Car Hire Porto Airport

Porto Airport Mini Guide

Who Goes to Porto for a Break?
Porto attracts many different kinds of people, there are those who love history and architecture and who want to look at the unique styles the city has to offer. Then there are those that love football and who come to see FC Porto play, often in a Champions League match against European competition. Some travel there to see the world famous port wine being made and to follow its journey across the mouth of the Douro River. The young are attracted to the city by its vibrancy and the number of top dance clubs but, whatever the reason, Porto doesn’t disappoint.

How do I get to Porto?
Try flying in to Sa Carneiro Airport only six miles from the city and with direct links to the centre. Flights arrive there from Europe and Africa as well as Brazil, Mexico and Canada. Ryanair and easyJet both operate low cost routes out of Stansted and Gatwick respectively. To get to the centre, try the metro link but be aware it doesn’t operate at night. Otherwise consider hiring a car so you can stay independent in your tour of Porto and the surrounding region.

What is the Airport Like?
It’s a very busy airport and modern in its construction. In 2008 it was voted best airport in Europe for service, a record it keenly upholds. Arranged over three floors, the airport is compact with a pier extending for some of the aircraft gates.

What Should I Do When I Land at Porto?
You’ll disembark via air bridges into the terminal and then follow the pier down to the main terminal building. You’ll need to present passports if you’re an international arrival but you’ll then appear in the boarding lounge area with all the airport shops. In this area you’ll find several information points places at the junctions of the walkways through the level and there you may need to ask for guidance around the slightly confusing layout.

To get your luggage you’ll have to watch out for the reclaim belt number and then drop down a level to the belts. This level is the arrivals area and there you’ll find a bank, currency exchange facilities and cash machines should you need euros. Against the back wall of this level are the car rental offices and the cars are ready to be picked up immediately outside the terminal building.

What are the Facilities Like When I Depart?
You’ll need to be well organised for check in is on the top floor of the terminal and you’ll drop down a level to get to the boarding lounge. It’s there that the majority of the airport shops and restaurants are found and there’s a very good selection including major fashion chains, jewellery, gifts, duty free and books. Lots of eateries to suit different tastes can be found at the airport including some excellent a la carte restaurants. For those a little less hungry, there are snack bars and take away outlets too. Access to the internet is also available via the airport’s Wi-Fi system once you have shopped and refuelled.

Porto Airport is situated about 6 miles from the downtown area of Porto and is serviced by a number of mainstream airlines that covers both domestic flights as well as major worldwide destinations. It is the nominated airport for tourists making their way to Porto itself and for those travellers wishing to transport themselves around it is advisable to book car hire at Porto Airport.

By booking your car hire in advance online you can save on the hassle of trying to hire a car there and then at the desk, therefore allowing you to carry on with the second leg of your journey as quickly as possible.