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.
