The 7 Best Day Trips From Porto (No Car Needed!)
You absolutely can do the best day trips from Porto without renting a car (and honestly, I think they’re better that way!)
I know what it’s like to be standing in Porto city centre, scrolling Google Maps, wondering whether it’s really possible to see more of Portugal without driving (or whether you’re going to miss out on all the good stuff, just because you can’t/don’t want to drive).
Well, I’ve done all of the seven day trips in this guide myself, as a solo female traveller, so I can tell you right now that it is absolutely possible to get off the beaten path and explore beautiful Northern Portugal – even if you don’t have your own set of wheels!
I’ve picked out my absolute favourite Porto day trips for this guide – from sipping wine in the Douro Valley to wandering the charming streets of Braga – and I’ll show you exactly how to do each one without a car.
Let’s get into 7 of the best day trips from Porto, that are genuinely worth your time!
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Porto Day Trip #1: Braga
There’s something really special about Braga.
In fact, it’s number one on this list of best day trips from Porto because it was my personal favourite during my solo trip to Porto! (Seriously, if you only do one day trip from this list, let it be Braga!)
If you’re dreaming of calm, old town charm, and a walkable city centre that is steeped in fascinating history, Braga is one of the best day trips from Porto – and it’s only an hour away!
Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and is often referred to as the country’s religious heart.
And it has everything you could want from a day trip, with a grand cathedral to explore, lush parks to relax in, outdoor cafes and restaurants (perfect for a leisurely lunch!), and colourful, tiled buildings to admire!
The 5 best things to do in Braga are:
- Visit Bom Jesus do Monte (you’ve definitely seen its zigzag staircase on Instagram!)
- Check out the 11th-century Santa Maria de Braga Cathedral
- Admire the spectacular florals in Jardim de Santa Barbara
- Grab a coffee or lunch around the historic Praca da Republica
- Marvel at the beautiful tiled façade of the Palacio do Raio
How to get to Braga from Porto without a car:
By Train: Direct trains from Porto to Braga leave regularly from Porto Sao Bento Station and take about 1 hour 10 minutes. It’s super easy, affordable and drops you just a short, 10 minute walk from the city centre.
By Bus: Rede Expressos, ALSA and Flixbus also run regular bus services from Porto Campanha Bus Station to Braga Bus Station. The journey takes around 45 minutes. This option is quicker and more affordable than the train. The bus station is just 8 minutes’ walk from the centre.
By Guided Tour: If you want someone else to handle the logistics for you, this top rated, full day tour combines Braga and Bom Jesus do Monte, with nearby Guimaraes (also on this list!) This is actually the tour I did, and I highly recommend it. It includes the option to book a small group tour, transport in a comfy, air conditioned minibus, entry to both Braga Cathedral and Guimaraes Castle, a guided explanation at each stop, and plenty of free time to explore each place on your own too!
By Private Tour: A private tour to Braga is perfect if you want a more personalised experience, as your own personal driver/guide will tailor the experience to your pace and unique interests. Plus, you’ll also get hotel pickup and door-to-door service too!
Katie’s Top Tip: Want that iconic staircase shot without the crowds? Head to Bom Jesus do Monte early (if you can!) – I’m talking before 10am. The light is softer, the stairs are near enough empty and you’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself!
Porto Day Trip #2: Amarante
Amarante is a true Portugal hidden gem – the kind of place that tour groups to the Douro Valley stop off at for 10 minutes, before you get the charming old town to yourself again.
It is truly magical and was my second favourite day trip from Porto, after Braga!
Tiny Amarante is a charming town on the banks of the Tamega River. But don’t let its small size fool you: there are loads of hidden corners to discover!
With beautiful architecture, an old stone bridge and a more relaxed, local vibe, Amarante is quiet, pretty and still surprisingly under the radar.
All of this and so much more makes Amarante one of the best (and most peaceful!) day trips from Porto, Portugal!
The 5 best things to do in Amarante are:
- Marvel at the Sao Goncalo bridge, stretching across the Tamega River
- Admire the Church of Sao Goncalo
- Admire the Church of Sao Domingos
- Head down to the riverside path along the Tamega River (perfect for sitting or walking!)
