add your sightseeing stops to your itinerary well in advance of your departure to ensure they are guaranteed.
### Finally, enjoy the road trip!
The journey from Lisbon to Porto offers you the opportunity to see the stunning Portuguese west coast, all from the comfort of your vehicle with a friendly local driver. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
How to get from Lisbon to Porto
Deciding how to go from Lisbon to Porto is a key part of your Portuguese holiday that you should plan with consideration. With many travel options possible, each option offers its own unique experience. A private car service stands out as the best option, as it is convenient, comfortable, effortless, and allows for customization.
From Lisbon to Porto by car
The drive from Lisbon to Porto is 195 miles long (314 km) and the driving time is approximately 3 hours, but can vary based on traffic. While convenient, driving a rental car around Porto is challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking spots, making it a potentially stressful experience.
From Lisbon to Porto by train
Train services run regularly from Lisbon to Porto. The travel time is between 2 hours and 40 minutes and 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on if you get a high-speed or an intercity train. While this option is fast, getting a train can be inconvenient due to luggage handling and inflexible train schedules.
### From Lisbon to Porto by bus
Bus services run regularly from Lisbon to Porto and the travel time is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. While inexpensive, getting a bus takes the longest amount of time, meaning less time for sightseeing. You also have the inconvenience of handling your luggage and your departure time being determined by bus schedules.
### From Lisbon to Porto by plane
Traveling from Lisbon to Porto by plane takes around 1 hour. Considering how far apart Lisbon and Porto are, this appears to be the quickest option. But you have to take into account travel times to and from the airport and time going through the airports, making the journey time longer. You will also not have the chance to admire the beautiful Portuguese countryside or sightseeing stops along the route.
### From Lisbon to Porto with Daytrip
Alternately, traveling via private car service with Daytrip offers a seamless, convenient, and stress-free experience from the beginning. We offer a door-to-door service, so you will be picked up directly at your doorstep in Lisbon and dropped off at your accommodation in Porto. This removes the hassle of handling your luggage or having to rush to get the next bus or train as you have the freedom to choose your departure time.
With Daytrip, you also have the advantage of being able to customize your trip. You can choose your vehicle from a comfortable sedan car to a spacious van or travel in style in a luxury sedan. Then personalize your itinerary with optional sightseeing stops along the way. We offer our hand-picked recommendations on our website such as the historic town of Obidos, or the coastal town of Nazare. If there is another spot you are interested in stopping at, even for a quick pastel de nata break, with a private car service like Daytrip, you can create your perfect trip!
You also have the benefit of having a local, English-speaking driver with Daytrip, who will share their local knowledge of the region, transforming your trip to a fascinating journey across Portugal’s west coast.
Overall, a private car service like Daytrip stands out against the other transport options as the best way to get from Lisbon to Porto. It offers a seamless, stress-free, and convenient experience where you can travel at your leisure and have the opportunity to discover some spectacular sightseeing stops along the way in comfort. It’s all the benefits of going by car, without any of the drawbacks!
Things to do when you get to Porto
Arriving in Porto, you will find a city full of history and culture at every turn, natural beauty in its scenic riverside, and a vibrant food and wine scene.
Begin in the UNESCO-listed historic center, the heart of Porto, to discover many beautiful churches and the breathtaking cathedral. Begun in the 12th century, it blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, and throws in a splash of color with 18th century azulejos. Stroll along to Francisco Church, where the dark Gothic exterior contrasts with the opulent gold-gilded interior.
For more beautifully designed buildings, visit the enchanting Lello Bookstore, said to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world. It’s rumored that when JK Rowling was working in Porto in the 90s, the art-nouveau wooden interior and a stunning red staircase provided inspiration for some of Hogwarts’ architectural elements in the Harry Potter series.
From here, visit the Clerigos Tower. Standing at 246 feet (76 meters) tall, climb the 240 steps for magnificent views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and the Douro coastline. Then head downhill for a stroll through the cobblestone streets to the famous Ribeira waterfront. Tourists and locals come together in this picturesque, authentic, and lively area to enjoy the colorful buildings and tranquil river dominated by the iconic Luis I Bridge. Full of traditional restaurants and vibrant cafes, it’s the perfect place to stop after some sightseeing for a bite to eat. Here you can try Porto’s famous francesinha, a sandwich of cheese and meat, covered in a rich beer sauce. For more flavors of Porto, visit a Port wine cellar for a tour and a chance to taste the full-bodied and sweet wine the city is famous for.
