Porto airport is about 11 km from the city center, and transport costs are reasonable by Western European standards. Portugal remains one of the more affordable countries in the eurozone.
Price breakdown by destination
Aliados / Bolhao (city center)
- Distance: ~11 km, 15-25 minutes by car
- Metro: ~EUR 2.50 (plus EUR 0.60 for Andante card)
- Taxi: EUR 20-28
- Uber/Bolt: EUR 12-18
- Pre-booked transfer: EUR 18-28
- Distance: ~13 km, 20-30 minutes by car
- Metro: ~EUR 2.50 (then walk downhill, 10-15 min from Sao Bento)
- Taxi: EUR 22-32
- Uber/Bolt: EUR 14-22
- Pre-booked transfer: EUR 20-30
- Distance: ~14 km, 20-30 minutes by car
- Taxi: EUR 25-35
- Uber/Bolt: EUR 16-25
- Pre-booked transfer: EUR 20-30
- Distance: ~10 km, 15-25 minutes
- Taxi: EUR 18-28
- Uber/Bolt: EUR 12-18
- Pre-booked transfer: EUR 18-25
- Distance: ~55 km, 40-50 minutes
- Transfer: EUR 50-75
- Taxi: EUR 60-85 (metered)
- Distance: ~60 km, 45-55 minutes
- Transfer: EUR 55-80
- Taxi: EUR 65-90 (metered)
- Distance: ~130 km, 80-100 minutes
- Transfer: EUR 100-150
- Not practical by taxi
Understanding taxi pricing
Porto taxis use meters. The airport pickup adds a small supplement. Luggage stored in the boot incurs a fee of EUR 1.60 per large bag. These extras are legitimate and posted in the taxi. The meter runs on time and distance, so heavy traffic increases the fare.
There is no flat rate from Porto airport. If a driver quotes a fixed price, they are either being helpful or rounding up. You can ask for the meter.
The metro value proposition
At under EUR 3 per person, the metro is by far the cheapest option. For a solo traveler, the savings over a taxi are around EUR 20. For a couple, about EUR 10 each. For a family of four, the metro costs about EUR 12 total versus EUR 25 for a taxi, making the savings less dramatic when you factor in the convenience difference.
The Andante card is reusable and works on all Porto public transport (metro, buses, some trains). If you plan to use public transport during your stay, buying the card at the airport is a good start.
Uber and Bolt savings
Ride-hailing in Porto is noticeably cheaper than taxis. A typical airport-to-center ride costs EUR 12-18, saving EUR 5-10 compared to a metered taxi. The trade-off is a 5-10 minute wait and potentially a smaller vehicle. For budget-conscious travelers who do not want the metro, this is the sweet spot.
What to budget
For central Porto: EUR 3-30 per direction, depending on comfort preference. The metro is perfectly good for able-bodied travelers with manageable luggage. A taxi or Uber is worth it with heavy bags or children.
For destinations beyond Porto: EUR 50-150 depending on distance. Pre-booked transfers offer the best value for longer journeys, with fixed prices and door-to-door service that metered taxis cannot match.