We get dropped in historic area of Santiago mid Sun am., and have evening lodging in Porto, Portugal. We hope to check our luggage somewhere (bus station?), get to Mass at the cathedral, and do a wee bit of site seeing near cathedral before heading out to Porto. Do we take the train, the bus, or rent a car? We have 3 days in Porto, and from there we fly home. (Don't really need a car in Porto.) At first look,it appears there are only 2 trains per day, to Porto. And buses aren't much better. I'd rather avoid a car rental, but really want to see the Santiago Cathedral. Any suggestions?
Posted by
11133 posts
If you rent a car you will get a large drop fee for returning to a different country.
I think that the buses and trains are it unless you hire a driver. Why not spend the night in Santiago de Compostela? We spent two nights.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
I like your idea of an overbite in Santiago. BUT,our rental from vrbo, is an oceanfront condo, really sweet, although they required a 3 day rental. And so, we must get to Porto Sun nite. Hope we haven't unduly boxed ourselves in...
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6508 posts
Check where the mass will be held since when I was there is September, the entire interior was undergoing renovations and other than the alter and crypt, little could be seen. I know the pilgrims mass was being held at a different church, but I’m not certain about the regular masses. Fortunately, the exterior front is scaffolding free.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Wow, ThankYou! So good to know about the reconstruction underway.... must further investigate.
So grateful for your update!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8938 posts
The easiest and fastest way to get to Porto from Santiago is by bus. Also the cheapest. Takes about 3.5-4 hours I think. With the train, you have to switch trains and it takes longer. The bus is comfy.
Posted by
248 posts
When I looked into it a couple of years ago the best way to was to bus it.
Posted by
California
16 posts
Yes, we went by bus and it was very nice
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
472 posts
We took the Inter Norte line's bus five years ago. Big comfy Mercedes Benz bus, not many passengers, 68 Euros for two adults, exc. roads, several rest stops, scenic route. There's a one hour time difference between Portugal & Spain - 1pm Port. = 2pm Spain (yup, North-South, go figure).
Enjoyed Porto - the Serralves modern art museum & grounds, gorgeous old Majestic Cafe, Abadia restaurant for seafood. Take a river tour along the old port wine shippers' establishments & under Eiffel-esque filigree bridges. The Grand Hotel do Porto has a jewel box lobby & a hallway lined with framed thank-you's from a century of guests - Baron Rothschild, the Infanta de Espana, the Dalai Lama!
Porto's hilly, bring your calf muscles.
Posted by
52 posts
We went by bus and discovered that we should have bought our tickets in advance! We had to take a slower route, but we got there.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Has anyone used UBER or similar, to get from Porto to the Porto airport?
Our condo is south side of Porto, we have an early morning flight. Wonder about trusting UBER
To get us to the airport timely, ie., like a 6am. Pickup. (830am departure flight). Have never Used UBER or a car service in Europe.
If you have experience here, please share. THANK YOU!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8938 posts
Taxis are really cheap in Portugal. Used them a couple of times.