Which one, at a glance
| Your trip | Station |
|---|---|
| Lisbon, Coimbra (Alfa Pendular, Intercidades) | Campanhã |
| International train, Minho line | Campanhã |
| Douro Valley, Braga, Guimarães | São Bento (most services) |
| Aveiro | Express from Campanhã; urban train from São Bento |
| Seeing the station and its azulejos | São Bento |
São Bento: the central station
Opened in 1916, São Bento is in central Porto and is the handiest for destinations within about two hours: the Douro, Braga, Guimarães. Neither the North line (Lisbon) nor the Minho line passes through it. The hall and its azulejos can be visited for free: read our page on São Bento station. A mobility centre sells tickets on site.
Campanhã: the station for every train
Opened in 1877 in the district of the same name, farther from the centre and the airport, Campanhã has more departures than São Bento and serves every type of train: international, Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, regional, inter-regional and urban. It connects to the metro, buses and taxis. For Lisbon, this is where you need to be (see Lisbon from Porto: train or tour and Porto or Lisbon).
Linking the two stations
If you sleep near São Bento and leave from Campanhã, take an urban train from São Bento to Campanhã or the metro (see Porto metro tickets and zones). Leave a comfortable margin before a long-distance train. Screens show the platform; always check the departure station on your ticket.
Aveiro, the Douro and pitfalls
- Aveiro: according to a travel guide, the urban train from São Bento takes about 1 h 15 and the express with a change at Campanhã about 54 to 60 minutes. CP warns that service may be suspended on some days because of works on the metro's Rubi line, with replacement buses between São Bento, Campanhã and Aveiro: check on the day of your trip (see Aveiro from Porto).
- Andante: the card can be used between Campanhã and Espinho (see Getting around Porto).
- Tickets: online, discounted fares are non-refundable.
- Strikes: if CP is on strike, see train strike in Portugal.
Which option to choose?
- For Lisbon: Campanhã, on the Alfa Pendular (fastest) or the Intercidades.
- For a day in the Douro without organising trains: an organised tour that handles the transport; see the Douro Valley from Porto.
- To see the station: São Bento, a few minutes are enough.
La rédaction Porto Authority, 26/10/2026.
