If you’re planning a visit to the vibrant city of Porto, one of the smartest and most budget-friendly ways to get around is with the Andante Card Porto. This rechargeable travel pass gives you easy access to the city’s extensive public transport network – the metro, STCP buses, and suburban trains. Perfect for both tourists and locals, the Andante Card ensures convenient, affordable, and stress-free travel for anyone looking to explore the city.
With the Andante Card Porto, exploring top attractions becomes effortless. From historic landmarks to cultural highlights, you can get anywhere in the city without worrying about individual tickets. For inspiration on where to go, take a look at our guide to the 10 Best Things to Do in Porto, and see just how easy it is to reach these must-visit spots using your Andante Card.
What is the Andante Card?
The Andante Card Porto is a super-convenient, rechargeable travel pass that makes navigating the city’s public transport system a piece of cake. Loads of locals and visitors use it, and it gives you easy, hassle-free access to the metro, buses, and suburban trains across Porto and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re sightseeing at Porto’s famous landmarks, planning a day trip to nearby towns, or just commuting around the city, the Andante Card is the perfect choice for getting around.
One of the best things about the Andante Card Porto is the sheer convenience it offers. Rather than buying a new ticket for every single journey, you load up your card with credit and validate it at the yellow machines before boarding. The fare are automatically worked out based on the zones you travel through, making your journeys quicker, smoother, and stress-free.
Modes of Public Transport Covered by the Andante Card
A major advantage of the Andante Card Porto is its wide acceptance across the city’s public transport system. With this single travel pass, passengers can move easily between different types of transportation without needing to purchase multiple tickets. The Andante Card is valid on the following services:
1. Metro do Porto (Porto Metro)
The Porto Metro is a modern, efficient light rail system that links the city center with nearby suburbs, surrounding towns, and Porto Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro). Known for its speed and extensive coverage, the metro is one of the most convenient ways to travel around the city for both residents and visitors.
Using the Andante Card Porto, you can ride any metro line without the hassle of buying individual tickets. Just validate your card at the yellow machines before getting on the platform, and your fare will be calculated automatically based on the zones you travel through. This makes exploring Porto a doddle – just pop on the metro, and you’re there.
Key Metro Lines Covered by Andante Card:
Line A (Blue Line): Runs between Estádio do Dragão and Senhor de Matosinhos – a great way to get to Porto’s beach district.
Line B (Red Line): Connects Estádio do Dragão with Póvoa de Varzim – a fantastic coastal town north of Porto.
Line C (Green Line): Links Campanhã (Porto’s main train station) to ISMAI (an important university campus).
Line D (Yellow Line): A visitor’s favourite – this line takes you from Hospital São João to Santo Ovídio, right through the heart of Porto’s historic centre.
Line E (Purple Line): Travels from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport) to Trindade station in the city centre – perfect for airport transfers.
The Andante Card ensures that traveling through Porto’s metro system is a real breeze.
2. STCP Buses (Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto)
The STCP bus network is an essential part of Porto’s public transportation system, covering areas not directly served by the metro or suburban trains. These buses connect the city center with surrounding suburbs, residential neighborhoods, and nearby towns, making them a convenient option for exploring beyond central Porto.
Traveling on STCP buses is easy with the Andante Card Porto, which provides cash-free and ticketless boarding. Simply validate your card on the machine when entering the bus, and the correct fare will be deducted automatically based on the number of zones traveled.
Advantages of using the Andante Card on STCP buses:
- No need to carry cash or buy paper tickets.
- Smooth transfers between buses, metro, and trains.
- Fair and transparent fares using the zonal system.
Popular STCP routes to try with the Andante Card:
- Bus 500 – A scenic ride along the Douro River, linking Porto’s city center to the beaches of Foz do Douro.
- Bus 901/906 – Connects downtown Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the world-famous Port Wine Cellars.
- Bus 602 – A practical direct connection between Porto Airport and the city center.
With the Andante Card Porto, exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods, beaches in porto, parks, and hidden gems becomes convenient and budget-friendly, without the hassle of buying single tickets for each trip.
3. CP Urban Trains (Comboios de Portugal)
The Andante Card Porto can also be used on CP Urban Trains, which are part of Portugal’s national railway network. These trains connect Porto with surrounding towns and regions, making them an excellent choice for day trips beyond the city center or for travelers staying in the suburbs.
