The Ultimate Guide to Public Transport in Porto, Portugal | Blog

Porto might be known for its colourful Ribeira district, Port wine cellars, and steep cobbled streets – but when it comes to getting around the city, I was pleasantly surprised by how efficient and easy the public transport system is.

During my 6-day trip to Porto, I used the Metro every single day. Whether I was heading into the city centre, visiting Vila Nova de Gaia for a wine tasting, or returning to my hotel from São Bento Station, the Metro was my go-to. Clean, reliable, and affordable – it made exploring the city a breeze.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering how to use the Metro or what the Andante card is all about, here’s everything you need to know.

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What is the Porto Metro?

The Porto Metro is a modern light rail system that runs across the city and its surrounding areas. It currently consists of six lines (A–F), covering over 67 km of track and connecting the airport, city centre, residential suburbs, and even beachside towns like Matosinhos.

It’s not your typical underground network – most lines are above ground, especially outside the city centre, which means you can enjoy scenic views along the way. Trains run frequently (every 6–15 minutes depending on the time of day), and the system is easy to navigate thanks to colour-coded lines and digital maps at every station.

What is an Andante Card?

To use the Metro, you’ll need an Andante card, which is Porto’s rechargeable public transport card. It’s valid not only on the Metro but also on buses (STCP), trams, funiculars, and some suburban trains, making it an all-in-one solution for public transport in Porto.

There are two main types of Andante cards you’ll want to know about:

1. Andante Azul (Zapping Card)

This is a reusable card that you top up with journeys or credit. It costs €0.60 for the card itself, and you then load it with zonal tickets based on your journey.

For example:

A Z2 ticket (two zones) currently costs around €1.40 per journey
You validate it once before each trip
This is the best option if you’re staying for more than a day and plan to use public transport multiple times.

2. Andante 24 (1-Day Pass)

This is a 24-hour travel pass that offers unlimited travel within selected zones. It’s ideal for tourists who plan to hop around the city in one day.

Prices vary based on zones:

Z2 (city centre): €4.15
Z3: €5.55, and so on

I personally used the Andante 24 Z2 card for most of my days, especially when heading between my hotel and the city centre. It was great value and saved me the hassle of topping up every time.

Where to Buy Andante Cards

You can buy Andante cards from:

Metro ticket machines (located at all stations)
STCP offices and Andante shops
Porto Airport Metro station (perfect for arrivals)

Ticket machines have an English option and accept both cash and card. I found the machines very easy to use, and topping up only took a minute.

Make sure to always validate your card before boarding by tapping it on the yellow reader at the station. If you forget, you could be fined during a ticket inspection.

Metro Zones Explained (Quickly!)

The Metro operates on a zone-based fare system. Don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Zones are labelled Z2 to Z12, but most tourist attractions fall within Z2 or Z3. When travelling from the airport to the city, you’ll usually need a Z4 ticket, which costs around €2.00.

If you’re unsure how many zones you’ll be crossing, the ticket machines can calculate this for you. Just enter your destination, and it will tell you which ticket you need.

My Experience Using the Metro in Porto

Throughout my entire stay in Porto, I relied on the Metro every day – and honestly, I loved how simple and efficient it was. Trains were always on time, stations were clean and safe, and most importantly, it made it incredibly easy to get across the city without the stress of traffic or the cost of taxis.

Even when staying slightly outside the city centre, I was able to reach most of Porto’s major sights – like Livraria Lello, São Bento Station, and the Port wine cellars in Gaia – within 15 to 30 minutes. The Metro made my daily adventures hassle-free and gave me more time to explore.

If you’re travelling solo, the system is very intuitive. And if you’re unsure of which stop to get off at, the in-train announcements are clear and shown on digital displays too – however, in train announcements are made in Portuguese.

Top Tips for Using Porto’s Metro & Andante Cards

Buy your Andante card as soon as you arrive – the airport has a ticket machine right outside the Metro entrance. This is something that I didn’t do but will be doing, if I go back again.
Validate your card every time you travel – even if you’ve already topped it up
Hold onto your card – it’s reusable for future top-ups
Use the Metro to get to the beach – Line A takes you to Matosinhos for a seaside day trip
Avoid rush hour if possible – trains can get crowded between 8–9am and 5–6:30pm

Is the Metro the Best Way to Get Around Porto?

In my opinion – absolutely. It’s fast, affordable, and reaches all the major districts and attractions. For solo travellers and budget-conscious explorers, it’s the most convenient way to get around Porto. If you’re only in town for a short stay, I’d recommend grabbing the Andante 24-hour pass and planning your sightseeing accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Porto is a beautiful and compact city, and its public transport system – especially the Metro – is one of the most efficient I’ve used in Europe. Thanks to the Andante card, I was able to explore everything the city had to offer without breaking the bank or getting lost.

Whether you’re heading to the Ribeira for a sunset by the Douro or visiting the famous Livraria Lello, the Metro will get you there smoothly. So skip the stress and embrace the local way of moving around – it’s quick, clean, and reliable.

If you’re planning your first trip to Porto, take it from me – the Metro and Andante card combo is a game changer.

You won’t need a car, and in most cases, you won’t need a taxi either. For example, I used the Metro to get from my hotel to landmarks like Clérigos Tower, São Bento Station, and even to visit the legendary Livraria Lello – Porto’s most iconic bookstore.