Is it worth driving from Lisbon to Porto?

Yes, driving from Porto to Lisbon is definitely worth it! Both cities are beautiful and have a lot to offer visitors, so you won't regret spending time in either one. The drive between the two cities is also very scenic, with lots of interesting stops along the way, so you'll enjoy the journey as well.



Driving from Lisbon to Porto is absolutely worth it if your goal is to see the "real" Portugal between the two major hubs. While the high-speed Alfa Pendular train can get you there in under three hours, a car allows you to explore the Silver Coast and the interior. You can stop in the medieval walled town of Óbidos, visit the massive monastery at Alcobaça, or see the giant waves in Nazaré. Further north, you can detour to Coimbra, home to one of the world's oldest universities, or the "Portuguese Venice," Aveiro. If you drive straight on the A1 motorway, the trip takes about three hours and is quite easy, though the tolls can be surprisingly expensive. However, the true value of the drive lies in the flexibility to stop at a local tasca for a slow lunch of grilled octopus or suckling pig in Mealhada. If you are strictly on a schedule and only want to see the two cities, take the train; if you want a curated Portuguese road trip experience, the drive is a high-reward choice that offers sights the train simply cannot reach.

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For travelers wanting to enjoy the best of Portugal, we will always recommend traveling from Lisbon to Porto by train unless they are planning to make a full, multi-stop road trip experience out of the journey! Compare prices between buses and trains for visiting Porto from Lisbon!

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The city of Tomar is one of our favorites here at Honest Routes. Its history is astounding and absolutely worth a visit when you travel between Porto and Lisbon. We actually visit Tomar during our day trip from Lisbon on a Knights Templar tour. You should visit the Convent of Christ whilst there.

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One of the best ways to travel from Lisbon to Porto is by hopping on a high-speed train that'll take you from the Portuguese capital city to its northern gem in as little as two and a half hours.

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Now, driving through major cities like Lisbon and Porto, especially downtown areas, can be tricky. The streets are incredibly narrow, parking is almost impossible to find, and underground parking spaces are tight. Also, practice your parallel parking skills.

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If you're just planning to stay in the city for a couple of days, then there is no need to rent a car in Porto. There is a lot of traffic and it is quite hard to park, specially during the high season.

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In general, the older areas of the city have very narrow roads and it is not recommended to park your car on the street, so it is very difficult to park for free in Porto.

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We recommend spending at least two days in Porto for a slightly more relaxed pace. You can take your time to explore the city's charming streets and neighbourhoods, visit some of the top museums and cultural attractions, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby towns or beaches.

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However, if you're only visiting major cities like Lisbon or Porto, you might not need a car. Public transportation and walking can be more convenient. Plus, there are many tours that can take you to places like the famous Sintra, Porto, Cascais, Ericeira, and many other spots.

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Porto is one of the least expensive cities in western Europe, and when compared to other city break destinations, Porto provides exceptional value for money.

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While Lisbon is the most expensive city to live in Portugal, it is quite affordable when compared to other countries in western Europe, although, what once was a cheap city has seen its prices creeping up. This said, the cost of living in Lisbon for international students and expats is usually still very affordable.

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Regional trains are often cheaper and some lines very scenic, but it's almost always quicker to go by bus – especially on shorter or less obvious routes. You'll obviously have a great deal more flexibility if you drive, and you'll be able to visit more out-of-the-way places in a short trip.

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The average journey time by train between Lisbon and Porto is 4 hours and 8 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

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Three days is the perfect length of time to fully discover Lisbon. Within these three days, you'll be able to explore all the main tourist attractions, experience the vibrant nightlife, sample some delicious foods and create wonderful memories of this amazing city.

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Ribeira is at the heart of the Old Town, and while it's a wonderful place to see during the day, the busy crowds make it the top of our list of areas to avoid in Porto. If you're not big on nightlife, you'll also want to skip Baixa – it can get quite lively in the evening.

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