Flights to Porto

Porto, Portugal, only has one major airport named Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which is conveniently situated near the city center and contains a broad range of amenities for tourists leaving or arriving in Porto. In case you are wondering how many airports there are in Portugal, the country has three international airports: Lisbon Airport (LIS), Faro Airport (FAO), and Porto Airport (OPO), which serve different parts of the country. Besides, for more information on airports in Portugal, visit lists of central airport guides on how to get to Porto from nearby airports. Also, when it comes to specific airlines and destinations served by Porto Airport, there are a lot of detailed statistics available, as well as ground transport options, which can be found on dedicated airport guides.

We are pleased to present our guide to airlines flying to the Portuguese city of Porto from the United Kingdom. 

1. British Airways: British Airways offers direct flights from London Heathrow Airport to Porto Airport, known for its extraordinary service and comfort. Traveling with BA is a pleasure.
2. EasyJet: EasyJet is an airline that serves those on a budget as it operates out of London Gatwick Airport and London Luton Airport; its flights land in Porto. Among the many services they provide, this company has cheap prices and frequent options for arriving at Porto.
3. Ryanair: Ryanair flies directly from London Stansted Airport to Porto with low-cost fares and no-frills customer service. To Porto, UK passengers can choose between Ryan Air’s low-cost fares and quick trip times.
4. TAP Air Portugal: TAP Air Portugal carries direct flights from London Heathrow Airport to Porto Airport. With its modern facilities and business-class seats, this flagship carrier offers a comfortable journey experience, which makes it superior to any other airline in Portugal.
5. KLM: For instance, KLM operates several daily flights from various UK airports, including London Heathrow Airport, into Porto, providing convenient connections with this beautiful Portuguese city. You can always rely on KLM’s services focusing on safety and care from the UK to Porto.

These airlines offer different ways of getting there depending on your preference – luxury, price, or convenience when considering a flight from the United Kingdom. Order a ticket now and start discovering amazing things about Porto!

On average, a direct flight from the United Kingdom to Porto takes around two hours and twenty minutes. Some airlines offering these flights include British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and TAP Air Portugal, which fly from London, Manchester, Bristol, and most major cities in the UK to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto. These flights suit passengers who want to reach Porto quickly and without much hassle. 

For travelers who take indirect flights from the UK to Porto, the total duration can differ based on the selected route and stopover duration. Indirect flights mostly have stopovers at Madrid or Barcelona before heading to Porto. The overall travel time for indirect flights varies between 4-12 hours depending on the length of layovers and the number of connections passengers make. They may take more time than direct flights, but sometimes they could be cheaper options, especially for travelers operating on tight budgets.

When planning your trip to Porto from the UK, it is important to consider things like flight duration, layover times, and general travel preferences. For people who want a quick journey, there are direct flights, while indirect ones may have fare savings where travelers are flexible enough to stay long in transit. Your travel priorities influence your decision when you compare various flight options; thus, you can select an itinerary that meets your needs and budgetary allocations while traveling to Porto from Britain.

1. Livraria Lello: The breathtaking atmosphere of Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, is known for its unique neo-Gothic architecture and intricate wooden interior.
2. Ribeira District: It is a colorful neighborhood along the Douro River where you can see various bright-colored buildings, attractive streets, and cafes on water frontage with scenic views.
3. Port Wine Cellars: Go to Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto’s port wine cellars, where visitors can learn about the production process and taste this famous Portuguese drink.
4. Climb Clerigos Tower: Climb up the Clerigos Tower to enjoy panoramic views over the city of Porto skyline and Douro River, which provides a perfect sightseeing platform for looking at a town.
5. São Bento Railway Station: Attractive azulejo tile work inside São Bento Railway Station narrates historical happenings alongside Portuguese culture, providing an insight into the country’s artistic patrimony.
6. Porto Cathedral: Porto Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece comprising Romanesque style, standing since the 12th century, with rich carvings. It provides one of the best viewpoints from the terrace.
7. Crystal Palace Gardens: Crystal Palace Gardens is a tranquil green spot amongst all busy urban places, with landscaped gardens, fountains, and amazing views overlooking the Douro River and the cityscape.
8. Serralves Foundation: Serralves Foundation has been serving modern art museums with temporary exhibitions celebrating works by local and international artists; they also have beautiful gardens here.
9. Douro River Cruise: Take a boat trip along Douro River for views over historic monuments, bridges, and vineyards on hillsides around Porto, thus seeing it from another angle.
10. Portuguese cuisine: In traditional taverns/restaurants throughout Porto, you can savor the flavors of Portuguese cuisine by trying out their specialty dishes like bacalhau, francesinha, and pastéis de nata.