Popular CP Urban Train routes included with the Andante Card:
- Porto – Vila Nova de Gaia – Espinho: A scenic route leading to Espinho, a popular seaside destination.
- Porto – Guimarães: Perfect for visiting the medieval castle and exploring one of Portugal’s most historic cities.
- Porto – Braga: A cultural hub renowned for its churches, gardens, and architectural landmarks.
Using the Andante Card on CP Urban Trains is simple: validate your card at the station’s yellow machines before boarding, and your fare will be calculated automatically according to the number of zones traveled.
Types of Andante Cards in Porto
When planning your trip, it’s important to choose the Andante Card Porto that best matches your travel style and duration of stay. Porto provides different versions of the card, making it easy to find an option whether you’re spending just a day in the city, staying for a few days, or planning a longer visit. Each card type is designed with specific benefits in mind, based on how often you travel and the number of zones you need to cover. Below is an overview of the main Andante Card options available for visitors and locals.
1. Andante Azul (Blue Card)
Best For: Short-term visitors, tourists, and occasional travelers.
Rechargeable: Yes
Valid For: Single trips, return journeys, or 24-hour passes
The Andante Azul Card—often called the Blue Card—is the most common version of the Andante Card Porto used by both locals and visitors. This contactless and rechargeable card is perfect for those who only need public transport for a few trips or a short stay in the city. It can be loaded with individual journeys, round-trip fares, or a daily travel pass.
How it works:
- Purchase the card for a one-time fee of €0.60 (not including travel credit).
- Load it with the type of fare you need: a single trip, round trip, or 24-hour pass.
- Validate your card at the yellow machines before boarding the metro, bus, or urban train, and the correct fare will be deducted automatically.
Costs:
- €0.60 for the card itself.
- Single journey fares start at €1.20, depending on the number of zones.
- A 24-hour unlimited travel pass starts at €4.15, depending on zones.
Where to buy:
Metro stations, STCP bus terminals, Porto Airport ticket machines, and authorized local retailers.
Travel Tip: If you’re only in Porto for a single day or plan to use public transport sparingly, the Andante Azul is the most cost-effective and flexible choice.
2. Andante 24 (24-Hour Pass)
Best For: Visitors planning to make multiple journeys in a single day.
Rechargeable: No – designed for one-day use.
Valid For: Unlimited public transport travel for 24 hours within chosen zones.
The Andante 24 Card is ideal for travelers who want to explore Porto intensively in just one day. This version of the Andante Card Porto gives you unlimited rides on the metro, STCP buses, and CP urban trains within the zones you select, all for 24 consecutive hours.
How it works:
- Buy an Andante 24 Card at metro stations, bus terminals, or authorized vendors.
- The pass activates upon your first validation at a yellow machine.
- It remains valid for 24 hours from that moment, no matter how many trips you take.
Costs:
- Prices start at €4.15 for a single zone.
- Z2 (two zones): €4.75
- Z3 (three zones): €5.60
- Prices increase as more zones are added.
Where to buy:
Available at metro stations, train stations, and main bus terminals across Porto.
Travel Tip: If you expect to use public transport frequently in one day, the Andante 24 is more economical than purchasing multiple single tickets. It gives you complete flexibility to move around Porto and nearby areas without worrying about extra fares.
3. Andante Tour Card (1-Day or 3-Day Pass)
Best For: Tourists exploring Porto and nearby regions over 1–3 days.
Rechargeable: No – single-use only.
Valid For: Unlimited travel across all zones.
The Andante Tour Card is one of the most convenient options for visitors who want to discover Porto and its surrounding areas without restrictions. Unlike the Andante 24 Card, which is limited to specific zones, the Andante Tour Card Porto grants unlimited travel across the entire transport network, including metro, STCP buses, and CP urban trains. This means you can easily reach the airport, coastal areas, and nearby towns with a single pass.
Options Available:
- Andante Tour 1 (1-Day Pass):
- Price: €7.00
- Valid for unlimited travel across all zones for 24 hours from the first validation.
- Best suited for day trips, sightseeing tours, and short stays.
- Price: €7.00
- Andante Tour 3 (3-Day Pass):
- Price: €15.00
- Valid for unlimited travel across all zones for 72 hours from the first validation.
