Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
TO/FROM THE AIRPORT
The metro's 'violet' line provides a handy service to the airport. A one-way ride from the
city centre costs €1.80 and takes about 45 minutes.
A daytime taxi costs €20 to €25 to/from the centre. Taxis authorised to run
from
the air-
port are labeled 'Maia' and/or 'Vila Nova de Telha'; the rank is just outside the Arrivals
Hall. In peak-traffic time, allow an hour or more between the city centre and the airport.
BICYCLE
Despite the narrow alleyways, steep hills and cobbled streets, cyclists are ubiquitous in
Porto, and there are some particularly great rides along the Douro on dedicated bike paths
from the Ribeira to Foz or from Vila Nova de Gaia to Afurada and beyond.
Vieguini
( 914 306 838;
www.vieguini.pt
;
Rua Nova da Alfandega 7; bikes per hr/day €5/12; 10am-7pm)
Vieguini has a great selection of high-quality mountain bikes and rents out motor scooters
(per day €22.50), too.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Avoid driving in central Porto if possible. Narrow, one-way streets, construction and
heavy traffic can turn 500m into half a morning. Street parking is tight, with a two-hour
maximum stay on weekdays. There is no limit on weekends and parking spaces are more
readily available. Most squares have underground, fee-charging lots - follow the blue Ps.
Beware that men may guide you into places and then expect tips. They can be very dis-
agreeable if you don't comply. They also may direct you into an illegal spot - be sure to
double-check signs.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Bus
Porto's transport agency
STCP
(Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto; 808 200 166;
www.stcp.pt
)
runs an extensive bus system, with central hubs at Praça da Liberdade (the southern end of
Av dos Aliados), Praça Almeida Garrett (in front of São Bento train station) and Cor-
doaria. Special all-night lines also run approximately hourly, leaving Aliados on the hour
and returning on the half-hour from 1am to 5.30am. City
turismos
have maps and
timetables for day and night routes.
A ticket bought on the bus (one way to anywhere in the STCP system) costs €1.50. All
the lines accept the Andante Card (
Click here
)
.
