Day Trip To Porto From Lisbon: Honest Guide + Itinerary

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Thinking about doing a day trip to Porto from Lisbon? On paper, it sounds amazing: two incredible Portuguese cities in one trip. But here’s the catch, getting there means spending over six hours of your day on trains or buses.

That leaves you just a handful of hours to actually explore the city before heading back to Lisbon late at night.

So, is it worth it? The honest answer: yes, but only if you know what to expect. A Porto day trip is long and tiring, but it’s also an unforgettable way to experience Portugal’s second-largest city if your schedule doesn’t allow for an overnight stay.

I spent a full month living in Porto, and after researching and testing different travel options, I put together this guide to help you decide if a day trip is right for you, and if it is, exactly how to make the most of your short time in Porto.

Table of Contents

Travel Time and Distance from Lisbon to Porto

Lisbon and Porto are separated by about 314 kilometers (195 miles).

By train or car, the journey takes a little over 3 hours each way, which means you’ll spend 6–7 hours of your day just traveling. Add in waiting times and the walk to your hotel or station in Lisbon, and it quickly adds up to 7-8 hours in transit.

My recommendation: if you can, plan to stay at least one night in Porto. That way you’ll get a full, relaxed day in the city without rushing back the same evening. But if an overnight isn’t possible, a well-planned day trip itinerary can still give you a wonderful taste of Porto.

Clerigos Tower next to some colourful houses, a must stop on a day trip to Porto from Lisbon — Clerigos Tower on the left

How to Get from Lisbon to Porto

There are four main ways to reach Porto from Lisbon, by train, bus, guided tour, or rental car, and each has its pros and cons depending on your budget, comfort level, and how much flexibility you want. Find the right choice for you by comparing the options:

Updated Travel Option Table

Option	Time (one way)	Cost	Pros	Cons	Best For	Book now
Train	3h	$$	Fast, comfortable	One change in Campanha	Most travelers	Book train
Bus	3h15–4h	$	Cheapest	Less comfort, slower	Budget travelers	Book bus
Group Tour	full day tour (~12h)	$$	Hassle-free, includes guide, see 3 cities in one day (Porto, Nazare and Obidos)	not much time in each place	Those who want guided experience	Book tour
Private Tour	full day tour (~10h)	$$$	Customisable, hotel pick-up	Expensive	Travelers who want an easy, hassle-free day trip	Book private tour
Car	3h	$$$	Flexible, scenic	Exhausting, limited parking in Porto	Not recommended for day trip	Rent car

Sample Day Trip Itinerary: Lisbon to Porto by Train

The train is the most convenient way to do a day trip from Lisbon to Porto. Here’s how your day could look if you catch the 8:00 AM train from Lisboa Santa Apolónia. (Always double-check train times for your exact date and book your tickets in advance, as they sell out)

8:00 AM – Depart Lisbon

Catch the Alfa Pendular train at Lisboa Santa Apolónia. You’ll change once at Porto Campanhã, but instead of taking a taxi or bus, transfer to the local train into São Bento, arriving right in the city center at this stunning train station is part of the experience.

Interior of São Bento Railway Station in Porto, Portugal, featuring large arched windows, a central clock, and iconic blue-and-white azulejo tile murals depicting historical scenes. Travelers and tourists are scattered around the ornate hall, admiring the artwork and checking schedules. — The beautiful train station in Porto

11:10 AM – Arrive at São Bento Station

Take a few minutes to admire the azulejo tile murals in the station’s main hall. They’re some of the most impressive in all of Portugal, depicting historical scenes in blue-and-white detail.

Porto Cathedral with a statue in front, it's worth a small stop on your one day in Porto itinerary — Porto Cathedral

11:30 AM – Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

From São Bento, it’s a short walk up to the cathedral. The church itself is beautiful, but don’t miss the amazing views over Porto’s rooftops and the Douro River from the square in front.

12:00 PM – Quick Lunch in Ribeira

Head down through the winding alleys toward the Ribeira neighborhood. Grab a quick bite here, there are plenty of restaurants with river views. If you’re vegan, daTerra Baixa (on the way down) is a great option.

colourful houses with some chairs and tables in front — Colourful houses at Ribeira

1:00 PM – Private Douro River Cruise + Port Tasting

Combine two of Porto’s most famous experiences in one: a private boat tour with a Port wine welcome drink.

This 2-hour cruise takes you under Porto’s bridges and past the Ribeira waterfront, while also letting you enjoy a taste of the city’s signature wine. Far more relaxing than the crowded tourist boats, and a highlight of any short visit.

🚤 Book your boat tour in advance before it sells out! 🍷

3:30 PM – Porto Sign at City Hall

After your cruise, head uphill to Praça do Município to snap a photo at the giant blue PORTO letters in front of City Hall. It’s a fun souvenir shot from your whirlwind day.

inside the bookshop Livraria Lello — Magical stairs

4:00 PM – Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, with its famous staircase and stained-glass skylight. It does get crowded, so book your ticket online in advance.

Bronze plaque with city in the background — View from Clerigos Tower

5:00 PM – Clérigos Tower

Climb the 225 steps of the Clérigos Tower for great views over Porto. It’s a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views are worth it, and it’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Be sure to book your ticket online in advance to avoid long queues.

6:00 PM – Dinner at Kind Kitchen

End your day with a meal at Kind Kitchen, my favorite vegan restaurant in Porto. Their Francesinha (a Porto specialty) is delicious, and the desserts are amazing too.

8:30 PM – Train Back to Lisbon

Catch the return train from São Bento (8:30 PM) or Porto Campanhã (8:40 PM), arriving back in Lisbon around 11:30 PM. This is the last train from Porto to Lisbon.

⚠️ Important: Do not miss the last train, it’s the only way back to Lisbon the same night. Plan to be at the station early so you don’t risk cutting it too close.

View of the old town of Porto and a steel bridge spanning a river, the best view of any 3 day Porto itinerary — View of Ribeira and the bridge

Is Porto Worth a Day Trip from Lisbon?

So, after all this, is a day trip to Porto from Lisbon really worth it? The truth is, it depends.

Even in just a few hours you can experience the highlights: the tile-covered beauty of São Bento Station, the sweeping views from the cathedral and Clérigos Tower, the magic of Livraria Lello, a stroll through Ribeira, and even a boat tour with a glass of Port in hand.

But, it comes at a cost: you’ll spend six or seven hours on trains, and by the time you return to Lisbon late at night, you’ll be absolutely exhausted. A day trip is doable, but it’s rushed, a taste of Porto rather than a true experience.

My recommendation: If you can, stay at least one or two nights in Porto. That way you’ll have time to dive deeper into its neighborhoods, try more of the local cuisine, and enjoy the city without constantly checking the clock.

If you’re considering extending your trip, don’t miss my 3 Day Porto Itinerary, where I show you how to really get to know this incredible city.