With its canals, moliceiro boats and striped houses at Costa Nova, Aveiro is one of the favourite day trips from Porto. It’s about 75 km south and there are several ways to get there. We compare the train, driving and a private transfer from central Porto or straight from the airport.
By train
The most popular way to do the trip. There are two options:
- Alfa Pendular / Intercidades: from Campanhã, about 40 minutes to Aveiro. Faster and more comfortable with reserved seats, but pricier.
- Urban train: from São Bento or Campanhã, about 1h10 to 1h20, and much cheaper.
Aveiro station is about a 15-minute walk from the canals. For Costa Nova or Barra you’ll still need a bus or taxi.
By car
Via the A1 or A29, it takes about 50 minutes to an hour, with tolls. Parking in central Aveiro is paid and Costa Nova fills up quickly in summer.
Porto Airport to Aveiro
There’s no direct public transport from Porto Airport to Aveiro: you’d take the metro into Porto and then a train, which can mean two hours with changes. A private transfer from the airport to your Aveiro hotel takes about an hour.
Private transfer
- Door to door: from the airport or your Porto hotel to Aveiro, Costa Nova or Barra.
- Fixed price per vehicle, shown before you book.
- Book a return for an easy day trip.
- Vehicles for 4, 6 or 8 people, with room for luggage.
Porto or the airport → Aveiro
Enter your pickup and Aveiro destination to see the fixed transfer price.
Compared
| Option | Time | Door to door | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa / Intercidades | ~40 min | No | Speed between stations |
| Urban train | 1h10–1h20 | No | Tight budgets |
| Rental car | 50 min–1h | Yes | Exploring the area |
| Private transfer | 50 min–1h | Yes | Families, groups, airport arrivals |
A day in Aveiro and Costa Nova
- Morning – Moliceiro boat ride on the canals and a walk around the centre, including the tiled old railway station.
- Lunch – Fish or seafood in Barra or Costa Nova.
- Afternoon – Costa Nova’s striped houses, the beach and Barra lighthouse.
- Evening – Pick up some ovos moles and head back to Porto.
Costa Nova and Barra are about 10 km from central Aveiro, so train travellers need a bus or taxi too. With a return transfer you can link everything at your own pace.
Aveiro with kids
Aveiro is very family-friendly: the boat ride is short and calm, the beaches at Barra and Costa Nova are wide, and distances are small. Travelling with young children? Remember to request child seats when booking your transport.
Things to do in Aveiro
- Take a moliceiro boat ride along the canals.
- Try ovos moles, the town’s signature sweet.
- Photograph the striped houses of Costa Nova.
- Visit the Ílhavo Maritime Museum or Vista Alegre.
Looking for more ideas? See how to get from Porto to the Douro Valley or from Porto Airport to Vila Nova de Gaia.
