Everything you need to know about Porto's metro, buses and trains

Zones and tickets

Porto’s public transportation is operated by three different companies. But that doesn’t mean you need a separate ticket for everything: the metro, buses and some trains have an integrated Andante system. It allows you to transfer from one mode of transportation to another with a single ticket.

The price of a trip depends on the zones. To cross only one or two zones, you need a z2 ticket, three — z3 and so on. There is no limit to the number of transfers, but each time you change transportation, you have to put your ticket to the validator.

There are several types of Andante cards. Blue cards (Andante Azul) cost 0,60 €, are not personalized and are made of paper. You can buy and record rides on this card at metro machines or Andante kiosks. Anyone can use it, but only one person per trip is required.

Despite their appearance, blue cards are not disposable and can be refilled. The only thing is that trips on the same card can only be the same. That is, you can’t put a z3 ticket on it while there are still z2 tickets left.

You can’t buy Andante Gold tickets in a machine — only at Andante kiosks with a passport, but not necessarily a Portuguese passport. They are plastic, cost 6 € and include the name and photo of the holder. Individual trips are also recorded on gold cards, but more often — monthly passes. Without social discounts (e.g. for children and students) a pass costs from 30 € to 40 €.

You can also sign up for a daily pass — Andante 24 — on both types of cards. It will cost between 4.15 € and 18 € depending on the zones. You can buy it at kiosks and vending machines.

Another option is the Andante Tour card, which is valid for all zones and does not limit the number of transfers. Such a ticket for 24 hours will cost 7 €, and for 72 hours — 15 €. However, Andante Tour cards are sold only at special kiosks and cannot be refilled.

• Prices for card travel

• Addresses of stores and kiosks

Porto Metro

The subway in Porto is not like the Russian one. Most of the stations are above-ground, and many of them are not fenced in any way and look like streetcar stops. And the trains themselves are small: they usually have two cars each.

The local metro is operated by Metro do Porto. The network has 82 stations and 6 lines, which «converge» in the center at the station Trindade (Trindade). Trains run from 6am to 1 or 2am, depending on the line.

You can buy tickets from vending machines or kiosks at the station.

There are no turnstiles, but the ticket is attached to a validator on the platform: you can’t do this on the train. Every time you change to another train or branch, you must validate your ticket again. Otherwise it is not valid.

• Metro train schedule
• Ticket and pass prices
• Route planner

Porto buses

The metro in Porto does not cover all neighborhoods. For example, the Foz do Douro area, with its clean beaches and ancient lighthouse, can only be reached by bus.

The municipal bus routes in Porto are operated by STCP. They are easily recognizable by their white and blue design and lighted boards.

There are over 70 routes in the city, and that can be intimidating: it’s unclear how many zones you need a ticket for, and how to check that.

• Approximate bus schedule
• Ticket and pass prices

In fact, unless you’re traveling from one distant suburb to another, you’re unlikely to need a ticket higher than z3. To be sure, calculate the route on the carrier’s website. By clicking «+ info», the site will give you details, including fares («Tarifas») with the desired ticket and cost.

A separate ticket (not Andante) can be bought from the driver for 2 € in cash. The ticket will be valid for the trip and is not zone dependent. But if you are traveling a short distance, the Andante card will be cheaper.

Daytime buses run from 6:00. Some of them finish running as early as 21:00, some — at 01:00. But even the latter have longer intervals from 9:00 p.m.: 40—60 minutes instead of the usual 15—20 minutes.

Night routes are marked with the letter M and operate from 01:00 to 05:30. They usually run at one-hour intervals.

But bus schedules do not always correspond to reality. In Porto, a bus can be early, very late or not arrive at all. That’s why it’s better to use the move-me.amp app on iOS or Android — it’s officially recommended by STCP. There you can check when the bus will arrive at a particular stop, as well as plot the route. The app isn’t always accurate in its readings either, but it helps.

The basic rules of behavior on buses are as follows:

• enter through the front door only, exit through the middle and rear doors;
• Do not occupy seats at the front of the bus unless you are elderly, disabled or pregnant;
• before you stop, press the «stop» button if one of the passengers has not already done so.

Also, always validate your ticket at the gate, even if you’re transferring from the subway and the ride is active, and even if you have an unlimited pass.

Porto trains

Comboios de Portugal (CP) operates suburban trains in Porto. The train network includes 82 stations within a 60 km radius of Porto. There are 4 destinations: Aveiro, Braga, Marco de Canaveses and Guimarães.

Andante cards are also valid here, but be careful of the zones: some distant stations are out of bounds. Braga or Aveiro are definitely not accessible by Andante. So if you plan to go further than 10 stations from the center, it is better to buy a separate ticket for the train.

You can do this on the CP website, on their iOS and Android app, and at most stations. Prices are low: you can travel to Braga for €3.25 and to Aveiro for €3.55. It is important to choose the «U — Urbano» (urban) train. Intercity and interregional trains run at other, more expensive fares.

Here you can check whether the station has a ticket office and when it is open. If you can’t buy a ticket at the station, you can buy it on the train without paying extra. To do this, go to the controller and ask for a ticket as soon as you enter the carriage: if you sit down and wait to be approached, you will be fined.

Be sure to validate your pre-purchased ticket at the station before you board the train.

• Train schedule and prices