- Stroll through the small old town’s stunning (and quiet!) streets
How to get to Amarante from Porto without a car:
By Bus: Regular Rede Expressos buses depart from Porto Campanha Bus Station. The journey to reach Amarante takes just 50 minutes. The bus drops you at Amarante Bus Station, just 10 minutes walk from the Sao Goncalo bridge.
By Guided Tour: This small-group wine and culture tour includes a short stop in Amarante, plus a few wineries and a picturesque boat trip from Pinhao in the surrounding Douro Valley. It’s a great way to see more of the Portuguese countryside with none of the logistical stress. But keep in mind that Amarante is only a short stop on this tour, so you won’t get to stay long.
By Private Tour: If you want to stay a bit longer in charming Amarante, but still don’t want the stress of dealing with public transport, this private day tour takes you to Amarante and the Douro Valley in one day. Plus, you can customise the itinerary based on your pace, interests, and how long you want to spend in Amarante.
Katie’s Top Tip: Amarante is one of those places that’s best experienced slowly. So bring a book or journal, pack a picnic, pick a spot by the Tamega River, and don’t rush back to Porto!
Porto Day Trip #3: Douro Valley
This one’s the iconic Porto day trip for a reason!
But the Douro Valley isn’t just about the wine (though the wine is, obviously, incredible!) – you will also get to admire rolling hills, sun-covered vineyards, spectacular countryside and truly stunning boat trips.
It’s also one of the easiest and best day tours from Porto, especially for solo travellers!
The 5 best things to do in the Douro Valley are:
- Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery
- Eat lunch overlooking the vineyards
- Cruise along the Douro river
- Visit the town of Peso da Regua
- Visit the town of Pinhao
How to get to the Douro Valley from Porto without a car:
By Train: Take the scenic train to Regua or Pinhao from Porto Sao Bento Train Station. Getting to Regua takes around 1 hour 50 minutes. Getting to Pinhao takes around 2 hours 20 minutes.
By Bus: You can take the bus from Porto Campanha Bus Station, but the journey is indirect and takes longer, so I wouldn’t recommend it for a day trip.
By Guided Tour: This full day Douro Valley tour is perfect for solo travellers! It includes visits to a Douro Valley winery, Port wine tasting, a tapas brunch, and a boat cruise along the Douro River. Plus, it’s small group, which is a great way to meet people if you’re travelling alone.
By Private Tour: A private tour of the Douro Valley is more expensive but totally worth it if you want a more personalised, luxury experience. It includes door-to-door service, wine tasting, visits to 2 wineries, and a boat cruise along the Douro River. A private tour is great if you’re really into wine and want to chat with your guide and the vineyard owners one on one!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you go by train, you should still book a tour from either Peso da Regua or Pinhao, to make the most of your visit. This 3-4 hour, small group tour from Pinhao includes a winery visit and tasting, a stunning viewpoint, and a boat trip.
Porto Day Trip #4: Aveiro
Aveiro is sometimes called the Venice of Portugal.
But I honestly think that comparison might just leave you feeling a bit disappointed (Aveiro is definitely not Venice!)
And besides, this small Portuguese town has got its own thing going on.
Now, I’m gonna be totally honest with you here, Aveiro is definitely not my favourite Porto day trip on this list. In fact, I almost didn’t include it. But I did visit during a time of restoration to the waterfront, so that may have contributed to my experience.
Having said that, the colourful, traditional moliceiro boats are a real highlight to see, the main waterfront (now restored!) is beautiful, and Aveiro’s laid-back, local vibe makes it good for a day trip from Porto.
I would definitely give it a second chance on my next trip to Porto, which is why I still wanted to include it in this list of the best day trips from Porto.
The 5 best things to do in Aveiro are:
- Take a boat ride on one of the colourful, traditional moliceiro boats
- Admire the pretty, tiled buildings along the water front
- Take a walking tour to get to know Aveiro with a local
- Stroll along the canals
- Hop over to Costa Nova to see the famous candy-striped beach huts
How to get to Aveiro from Porto without a car:
By Train: Frequent regional trains run from Porto Campanha Train Station to Aveiro and take just 35 minutes. The town centre is a 20 minute walk from the station. (Plus, I would say Aveiro station is an attraction in its own right, thanks to its beautiful tile details!)
