“Should I rent a car from Lisbon to Porto, or should I take the train?”
I have seen the question come up a lot recently, particularly in the face of Portugal’s tourism explosion of late. The long answer, is that either method of travel has both, its advantages and disadvantages, and if you are even considering a trip to Portugal, my advice is just to book.
The shorter – and correct – answer, is to rent a car and drive.
Full disclosure, my recommendation is always to drive, if that is an option. My belief is that, only in driving and maintaining full control over your travel, can you really extract the best experience. I cannot tell you how many times Leena and I fell ass backwards into an incomparable experience, just by having the freedom to call an audible and pull of the highway at a moment’s notice.
I call it the “World’s Best Slice of Pie”, in that, if you’re driving and see a sign for the “World’s Best Slice of Pie” you can (and absolutely should) take the opportunity to try it. Will it be the world’s best pie? Unlikely. Will you see or find something interesting on your way to the vendor? Probably. Will you miss the opportunity entirely by taking the train? Almost Certainly.
As I write this, it occurs to me that the rule might be better named “The Greatest Stop in Portugal Rule”. Portugal is full (and I mean full) of things to see and experience. Literally every town is somehow wildly unique AND wildly “Portuguese”. All are an experience not to be missed. To take a train, while still an amazing trip unto itself, is to tie your hands at the detriment of your experience. Drive, when it is an option (though there are certainly some things to consider when opting to drive, and I will cover those down below).
With that preamble out of the way, and without further ado, I present our favorite itinerary for traveling from Lisbon to Porto.
Note: this is a 3-day itinerary. You can shorten or lengthen it as necessary, and this is BY NO MEANS THE ONLY WAY TO DO IT. This is but a mere suggestion. If you want to skip the National Forest and do Coimbra, instead – by all means! It is important to know that, in Portugal, it is VERY difficult to make a wrong decision.
But, drive.
Table of Contents
A Note About Lisbon
Lisbon to Porto Day 1: Lisbon to Nazaré
Lisbon to Porto Day 2: Nazaré to Aveiro
Lisbon to Porto Day 3: Aveiro to Porto
Additional Tips & Final Thoughts About Driving from Lisbon to Porto
A Note About Lisbon
Portugal’s sun-kissed capital is a treasure trove of cultural and historical riches, perfect for first-time travelers.
As you wander through its labyrinthine streets, you’ll be captivated by the harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. Expect to be greeted by the iconic yellow trams clattering through tree-lined avenues, pastel-colored buildings, and stunning viewpoints (miradouros) offering breathtaking cityscapes. Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife, world-class seafood, and fado music provide a sensory feast.
Don’t miss the historic Belém Tower, World Famous Time Out Market and Jerónimos Monastery, symbols of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Likewise, don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy some of the food and drinks specific to Lisbon and its surrounding areas. Pastel De Belem, Ginja and Bifana to name a few. If you have the time (and the resources) make reservations at Alma, Lisbon’s two-star Michelin dining experience and, dare I say it, one of the best restaurants in the World.
Just outside the city, you have amazing regions of Cascais and Sintra, that warrants its own day, at least (and, might I suggest experiencing it by tuk tuk?)
Lisbon is honestly one of my favorite places in the World, and I would be hard-pressed to name a city that I, personally, am more enamored with. My suggestion is to spend as much time in Lisbon as you can, particularly on a first-time visit, and start this itinerary AFTER you have soaked a good amount of Lisboa in. Enjoy the food, people, art and architecture. However you approach it, Lisbon’s warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it an unforgettable destination for any traveler.
I would also avoid driving in Lisbon, proper. The city was designed for pedestrian traffic, trollies and smaller motorized vehicles. It can be quite a challenge mastering “Lisbon driving” for someone who is used to driving in the US or greater European regions. Save the car for the Lisbon to Porto itinerary below.
