travelling to porto
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is Porto's international airport, located approximately 15km from the city center.
The most convenient ways to reach Porto's city center are by using train, metro, bus or taxi. The metro is a reliable and stress-free way to travel into central Porto. The Metro Line E (Violet Line) directly connects Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport to the city center, with trains running approximately every 20 to 30 minutes.
The journey to Trindade station, a central hub in Porto, takes about 30 minutes.
During the day, bus lines 601 and 602 connect the airport with various parts of the city. For those arriving late, bus 3M operates during the night, ensuring 24-hour service. Buses depart every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Taking a taxi to the city center takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and the time of day.
Porto Campanhã is the city's main train station, serving trains from various destinations across Portugal, as well as from neighbouring countries. There are direct connections from Lisbon, Coimbra, and Faro, as well as international routes from Vigo in Spain.
The station is well-located, just a short metro ride from the historic city center. In fact, the journey to São Bento station, located in the heart of Porto, takes only a few minutes on the metro. Porto Campanhã is a modern facility, equipped with a variety of amenities, including shops, cafés, and services to meet the needs of travellers.
GeTTING AROUND IN PORTO
Porto is a compact city where you can easily explore the main attractions on foot. However, the public transport system is equally efficient, accessible, and easy to use. One of the great advantages of Porto’s transportation system is its integration.
Tickets purchased on buses can be used on the metro, and vice versa, providing a very convenient flexibility. Instead of using tickets for single trips or returns, each ticket allows a certain amount of time on the transport system, meaning that journeys with transfers don’t require additional purchases.
BY SUBWAY
Porto’s subway network is efficient and well-connected, with 6 operational lines and an additional line under construction, expected to be completed by 2025. The network covers over 60 kilometers and serves 81 stations, making it a quick and convenient way to travel across 7 districts. The subway is particularly useful for reaching the city center from outlying areas and for traveling between major attractions.
You can find more information at: Metro do Porto - A Vida em Movimento
BY BUS AND TRAM
Porto has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city, making it easy to reach even the most remote areas. The buses are frequent and reliable, ensuring you can move around the city with ease.
Porto’s historic trams offer a charming and nostalgic way to explore the city, particularly along scenic routes by the riverside, the ocean promenade, and through the Historic Centre. These trams provide a unique perspective of Porto's heritage, allowing visitors to travel back in time while taking in some of the most beautiful sights.
You can find more information at: STCP
BY FOOT AND BICYCLE
Porto is a walkable city, with most of its attractions easily accessible on foot. From a leisurely stroll along the riverfront to discovering hidden cafés near Clérigos Tower, walking is one of the best ways to experience the city’s charm. The narrow streets, historic architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods are best explored at a slower pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Porto experience.
For a more sustainable and active way of exploring Porto, cycling is an excellent option. The city has a growing network of bike lanes, particularly along the riverside and coastal areas, offering safe and scenic routes for cyclists. Several bike rental services are available, making it easy to hop on a bike and discover Porto at your own pace.
BY Uber & Bolt
Uber and Bolt operates throughout Porto, offering a convenient and flexible way to get around the city. Whether you need a quick ride across town or a comfortable journey to and from the airport, Uber and Bolt are a reliable option. Simply use the app to request a ride and enjoy the ease of door-to-door service.
ICCA Congress delegates are able to take advangtage of special flight deals. After registration, you'll receive discount codes you can use with our flight partners. Delegates who have already registered will receive the codes separately. Click on each airline booking link and use the corresponding discount to check rates and find the most convenient flight for your trip to Porto.
TAP Air Portugal (Transportes Aéreos Portugueses) is the national airline of Portugal, headquartered in Lisbon. It was founded in 1945 and has grown to become one of the leading airlines in Europe, known for its extensive network connecting Portugal with destinations across Europe, Africa, North America, and South America.TAP Air Portugal has agreed to offer a discount to the participants who make their flight booking and buy their ticket exclusively through TAP Air Portugal’s website.
SkyTeam is the alliance dedicated to providing passengers with a more seamless travel experience at every step of their journey. 19 member airlines working together across an extensive global network to welcome 342 million customers each year on more than 10,084+ daily flights to 1,088 destinations in 184 countries. We are pleased to offer exclusive rates that can be applied within the SkyTeam member airlines, for the ICCA Congress 2025.
Qatar Airways, the esteemed national carrier of the State of Qatar, prides itself on delivering world-class service and has earned global recognition as an award-winning airline. We are excited to offer exclusive savings on Business and Economy Class fares that can be applied from any city within the expanding Qatar Airways network, when you fly to Porto, for the ICCA Congress 2025. Qatar Airways has included Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona as alternative points to support routes from participants from other parts of the world to increase connectivity.
The Lufthansa Group airlines bring people together - every day, all around the world. The global route network of Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings offers optimal connection and combination options, so you will benefit from quick and direct flights to the event.
Before travelling to Portugal, please make sure you are aware of the below conditions:
Nationalities and Visa Requirements
The entry requirements into Portugal vary according to the nationality of the participants. Citizens of the European Union (EU), Schengen Area, and Switzerland Requirements: No visa is required to enter Portugal. Necessary Documents: Valid passport or identity document.
Citizens of Visa-Exempt Schengen Countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, Australia, and others.
Requirements: Exempt from a visa for stays of up to 90 days, including participation in events such as congresses. It is necessary to apply for the ETIAS Travel Authorisation.
Necessary Documents: Valid passport; Approved ETIAS (estimated cost: €7, online).
Citizens of Countries Requiring a Schengen Visa Examples: India, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, and others. Requirements: Apply for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C). This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Necessary Documents: Completed visa application form; valid passport (minimum of 3 months after the planned departure date); recent photograph (required format); proof of participation in the Congress (official invitation or registration); travel itinerary (round-trip flights); proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter); valid travel insurance for the Schengen area (minimum coverage of €30,000); proof of financial resources (recent bank statements or sponsorship letter).
Visa Application Procedure
Where to apply for a Visa: Consulate of Portugal or an authorized Visa Center (such as VFS Global) in the participant's country of residence.
Deadlines and Tips:
- Begin the application process at least 6 to 8 weeks before the trip.
- Ensure all required documents are complete.
- Pay the visa processing fee (varies depending on the country).
ETIAS Travel Authorization Starting in 2025, citizens of visa-exempt countries will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System).
How to Apply: Access the official ETIAS website and complete the online form. There is a fee of approximately €7. The authorization is issued by email within minutes (in exceptional cases, it may take up to 72 hours). Health Requirements Vaccination Certificates
Currently, Portugal does not require specific vaccinations for travelers from European Union countries or visa-exempt nations. However, it is highly recommended that all travelers are up-to-date with the National Vaccination Program (PNV) vaccines, including: tetanus, diphtheria, and measles. For travelers from regions where certain diseases are endemic, additional vaccinations may be recommended, such as: yellow fever and hepatitis A.