By Bus: Regular buses run from Porto Campanha Bus Station to Aveiro Bus Station (which is right next to the train station). The route is served by Flixbus and Rede Expressos, and the journey takes between 50 minutes to 1 hour.
By Guided Tour: This Aveiro and Costa Nova full day tour includes comfy transport, a canal boat ride in Aveiro, and plenty of time to explore both the town and beach (both with your guide and alone). Great for first-time visitors who want a bit of everything, without having to worry about logistics!
By Private Tour: This private tour to Aveiro is perfect if you want to skip the boat queues and benefit from the insights of your local guide while you explore. This tour includes a moliceiro boat ride, a visit to nearby Costa Nova, and plenty of free time in Aveiro town centre.
Katie’s Top Tip: Skip the touristy canals near the main square and walk 5–10 minutes out to the quieter residential ones. You’ll get better photos, fewer crowds, and a more local feel.
Porto Day Trip #5: Coimbra
Coimbra is an old university city, half way between Porto and Lisbon, that has this lively, young energy that hits you the second you arrive.
It’s historic, old and academic, but also full of student life and music!
So if you’re after a day trip from Porto that combines fascinating history and charming old towns with a lively, student atmosphere, Coimbra is the perfect Porto day trip for you!
Coimbra also feels super safe as a solo female traveller and is very easy to navigate alone.
Plus, outdoor dining is a staple in this Portuguese city! This means that there are loads of cute cafes and restaurants you can visit if you need a recharge after climbing the steep hill up to the old town!
The 5 best things to do in Coimbra are:
- Admire the University of Coimbra (one of the oldest in Europe!)
- Visit the truly spectacular Joanina Library (seriously, it’s like real-life Hogwarts inside!)
- Climb up to the old Cathedral and wander the surrounding streets of the old town
- Get deliberately lost in the beautiful alleyways of the historic centre (or book a walking tour to see the best sights)
- Relax by the Mondego River
How to get to Coimbra from Porto without a car:
By Train: Both intercity and regional trains run frequently from Porto Campanha Station and take 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on whether or not you choose a high speed service. It takes 40 minutes to walk up to the top of the old town, but the walk is along the river and totally beautiful!
By Bus: Regular Rede Expressos and ALSA buses take about 1 hour 20 minutes from Porto Campanha Bus Station to Coimbra Bus Station. The bus station in Coimbra is just a few minutes from the train station, so again it takes 40 minutes to walk up to the old town, along the river.
By Guided Tour: This full day Coimbra tour includes comfy, airconditioned transport, a walking tour of the historic centre and plenty of free time to explore this beautiful city on your own! Plus, you’ll also visit nearby Fatima. Ideal if you want someone else to handle logistics for you, while you focus on enjoying your day and meeting other travellers (if that’s your vibe!)
By Private Tour: A private tour like this full day one from Porto is perfect if you want to dive deeper into Coimbra’s fascinating history and customise your itinerary based on your pace and interests, with the help of your own local guide. You’ll also visit nearby Fatima on this tour too.
Katie’s Top Tip: Pre-book your ticket for the Joanina Library online. It is popular and is likely to sell out in advance during peak season.
Porto Day Trip #6: Fatima
Fatima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.
But whether or not you’re religious, it’s still a fascinating, reflective place to visit from Porto.
Fatima first became a famous pilgrimage site in 1917, when three local shepherd children claimed to have seen apparitions of the Virgin Mary. These apparitions include one where the Virgin Mary was seen over a ballota oak tree “Azinheira Grande”, which can still be visited in Fatima to this day.
Since then, a small chapel was built in 1919 and Fatima has drawn millions of pilgrims from around the globe, as well as a large number of Papal visits.
The 5 best things to do in Fatima are:
- See the Sanctuary of Fatima
- See the newer Basilica of the Holy Trinity
- Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of the Apparitions
- Walk the “Way of the Cross” path
- Marvel at the ballota oak tree, “Azinheira Grande”
How to get to Fatima from Porto without a car:
By Bus: Rede Expressos runs regular buses from Porto Campanha Bus Station to Fatima. The journey takes around 2 hours and drops you a short, 10 minute walk from the sanctuary.
