Travelling by taxi is one of the most comfortable ways to get around anywhere. We get that. But it’s also the expensive one! If you don’t mind travelling in public transportation while in Porto, you should rethink your options. Nevertheless, here are a few tips about Porto’s taxis.
How are the taxis like in Porto
Taxis in Porto are generally modern and comfortable. The typical recent car would be a nice Mercedes, with comfortable seats, air-conditioning, GPS, etc. But, of course, there are plenty of others that can be older and/or not as fancy. The cars can have two different colors: most of them will be light beige, but you can still find some blacks with a green rooftop. Besides the color, there are all the same, with no differences in quality of service type. They all have and run the meter, so you don’t need to negotiate the rate before you get in. There is a display in the taxi rooftop that indicates if the cab is free or taken: green light is free; 1, 2 or 3 (fare type indicator) is taken. Pretty simple!
The GPS and taximeter of a Porto taxi.
Where to get a taxi in Porto
You can get a taxi almost everywhere in the city by just raising your hand when one is passing by. In some of the busiest areas, like de airport, train stations, Aliados Avenue, etc you will find what we call “praça de táxis” (taxi stand). There, the taxis will be parked and you can just take the first one in line. If you need to get a taxi to pick you up on an exact location (let’s say your friends place or your rental apartment in Porto), you can call or online book one of the centrals, like Raditaxis or Táxis Invicta. If you are an Android or iPhone user, there are two Apps that may well do the trick for you. Try downloading GeoSensi Taxi or Taxi Link.
Black and green or light beige. Besides the color, there are all the same!
How much does a taxi costs in Porto
Taxis in Porto are not that cheap. In the minute you get inside the car you are already paying a 2,5 € fee. If you call them to pick you up, add 0,8 € plus the ride to your place. The rates are higher at night (21:00-6:00), holydays and weekends. There is no extra charge for carrying small bags (55x35x2m cm), wheelchairs or other means used by passengers with reduced mobility and children pushchairs. For carrying bigger types of luggage, the driver can charge you a 1,80 € fee per piece. All licensed taxis must have a well visible taximeter display showing the amount being charged; the rate will be rising while kilometers and time goes by. After payment, the passenger is entitled to ask for a receipt. Keep it in case you need to contact the taxi company (you my forget something in the car) or the file a complaint. For reference, here some estimated costs:
* Airport – Boavista = 15-20 €
* Airport – Downtown = 20-25 €
* Short ride in the city = 6-8€
An imported Mercedes taxi after crossing the bridge from Porto riverside.
Taking a taxi can be very comfortable and, sometimes, the only transport available. But be ready to spend some cash if choose to do it. Otherwise, se our tips for running the metro in Porto or how to ride the bus in Porto.
We will be in Porto in September and need a taxi to transport us from 30 Rue de Madeira to Cais de Estiva……a distance of one kilometre. The tour company wants to charge €85 return to pick up and drop off. A taxi company has quoted €35 one way! These are outrageous quotes. Do you have any advice that may help? There are two of us and no luggage as we will be going on a day cruise.
Cant you walk? It’s all downhill If that’s not a option, I would try to call a Uber or Bolt. Although for 1km the drivers wont accept the ride…
I just caught a taxi …..black #59…..from the airport train station to my hotel as it was very late. Do did the lady behind me with about 5 large bags. I had no luggage. My driver tells me when we get to the hotel that it’s a minimum charge of 7 Euros from the airport. Then he couldn’t supposedly make change so he pocketed 7.50. The lady behind me ended at the same hotel with all her bags and was charged 3 Euros. What a slimy crook. Not only did he stood me, he’s also cheating his cab company and making money on the side! The only crooked person I ran into during my visit to Portugal. Leaves a bad taste….
I feel you. Like almost “everywhere” in the world, taxi scams exist in Porto also. Next time, I would recommend to take the metro or bus (if you have time and its not so late) or use Uber.
Just got a taxi from Luis I bridge to the airport. Taxi driver didn’t zero the meter it was on €7.40 plus the standing €2.40. Was that right? Then we got to the airport and added together came to €30 which then jumped to €34? Should the driver zero first as in England?
He should definitely zero the meter before each ride. Why didn’t you ask him if you notice? Did you had suitcases in the trunk? Use Uber next time…
Driver number 305 has just ripped us off. He charged us €17.20 for a journey from Sao Bento station to Camping Orbitur Canidelo. He went on a much longer route than necessary and drove like a lunatic. A similar journey from Canidelo to the city centre this morning cost us €7.40. We like to use proper taxis in cities but if drivers rip tourists off we will use Uber and stop using licenced taxis. A shame because otherwise we have loved Porto and its people.
Hi Alan! I feel you. Almost everywhere in the world taxi drivers can be a little dishonest. I would give you a couple of advises. In Portugal, Uber and Cabify are “proper taxis”, so you can use them and would be, by far, my first choice. When you dont trust a driver (anywhere in the world), just ask him to stop the car and get out. I’m glad you enjoyed Porto anyway. Please come back soon! :)
We took a taxi to the airport, the meter read $26.50, the cab driver demanded $35, he dropped us off in an alley 2 blocks from our hotel and started yelling at us in Portuguese he wouldn’t offer a receipt. This is our first night in Porto, cant help but feel like I’m starting my travel here badly, I hope this is a one off scenario. Our Airbnb host was of no help, they even arranged the transfer and told us it would be 25 to 30$.
I am handicapped. I have 9 screws, a metal heel and half a metal piece in my tibia. I use a knapsack with wheels on it for my groceries and other things i need to carry with me. The other day, all the taxis in front of Court English in Guia refused to take me unless I would pay a fee for my knapsack. Yesterday, as I limped across a street slowly, in Oporto a taxi driver tried to ram into me. He shouted “fuck You” and screamed that I walked too slowly. Oh, also one of the taxi drivers that refused to take me unless I paid the fee for my luggage in Guia stunk from alcohol. So much for wonderful Porto! Portugal ought to be ashamed of such horrible behavior!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Eileen! im sorry for your experience. Yes… taxi drivers, on average, are not espectacular friendly here, as in many many cities and countries I have traveled. Best thing nowadays would be to take a Uber or Cabify. Nevertheless, an entire country can not be ashamed by the behavior of some… :) Well, i cant at least! Happy travel!
How much to taxi for 2passengers Porto pt to Tui spain