For art lovers, don’t miss the Serralves Foundation. The award-winning pink art deco building, surrounded by a beautifully manicured park, houses the Serralves Museum. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions of Portuguese and international contemporary art.
As the sun begins to set, catch panoramic views of Porto from the architecturally impressive Luis I Bridge or take a stroll across the bridge to Morro Garden to take a cable car up to the lively palm tree-lined hilltops, where an even more spectacular city view awaits you.
The best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto is by private car service. It is the most convenient and flexible option which allows you to customize your itinerary for a scenic and relaxing traveling experience.
The car trip from Lisbon to Porto takes around 3 hours, although the driving time can vary depending on traffic.
For a car service from Lisbon to Porto, you can expect to pay between €343 to €494 for a one-way trip without sightseeing stops, depending on when you book, seasonality, and your vehicle choice. The best prices are available when booking in advance. If you are traveling as a group of 7 passengers, the price can be as low as €71 per person!
Yes, you can! An advantage of choosing a private car service with Daytrip is the possibility of quick stops along the way for photos or sightseeing stops. You can ask your driver for a quick photo stop during your journey or add sightseeing stops to your trip in advance of departure. For logistical reasons, you must add sightseeing stops to your itinerary in advance of your departure to guarantee them.
There are direct bus, train, and plane options from Lisbon to Porto, although they can be less convenient and flexible than a private car service.
The distance from Lisbon to Porto is 195 miles (314 km) along the highway.
Make sure to pack comfortable shoes for strolling around Porto. We also recommend traveling in the early morning or late afternoon to ensure a smoother journey with less traffic.
沿途参观这些景点
辛特拉的佩纳宫
King Ferdinand II’s fantastical jumble of architectural styles is Romanticism on the grandest scale. Genius or Madness
奥比杜斯
Traditionally owned by the Queen of Portugal, every house in this hilltop town had to meet the royal aesthetic. The Town of Queens
纳扎雷
This historic fishing village attracts beach-goers, culture-lovers, and surfers, who come to ride its record-breaking waves. A Real Catch
巴塔利亚
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
法蒂玛
After 3 children had visions of the Virgin Mary, this farm-town transformed into a miraculous mecca. Portugal’s Holy City
科英布拉
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
阿维罗
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
"We really enjoyed our trip from Lisbon to Porto. Luis S was absolutely wonderful. Very helpful and knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile to make sure we had a great time - and of course a safe trip. Please let him know how much we appreciate him. He'll remember us, because it was my first time back to Portugal (where I was born) since I was 9 years old.
"
Maria E.
United States
2024年11月18日
"Joao was fantastic! Couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Gave us great suggestions for stops and meals, including his personal favorite roast pig restaurant in Mealhado. And went out of his way to accommodate the one in our group on crutches. Will definitely specifically request João next time we’re in Portugal or Spain. "
David S.
United States
2024年11月4日
"Bernardo exceeded our expectations!
He was very punctual and even sent a text message to inform us of his arrival before we got to the hotel lobby.
Bernardo was very respectful and good on the wheels. He was well dressed and his car was very clean and extra comfortable for our trip."
Kojo F.
Ghana
2024年11月4日
"It was delightful! Nuno was super professional and nice! Very knowledgeable and respectful. Our ride was on time. A+! "
MARTA R.
Puerto Rico
2024年11月1日
"We had a great day with Nuno and he arrived on time he gave us some suggestions to stop on the way so we changed our original stop to a new one with a number of fish restaurants.A good lunch was had arriving in Porto on time. He was very informative on the journey and answered the many questions from a group of 5
The vehicle was very comfortable
Highly recommended many thanks."
RAY J.
United Kingdom
2024年10月20日
"Our first trip with Vitor was an extremely pleasant and educational experience. He informed us early on that we would have rain and bad weather for most of the ride. He was an experienced and careful driver which was much appreciated given the bad weather. We had scheduled a stop in Nazaré and fortunately the weather cleared while we were there.