By Train: There’s no direct train station in Fatima. The closest station with connections to Porto Campanha Station is Caxarias, and it’s then a 20/30-minute taxi ride away from Fatima. Because of this, the train isn’t ideal for this Porto day trip.
By Guided Tour: This full day Fatima tour from Porto is the best option if you want to enjoy your day without having to worry about logistics. It includes stops at both Fatima and Coimbra (with plenty of free time to explore), comfy transport, a visit to Lucia’s house and even a Porto city walking tour.
By Private Tour: A private tour is a great option if you want to understand the significance and stories of Fatima on a deeper level, with the knowledge of your own personal guide. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop off, full flexibility to customise your itinerary, a traditional lunch, visits in Fatima and Coimbra, and a dedicated guide to talk you through the history and significance of the area.
Katie’s Top Tip: Even if you’re not religious, consider lighting a candle or spending a quiet moment of reflection in the Chapel of the Apparitions.
Porto Day Trip #7: Guimaraes
Guimaraes is one of the best day trips from Porto, especially if you want to step back in time and experience medieval Portugal!
Guimaraes was the birthplace of Portugal as a nation, and it still feels like a fairy tale to this day, with narrow alleys, beautiful old town squares and even a turreted, ruined castle looming from a hill above the city centre.
And this is the kind of city that doesn’t feel like a city – at all!
Start at Guimaraes Castle, then walk to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the atmospheric Largo da Oliveira square.
The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and totally walkable, so make sure you leave time in your itinerary to get lost down the magical side streets too!
The 5 best things to do in Guimaraes are:
- Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
- Spend a good amount of time getting lost in the beautiful old town
- Stop for coffee or gelato in Largo da Oliveira Square
- Visit the truly majestic Guimaraes Castle
- Take a walking tour of the old city centre, to learn about its fascinating history and discover hidden corners
How to get to Guimaraes from Porto without a car:
By Train: Regular direct trains run from Porto Sao Bento Station to Guimaraes and take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The train station is just a 15 minute walk from the historic centre.
By Bus: Frequent buses are run by Rede Expressos and Flixbus, and the journey takes around 50 minutes. The buses leave from Porto Campanha Bus Station and drop you at Guimaraes Bus Station, 15 minutes from the historic centre.
By Guided Tour: This full day Braga and Guimaraes tour (that I took!), is perfect if you’re short on time and want to tick off two of the best day trips from Porto in one go, plus a visit to Bom Jesus do Monte. This top rated tour includes the option to book a small group tour, transport in a comfy, air conditioned minibus, entry to both Guimaraes Castle and Braga Cathedral, a guided explanation at each stop, and plenty of free time to explore each place on your own!
By Private Tour: A private tour to Braga and Guimaraes is ideal if you want more depth and flexibility during your day trip from Porto. Your private guide will share fascinating, in-depth stories about the area, take you to hidden spots, and let you customise your itinerary based on your interests.
Katie’s Top Tip: Guimaraes gets very busy (especially on weekends), so visit midweek if you can for a quieter experience.
Best Day Trips From Porto FAQs
What are the best day trips from Porto by train?
If you’re travelling solo and want the ease of hopping on a train to explore Portugal, these are some of the best day trips from Porto by train:
- Braga – Takes around 1 hour 10 minutes direct from Porto Sao Bento
- Guimaraes – Takes around 1 hour 15 minutes direct from Porto Sao Bento
- Aveiro – Takes just 35 minutes from Porto Campanha
- Coimbra – Takes 1 to 2 hours from Porto Campanha, depending on the train type
- Douro Valley (Pinhao or Regua) – Takes 2+ hours from Porto Sao Bento, but the route is stunning
What are the best day trips from Porto by bus?
While train travel is super popular in northern Portugal, buses sometimes give you more direct routes or better timetables. These are great day trips from Porto by bus, direct from Porto Campanha Bus Station:
- Fatima – Rede Expressos will get you there in about 2 hours
- Amarante – Rede Expressos will get you there in about 50 minutes
- Coimbra – Rede Expressos and ALSA will get you there in about 1 hour 20 minutes
- Braga – Rede Expressos, ALSA and Flixbus will get you there in about 45 minutes
- Guimaraes – Rede Expressos and Flixbus will get you there in about 50 minutes
Is a Porto day trip from Lisbon worth it?