Daylight Saving Time (BST/WEST): When the UK observes British Summer Time (BST) by advancing one hour forward, Porto remains in the Western European Time Zone (WET) with no change in its local time. This means that during daylight saving time, there will be a one-hour difference in timing between the UK and Porto.

1. Mid-spring (April) up to October represents the best period to visit Porto due to warm and sunny weather. Nonetheless, May and September are usually the best months that balance between favorable weather conditions and a lesser population of residents. Pleasant temperatures, perfect for sightseeing journeys through essential places in this city, walking alongside waterfronts, or partaking in outdoor activities, can be experienced during these months.

   If you want to evade tourist crowds and benefit from the cheap rates, consider having your vacation in Porto during shoulder seasons such as late spring (May/June) or early autumn (September). The climate during these periods is still moderate; few tourists make it for a laid-back holiday. Finally, November – February is not only the low season but also offers Porto the cheapest package, although colder and rainier in winter.

   The summer months( from May until October), on the other hand, provide excellent beach weather, which makes it an ideal occasion for those who are into seaside holidays. However, note that there is usually a high number of travelers at this time of year, so they should be prepared for more visitors at popular destinations or expensive accommodation rates.

In Porto, there are several remarkable hotels that tourists can choose from depending on their tastes and financial capabilities. Here are some of the best options:

1. Yeatman: It is a prestigious wine hotel with classic rooms, great views of Porto and the Douro River, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an extensive collection of wines.
2. Palacio das Cardosas Porto: This luxury hotel is situated in a historical building in the center of Porto, which offers fine dining, luxurious accommodations, and proximity to many attractions.
3. Torel Palace: It’s a small hotel in a renovated 19th-century mansion featuring modern rooms, a rooftop verandah with a round view of the sea and hillsides, and personalized service in a cozy environment.
4. Pestana Porto Brasileira: The hotel occupies an old reconstructed building that harmoniously combines contemporary comfort with Portuguese traditions; for example, it boasts an inner courtyard and hip terrace bar.
5. Hotel Infante Sagres: This sophisticated institution blends timeless luxury with present-day facilities, offering spacious accommodation units and an outdoor pool conveniently set at the city center near the prominent landmarks of Oporto.
6. Atelier Rosa et al: An elegant boutique hotel in an architectural complex in the downtown area where you will simultaneously find fantastic accommodations filled up with classy modern & classic decor.
7. Gran Cruz House: In the Ribeira district, this small hotel is positioned so that from its windows, its guests can see Douro River at full pelt; besides all this, clients here also appreciate highly individualized customer care awareness.
8. Pousada Palácio do Freixo: This 18th-century palace overlooking the river Douro has five-star guestrooms, lovely gardens surrounding it as well as a spa center plus a swimming pool, thereby giving guests peaceful moments only a few minutes from the city.
9. PortoBay Flores: A place that used to be an ancient building is now a small hotel; it’s close to Sao Bento train station and contains luxurious rooms and a rooftop restaurant with a fantastic view of the entire city below.
10. Baixa Porto Hotel: Located in the Rua Augusta area of downtown Porto, this trendy hotel has contemporary designs and artsy decor combined with comfortable accommodations and proximity to many shopping, dining, and entertainment places.

