Private car transfer
from Santiago de Compostela to Porto

On the 143-mile (230 km) drive, you will pass by fascinatingly blue views of the Atlantic Ocean, small seaside towns, lush green hills, and Galician cities. If you go directly from Santiago de Compostela to Porto, the drive takes two to three hours. But considering all the irresistible stops along the way, from historic towns to jaw-dropping churches, you might want to spend the whole day on the road.

The history of Porto dates back to proto-Celtic tribes, but it was the Romans who established it as an important trading port. Porto has remained a cultural mainstay ever since. Porto is so staunchly Portugues that it's known as the “Cidade Invicta” or Unvanquished City for its robust resistance during the Portuguese Civil War in the 19th century.

The city’s historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, one can find many magnificent reminiscences of this well-preserved history such as the iconic Porto Cathedral and the gold-gilded Sao Francisco Church.

Outside of the historic center, the Dom Luís Bridge is another of Porto's iconic monuments. The steel arched bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel and is more than a little reminiscent of the famous Parisian tower. Not only does it provide some of the best views of the river and the city, but it also connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, the city where port wine is stored and aged.

Of course, you need something to pair with all that wine. Unsurprisingly, Porto is considered the culinary capital of Portugal, taking advantage of both fresh seafood from the Atlantic and meat and produce from the fertile Douro Valley.

Talk with your driver

There are numerous ways to get from Santiago de Compostela to Porto, including bus, train, driving, or private car service. Aside from door-to-door service, one of the biggest advantages of riding with Daytrip is the chance to talk with your English-speaking driver. They love sharing their insights on local history and culture, so ask as many questions as you want!

Learn basic phrases

English is widely spoken in Porto, but learning some basic phrases will definitely be appreciated by the locals. In Portugal, greeting with “Bom dia” (good morning), “Boa tarde” (good afternoon), and “Boa noite” (good evening) goes a long way in showing you're respectful of local customs and traditions.

Have some cash with you

Payment by card is common in both Santiago de Compostela and Porto, but you should still carry some cash with you for small purchases, small establishments, rural areas, and food markets. Since both Spain and Portugal are in the Eurozone you don't have to worry about exchanging currency.

Santiago de Compostela to Porto by train

Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from Santiago de Compostela to Porto. Instead, you need to take a train from Santiago de Compostela to Vigo, and there, change to another train to Porto. The train trip takes around four and a half hours and tickets average $30.

There are frequent trains going to Vigo from Santiago de Compostela and the train ride takes about two hours. After transferring to the connecting train to Porto, you will arrive there in about two hours. You can book your tickets on the websites Renfe or Comboios de Portugal.

Santiago de Compostela to Porto by private car with Daytrip

Traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Porto by car is quite the most convenient and flexible way, especially in the high travel seasons and hot weather.

Booking a private car ride with Daytrip not only means you'll travel door-to-door, but that you get help with your luggage and a friendly driver to cater to all your needs. Along the way, you can talk with them about local culture, or stop for sightseeing before they help you to your accommodation.

Eat til you drop

From Michelin-starred Euskalduna and Le Monument to the local offerings at Mercado do Bolhão, Porto’s most famous market, you might end up needing to loosen your belt after your visit. Porto’s signature dish is francesinha, a sandwich filled with sausage, steak, and ham, covered in a beer sauce and topped with a fried egg and cheese served on a bed of french fries. And, of course, wash everything down with Douro Valley wines.

Visit the magical Lello Bookstore

Lello Bookstore’s intricately carved wooden decor, sweeping staircases, and ceiling-high bookshelves have earned it the title of “the most beautiful bookstore in the world”. J.K. Rowling worked in Porto in the 90s and it’s said the red-carpeted staircase and art-nouveau timber interior inspired some of the architectural features of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.

Survey the Serralves Foundation

For art lovers, the Serralves Foundation is a must-see. The Serralves Museum and surrounding park are an award-winning example of contemporary, Modern, and Art Deco architecture. Inside, you'll find exhibitions of modern Portuguese and international art.