Flights to Porto from Birmingham
Porto boasts a historic centre, splendid wine & charismatic locals
Approximate flight time: 2 hours 5 minutes (total distance 840 miles)
Airlines that fly direct: Ryanair & TUI
No. of Airports in Porto: Porto Airport
Seasons: High = May - September; Low = October - March
Currency: Euro (€)
Departing from Birmingham Airport
Fly to Porto from Birmingham Airport for great facilities and an unbeatable service. It is recommended that you arrive at least two hours prior to a short-haul flight but, with our fantastic shops and restaurants, you may want to arrive earlier to make full use of them.
If you need any currency, head to our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge. Whether you’re looking to top up your Euros before you fly, or withdraw a few UK pounds for your return they'll be able to sort out your travel money. If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport.
Browse our shops, where you’ll find favourite brand perfumes and cosmetics at World Duty Free to fashion stores like Kurt Geiger. There's also premium brand electronics from lnMotion. Grab a magazine and a bag of sweets for the plane from WHSmith, and then relax in one of our spacious seating areas. Or why not really indulge and book into one of our five airport lounges, which offer complimentary food and drinks, unlimited WiFi and great runway views before you fly.
If you want to eat before you board, choose from our great range of cafés, bars and restaurants. Head to Factory Bar and Kitchen for a varied menu and extensive drinks list or Giraffe if you’re travelling with kids. There are plenty of coffee shops like Pret a Manger or Costa and grab-and-go options like Wrapchic.
Located in the Midlands and boasting great transport links, Birmingham Airport is easy to get to from all over the UK. If you want to travel by public transport, you will find bus and coach services running directly to the airport. Trains will take you to Birmingham International train station, which is connected to the terminal by a free and frequent Air-Rail link that takes just minutes.
Those driving to the airport will find a choice of seven car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal by foot or via the courtesy shuttle bus. Book a parking space online in advance and save up to 70%.
For more information on the other services available, see our guide to terminal facilities. Keen to get through the airport as quickly as possible? Check out our tips for the speedy traveller.
Arriving at Porto Airport
Porto Airport is located approximately 11km from Porto city centre, and is well served by an extensive transport network.
One of the easiest ways to travel to the city from the airport is via the metro. The metro operates five different lines, labelled from A to E and differentiated by colour. Porto Airport is served by the purple line, and you will find ticket offices at the airport. Fares are determined by your destination.
You will also find local buses at the Arrivals area of Porto Airport that take you across the city or to surrounding areas. Private shuttle buses also operate from the airport, dropping passengers off at hotels.
Taxi is often a prefered mode of transport for many travellers. Taxis are metered and take around 20-30minutes to reach the city centre.
If you’re staying in Porto for a week or more, you might consider hiring a car for the duration of your stay. There are several car rental companies situated at the airport.
Alternatively, pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.
What to expect in Porto
Built on the hills rising from the Douro river that winds through the centre, Porto’s brightly painted houses are picture-postcard pretty. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre – the local architecture blends medieval and modern to stunning effect, and the city is bursting with culture and packed with places to eat and drink.
The language spoken in Porto is Portuguese but English is widely understood by those who work within the tourist industry.
Porto enjoys warm, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. During summer, you'll find average temperatures of around 24 °C in Porto and lows of around 14 °C. In the winters, you'll experience cooler temperatures, with highs of 14 °C and lows of around 6 °C.
Culture in Porto
The unique sweet flavour of world-famous Port wine has been putting Porto in the spotlight for wine lovers for many years. But this city is much more than good wine. Much of old Porto can be described with a pronounced 18th-century accent. Extravagant Baroque churches and stately Neoclassical buildings interrupt the skyline, their most valuable contents displayed in world-class museums set in picturesque squares. One of the city’s main attractions is Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, which became famous as one of JK Rowling’s favourite haunts when she lived in Porto and inspired her Harry Potter novels.
If you are visiting in June, try to be in Porto on 23rd for the São João Festival. It’s probably one of the largest, craziest street parties in Europe, paying tribute to Saint John the Baptist.
Situated between sea and mountains, foodies can expect a mix of surf and turf. There are also plenty of thick soups and stews to sink into. You can’t leave without trying Francesinha, a popular open sandwich that layers linguiça (a garlicky smoked sausage) with roast steak or pork, ham, melted cheese and a rich, spicy tomato sauce made with beer.