Travel from Santiago to Porto, Portugal

[Max FarAway]

I am planning on booking my flight home out of Porto, Portugal. I am wondering if there is any possible issues I might run into traveling from Santiago to Portugal that could cause me to miss my flight? I may arrive in Santiago only two or three days before my flight leaves from Porto, so any kind of hang up could cause me to miss my flight. Assuming I have my passport with me, should transportation and entry to Portugal be hassle free?

Also, upon reaching Santiago, I may be faced with a decision to either go continue the walk to the ocean (remind me the name of the town most people walk to?) or to spend a couple days in Porto. Any opinions on which one is better?

Gracias,
Max FarAway

 

[miguel_gp]

Hi Max,
If you are expecting to arrive 2-3 days before your flight it is unlikely you will have time to walk to the ocean (Finisterre/Fisterra or Muxia are the destinations) and get back to Santiago in order to get to Porto. There was a bus direct from Santiago to oporto airport which ran a few times a day. The company name escapes me but I will check and post back. Oporto is a lovely city if you choose to spend your time there or just relax in Santiago if it is not a place that you have visited before? Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be worthwhile.

 

[Max FarAway]

Thanks Miguel,

Yeah thank you, I realize that if it were the case that I arrived in Santiago 2-3 days before the flight, I would have to go straight to Porto. But there is also a chance I arrive a 5 or 6 before my flight leaves if I chose to hike SJPP to Santiago aggressively, which would put me in a position to have to chose between a few days in Porto or walking to Finisterre (thanks for that!). Glad to know it is fairly easy to reach Porto, though! Thanks again

 

[scruffy1]

Let me begin that I love Porto! In my opinion, the only really inspiring bit of the walk to Fistera is that last day along the water. The town has changed with the years and I no longer enjoy visiting there but Muxia is still lovely. If you must, take a bus to Fistera to see the lighthouse, a very nice walk out since from there you cannot see the town, back to Santiago and on for a couple of days in Porto. In Porto, try and work in the modern architecture there (Porto School might ring a bell) is just as amazing as the traditional azulejo ceramic tiles Koolhaus's Casa Musica is right by the bus station from Santiago and Siza's Serralves Museum is a bit more difficult but certainly worth the effort. Doesn't look like Gerry in Bilbao, but similarly, the building is often far more intriguing that the exhibits.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Why would crossing from Spain into Portugal,be an issue? Borders are long gone.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There are three buses a day from Santiago to Oporto for 21E. The trip takes 3:15 hours, and the scenery is beautiful.

 

[Max FarAway]

Why would crossing from Spain into Portugal,be an issue? Borders are long gone.

I have never traveled in Europe before. Thanks for the information.

 

[Max FarAway]

There are three buses a day from Santiago to Oporto for 21E. The trip takes 3:15 hours, and the scenery is beautiful.

Very helpful and reassuring. Thank you.

 

[Theatregal]

Hi Max,

Check out: https://www.rome2rio.com

This site will give you the options for transport from Santiago to Porto, including bus, train, rideshare. I took the train from Santiago (my flight was also out of Porto). I left Santiago the day before my flight. As mentioned above though, Porto is a beautiful city to explore if you'd feel more comfortable getting there a couple of days early.

 

[Mike Savage]

Welcome Max,

When I walked the Francés I arrived in Santiago much sooner than I expected and continued on to Muxia and Finisterre. It was a wonderful quiet walk with quite a bit of rain (mid October) The next year I walked the Portugues way and spent two days in Porto. I really enjoyed Porto and the Portuguese people and food. Since you will have been walking already and since it is your first time to Europe I would encourage you to visit Portugal and Porto and experience a different country, people, and cuisine. I will be walking the Portuguese Central route this year (last time was Coastal Route) and spending a month in Portugal. It is a wonderful country and for me it is not to be missed.

I wish you well in your decision they are both good choices.

Buen Camino!

 

[LTfit]

I took the bus ride from Santiago to Porto about 10 days ago. It was through Alsa and if the ticket is bought online it is €37,- otherwise €40 at the bus station in Santiago. Don't forget that Portugal is in a different time zone - one hour earlier!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I have never traveled in Europe before. Thanks for the information.

Ypu will find that once you enter one of the Schengen countries you will not have to cross any boarder controls, unless there has been some sort of horrible reason to tighten security.

Here is additional information on Schengen:
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/

 

[Max FarAway]

Hi Max,

Check out: https://www.rome2rio.com

This site will give you the options for transport from Santiago to Porto, including bus, train, rideshare. I took the train from Santiago (my flight was also out of Porto). I left Santiago the day before my flight. As mentioned above though, Porto is a beautiful city to explore if you'd feel more comfortable getting there a couple of days early.

Thanks so much

 

[Max FarAway]

Welcome Max,

When I walked the Francés I arrived in Santiago much sooner than I expected and continued on to Muxia and Finisterre. It was a wonderful quiet walk with quite a bit of rain (mid October) The next year I walked the Portugues way and spent two days in Porto. I really enjoyed Porto and the Portuguese people and food. Since you will have been walking already and since it is your first time to Europe I would encourage you to visit Portugal and Porto and experience a different country, people, and cuisine. I will be walking the Portuguese Central route this year (last time was Coastal Route) and spending a month in Portugal. It is a wonderful country and for me it is not to be missed.

I wish you well in your decision they are both good choices.

Buen Camino!

This is great advice. Thanks a lot.

 

[Max FarAway]

Ypu will find that once you enter one of the Schengen countries you will not have to cross any boarder controls, unless there has been some sort of horrible reason to tighten security.

Here is additional information on Schengen:
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/

Thanks!

 

[Max FarAway]

I took the bus ride from Santiago to Porto about 10 days ago. It was through Alsa and if the ticket is bought online it is €37,- otherwise €40 at the bus station in Santiago. Don't forget that Portugal is in a different time zone - one hour earlier!

Great thanks a lot

 

[SYates]

Porto is on the ocean ;-) Buen Camino, SY