Arriving Early: Navigating Porto Airport Stress-Free

how early to arrive porto airport

Porto Airport is a modern building with stunning architecture. It is approximately 20 minutes by car from Porto's most central point, Boavista, and 30 minutes from Avenida dos Aliados, in the downtown area. The airport has three levels: the ground floor, where you'll find Arrivals, baggage claim, and car rental counters; the second floor, which features a shopping area and the Boarding Lounge; and the third floor, where Departures, restaurants, banks, and other amenities are located. When checking in for a flight, it is recommended to arrive at least three hours before your flight time to account for potential crowds.

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How early to arrive 3 hours before flight time

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How to get to Porto city centre from the airport

It is recommended that you arrive at Porto Airport three hours before your flight time.

The airport is approximately 20 minutes by car from Porto’s most central point (Boavista), and 30 minutes from Avenida dos Aliados (downtown). The airport is 10km from the city centre.

There are several ways to get from Porto Airport to the city centre. The easiest way is to take the metro. The purple line takes you from the air terminal to the city centre in around 35 minutes. The first train from the airport departs at 5.57am and the last at 00.42am. The cheapest way to get to the city centre is by subway, which costs $2-$3. The fastest way is by taxi, which takes 13 minutes and costs $15-$18. Pre-booked private transfers are also available and are inexpensive.

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How long before a flight you should arrive

It is recommended that you arrive at Porto Airport three hours before your flight time. The airport is approximately 20 minutes by car from Porto's most central point, Boavista, and 30 minutes from Avenida dos Aliados, which is downtown. You can get to the airport by transfer, taxi or Uber, or by metro and bus. If you want to rent a car, there are many car rental companies at the airport.

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Where to exchange currency at Porto Airport

It is recommended that you arrive at Porto Airport 3 hours before your flight time. The airport is approximately 20 minutes by car from Porto's most central point (Boavista) and 30 minutes from Avenida dos Aliados (downtown).

If you need to exchange currency at Porto Airport, there are several options available to you. The airport has a full-service bank on the third floor where you can exchange money. There is also a currency exchange called "Nova Câmbios" with branches on both the ground floor and the third floor. The ground floor branch is open from 7 am until midnight, and the third floor branch is open from 5 am until 9:30 pm.

In addition to these options, there are ATM machines on every floor of the airport where you can withdraw euros. Keep in mind that ATM transactions may not be free, and there is a maximum cash withdrawal limit of 200 euros per transaction.

While exchanging currency at the airport is convenient, be aware that airports typically offer less favourable exchange rates and higher transaction fees compared to other options.

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Car rental companies at Porto Airport

It is recommended that you arrive at Porto Airport 3 hours before your flight time. The airport is approximately 20 minutes by car from Porto's most central point (Boavista) and 30 minutes from Avenida dos Aliados (downtown).

There are many car rental companies at Porto Airport, including:

  • Sixt
  • DRIVEONHOLIDAYS
  • OPORent
  • Europcar
  • Rent a Star
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • SURPRICE CAR RENTAL
  • Budget
  • Alamo
  • Tangerine
  • Record Go
  • Centauro
  • Enterprise

The car rental desks are located on the ground floor inside the Arrivals Hall. You can follow the signs in the airport to find your way to these car rental counters. Alternatively, you can ask airport staff members at designated information desks to direct you to where the car rental counters are located.

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What to do at Porto Airport while you wait

If you find yourself with time to kill at Porto Airport, there are plenty of facilities to keep you entertained. The airport is a modern building with stunning architecture and three levels to explore.

On the ground floor, you'll find Arrivals, baggage claim, and rental car counters. If you're feeling peckish, head to the third floor, where there are several restaurants to choose from. You'll also find banks, a pharmacy, a post office, a children's playground, and a baby changing room on this floor.

If you need to exchange currency, there are ATM machines on every floor, as well as a full-service bank called "Nova Câmbios" on the ground and third floors. The ground floor branch is open from 7 am until midnight, and the third-floor branch is open from 5 am to 9:30 pm.

For some last-minute shopping, head to the second floor, where you'll find a shopping area. And if you're travelling with little ones, they can let off some steam in the children's playground while you wait for your flight.

Porto Airport is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Porto's most central point (Boavista) and 30 minutes from Avenida dos Aliados (downtown). You can get to and from the airport by transfer, taxi/Uber, or public transport (metro and bus).

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