Vitor allowed us plenty of time for photos and even bought us a chocolate and porto local delicacy while we were there.Throughout the drive he answered questions about the areas we were passing through and gave us some general history about Porto along the way. We made one additional stop for facilities and coffee, as well, which was much appreciated.
He was extremely helpful with our luggage at both ends of the trip and ensured that everything was taken care of for us.
I can highly recommend Vitor as a lovely person and a very good driver."
Victoria W.
United States
2024年10月9日
"Excellent trip with Jorge! He was friendly and helpful during the journey - allowing us the time we needed at stops. We had a lovely journey from Lisbon -> Porto."
Bridget G.
United States
2024年10月6日
"Paulo was great - gave us lots of information about the places we visited (we had 4 stops). We’d never have been able to squeeze in all the stops on our own. His car was spotless and extremely comfortable. The trip was a real pleasure!
"
Naomi M.
United States
2024年10月2日
"We had great time traveling Lisbon to Porto with our driver Pedro S. He was very professional friendly and helpful. We had one stop in Obidos and reached Porto in time.We would recommend Day trip to anyone who wants to visit. Thanks. Jitendra and Bharti Desai
"
Jitendra D.
United States
2024年10月1日
"Jorge was Fantastic. Very courteous and polite.
He was on time and drove very well.
Overall it was a great trip for us.
Thanks"
Kunal G.
Canada
2024年9月27日
"Mario was the best driver guide ever. He arrived early but did not rush us to get away. The vehicle was immaculate and Mario extremely accommodating to our needs. He not only has an excellent command of the English language, he is very worldly Wie nd we had ongoing conversations around a variety of international topics. He is a great asset to the company and we were very pleased to enjoy his company. Kind regards Annette
"
Annette N.
New Zealand
2024年9月20日
"Jorge was absolutely awesome. Engaging, knowledgeable and courteous. Would totally ask for him and highly recommend. 5 star for sure. "
Raymond U.
United States
2024年9月20日
"Fabio was a wonderful driver. He was kind, helpful and very obliging. We really enjoyed the trip and would highly recommend Fabio, he was such a gentleman.
"
Cathrine M.
Australia
2024年9月20日
"The Daytrip transfer was excellent. Nuno carried our bags down 4 flights of stairs to get them from our Lisbon apartment to the car. Definitely above and beyond what was expected. He was happy to spend extra time in Nazaré so that we could take the funicular and later suggested a good restaurant for lunch before we got to Porto. It was a great way to get between cities. "
Jane E.
United States
2024年9月18日
"Pedro was a wonderful. He was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. He made our journey enjoyable and we would highly recommend him.
"
Dave C.
Canada
2024年9月18日
"Our drive was great. Constantino arrived early ans was a great driver. He was safe and delivered us door to door with no issues. He even helped us with our crazy heavy bags. It was an easy convenient trip.
"
Gail R.
United States
2024年9月17日
"Hello, This was the first time we used Daytrip. It could not have worked better! Paolo was at our hotel 10 minutes ahead of schedule. His van was in new condition and he was an excellent and professional driver. HE WAS THE BEST. We will definitely use Daytrip on our next adventure. Bill M.
"
William M.
United States
2024年9月16日
"We were very pleased with the service we received. Our driver Agnelo F was superb. He was a very good driver plus he was a joy to ride with. He was very friendly, personable and engaging pointing out sites and explaining Portuguese culture.
"
Thomas H.
United States
2024年9月11日
" Alex was very helpful with the luggage, respectful and corteous during the trip, always ready to answer our enquiries, besides driving extremely well. My wife and I felt safe and comfortable. Thank you also for the upgrade, that came as a very good surprise!
"
Antonio C.
Brazil
2024年9月7日
"Amazing trip. I would use Daytrip again! I LOVED your service. It was the only thing I could find that worked for our family of 12. Our drivers were excellent. Professional, flexible, accommodating, and truly lovely! I will keep checking to see if you expand into other counties than Spain and Portugal!
Thank you again for a wonderful experience!"
