Guide to Porto Public Transportation: How to Get Around the City
Public transportation in Porto can seem a bit overwhelming with many modes of transit, but once you get the hang of it, it is quite easy and efficient to navigate.
I find the Porto Public Transportation system quite clean, comfortable, reliable and easy to use.
This is some thorough and helpful information from a local friend and top Lisbon walking tour guide, as well as my own experience using public transportation in Porto.
You can find a wealth of information on the official website, but this is your straightforward, streamlined guide to how to navigate the Porto transportation system with ease.
What is Considered Public Transportation in Porto?
Metro/Subway
Bus
Trams
Urban Trains in the Porto Metropolitan area
Funicular dos guindais
Operated by Metro do Porto https://en.metrodoporto.pt/ (Metro)
STCP https://www.stcp.pt/en/travel/ (bus and Trams)
CP https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en (trains)
Types of Transportation Cards in Porto
Blue Andante Card
This Porto public transit card covers single trips according to the zoning system.
Blue Andante card is a rechargeable option for occasional users when you can buy single trips and you can add multiple trips at the same time. This Porto Public Transportation card is the best option for tourists using the transit system occasionally (1-2 times per day) on their visit.
This card is valid for 1 year. In case you still have available trips after one year it’s still possible to use the card until trips are over. However you cannot check the balance at the machines, you can only check the number of trips available when validating.
The card will cost you 0,60€ and each trip price will vary according to the Zone that you’ll buy (Z2 to z9) and it’s also valid on the 24h card option.
Can be bought in the machines at the Metro do Porto stations. Check the pictures to see the process.
You can check the prices on the picture attached or here: https://andante.pt/en/purchase/blue-andante/
Tip: if you buy 10 trips, one will be free.
After purchase, you have to tap the card on the validators available in the metro/train stations or inside the bus (front door).
⭐Notes: Some frustrations I had when purchasing/topping up Porto Transportation cards -
The machines do not take contactless payment - you must insert a physical card.
Some machines only accept cash - and many of those machines only accept coins.
Most stations have a few sets of ticket machines, so if you need on that takes bills, just keep looking and you should find one.
Andante Tour card
The Andante Tour card is a good option for tourists frequently using the Porto public transportation system. This card is available in 1 day and 3 day options.
The Andante Tour 1 is valid on the entire intermodal andante network for 24 consecutive hours after the 1st validation (*not after purchase)
This options costs 7€
The Andante Tour 3 is valid on the entire intermodal andante network for 72 consecutive hours after the 1st validation.
This option costs 15€
These cards cannot be topped up.
The Andante Tour Option can be bought at Andante shops, CP ticket offices with Andante sales and Payshop agents (identified with Tour card).
⭐Note: It is not valid on Funicular dos Guindais, STCP Tramway and some Private Operators.
App ANDA (available only for Android)
This App allows traveling in the public transports of Porto Metropolitan Area adherent to Andante system.
To use it you have to:
Install the App
Set an account
Choose a payment method (debit or credit card)
Once this is set it’s ready to use. Before using the transportation system, you just need to open the app, make sure NFC and Bluetooth options are on and put your phone close to the validator. Then you need to wait that the green light on the validator appears and that there is a message in the app saying that the journey has begun.
Visa card (contactless system) on Porto Transit
This remains a pilot system that is not yet working in the full transportation system, only here:
Purple Line (E): Aeroporto, Senhora da Hora, Casa da Música and Trindade stations;
Lines A, B, C, D and F: Campanhã, Bolhão, Campo 24 de Agosto, São Bento and Aliados (city centre stations).
500 Bus Line (Praça da Liberdade – Matosinhos/Mercado)
⭐Note: The card will only work in validators with contactless sign. On my last trip to Porto (Sept 2025), I found it was still a bit tricky to figure out with modes of transportation accepted contactless payment, and then which machines at these locations did. I found it was much more convenient to have an Adante Card.
It costs 2,15€ every time that you tap the card (equivalent to Z4 ticket). If you use it in 4 or more journeys in one day, a different fare will apply with a maximum limit of €7.00, equivalent to a daily ticket.
How to Use Porto Transportation Card
Be SURE to validate your card/app/contactless payment on Porto Public Transportation.
You do this by tapping your card (or app) on the machines located on metro and tram platforms, and on board buses. Confirm the machine lights up green when you tap to assure your payment has processed.
Be sure to validate your card when transferring from one metro to another, and from one form of transport to another. When traveling within the same zone, your initial validation is good for one hour - you will not be charged for the transfer but still must validate your ride.
⭐Validators are onboard sporadically to check payment, so be sure to keep your card handy in case you are asked on board. If you pay for the Porto bus by cash, keep the ticket from the driver.
🚨The fine for traveling on the Porto metro without a valid ticket 95€
