Traveler’s Tips
Porto
Author: PedroSaCosta
Minor corrections by PedroSaCosta
Metro
The city’s transport network has been upgraded recently with the implementation of a new light subway system, the Metro do Porto, from which only one line, the blue line, is completed. It crosses the city from east to west, to the neighbouring city of Matosinhos. New lines will be opening later this year, and an extension to the airport will be operating by january 2006. For (combined) routes and timetables on metro, buses and trains, check out the helpful website more..
url: www.metro-porto.pt
Train
Local trains are run by state operator CP and provide a fast and confortable service to cities like Braga, Guimarães and Aveiro. This last route goes south along the coast, connecting Porto in less than half an hour with the popular (blue flag) beaches in Gaia (Francelos, Miramar, Aguda, Granja) and Espinho.Intercity and Alfa Pendular trains connect Porto to Lisbon and other major cities, leaving from Porto Campanhã Station.
url: www.cp.pt
Bus
Bus operator STCP runs an extensive network, is efficient and ecological (it boasts the second larger fleet in europe running on natural gas!). Use your mobile phone to know when your bus is arriving. Insert the bus stop code (visible on the up right angle by the logo SMS BUS) and send an SMS to # 3001. Soon you’ll get a reply with the arrival times of the next five buses arriving at your bus stop. Easy, no? The AeroBus is an STCP bus route that rapidly connects the main hotels of the city, the city centre and more..
url: www.stcp.pt
Taxi
Taxis are available everywhere and are not expensive. Be sure to check the fares on the display screen before you pay.
| TramPorto was the first city in the Iberian Peninsula to have a tram network, back in the 19th century. The tram, once the best way to travel in the city, was (almost) completely replaced by the bus in the 70’s and 80’s. With the urban renovation following 2001 (still going on in much of the city), the municipality is setting new tracks in the centre, hoping to have the old trams back soon. Do not miss a trip on the tram # 18, running from Praça do Infante, along the river, to the seafront and pay a visit to the interesting Tram Museum on the way.
url: www.stcp.pt |
Old Tram
photo by: Museu do Carro Eléctrico (archives) |