1. DOP: DOP is a restaurant that offers updated Portuguese cuisine and emphasizes fresh, local produce and ground-breaking cooking methods. 
2. Cantinho do Avillez: Cantinho do Avillez is a contemporary place where the meals are cozy by José Avillez, one of the best chefs in Portugal who combines traditional flavors with modern elements.
3. Cafeína: Cafeína is located in the Foz do Douro district; it is known for its stylish atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes mainly made from seafood appropriately cooked and presented elegantly.
4. Pedro Lemos: Offering excellent tasting menus prepared with innovation and style using the finest ingredients from around Portugal, Pedro Lemos has been awarded a Michelin star for its unique presentation of Portuguese cuisine.
5. Manteigaria: Manteigaria’s egg tarts have earned global recognition, attracting dessert lovers who cannot miss these crispy-cream-filled pastries that come out hot from the oven.
6. Bacalhau: This bar near Rua Santa Catarina boasts excellent contemporary recipes that one can find anywhere in Porto, yet it specializes in variants of this ancient national dish served in a warm and charming environment.
7. Adega São Nicolau: Adega São Nicolau is located at the heart of the Ribeira neighborhood; this area along the riverside characterizes itself by serving authentic Portuguese meals that attract locals and tourists.
8. Casa de Chá da Boa Nova: Casa de Chá da Boa Nova overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, constructed within an elegant architectural masterpiece designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, making eating here both exclusive and beautiful.
9. Taberna Santo António: In this tiny eatery, patrons enjoy rich, comforting food that reminds them of home because Taberna Santo Antonio focuses on dishes like hearty soups, seafood stews, and grilled meats.
10. Majestic Café: Majestic Café is one of Porto’s most famous sights; besides a historical coffeehouse, this café offers leisurely lunches and lots of sweet delicacies.

Metro System: Porto’s metro system is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. It has an extensive network and trains with clean air conditioning. Thus, it provides convenient access to different neighborhoods, including significant tourist attractions.

Bus Services: The city’s bus system supplements the metro by providing more flexibility for travelers. These buses run along multiple routes not covered by the metro, stopping at famous landmarks, shopping areas, and residential places.

Walking Tours: Those who prefer a slower pace while soaking themselves in Porto’s pleasant atmosphere should explore on foot. Many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance, so visitors can take their time and find hidden gems or picturesque streets.

Taxi and Rideshare Services: Taxis and rideshare services provide comfortable transportation to travelers who need door-to-door service or wish to go through places not served by public transport. Taxis are available all over town and offer a luxury way to reach your preferred destination.

• Visa Requirements 

People who want to go to Porto, Portugal, should know the entry rules. Luckily, a visa is optional for short visits by many nationalities, including UK and US citizens. Usually, people visiting can remain in the country for 90 days to engage in business or tour without having one.

• Passport Validity and Other Documentation

Though a visa might be unnecessary for short visits, travelers must ensure their passport meets specific criteria. The passports must be valid throughout their intended stay and at least three months after they leave Portugal. In addition, passports must have been issued within ten years before they are considered valid for entrance.

• Schengen Visa Information

Portugal belongs to the Schengen Agreement, facilitating free movement among its member states. A Schengen visa allows travelers to access any of the countries within this region but only up to 90 days every six months. This type of visa is meant for those wishing to visit friends or relatives or even make a tourism trip.

• Visa Requirements for Longer Stays

In most cases, visas are needed by those traveling into Porto or Portugal for more than 90 days, such as long-term work assignments, study programs, or family reunifications. Depending on why these individuals are here, it may be necessary to get specific types, such as work visas or student visas (Immigration; Border Control Services). Often, there are also additional requirements accompanying these documents and official application procedures that must be followed.

• Departure and Re-Entry Rules

Travelers must remember this rule about Schengen area departure and re-entry rules while returning home from Europe (Schmidt). Once you have stayed in Europe Continent continuously for over 90 days during the last half year, you must leave the Territory completely during the next ninety days before you can return because this applies everywhere across all the nations in this union.