Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Layover Guide (OPO)

What are you looking for in OPO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Porto Airport (OPO) is an international airport located in Maia, near Porto, Portugal. It’s situated about 11 km (7 miles) from downtown Porto. The airport officially opened in 1945. Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. The city is also famous for its port wine and scenic riverside views, offering a wide range of cultural and leisure activities for visitors.

Can you leave Porto Airport (OPO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Porto (OPO), passengers may exit the airport to explore the city if they allow sufficient transfer time and clear Schengen immigration. Travelers who need a Schengen visa to enter Portugal cannot leave the airport without a valid multiple-entry visa; travelers from visa-exempt countries may exit freely. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Ribeira District Historic waterfront neighborhood with colorful facades, quaint cafés, vibrant atmosphere, and riverfront promenades. Stroll along the Douro River while savoring local snacks and admiring UNESCO heritage architecture and fishing boats. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line E to Trindade + 10 min walk (approx. 40 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• Dom Luís I Bridge Iconic double-deck metal arch linking Porto and Gaia, offering panoramic city and river views. Perfect for photos at sunset and to watch the historic tram glide overhead on its upper deck. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro E to São Bento + 15 min walk (approx. 45 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• Livraria Lello Ornate neo-Gothic bookstore featuring a sweeping red staircase, stained-glass skylight, and carved wood shelves. Said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts, it’s a bibliophile’s dream and photo hotspot. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro E to Aliados + 5 min walk (approx. 35 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• Clérigos Tower Baroque bell tower rising above Porto’s skyline; climb 225 steps for 360° views of terracotta rooftops and the Douro. Admire the ornate church façade and surrounding gardens below. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro E to Bolhão + 5 min walk (approx. 35 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• São Bento Station Turn-of-the-century railway station renowned for over 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history. A quick visit rewards you with breathtaking artistry and a glimpse into local daily life. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Metro E direct (approx. 30 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• Port Wine Cellar Tour Explore the historic Sandeman cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia with guided tastings of Ruby and Tawny Ports. Learn about traditional ageing methods and enjoy pairings with local cheeses. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Metro E to São Bento + 10 min walk across Dom Luís I Bridge (approx. 45 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• Casa da Música Avant-garde concert hall designed by Rem Koolhaas; take a guided tour of its striking modern architecture and acoustically perfect interiors. Stop by the gift shop and café for local treats. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro E direct to Casa da Música station (approx. 40 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• Foz do Douro Charming coastal district where the Douro meets the Atlantic; enjoy a promenade along sandy beaches, visit the serene lighthouse, and relax in chic cafés with fresh seafood views. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Metro E to Trindade + tram 1 to Foz (approx. 1 hr) or taxi (~30 min))

Things to Do in Porto Airport (OPO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The ANA Lounge at Porto Airport offers up to three hours of comfort with complimentary coffees, teas, assorted sandwiches, sweet and savory snacks, fresh fruits, yogurts, Portuguese wines and local products. Access is available via Priority Pass, lounge membership or one-time booking through the ANA website. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
OPO Hotel Porto Aeroporto lies a 10–15 minute walk (or free shuttle ride) from the terminal. It features modern rooms, 24-hour reception, complimentary breakfast buffet and soundproof windows. On-site fitness facilities, free Wi-Fi and airport shuttle make it ideal for transit stays or early-morning departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Porto Airport remains open 24 hours, with reclining chairs and quiet corners past the security checkpoints near duty-free areas. Free resting zones include cushioned benches on the airside, while some shops open late, allowing travelers to grab snacks before overnight stays. Early-morning check-in desks open around 02:45 am.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Unlimited free Wi-Fi is available airport-wide. Simply connect to the “_VINCI Airports WiFi” network, open your browser and register with an email address and country. Five public computer stations near gates 8, 18, 32 and 35 offer additional internet access without device setup.

SIM/eSIM Card: Physical SIM cards from major Portuguese providers (Vodafone, MEO, NOS) are sold at arrivals kiosks. Alternatively, eSIM plans can be downloaded in advance via Airalo, Holafly or local carriers for data-only packages. Activation is digital; no physical swap is needed, making eSIM perfect for short stays. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Airport taxis operate 24/7 from the designated ranks outside Arrivals. Fares to central Porto typically range €20–30, metered and pre-set; a 20 percent surcharge applies between 9 pm and 6 am as well as weekends and holidays. Vehicles accommodate up to four passengers plus luggage.

Train: Porto Metro’s Line E (Purple) links the airport to Trindade station in about 27 minutes. Trains run every 20 min from 6 am to 1 am. Tickets and the Andante card are available at vending machines in the station under Terminal 1. (more info)

Bus: STCP urban buses (lines 601, 602 to Cordoaria and line 604 to Hospital de São João) serve the airport from the ground-level stop. Buses run every 20 minutes from early morning until late evening. Tickets can be bought on board or via Andante passes. (more info)

Shuttle: Several hotels (including OPO Hotel and Park Hotel) offer free scheduled shuttles to the airport. For regional connections, GetBUS provides direct services to Braga and Guimarães, with tickets bookable online; journey time is approximately 50 minutes.

Car rentals: Desks for international agencies (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Budget) are located in the Arrivals hall. You can pre-book online or rent on site; drivers must present a valid license and credit card. Vehicle categories range from compact to SUVs, with extra-insurance options available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport features short-stay (pier side) and long-stay lots connected by free shuttle. Pre-booking via the ANA portal secures discount rates. Electric-vehicle charging points and designated blue-zone spaces for accessible parking are available. Automated barriers accept credit cards and contactless payments.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Coin-operated lockers (three sizes) are located landside near the information desk. Fees start at €3 for a small locker (4 hours), €4 for medium and €5 for large. Maximum rental is 7 days; late-pickup charges apply per day. Baggage wrapping services are also available. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Porto Airport (OPO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks