Port information & tips for Porto
Porto is a fascinating metropolis on the Douro and enchants visitors with its rich history and authentic Portuguese charm. Its location on the Atlantic coast gives the region a maritime flair that blends harmoniously with the Baroque architecture of the old town and the terraced vineyards. Absolute highlights include the historic Ribeira district, the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and the traditional port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Cruise ships dock at the modern Porto Cruise Terminal in the Port of Leixões, which is a landmark in its own right thanks to its futuristic design. The city center, located about ten kilometers away, can also be easily reached by shuttle, taxi, or via the nearby Matosinhos Sul metro station.
The Port of Porto, officially known as the Porto Cruise Terminal in the Leixões/Matosinhos district, impresses with its modern architecture and excellent connections to the city center and the international airport. Handling usually takes place at the award-winning Terminal de Passageiros Sul, which is located directly on the Atlantic coast and offers short distances for all arriving guests.
Airplane
Porto Airport (OPO) is located just 10 kilometers north of the cruise terminal and is served by direct flights from numerous airports in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Thanks to the short distance, you can reach the ship by taxi or ride-sharing service in around 15 minutes; additionally, Metro Line E offers a convenient connection from the airport towards the city and port area.
Train & Metro
Travelers from other parts of the country can reach the central long-distance station Porto Campanhã with the fast Alfa Pendular trains. From there, you can take Metro Line A (Blue Line) directly to the final station Senhor de Matosinhos in the immediate vicinity of the port grounds. The journey through the city area is comfortable thanks to modern trains and allows for initial views of the surroundings.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Since Porto, with its UNESCO World Heritage old town and famous port wine cellars, is a first-class travel destination, arriving a day early is highly recommended. A stay in a hotel in Matosinhos also offers the advantage of being at the terminal in just a few minutes on embarkation day, allowing you to start your cruise vacation completely relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Porto, officially known as the Porto Cruise Terminal in the Leixões/Matosinhos district, impresses with its modern architecture and excellent connections to the city center and the international airport. Handling usually takes place at the award-winning Terminal de Passageiros Sul, which is located directly on the Atlantic coast and offers short distances for all arriving guests.
Airplane
Porto Airport (OPO) is located just 10 kilometers north of the cruise terminal and is served by direct flights from numerous airports in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Thanks to the short distance, you can reach the ship by taxi or ride-sharing service in around 15 minutes; additionally, Metro Line E offers a convenient connection from the airport towards the city and port area.
Train & Metro
Travelers from other parts of the country can reach the central long-distance station Porto Campanhã with the fast Alfa Pendular trains. From there, you can take Metro Line A (Blue Line) directly to the final station Senhor de Matosinhos in the immediate vicinity of the port grounds. The journey through the city area is comfortable thanks to modern trains and allows for initial views of the surroundings.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Since Porto, with its UNESCO World Heritage old town and famous port wine cellars, is a first-class travel destination, arriving a day early is highly recommended. A stay in a hotel in Matosinhos also offers the advantage of being at the terminal in just a few minutes on embarkation day, allowing you to start your cruise vacation completely relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The modern cruise terminal in Matosinhos offers an ideal starting point for exploring the entire region thanks to its excellent location and connections.
Metro do Porto
The Matosinhos Sul stop on the blue Metro Line A is within easy walking distance of the terminal and connects the port directly to the city center. The journey takes around 30 minutes and takes you directly to the city's most important sights without having to change trains.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis are available directly in front of the port building and will take you quickly to the old town of Porto or to the port wine cellars in Gaia. The use of ride-sharing apps is also very common in Porto and offers a flexible addition for individual excursions.
On Foot and Beach Promenade
The center of Matosinhos and the extensive sandy beach can be reached on foot in about 10 to 15 minutes. The promenade also offers a wonderful opportunity for a relaxed stroll by the sea and leads directly to the town's first-class fish restaurants.
It is best to combine the historical charm of the Old Town with the relaxed atmosphere of the coast to optimally experience the maritime diversity of Porto in one day.
Ribeira & Old Town
The UNESCO World Heritage Site directly on the banks of the Douro enchants with its winding alleys and brightly painted house fronts and is easily accessible from the port thanks to good connections.
Vila Nova de Gaia
On the opposite bank, the traditional port wine cellars invite you to exclusive tastings and simultaneously offer the perfect panoramic view of the iconic bridge Ponte Dom Luís I.
Matosinhos
This lively district is located directly at the cruise terminal and is the ideal destination for a relaxing stay by the sea thanks to its extensive sandy beach and first-class fish restaurants.
Vila Nova de Gaia & Cais de Gaia
The historic district of Vila Nova de Gaia on the southern bank of the Douro is easily accessible from the cruise terminal in Matosinhos in about twenty to thirty minutes by taxi and offers what is arguably the most spectacular view of the colorful backdrop of Porto's old town as well as the iconic Ponte Dom Luís I bridge. Thanks to the numerous traditional port wine cellars and the charming Cais de Gaia waterfront promenade, this location is ideal for a relaxed stroll and an excellent wine tasting in an authentic atmosphere. Many cozy cafés and first-class restaurants directly on the river invite you to linger, while the modern Teleférico de Gaia cable car also provides a convenient connection to the higher viewpoints. It is best to visit Vila Nova de Gaia in the morning to explore the wine cellars before the larger crowds of visitors arrive, and plan your return trip to the port for the early afternoon so that you can enjoy your stay in Porto in a relaxed manner until the very last minute.
The return journey to the modern cruise terminal in Matosinhos is straightforward and safe thanks to the excellent connections to Porto city center.
Metro and Public Bus
Metro Line A (Blue Line) takes you directly from the central Trindade station to the Matosinhos Sul stop near the port, offering a reliable connection for your return trip. Additionally, you can enjoy a scenic ride along the coastal road on bus line 500, which drops you off at Mercado de Matosinhos near the ship, providing a direct connection.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis are available at central locations such as Praca da Liberdade or directly at Sao Bento station and will take you comfortably to the terminal. The journey takes about twenty to thirty minutes, and thanks to the good transport links, you will reach the port's security area quickly and on time.
On Foot from Matosinhos
If you have spent the afternoon at the extensive Matosinhos beach or in the local fish restaurants, simply walk back to the port along the wide waterfront promenade. The path to the striking snail-shaped cruise terminal is level and very easy to find thanks to the good visibility of the building and the ship.
