Discover Porto and its surroundings with the freedom of an all-in rental car
Porto Airport, also known as Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro, is the busiest airport in northern Portugal. The airport welcomes over 13 million passengers annually, with two terminals ensuring a smooth flow of travellers. From here, your adventure to Porto's beautiful surroundings, such as the Douro Valley, begins.
How to drive from Porto airport to Porto city centre
Porto Airport is just 15 kilometres from Porto city centre. The quickest route is via the A28, which will take you to the centre of the city within 20 minutes. On the way, you'll drive past the Atlantic coastline and the green city parks of Matosinhos, giving a nice taste of the region's diversity.
Drive on to Braga and Aveiro
From Porto Airport, you'll be in other beautiful cities in no time. Take the A3 north and in about 40 minutes you'll be in Braga, a city full of history and religious sites like the Bom Jesus do Monte shrine. For a different atmosphere, take the A1 to Aveiro, a city full of colourful canals and charming buildings, also called the ‘Venice of Portugal’.
5 Highlights within driving distance of Porto:
- Douro Valley: This region is known for its terraces of vineyards and breathtaking landscapes along the river.
- Guimarães: The birthplace of Portugal, with an impressive medieval castle and a rich history.
- Aveiro: Discover its charming canals and colourful azulejo facades, which give this city a unique character.
- Braga: A historic city full of beautiful churches and the famous Bom Jesus do Monte shrine with its iconic steps.
- Vila Nova de Gaia: Enjoy the view of Porto from across the river and explore the waterfront.
Road network in Portugal
Portugal's roads are generally modern and well-maintained. In cities like Porto, streets can sometimes be narrow, especially in the historic districts. In rural areas, such as the Douro Valley, you will sometimes encounter winding roads, but even these are passable. The use of toll roads is common, especially on motorways.
Recommended category for car rental from Porto airport
For a road trip through the Douro Valley and other mountainous areas around Porto, a car with a strong engine, such as an SUV, is a good choice. This category offers not only comfort, but also enough power for steep roads. If you plan to enjoy the sun and the coast, a convertible can also be a nice option for that ultimate holiday vibe.
Useful Portuguese words and phrases about car hire
- Stoplight - semáforo
- Breakdown - avaria
- Curve - curva
- Car key - chave do carro
- Car park - estacionamento
- Which car is for me? - Qual carro é para mim?
- Here you have my driving license. - Aqui está a minha carta de condução.
- Does petrol or diesel go into my car? - A minha carro leva gasolina ou gasóleo?
- Where is the nearest petrol station? - Onde está o posto de combustível mais próximo?
- Where do I leave my car when my holiday is over? - Onde deixo o meu carro quando as minhas férias terminam?