Day trips · Porto · Portugal
6 best day trips from Porto
Where to go when you want a day away from Porto, and how long it really takes.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
The classic day trip from Porto is Douro Valley (About 2–2.5 hours by train). The closest option is Guimarães, about 55 km away.
Key facts
- Day trips in this guide
- 6
- Closest
- Guimarães (55 km)
- Most popular
- Douro Valley
Day trips compared
| Destination | Distance | Travel time | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douro Valley | 110 km | About 2–2.5 hours by train | Train from São Bento to Régua or Pinhão; or a tour or car | Food lovers, Couples, Culture |
| Guimarães | 55 km | About 1 hour 15 minutes by train | Urban train from São Bento | Culture, Families, Quiet stays |
| Braga | 55 km | About 1 hour by train | Urban train from São Bento | Culture, Families, First-timers |
| Aveiro | 70 km | About 40 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes by train | Train from Campanhã or São Bento | Families, Couples, Beach |
| Coimbra | 120 km | About 1–1.5 hours by train | Train from Campanhã | Culture, Solo travellers |
| Viana do Castelo | 75 km | About 1.5 hours by train | Train from Campanhã or São Bento | Quiet stays, Beach, Couples |
The day trips
110 km · About 2–2.5 hours by train
1.Douro Valley
Terraced vineyards along the Douro river produce port and table wines in a UNESCO-listed landscape. The train line beyond Régua to Pinhão hugs the river, and quintas offer tastings, lunches and river boat trips.
- Getting there
- Train from São Bento to Régua or Pinhão; or a tour or car
- Best for
- Food lovers, Couples, Culture
55 km · About 1 hour 15 minutes by train
2.Guimarães
Considered the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães has a medieval castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and a well-preserved UNESCO-listed old town of granite squares. A cable car climbs to Penha hill for views.
- Getting there
- Urban train from São Bento
- Best for
- Culture, Families, Quiet stays
55 km · About 1 hour by train
3.Braga
Portugal's religious capital has Portugal's oldest cathedral and a lively centre. Just outside, the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary is reached by a baroque zigzag staircase or a water-powered funicular.
- Getting there
- Urban train from São Bento
- Best for
- Culture, Families, First-timers
70 km · About 40 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes by train
4.Aveiro
A town of canals crossed by colourful moliceiro boats, Art Nouveau buildings and sweet ovos moles egg-yolk pastries. The striped beach houses of Costa Nova are a short bus ride away.
- Getting there
- Train from Campanhã or São Bento
- Best for
- Families, Couples, Beach
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120 km · About 1–1.5 hours by train
5.Coimbra
Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, whose Joanina baroque library and hilltop campus are UNESCO-listed, Coimbra also has a melancholy local style of fado sung by students.
- Getting there
- Train from Campanhã
- Best for
- Culture, Solo travellers
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75 km · About 1.5 hours by train
6.Viana do Castelo
A seaside town at the mouth of the Lima river, known for the Santa Luzia basilica on its hilltop, traditional gold filigree jewellery and long Atlantic beaches.
- Getting there
- Train from Campanhã or São Bento
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Beach, Couples
Day-trip tips
- Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
- STCP buses cover areas the metro does not, including Foz and Serralves.
- For trips over about 165 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best day trip from Porto?
Douro Valley. Terraced vineyards along the Douro river produce port and table wines in a UNESCO-listed landscape.
+How long does it take to get from Porto to Douro Valley?
About 2–2.5 hours by train — Train from São Bento to Régua or Pinhão; or a tour or car, about 110 km.
+How long does it take to get from Porto to Guimarães?
About 1 hour 15 minutes by train — Urban train from São Bento, about 55 km.