Travel Guide: Getting To Porto From The United States

If you're looking to travel to Porto from the United States, you'll be glad to know that there are several airlines that offer flights to Porto Airport (OPO). However, it's worth noting that no US carriers fly directly to this airport. Some of the European carriers with the most options are TAP Portugal, RyanAir, Lufthansa, EasyJet, and Swiss Air.

When searching for flights, you may come across different prices and travel times, depending on your departure city. For example, a recent online search showed a round-trip flight from Chicago to Porto for as low as $143, while a one-way flight from New York to Porto started at $215. It's always a good idea to compare prices and be flexible with your travel dates to find the best deals.

In terms of travel time, the duration of your flight will depend on your departure city. As a reference, a typical flight from Los Angeles to Porto takes around 17 hours and 50 minutes.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that Porto's weather consists of mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. If you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices, consider visiting during the fall, but be prepared for rain.

Compare prices and book flights online

When comparing prices and booking flights online, it is important to be flexible with your travel dates and be prepared to book in advance. The price of flights to Porto can vary depending on the time of year, the day of the week, and the time of the flight.

For example, according to KAYAK, the cheapest month to fly to Porto is January, with average prices of $496 for a one-way flight. In contrast, the most expensive months to fly are June and July, with average prices of $979 and $916, respectively.

When booking a flight, it is also worth considering the day of the week. According to KAYAK, the cheapest day to fly to Porto is Wednesday, with average prices of $859, while the most expensive day to fly is Friday, with average prices of $952.

In addition to considering the time of year and day of the week, it is also worth booking in advance. KAYAK recommends booking around one week before departure to get a below-average price. For the absolute cheapest price, they suggest booking 169 days in advance.

When searching for flights, it is worth using a platform that compares prices from multiple airlines, such as KAYAK, Skyscanner, or Expedia. These platforms allow you to search for flights across different airlines and dates to find the best deal.

When using these platforms, you can also set up price alerts, which will notify you when the price of a specific flight changes. This can be helpful if you are flexible with your travel dates and want to wait for a lower price.

When booking your flight, it is also worth considering the different airlines that fly to Porto. According to KAYAK, the airlines with the most frequent service from the United States to Porto are United Airlines, KLM, and TAP Air Portugal. United Airlines offers frequent flights from Denver, New York, and Houston, while KLM offers frequent flights from Houston, Chicago, and Detroit. TAP Air Portugal offers regular direct flights from New York.

It is also worth noting that there are no long-haul or short-haul flights to Porto from the United States. Instead, there are medium-haul flights, with an average duration of 3-6 hours.

When comparing prices, it is important to consider the inclusions and restrictions of each flight. For example, some basic economy fares may not include checked baggage or allow seat selection. It is also worth considering the amenities offered by each airline, such as in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and food options.

Once you have found a flight that suits your budget and preferences, you can proceed to book it through the platform. This usually involves providing your personal information, contact details, and payment information. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your flight, including the departure time, arrival time, and any reference numbers or booking codes.

It is always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your booking, including any applicable change or cancellation fees. This will help you understand your options if your travel plans change.

By following these tips and using price comparison platforms, you can find and book flights to Porto that suit your budget and preferences.

Check for travel advisories and local COVID-19 guidelines

When travelling to Porto, it is important to check the latest travel advisories and local COVID-19 guidelines. Here are some key points to consider:

• Always check the current travel restrictions for international attendees. It is recommended to check the Visit Porto website before planning your trip to ensure you can enter Portugal.
• Monitor local regulations at home to ensure a smooth return from Portugal.
• While protective masks are not mandatory, attendees are encouraged to make their own choices regarding masking, whether in public or within meeting venues.
• If you are experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, loss of taste or smell, congestion, runny nose, or diarrhea, it is recommended to attend the meeting virtually.
• Wearing a mask is mandatory in public transport, services, shops, supermarkets, closed spaces, and outdoors.
• For those arriving in Portugal, it is compulsory to either present a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before boarding or undergo testing upon arrival and await the results in prophylactic isolation.
• If tested negative on arrival, travellers from countries at risk will have to undergo home quarantine for 7 days, followed by re-testing on the 8th day. If this test is also negative, further self-monitoring of health for 7 days is required.
• Citizens from Brazil, India, and South Africa entering Portugal by land must comply with a 14-day quarantine period at home or at a designated location by the health authorities.
• The use of face masks is mandatory in public transports, which are limited to 2/3 of their capacity.
• Restaurants, cafes, and pastry shops are open until 10:30 pm, with a limit of 6 people inside and 10 people on terraces.

