This extensive light rail network has been an integral part of Porto’s public transportation system since its inauguration in 2002. Let’s explore the key details:
Network Overview: The Porto Metro operates six lines that connect eight municipalities: Porto, Matosinhos, Póvoa do Varzim, Vila do Conde, Maia, Gondomar, Rio Tinto, and Vila Nova de Gaia. With a total of 82 stations, including 14 underground stations, it efficiently serves both locals and tourists.
Line Breakdown:
-A (Blue Line): Connects Senhor de Matosinhos to Estádio do Dragão, linking Matosinhos to Porto with 23 stations.
-B (Red Line): Runs between Póvoa do Varzim and Estádio do Dragão, connecting Vila do Conde and Póvoa do Varzim to Porto via 36 stations.
-C (Green Line): Connects ISMAI to Campanhã, bridging Maia (an important industrial hub) to Porto with 24 stations.
-D (Yellow Line): Links Santo Ovídio to Hospital São João, connecting Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto with 16 stations.
-E (Purple Line): Connects Porto Airport to Trindade, providing a direct link from the airport to Porto’s central station with 16 stations.
-F (Orange Line): Runs between Senhora da Hora and Fânzeres, connecting Porto to Gondomar and Rio Tinto via 24 stations.
Fares & Zones: To travel on the Porto Metro, you’ll need an Andante card loaded with the appropriate title based on the number of zones your journey crosses. The zone system resembles onion rings, with each ring representing a zone. The further you travel across different zones, the higher your fare.
Zones examples: A Z2 ticket allows free travel for 1 hour within the zone where you boarded and the adjacent zone rings. A Z4 ticket extends your travel to two additional zone rings beyond Z2, valid for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The Andante card costs €0.60 and can be charged with any title. You can buy and charge it at metro stations, the Tourism Information Office at the airport, and S. Bento and Campanhã rail stations.
The Porto Metro not only eases traffic congestion but also contributes to a greener city by reducing 55,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. So hop on, explore Porto, and enjoy the convenience of this fantastic metro system!