Travel from Santiago to Porto

[ffp13]

This year I will travel to Spain for 2 months and I will again be walking the Camino France's, after I complete that Camino I should have sufficient time to walk the Camino from Porto.

What is the best and most economical means of transport from Santiago to Porto

Thanks. Frank

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Frank,
Though I much prefer trains to buses, this is one route that I'd say stick with the buses. Trains require a change in Vigo and it's complicated.

There's one bus a day, Santiago to Lisbon, with a stop in Porto. Leaves Santiago 11 am, arrives in Porto at 2:15 pm (and remember there is a time difference, Spain is an hour ahead of Portugal).

My unsolicited recommendation would be to spend at least a full day in Porto, it's a beautiful city, not too prettified/gentrified, beautiful spots on the river, lots of amazing tiles everywhere. The view from the Gaia side of the upper bridge back to Porto is one of the most beautiful "built environment" sights, IMO. (In fact, that's what's in the background of my forum picture to the right). Bom caminho, Laurie

 

[Anniesantiago]

I agree. Porto is a wonderful city and a great place to spend a day or two. Walk to the waterfront and experience fresh grilled sardinhas - go across the bridge and taste the famous port. Be a tourist for a few days before walking.. it's worth it!

 

[DurhamParish]

Agree with Peregrina2000. Last September I used the ALSA 11:00 AM bus from Santiago to Porto. It's a great way to get to Porto. For the trains you have to change from the Spanish trains to the Portuguese trains in Vigo. The Portuguese trains (two of them) between Vigo and Porto run early in the morning and late in the evening.

If you like Port, be sure to visit the Port Lodges on the Gaia side of the river in Porto. Also, at the Cathedral in Porto, it's worth every penny to pay to visit the cloisters. They are stunning.

 

[ffp13]

Thank you everyone for your feedback, I most certainly will spend at least one full day (2nights) before walking back to Santiago . ( and I like a good oak aged Port )

Even if I don't have enough time to complete the Camino from there it sounds like a great side trip from Santiago, last year I visited Lugo ( by bus ) that too was great.

Hopefully I can fit in the walk, I only have 2 months in Spain and so much to do, the Camino from Roncessvalles , walk to Muxia , volunteer as a hospitaleros, and walk the Portuguese Camino from Porto

Frank

 

[nalod]

Travelled last Sun from Santiago to Porto 31e by bus. Note of WARNING arrived on Sat at 10.30 for 11 departure only to be told bus was full, so do book in advance.

 

[ffp13]

Good point, and being mid July would only mean more bus travellers

 

[DurhamParish]

Yes, our bus was full also. I had purchased our tickets a couple of days before we left.

 

[DurhamParish]

Hello

For those that have caught the bus...can you tell me how long the bus ride is?

There's one bus a day, Santiago to Lisbon, with a stop in Porto. Leaves Santiago 11 am, arrives in Porto at 2:15 pm (and remember there is a time difference, Spain is an hour ahead of Portugal).

That makes it about 4 hours. There are stops in Vigo and at the Porto airport.