Portugal
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto, about 53 km (33 miles) southwest of Guimarães, holds the closest major international airport. OPO offers many connections, especially within Europe. Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) serves as a larger international hub but stands at 370 km (230 miles) south, making it less direct for Guimarães.
Direct flights to Porto (OPO) mostly originate within Europe. From intercontinental destinations, connecting flights often occur via Lisbon (LIS) or other European hubs. Seasonal direct flights to OPO from outside Europe occur less often. Plan international flights to land at OPO if Guimarães is your first destination to shorten in-Portugal travel.
Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and snack bars stand ready at Porto Airport (OPO) both before and after security.
Major international car rental agencies maintain desks. Free Wi-Fi access spans the terminal. ATMs and currency exchange services are present.
Several airport lounges offer a quieter space. Tourist information desks provide maps, advice, and transport assistance.
Booking flights 3-6 months in advance, especially for high season, brings favorable fares.
Flexibility with your travel dates frequently results in savings.
Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for price comparisons and flight alerts.
Comboios de Portugal (CP) operates frequent and reliable train services to Guimarães. From Porto: Frequent urban train services on the Linha de Guimarães connect Guimarães to Porto's Campanhã and São Bento stations. The journey lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes from Campanhã. These trains offer comfort and a scenic route.
Rede Expressos is Portugal's largest long-distance bus company. It provides extensive connections to Guimarães from various cities across Portugal. From Lisbon: Direct buses from Lisbon's Sete Rios or Oriente bus terminals to Guimarães take approximately 4-5 hours. These are comfortable coach services.
Renting a car brings flexibility, especially for day trips outside Guimarães. Portugal boasts an excellent network of motorways (autoestradas) and national roads. Major motorways connecting to Guimarães include A3, A7, and A11. These roads are well-maintained.
Road conditions on motorways maintain excellence. Rural roads appear narrower and winding. Portuguese drivers show assertiveness, so stay aware and drive defensively. Speed limits apply: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h national, 120 km/h motorways. Strict alcohol limits apply.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply when departing Portugal by air. These charges typically find inclusion in your airline ticket price. This makes the departure process straightforward. You do not need additional payments at the airport.
If departing by train or long-distance bus from Guimarães, arrive at the station 15-30 minutes before departure. Tickets usually undergo checks onboard. You do not go through an extensive check-in process. The stations hold basic facilities.
Check-in, security screening, and passport control take time, especially during peak season.
Guimarães is an inland city; sea or river arrivals hold no relevance.
If arriving by cruise at Leixões (near Porto), use land transport to Guimarães.
Plan to complete any final purchases or dining before reaching smaller stations, or rely on the offerings at Porto Airport.
