Buses in Porto: How Public Transport Works with STCP

Porto’s bus network is operated by STCP and covers the entire city as well as surrounding areas. While many visitors rely on the Porto metro , buses play a key role in reaching neighborhoods and destinations that are not directly connected by train lines.

If you’re planning to move around Porto beyond the main tourist areas, understanding how the bus system works can be very useful.

How the Bus System Works

The STCP network includes dozens of lines connecting the city center with residential districts, coastal areas like Foz, and nearby municipalities. Popular bus routes include line 500 that connects downtown Porto to Matosinhos Beach and the SEA LIFE Porto aquarium area. For complete details on beach transportation routes including buses, metro, and train options, see our comprehensive beach access guide. Buses run throughout the day, and some lines also operate at night, making them a flexible option for getting around.

Stops are clearly marked, and routes can be checked online or through apps. You can plan your journey in advance and see estimated arrival times, although in practice, these times are not always exact.

Bus Lines and Routes

Porto’s buses are identified by numbers, and each line covers a specific route across the city. In addition to the standard lines, there are also night buses, which are usually marked with the letter “M” and run after regular daytime services stop.

These night lines connect key areas of the city and are especially useful if you’re out late and the metro is no longer running.

On the official STCP website you can see all the routes, schedules and services available.

Early morning buses

There are several routes that start running around midnight. They connect much of the city and the suburbs and you can see the map of the routes in pdf here.

Tickets and Prices

Bus fares are integrated into the Andante system, which means you can use the same card for metro, buses, and some trains.

The price depends on the number of zones you travel through, just like the metro. You can use single tickets or 24-hour passes, and you’ll need an Andante card to load your trips.

Here are some of the most common ticket prices:

• Z2: €1.40 (single) / €5.35 (24 hours)
• Z3: €1.85 (single) / €6.85 (24 hours)
• Z4: €2.30 (single) / €8.55 (24 hours)

It’s also possible to pay onboard in some cases, but it’s usually more expensive than using the Andante system. A single ride, if you pay as you board, costs 2.50€.

There are also passes designed for visitors called Andante Tour, for 24 or 72 hours. You can buy them at the airport or at the kiosks and tourist offices in the city.

Buses from Porto to other cities in Portugal

Porto International Bus Station is located in Campanhã Bus / Train / Metro Station. We leave you a map so you know exactly where it is: Porto bus station map.

From here you can take buses to other cities like Aveiro, Coimbra, Lisbon or even to the Algarve region in the south of Portugal. You can also take buses to cities in Spain, France, and other locations in Europe.

Flixbus and Rede Expressos are the major carriers.

How do you pay for the bus in Porto?

Porto buses operated by STCP require a reusable Andante card, which costs €0.60 and can be loaded at metro stations, Andante shops, or ticket machines. A single Zone 2 trip costs €1.20 on the card. You can also tap a contactless bank card or phone directly on newer validators. Cash is not accepted on board. A 24-hour pass (€7 for all zones) is good value for tourists.

How do you buy bus tickets in Porto?

Purchase an Andante card at any metro station ticket machine, Andante retail shop, or Porto tourism office. Load single trips or day passes onto the card before boarding. Since 2023, most STCP buses also accept contactless Visa and Mastercard payments — just tap when you board. The Andante app lets you buy and store tickets digitally on your phone.

How do you use the bus system in Porto?

Porto's bus network is run by STCP and covers the city and suburbs. Check routes and real-time schedules at the STCP website or app. Board at the front door and validate your Andante card or tap your bank card on the reader. Most central routes run every 10–15 minutes during the day. Night buses (designated with an 'M') operate on key corridors after midnight.