Porto Traffic If it is necessary to travel longer distances, taking advantage of the circular highway system that surrounds Porto is advisable. The highway is known as the A20, or Via de Cintura Interna. It's connected to several city exits and motorways, which makes getting around Porto faster and more convenient.

While you can physically drive in Porto, it is generally discouraged for tourists due to the city's complex layout and increasing restrictions. In 2026, Porto has expanded its Reduced Emissions Zones (ZER), which strictly limit car access in the historic Ribeira and Baixa districts to residents, public transport, and authorized vehicles. The streets are notoriously narrow, steep, and often one-way, making navigation difficult even with GPS. Furthermore, parking in the city center is both scarce and expensive. Most travelers find that Porto is a "walking city" where the best sights are closely packed together. For longer distances, the modern Metro do Porto and the iconic vintage trams are much more efficient. If you are arriving with a rental car, the best strategy is to park in a secure garage on the outskirts or near a metro station and use public transit or ride-sharing services like Uber or Free Now to get around the urban core.