Uber in Porto & Public Transport Guide 2024

Are you planning a trip and wondering if there is Uber in Porto? Don’t worry; there is Uber as well as lots of other easy ways to get around!

Getting around in the hilly city of Porto might seem difficult at first, but it’s a fairly compact city. I’d recommend starting your trip with a walking tour, that way you get to see the highlights while you get your bearings.

If you don’t plan on walking everywhere, you can opt to use your Uber app to get a ride or explore public transportation such as the metro or trams.

Is There Uber Porto, Portugal?

Yes, you can use Uber to get around Porto. I spent a month in Porto and used Uber any time my destination was too far to walk. That said, Porto is a compact city and you are usually able to walk to your destination, even if it is on the Gaiva side of the river.

Uber in Porto offers extensive coverage, operating in most areas of the city, including the airport. This makes it an ideal choice for airport transfers, especially if you’re arriving with luggage or during odd hours. The service area includes popular tourist destinations, hotels, and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, ensuring you can explore Porto’s hidden gems conveniently.

Tips for taking Uber in Porto

• Pickup Points: Be precise with your pickup location. Porto’s narrow and sometimes crowded streets can make it tricky for drivers to locate you.
  
• Cultural Considerations: Greeting the driver with a friendly ‘Bom dia’ (good morning) or ‘Boa tarde’ (good afternoon) can go a long way.

Types of Ubers Offered

Uber in Porto provides various service options to cater to different needs:

• UberX: Standard service with capacity for up to four passengers. Ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
• Uber Green: For the eco-conscious traveler, Uber Green offers rides in electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Uber Black: A premium service with high-end cars. Perfect for business travelers or special occasions.

Do I need a car in Porto?

No, you do not need a car in Porto. In fact, we had rented a car for our trip around Spain and Portugal, but we returned it for the month we were based in Porto. The city is very compact and walkable.

At times when it was too far to walk, we ordered an Uber. For example, getting out to Foz or reaching a marina on the outskirts of town to take a famous Porto boat tour.

The Ubers in Porto arrived fairly quickly and made navigating the city easy.

Is Uber expensive in Porto?

No, Uber is very affordable in Porto.

We took an Uber from the airport to our apartment in Bonfim for only €17.22. The rest of the Ubers we took in Porto were under €10, with most around €5. While I stayed in Porto for a month, I only took a total 7 Ubers as I usually opted to walk everywhere.

Uber fares in Porto are generally reasonable and are calculated based on distance and time. The app provides an estimated fare before you confirm your ride, which helps in budgeting your trip. Payment is cashless, charged directly to the card linked to your Uber account, adding to the convenience.

Like many cities, Porto experiences peak travel times, typically during rush hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) and on weekend nights. During these times, surge pricing may apply, increasing the fare. If your schedule is flexible, consider traveling outside these peak times to save money.

Alternatives to Uber in Porto

While Uber is widely used in Porto, there are other ride-hailing apps like Bolt and local taxi services that you can consider. Taxis can be hailed on the street and are a good option if you don’t have access to the internet.

Public Transportation in Porto

Porto’s public transportation system is a blend of efficiency, coverage, and charm. Whether it’s riding the historic trams, taking a scenic trip on the funicular, or navigating the city through its extensive bus and metro network, Porto offers plenty of ways to get around for the savvy traveler.

Metro in Porto

The Porto Metro is a modern, clean, and efficient way to travel across the city. It consists of six lines (A, B, C, D, E, and F), each color-coded for easy navigation.

Key Tips:

• Buy an Andante Card: This reusable card can be purchased from vending machines at metro stations. These are reloadable and can be used across different public transport modes.
• Zones: Understand the zoning system – the city is divided into zones, and the fare depends on how many you cross.
• Line E for the Airport: Line E directly connects the city center to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.

Trams in Porto

Porto’s vintage trams offer a journey back in time. Three tram routes (1, 18, and 22) are more of a tourist attraction than a practical commuting option, but they are a fun way to see the city.

• Route 1 runs along the river from Infante to Passeio Alegre, great for riverside views.
• Tickets: Purchase tickets onboard, but beware of occasional long lines during peak tourist seasons.

Funicular and Elevators in Porto

A unique part of Porto’s public transport is the Funicular dos Guindais. It connects the riverside to Batalha (upper town), offering spectacular views. Similarly, elevators like the Elevador da Lada help navigate the city’s hilly terrain.

Trains in Porto

For longer distances or trips to nearby towns like Braga or Aveiro, trains from CP (Comboios de Portugal) are efficient and comfortable. São Bento and Campanhã are the main train stations in Porto.

Tip: Train tickets can be cheaper if booked in advance online.

TL;DR: Is there Uber in Porto?

Uber in Porto is a convenient way to get around, especially when traveling outside of town or on a rainy day. But it’s not your only option for getting around; Porto’s public transportation is an efficient, affordable, and enjoyable way to explore the city. Whether you’re riding the historic tram, taking the scenic funicular, or hopping on the metro, each mode of transport offers its own unique experience of Porto.

Remember, the key to a smooth journey is planning – familiarize yourself with routes, get the right tickets, and embrace the ease of moving around this beautiful city.