Welcome to the Leixoes Cruise Port Guide. Leixões is the name of the port closest to the city of Porto. The port is about 9 km / 5,5 miles from the city centre. Porto has approximately 240.000 inhabitants and it is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Many, including ourselves, truly think Porto is the most beautiful, charming city of Portugal. This is the town where you can expect anything typically Portuguese; countless houses decorated with Portuguese tiles, Gothic cathedrals, fado restaurants and amazing food. The city is so incredibly colorful and there are so many things happening on every street corner. Just a walk through the city or along the famous Duoro river will give you a taste of this beautiful Portuguese city has to offer. The Portuguese culture in all its glory will never fail to impress in Porto and therefore this entire city centre is also listed on the UNESCO world heritage list. Make sure this one is on your itinerary on a cruise to Portugal. Go for a city walk, explore the countless churches decorated with gold and tiles or enjoy the Port wines made here in the area. There is something to do here for everyone. Find out below how to get yourself from the cruise port to the city centre in our Porto cruise port guide.
Travel information Portugal
Official currency – Euro
Are dollars accepted – usually not
Creditcard – are sometimes accepted
Drives on the – right
Timezone – UTC 0/-1
About Portugal
Inhabitants – 10,5 million inhabitants
Official language – Portuguese
Capital city – Lisbon
Portuguese Republic
Government – Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
Portuguese language
Good day – Bom Dia
How are you? – Como você está?
Thank you – Obrigado
Cruise ship – Cruzeiro
Port – Porto
Cruise Port Guide Leixões – Porto – Portugal: docked
Leixões is always a difficult cruise port to get into. The weather can be against you and a call in Leixões can never be guaranteed. Once the ship is docked there are couple of thing you might want to know:
There are two docking spots in Leixões. One spot is in at the cruise terminal (terminal de Cruzeiros) and there is another dock (Doca 1 Norte – Passageiros) . This last one will be in use when there are two cruise ships in port. You can check the following link to see where your cruise ship will dock: http://www.apdl.pt/site-apdl/planeamento/naviosprevchegada.jsp?lang=en. See map above for their locations.
Leixões cruise dock
Your ship will most likely dock at the Leixões cruise terminal. There is a new cruise terminal that recently openend. There are many facilities at the cruise terminal like tourist information, souvenir shops and wi-fi.
There is no walking allowed in the port area. Once you step outside the building you see you either have your shore excursion bus waiting there or you have the take the complimentary, wheelchair accessible bus to the exit of the port. This is only a 1 minute bus ride. The picture on the side shows you the shuttle bus and the drop-off location of the bus. To get back to the ship you will be picked up at the same spot where the bus left you.
Once you have reached the exit the port you need to decide: stay in Matosinhos (the name of the city where you are as soon as you exit the port) or go to Porto. If you want to stay in Matosinhos than please know the sights here are very limited. You can visit the market, the shops in the area and the beach.
For those of you who want to go to Porto here are your transportation options:
Hop on hop off bus Leixões
The Hop on hop off bus is usually waiting for you at the exit of the port, although it is not an official stop. Search for those double-decker buses at the exit. Especially for those of you who are not good with walking on hilly cobble stoned streets or don’t want to spend to much money the hop on hop off bus is a nice option.
Taxis in Leixões
Taxis are also waiting for you at the exit of the port. Expect that it costs about 15 to 20 euro one way to Porto city centre. Make sure you check the price before you step into the taxi.
Metro from Leixões cruise port to Porto
You can also take the metro from Leixoes to Porto city centre. When you get off the shuttle bus, walk straight out of the port and walk 4 blocks until you see the tracks going over the road and spot the nearest stop on your left hand side. See picture on the side to know what it looks like. Buy your ticket on the metro and get off at stop Bolhao for the city centre. The metro is wheelchair accessible.
Public bus from Leixões cruise port to Porto
Your other option is to take the bus. You will find the bus stop if you walk from the exit of the port straight into town and see the bus stop 3 blocks into the street on your right hand side. The stop looks like the picture on the side. Bus line 500 goes to the city centre. It runs 3 to 4 times per hour. Pay for a ticket on the bus. The bus is wheelchair accessible.
Now that you have your options it is wise to decide before hand on how you would like to go the city. Our personal advice is to take the bus into town. It is fast, easy, cheap and a great way just to experience that little bit extra of Porto, local style. However, the taxi would also be a great option.
FAQ about Leixões
– How far is the city centre?
You are docked in Leixoes, which is about 9 km from the city centre of Porto.
– Where is the wi-fi?
There is a fast internet connection available in the new cruise terminal.
– What is the best way to get to the city centre.
Explore your options above. We as port lecturers feel that the bus or taxi is the best way to go.
– What is there to do around the port?
There is little to do around the port. There is a small market, some shops and a beach. Going to Porto will get you the most out of your day.
Also visit our cruise port guides for:
Vigo – Spain – Lisbon – Portugal – Barcelona – Spain – Funchal – Portugal – Portimao – Portugal – Gibraltar
