Train Times and Connecting from Porto Airport

[ajloughran]

Hi All,
I have booked a walking week away from home arriving in Porto on 9th May at 19.10 (all being well).

My initial intention was travel to Vigo by train and walk to Santiago, returning to Porto for a return flight on 17th May.
This time fits the route stages.

However the train to Vigo leaves Porto Campanha just as my flight is scheduled to land. I know, not the best planning on my part.

I can split the journey by taking a train to Valenca that leaves at 21.03. However I am not sure if I can get through Passport Control and Customs with sufficient time (40 mins needed) to get from the airport to Campanha for 21.03. Does anyone have a comment to make on this slightly desperate plan?

My alternative is to take the Metro to Povoa de Verzim and walk for a few days on the Coastal Route. I have looked at the Metro timetable and it seems as if there are trains running until at least midnight to Povoa de Verzim but I am not confident that I have fully understood the schedule. Can a forum member please advise on Metro schedules.

I could of course stay in Porto for the night and execute either plan starting the following day but I am trying to avoid spending a night in Porto, a place I have been to on a few other occasions.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Regards,
Arthur Loughran

 

[Evan White]

Have you checked bus schedules? I checked quickly for the 9 May, Alsa offers 20:30 departure from OPO (airport) to Vigo 23:30 arrival. Or check out more options on the Rome2Rio app.

 

[Derek Booth]

Hi All,
I have booked a walking week away from home arriving in Porto on 9th May at 19.10 (all being well).

My initial intention was travel to Vigo by train and walk to Santiago, returning to Porto for a return flight on 17th May.
This time fits the route stages.

However the train to Vigo leaves Porto Campanha just as my flight is scheduled to land. I know, not the best planning on my part.

I can split the journey by taking a train to Valenca that leaves at 21.03. However I am not sure if I can get through Passport Control and Customs with sufficient time (40 mins needed) to get from the airport to Campanha for 21.03. Does anyone have a comment to make on this slightly desperate plan?

My alternative is to take the Metro to Povoa de Verzim and walk for a few days on the Coastal Route. I have looked at the Metro timetable and it seems as if there are trains running until at least midnight to Povoa de Verzim but I am not confident that I have fully understood the schedule. Can a forum member please advise on Metro schedules.

I could of course stay in Porto for the night and execute either plan starting the following day but I am trying to avoid spending a night in Porto, a place I have been to on a few other occasions.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Regards,
Arthur Loughran

I totally understand your frustration.

I am walking the Portugese in April with my two grandsons, and, because of school holidays and commitments at my end, we only have a week between flights.

Our plane also lands late evening on the Saturday. I was dubious on catching a late train to Valenca on Sat. evening as it would have meant us arriving at about 11.30pm. Fine for me to sleep in a bus shelter but I have the responsibility of looking after the boys. (I reckon they would find sleeping on the streets a wild idea!) However I discovered that there is a train to Valenca at 6.00am on Sunday morning.
Therefore, we will catch the Metro from the Airport to Campanha and we are booked into a hostel only 300mts. from the train station at Campanha.

An early start and hit the trail running (Ha! Ha! Ha! the thought of me , running?)on Sunday morning. We are booked into O'Porrino on Sunday evening.
Wish me luck!!!

 

[Maple Leaf Walker]

Another option: bus or train from Porto to Valenca. Then you start across the river in Tui. Many lovely towns from there to Santiago.

 

[ajloughran]

Have you checked bus schedules? I checked quickly for the 9 May, Alsa offers 20:30 departure from OPO (airport) to Vigo 23:30 arrival. Or check out more options on the Rome2Rio app.

Hi Evan, Thanks for your update, great advice.
I should be able to make the 8.30 bus.
Regards, Arthur Loughran.

 

[ajloughran]

I totally understand your frustration.

I am walking the Portugese in April with my two grandsons, and, because of school holidays and commitments at my end, we only have a week between flights.

Our plane also lands late evening on the Saturday. I was dubious on catching a late train to Valenca on Sat. evening as it would have meant us arriving at about 11.30pm. Fine for me to sleep in a bus shelter but I have the responsibility of looking after the boys. (I reckon they would find sleeping on the streets a wild idea!) However I discovered that there is a train to Valenca at 6.00am on Sunday morning.
Therefore, we will catch the Metro from the Airport to Campanha and we are booked into a hostel only 300mts. from the train station at Campanha.

An early start and hit the trail running (Ha! Ha! Ha! the thought of me , running?)on Sunday morning. We are booked into O'Porrino on Sunday evening.
Wish me luck!!!

Hi Derek, Good luck with your early rise and your walk. Hope the boys enjoy it. It is a nice route. Thanks, Arthur Loughran.

 

[Derek Booth]

Another option: bus or train from Porto to Valenca. Then you start across the river in Tui. Many lovely towns from there to Santiago.

You start when your foot hits the tarmac.
We're starting (hopefully) from Valenca Railway Station.