- Ideal for weekend breaks, longer visits, and travelers planning to explore more extensively.
- Price: €15.00
Where to Buy:
Available at Porto Airport, metro stations, train stations, and major bus terminals.
Travel Tip: If you plan to combine visits to Porto’s historic center with trips to the beach or nearby towns, the Andante Tour Card offers the best value for money.
4. Andante Monthly Card (Andante Gold)
Best For: Long-term visitors, students, and Porto residents.
Rechargeable: Yes – valid for 30 days.
Valid For: Unlimited travel within chosen zones for one month.
The Andante Gold Card, also referred to as the Andante Monthly Card Porto, is the most cost-effective option for those who use public transport regularly. It is designed for locals, students, and travelers planning an extended stay in the city. With this pass, you can travel unlimited times across the selected zones for 30 consecutive days, making it ideal for daily commutes or month-long visits.
How It Works:
- Purchase the card at main metro stations, train stations, or official Andante outlets.
- Load it with a 30-day travel plan according to the zones you need.
- The price varies depending on zone coverage.
Cost Guide (approximate):
- 1 Zone: €30.00 per month
- 2 Zones: €40.00 per month
- 3 Zones: €50.00 per month
- All Zones: €60.00 per month
Travel Tip: For students or long-term visitors, the Andante Monthly Card Porto offers excellent savings compared to buying daily or single tickets.
Note on Pricing:
Fares may vary slightly depending on:
- The number of zones selected.
- Seasonal adjustments (peak travel periods).
- Official updates from Porto’s transport authority.
We strongly recommend checking the official Andante Card website or inquiring at a metro station for the most up-to-date pricing.
How to Use the Andante Card in Porto
Using the Andante Card Porto is simple once you know the basic steps. This rechargeable contactless card is valid across the city’s entire public transport network, including the metro, STCP buses, CP urban trains, and even the funiculars. To make your journey smooth and hassle-free, follow these steps:
Step 1: Purchase Your Andante Card
Start by buying your Andante Card Porto, which acts as your all-in-one travel pass for public transportation. Once purchased, you can recharge it with single trips, day passes, or longer-term options depending on your travel needs. With this card, there’s no need to buy separate tickets for different transport modes, saving both time and money.
Where to Buy the Andante Card in Porto?
The card is widely available throughout the city. You can purchase it from:
- Metro stations (ticket vending machines and service counters)
- STCP bus terminals
- CP urban train stations
- Porto Airport ticket machines and kiosks
- Authorized retailers and shops displaying the Andante sign
Where to Buy the Andante Card in Porto
Finding an Andante Card Porto is easy, as it is available at multiple convenient locations throughout the city. Below are the main points of purchase:
Metro Stations (Ticket Machines & Offices)
Almost every metro station in Porto has self-service ticket machines and, in some cases, staffed ticket offices. If you’re not sure which type of Andante Card best suits your journey, station staff can provide guidance. Payments are accepted by cash, debit, or credit card.
STCP Bus Terminals
Major STCP bus stations and central bus stops have service counters where you can buy your Andante Card. Keep in mind that most buses do not sell the card on board, so it’s best to purchase it in advance.
Porto Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport)
For travelers arriving by plane, the easiest option is to buy your Andante Card directly at the Porto Airport metro station. This is particularly convenient if you plan to travel straight to the city center or nearby areas.
Train Stations (Comboios de Portugal)
Large railway stations such as Campanhã and São Bento are also equipped with ticket machines and service counters. This is ideal if you plan to use CP urban trains for day trips to towns around Porto.
Authorized Shops & Kiosks
In addition to transport hubs, some convenience stores, newsstands, and certified retailers also sell the Andante Card. Look out for signs indicating availability or ask the shopkeeper.
Step 2: Recharge Your Andante Card
Once you’ve purchased your Andante Card Porto, the next step is to add credit before using it for travel. The card must be loaded in advance, and you can choose from different recharge options depending on whether you need a single journey, a round trip, a day pass, or a longer-term plan.
Available Recharge Options for the Andante Card Porto
Travelers can easily customize their Andante Card Porto based on their stay and transport needs. Below are the main ways to load the card:
1. Single Journey
- Ideal for one-time trips within Porto.
- Fares start at €1.20 for one zone and increase with additional zones.