Short answer? No. Porto deserves so much more than just a rushed day trip!
So while technically it is possible, a Porto day trip from Lisbon would only give you about 5-6 hours (max!) in the city, and you’d barely scratch the surface of all of the incredible things to see and do in Porto.
If you’re short on time, focus on places to visit around Lisbon instead (like Sintra or Evora), and save Porto for a proper trip. You won’t regret it!
But, if you have your heart set on a day trip from Lisbon to Porto, here are a couple of options to consider:
By train: The Alfa Pendular is your fastest option, getting you from Lisbon (Santa Apolonia or Oriente) to Porto Campanha in about 2 hours 45 minutes. Trains run frequently and are easy to book online in advance. Once you arrive in Porto, you’ll want to hop on the metro to the historic centre to make the most of your limited time.
By bus: Longer than the train (around 3.5 hours each way, between Lisbon Sete Rios and Porto Campanha, depending on traffic), but it is cheaper. FlixBus and Rede Expressos both run this route. But you’ll lose even more time to travel, which makes it a less good option for a day trip.
By guided tour: If you really want to see Porto in one day with zero stress, this full day Lisbon to Porto tour is the most seamless option. It includes round-trip transport, a guided walking tour of Porto’s highlights, visits to nearby Obidos and Nazare, plus some free time to explore Porto on your own. Ideal if you’re short on time for your Portugal itinerary.
By private tour: A private tour is best if you want the flexibility to customise your route, avoid crowds and get 1:1 time with a local guide. This private Lisbon to Porto day tour allows you to personalise your itinerary, with plenty of chances to stop for photos at top attractions and hidden gems. It’s a long day, but you’ll see a lot with this option.
Can you do a day trip from Porto to Lisbon?
Technically yes, but it’s a very long day and Lisbon is worth visiting in its own right, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
As an example, the fastest Alfa Pendular trains take about 2 hours 45 minutes each way. That means you’ll spend around 6 hours on transport and have limited time to explore.
And Lisbon is big, hilly and busy – aka not ideal for a quick wander!
But having said that, if you’re really keen to see the capital in one day, it is doable:
By train: Book an early Alfa Pendular from Porto Campanha to Lisbon Santa Apolonia or Oriente, and a late return. The train takes around 2 hours 45 minutes one way.
By bus: A more affordable option, serviced by Rede Expressos and Flixbus, but it takes longer too (around 3.5 hours each way between Porto Campanha to Lisbon Sete Rios), so I wouldn’t recommend it for a day trip.
By private tour: With a private tour you’ll have a better experience, with hotel pickup and drop off, a full-day with your own personal driver/guide and a customisable itinerary to fit your interests. (This is perfect when you have limited time in Lisbon!) It’s more expensive, but a great option if you want to see Lisbon’s highlights and hidden gems in one day.
Final Thoughts: The Best Day Trips From Porto Without a Car
Whether you’re into wine, history, religion or just want to explore somewhere beautiful for the day, these are hands-down the best day trips from Porto that don’t require a car (or any complicated logistics!)
I know how overwhelming it can feel to plan a solo trip (especially in a new country), but I promise these trips are not only doable – but well worth the effort!
From sipping wine in the Douro Valley, to relaxing by the Tamega river in tiny Amarante, to exploring Portugal’s medieval history in Braga and Guimaraes, each destination on this list offers something totally different, depending on what kind of Porto day trip you’re looking for!
And with so many reliable train and bus routes, plus loads of amazing guided group and private day tours from Porto, you don’t need to rent a car or figure out logistics on your own.
I truly hope this blog post has helped you find one (or two!) day trips from Porto that you’re excited for!
Which of these places to visit from Porto are you most excited about? And which one are you adding to your Porto itinerary right now? I’d love to know!
Read More About Travel in Portugal:
- How to Spend 3 Days in Porto: Your Perfect Porto Itinerary
- The 7 Best Day Trips From Porto (No Car Needed!)
- 17 Best Things To Do Alone in Lisbon For Solo Travellers
- 11 Best Day Trips from Lisbon You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
- Is Lisbon Safe For Solo Female Travellers? A Realistic Guide
