By Metro
Porto Metro (http://www.metrodoporto.pt/) is an incredibly advanced, state of the art light rail / subway system. Developed in 2001 for the Porto2001 - European Capital of Culture, the metro is still under construction. It has 5 lines, that run across the center of Porto, and down to some suburban areas. It is quick, and probably the most efficient way to get around Porto. Some major areas of the city, however, are not that well served by the metro, although new lines are planned and should start being built soon.
Tickets must be purchased beforehand. They can be sold at the machines in the station note: if there are no tickets in the machine that day, take the metro to the next station and buy it there!. The ticket is printed in a card called "Andante", and you can purchase as many rides or travels you want, in the zone you are staying in Porto and surrounding are Z2. Matosinhos Z3. Airport Z4. One travel will take you anywhere your zone, and you can travel as many times as you want within one hour. If you plan on using it again, Do Not throw away the card! The card can be re-charged the card itself costs around â¬0.50. You can also buy daily passes, which is more convenient.
If you plan on living in Porto, or staying for more than three weeks, it is recommended you get the "Andante Gold". The card costs â¬5, and will allow unlimited travel, without time limit. However, the zoning system is a lot different in the "Gold" version then in the "Blue version". There around around 11 zones in Andante Gold C1, C2, S11, etc. The centre is C1. When you buy the card, you must purchase another zone C1 is automatically included. The Andante Gold can be used in all metro lines, the funicular and all buses . When you are buying the Andante Gold, you must have a picture of yourself your passport photo will do. They can amplify the image from the passport to the card in seconds.
An important note: your andante must be validated before you enter the metro, bus or funicular. There are no barriers to stop you at the metro, but the Metro police enter the cars and check your Andante to make sure you have validated it, and are travelling within your zones.
By Ascensor Da Ribeira
This panoramic elevator runs from the Largo da Lada, and is visible behind the buildings of the Ribeira, close to the Ponte D. LuÃs.
By plane
Not exactly a public transportation, but its a wonderful way to see the city from above. Near the Douro there is a heliport with a helicopter available for people to use to get to know the city as a whole. Travelling accompanied will make the flight cheaper.
By taxi
A fast way of getting around the city, although traffic congestions near the city center might be a problem. However, be expected to pay a high price for these services, especially compared to the other public transportations such as bus and subway.
Porto Taxi Transfer (http://www.portugal-trans...)
By Funicular Dos Guindais
This is a cable railway system. Use this if you don't wish to walk up the steep streets of Porto. This system connects the Ribeira to the Batalha square, in the city centre, it also has a panoramic view of the River Duoro. As of February 2007, a single trip cost â¬1. However, if your Andante card see "Metro" above has been recently validated in less then one hour, that you can ride it for free
By car
Porto, like most Portuguese cities, is a nightmare to drive in. Roads vary in conditions - from fully paved to cobbled lanes that can make even the most shortest of distance seem like a go-kart rally. With that said, keep in mind that the touristic part of the city the Ribeira and Baixa are a never ending maze of narrow streets, short tempered drivers and snakelike alleys. Better to walk despite the fact that it's very hilly. Also, drivers seem to have forgotten how to drive apart from pushing the pedals - therefore, they make their own rules of the road however, this generally does not apply to young drivers. Be prepared to lose your patience several times whilst driving.
By ship
There are ferry boats that connect Porto to the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia, although you can easily walk or travel by car, metro or bus to the other side. Also the are numerous tourist boats which travel up the Douro river, where you can get fantastic views of the green landscape the region has to offer.