- Best for short-distance or occasional travel.
2. 24-Hour Pass (Andante 24)
- Provides unlimited travel for 24 hours from the time of first validation.
- Prices begin at €4.15 for two zones, with costs rising according to zone coverage.
- Perfect for tourists exploring the city in a single day.
3. Andante Tour Card (1-Day or 3-Day Pass)
- Designed for visitors who want unlimited travel across all zones, including airport and nearby towns.
- 1-Day Pass: €7.00 (valid for 24 hours).
- 3-Day Pass: €15.00 (valid for 72 hours).
- Offers excellent value for sightseeing and day trips beyond central Porto.
4. Monthly Pass (Andante Gold)
- Provides unlimited travel for 30 consecutive days within selected zones.
- Prices generally start at €30.00/month for one zone.
- Best option for students, locals, or long-term visitors staying in Porto.
Where to Recharge the Andante Card Porto
You can top up or reload your Andante Card at:
- Metro stations (automated ticket machines or counters).
- Train stations (such as Campanhã or São Bento).
- Convenience stores and newsstands displaying Andante signs.
- Online recharge (available for the Andante Gold monthly card).
Tip: If you expect to take multiple trips in a day, consider an Andante 24 Pass or Tour Card to save money.
Step 3: Validate Your Andante Card Before Boarding
Validation is mandatory for every new journey. Without it, you risk paying a fine during inspections.
How to Validate:
- Locate the yellow validation machines at stations, bus entrances, or train platforms.
- Hold your card flat against the scanner.
- Wait for the beep and green light to confirm successful validation.
Where to Validate:
- Metro: Before entering the platform.
- Bus: Immediately after boarding near the driver.
- Urban trains: On the platform before boarding.
- Funicular dos Guindais: Before entering the cabin.
Step 4: Travelling with the Andante Card Porto
Once validated, your card gives you access to:
- Metro do Porto
- STCP buses
- CP Urban Trains
- Funicular dos Guindais
Smart Travel Tip: If you switch between transport modes (e.g., metro to bus) within one hour without crossing into a new zone, the trip counts as a continuation and no additional fare is charged.
Using the Andante Card Porto is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore the city. This travel pass allows you to move seamlessly between Porto’s historic landmarks, lively neighborhoods, and hidden corners without the stress of buying separate tickets. Whether your itinerary includes cultural attractions, scenic viewpoints, or charming cafés, the Andante Card ensures smooth, convenient, and budget-friendly travel.
To make your visit even more memorable, consider pairing your city exploration with a Chef-Led Market Tour and Portuguese Tapas Class with Wine, an authentic experience that highlights Porto’s rich culinary heritage. And after a day of sightseeing and food adventures, finding the right accommodation is essential. For travelers searching for the best boutique hotel in Porto, combining elegance, comfort, and an ideal location, Canto de Luz – Boutique Hotel Porto offers the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Stay at Canto de Luz – The Best Boutique Hotel in Porto
A Hidden Gem in Porto’s Old Town
Located in the heart of Porto’s historic center, Canto de Luz – Boutique Hotel Porto offers a luxurious retreat that blends elegance, comfort, and tranquility. With its French-inspired hospitality, contemporary design, and peaceful setting, it has earned a reputation as one of the best boutique hotels in Porto.
What sets Canto de Luz apart is its ability to create a true home-away-from-home atmosphere. After a day of exploring the city with your Andante Card Porto, you can return to unwind in beautifully designed suites, private villas, or modern urban retreats, each thoughtfully tailored for relaxation and style.
Accommodation Options at Canto de Luz
The hotel features a wide selection of refined accommodations, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups alike:
- Maison Suites – Elegant rooms with either city views or private garden balconies.
- Studio Apartments – Ideal urban or city retreats with modern amenities.
- Duplex Garden Retreat Villas – Offering privacy with private patios and garden access.
- Villa Almada – A luxury two-bedroom villa complete with a private pool.
- Exclusive Maison Rental – Perfect for groups or special occasions.
Book Your Stay at Canto de Luz
As one of the most sought-after boutique hotels in Porto, availability is limited and rooms book quickly. To secure your preferred suite or villa, it’s recommended to reserve your stay at Canto de Luz – Boutique Hotel Porto in advance.