Choose from a variety of airlines, including TAP Portugal and RyanAir

When travelling to Porto from the United States, you have a variety of airlines to choose from, including TAP Portugal and RyanAir.

TAP Portugal

TAP Portugal is a popular choice for those travelling to Porto, with direct flights available from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Porto Airport (OPO). TAP Portugal also offers connecting flights to Porto from other US cities, such as Boston, Miami, and San Francisco.

RyanAir

RyanAir is an Irish ultra low-cost carrier that operates in Europe and select countries in North Africa and the Middle East. While RyanAir does not currently offer direct flights to Porto from the United States, it provides an affordable option for those willing to make a connection. You can fly RyanAir to one of their European hubs, such as London Stansted or Dublin, and then connect to Porto.

Other Options

In addition to TAP Portugal and RyanAir, other airlines that fly between the United States and Porto include United Airlines, Delta, Iberia, and American Airlines. These airlines may offer competitive prices and convenient routes, so it's worth checking their websites or using a travel search engine to explore all your options.

Consider transport options to and from the airport

There are several transport options to get you to and from Porto Airport. The easiest and most convenient way to get to and from the airport is via the city Metro line. This will take you to several locations, including the city centre, which is less than 10 miles away. Taxis are also available and will take around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the city centre, costing between $20 to $35 depending on traffic and time of day.

If you would prefer to hire a car, you can do so onsite from Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Avis, National, and others.

Explore Porto's cultural highlights, including its architecture and port wine

Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of historical charm and contemporary innovation. Its architecture showcases a dynamic history, with a rich tapestry that spans centuries. Here's a guide to exploring Porto's cultural highlights, including its architecture and port wine:

Architectural Highlights:

Porto's urban landscape is a testament to its evolving identity. The UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a mix of medieval structures and modern designs. Here are some architectural highlights:

• Ponte de Dom Luís I: This bridge, built in 1886, links Porto and Gaia, offering stunning views and easy access to the wine-tasting rooms across the river.
• Torre dos Clérigos: The Clérigos Tower, completed in 1763, is Porto's tallest bell tower at over 75 meters. It's a National Monument and an undisputed landmark in the city's history.
• Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral): This 12th-century cathedral is entwined in Portugal's nobility and elite. It's located in the historical center of the city and is a must-visit site.
• Palacio da Bolsa: This palace, located in the historic center, was built on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent. It has become the city's drawing room, hosting illustrious visitors and making it the most visited monument in northern Portugal.
• Igreja de São Francisco: This church is located in the historic center of Porto, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• Estadio do Dragao: The Dragao Stadium offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to sit in the Presidential Box and enjoy a privileged view of this renowned work of architecture.
• Casa da Musica: Casa da Musica is a cultural hub dedicated to music. It hosts concerts, recitals, and other events, as well as investing in music education and research. The building itself is a work of modern architecture, designed by Rem Koolhaas.

Port Wine Highlights:

Porto is famous for its port wine, and there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in tastings and learn about its production. Here are some highlights:

• Port Wine Lodges: Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River, is home to over 60 historic port lodges and wine producers. A guided tour or private tour can take you to several lodges for tastings and a deeper understanding of port wine.
• Real Companhia Velha: Founded in 1756, this is the oldest wine company in Portugal. Their port cellar offers a more intimate tasting experience and a chance to see wines aging in barrels.
• Cálem: Located right across the Douro River, Cálem offers informative tours in multiple languages. Their small and interactive museum details the port wine-making process.
• W & J Graham's Port: This company has a strong family history, with five Symington cousins running the business today. Their guided tours take you through active cellars and offer generous port wine tastings.
• Sandeman Port Cellars: Dating back to 1797, Sandeman is known for its mysterious atmosphere and iconic trademark image, possibly the first-ever wine logo. Their guided tours include a person dressed as the Sandeman Don, their mascot.
• Espaco Porto Cruz: This multimedia center offers a unique port experience with artistic creations, interactive presentations, and food and port wine pairings.
• Cockburn's Cellars: One of the oldest port wine producers, Cockburn's has a rich history and knowledgeable staff. Their aging warehouse is the most extensive in Gaia.
• Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro: This institute is dedicated to the role of port wine in the city. You can taste several port brands and learn about the different varieties, including Ruby, Tawny, White, and Rosé Ports.

Frequently asked questions