Porto Airport

You’ve finally booked that dream vacation to Portugal, and now you just need to figure out the logistics. Getting to Porto is easy once you know the ins and outs of Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Located about 11 km from Porto’s city center, this international airport serves over 13 million passengers every year. In this complete travel guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to navigate Porto Airport like a pro. We’ll cover transportation options for getting to and from the airport, terminal maps, airport services, duty-free shopping, dining and lounge options, and tips for making your connections smooth. With this info, you’ll breeze through Porto Airport feeling prepared and ready to start your Portuguese adventure. Let’s explore this essential travel hub together!

An Overview of Porto Airport

Porto Airport, officially known as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, is the main international airport serving Porto, Portugal. Located just 11 kilometers from the city center, Porto Airport is a convenient hub for exploring northern Portugal.### Facilities

Porto Airport has a single terminal building with basic services like ATMs, currency exchange, shops, restaurants, and luggage storage. There are also lounges available for business class flyers and frequent travelers. For getting into Porto, the airport is connected by bus, taxi, metro, and car rentals. The metro is probably your cheapest and fastest option, taking just 30 minutes to reach the city center.

Airlines and Destinations

Porto Airport serves as a base for TAP Portugal and low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet. You can fly direct or with one connection to major European cities like London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. There are also intercontinental flights to Toronto and São Paulo. With so many budget airlines operating out of Porto, you can often find good deals on flights to and from the city.

Tips for Travelers

Give yourself plenty of time to navigate the airport, as the single terminal can get quite crowded, especially during the busy summer season. If arriving on a budget airline, try to get a seat near the front of the plane for a quicker exit. There can often be long queues for passport control, even for EU citizens. And be prepared for potential last-minute gate changes, as they are not uncommon at Porto Airport!

Navigating Porto Airport: Arrivals, Departures, Terminals, and More

Porto Airport has two terminals, so the first thing you’ll want to check is which terminal your flight arrives at or departs from. ### Terminal 1 handles international arrivals and departures, as well as some domestic Azul flights. ### Terminal 2 is solely for domestic TAP Portugal and Ryanair flights. Both terminals have baggage claim, check-in counters, shops, restaurants, and currency exchange.

Once you’ve figured out your terminal, head there at least two to three hours before your flight for check-in and security. The airport can get quite busy, especially in the summer, so give yourself plenty of time. After check-in, you’ll go through security and passport control (for international flights). Then you’re free to explore the terminal!

Both terminals have a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops to keep you fed, caffeinated, and entertained during your wait. There’s also unlimited free WiFi, showers, luggage storage, ATMs, and phone charging stations. For some fresh air, head to the outdoor terrace in Terminal 1 or the rooftop terrace in Terminal 2.

About 30 minutes before boarding, head to your departure gate. The gate number will be displayed on the airport monitors as well as your boarding pass. Keep in mind that gates can change at the last minute, so keep an eye on the monitors for updates. Once at your gate, you’ll go through another security check before boarding the plane.

With a little advance planning, navigating Porto Airport is straightforward. Enjoy your trip and boa viagem!

Frequently Asked Questions About Porto Airport

Can I get to central Porto from the airport?

Yes, it’s very easy to get from Porto Airport into the city center. The metro trains run from the airport into downtown Porto every 20 minutes. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are also available just outside the terminal.

Does Porto Airport have luggage storage?

If you arrive early for your flight or have a layover in Porto, the airport does offer luggage storage. Both short- and long-term storage options are available in the departures area of the airport, near the check-in counters. Fees range from €2 to €10 per item per day depending on the size.

Are there any airport lounges at Porto Airport?

Porto Airport currently has three lounges:

• The Comfort Lounge, located after security in the departures area, is open to all passengers for €25 per person. It offers snacks, drinks, showers, and relaxation areas.
• The Blue Lounge is for TAP Portugal passengers and Star Alliance Gold members. It provides similar amenities to the Comfort Lounge.
• The Primeclass Lounge is for Primeclass ticket holders and partners. It is the most upscale lounge with premium food and drinks, showers, and rest areas.

How much time do I need to get through security at Porto Airport?

Porto Airport is not a very busy airport, so security lines tend to move quickly. For most flights, I would recommend arriving at the airport at least 1 to 1.5 hours before your scheduled departure. That should give you plenty of time to check in, drop off any bags, go through security, and get to your gate. During very busy periods or if you need extra time to get through security, arrive 2 hours early.

The security process at Porto Airport typically only takes around 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Just make sure you have your boarding pass and a valid ID ready to show the security officers. Any liquids in your carry-on must be in 3.4 ounce containers and placed in a single, clear, sealable plastic bag. Laptops, belts, and jackets will need to be removed and placed in the trays provided.

Conclusion

And there you have it, the complete lowdown on Porto Airport! From navigating check-in and security to finding the best food and shopping, you now know everything you need to make your travels through this busy hub smooth sailing. With its recent expansions and renovations, getting around is easier than ever. Just follow the signs, give yourself plenty of time, and enjoy the journey. Wherever your final destination may be, Porto Airport is the perfect place to start your next adventure. Safe travels!