Lisbon to Porto Day 1: Lisbon to Nazaré
- Morning: Start from Lisbon
- Begin your journey in Lisbon with a traditional breakfast.
- If time allows, visit a Lisbon landmark before departing.
- Mid-Morning Head to Óbidos
- Directly, this is a 1 hour drive from Lisbon.
- As one of the best preserved medieval villages in the World, this is a great place to stop, get lunch and maybe a shot of ginja.
- Tour Castelo de Óbidos, climb the castle wall and explore the village.
- Walk Lagoa de Óbidos (Obidos Lagoon)
- Late Afternoon: Head to Nazaré.
- About a 30 minute drive.
- Evening: Enjoy Nazaré
- Have dinner at a seaside restaurant, trying local seafood dishes (PERCEBES (local gooseneck barnacles) are a must try)
- Walk the alleys and shore of Nazaré, and see some street performers.
- Spend the evening enjoying the beach or exploring the town.
- Nazaré is an amazing little town, with homes almost stacked on top of one another and people running through he streets at night. Stay at a local airbnb (I highly recommend Ana’s Place) for a once in a lifetime experience.
Lisbon to Porto Day 2: Nazaré to Aveiro
- Morning: Enjoy Nazaré
- Walk the Funicular Trail and take a panoramic photo of the town at “Baloiço da Ladeira” (Swing on the Hill).
- Take in some great street art along the way.
- Walk to the Mercado Municipal da Nazaré (Farmer’s Market) and buy some fresh bread, fruits or fish (NOTE: This place is cash only, but ATMs nearby)
- Drive to and explore the beach and the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo for stunning views and to learn about the giant waves ( Take a picture with The Veado “Deer Man” statue)
- Drive to Casa Pão De Ló for a slice of their famous Pão De Ló (Portuguese sponge cake) that is unlike anything you’ve ever eaten.
- Mid Morning/Early Afternoon: Head to Buçaco National Forest
- about a 1.5 hr drive
- Afternoon: Buçaco National Forest
- Enjoy a completely different view of Portugal, with lush forest and palace gardens
- Afternoon: Head to Aveiro
- About an hour drive
- Evening: Relax in Aveiro
- Walk around the town and have dinner.
- If you’re feeling especially adventurous, try their fried eels
- DEFINITELY try the dessert Aviero is famous for: Ovos moles de Aveiro (soft egg)
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Moliceiro boats
- Walk around the town and have dinner.
Lisbon to Porto Day 3: Aveiro to Porto
- Morning: More of Aviero
- Visit local attractions like the Aveiro Salt Pans.About an hour
- Morning: Drive to Porto
- About an hour
- All Day 3: Enjoy Porto
- Porto is the “Lisbon for Locals” – there is so much to see and do (and eat!)
- Visit Livraria Lello Library (JK Rowling’s inspiration for Hogwart’s Library)
- Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge and DEFINITELY enjoy a port wine tasting.
- Take in the amazing Porto street art!
- Try the Piri Piri Chicken and Caldo Verde at Pedro Dos Francos!
Pro Tip: you WILL need to make reservations for Livraria Lello
Additional Tips & Final Thoughts About Driving from Lisbon to Porto
- Make sure you know and understand the rules about driving in Portugal – specifically lane changes and round-abouts.
- In most cases (and particularly with English written driver’s licenses) you should not need an International Driver’s Permit (but make sure that you are sure, just in case)
- Make sure to check the surf conditions and any local events in Nazaré, as it can get quite busy during surf competitions or festivals.
- Keep an eye on travel times and traffic, especially when leaving Lisbon and heading to Nazaré.
- Enjoy the diverse experiences – from the urban charm of Lisbon to the historic streets of Coimbra, the unique beauty of Aveiro, and the vibrant energy of Porto.
What do you think about our Lisbon to Porto itinerary? Did we miss anything you would not, or maybe enlighten you to something that had not been on your radar? Let us know in the comments below!
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