Porto Card vs Andante Card: Which One is Best for Your Visit?
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If you are planning your trip to Porto, you might be wondering if a travel card is worth it. And then you might wonder which travel card to get. Enter the Porto Card vs Andante Card debate.
Having used both cards during our first visit to Porto (before making it our home last year!), we’ll guide you through the key features, costs, and benefits of the Porto Card and the Andante Card to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding the Andante Card
What is the Andante Card?
The Andante Card is a transport card providing unlimited access to Porto’s public transportation network, which is a great way to get around the city and even to and from the Porto airport. This includes metro, buses, and suburban trains within the Andante zones.
It’s perfect for hassle-free travel without the need to buy individual tickets. And depending on which Andante Card you choose, it is rechargeable.
Types of Andante Cards
- Andante Tour 1:
- Features: Unlimited travel for 24 hours across all Andante network zones.
- Price: €7.00
- Andante Tour 3:
- Features: Unlimited travel for 72 hours across all Andante network zones.
- Price: €15.00
- Andante Azul Simple:
- Features: Rechargeable with single trips, valid for 1 year from first validation.
- Prices: Z2: €1.40, Z4: €2.25, Z6: €3.20, Z9: €4.55
- Andante Azul 24:
- Features: Unlimited travel for 24 hours, valid for all zones within the Andante network.
- Prices: Z2: €5.15, Z4: €8.30, Z6: €11.80, Z9: €16.70
Exclusions
- The Andante Card does not include entry to museums, attractions, or discounts on dining and shopping.
- Travel outside the defined Andante zones may require additional tickets.
Understanding the Porto Card
What is the Porto Card with Transport?
The Standard Porto Card provides free or discounted access to numerous attractions. With the Transportation add-on, the Porto Card offers unlimited travel on Porto’s public transportation network. It’s a comprehensive solution for tourists wanting to maximize their experience.
Types of Porto Cards
- Standard Porto Card:
- Features: Free entry to museums and landmarks, discounts at restaurants, shops, and tours.
- Prices: 1-day: €6, 2-day: €10, 3-day: €13, 4-day: €15
- Porto Card + Transportation:
- Features: Includes all benefits of the Standard Porto Card plus unlimited travel on buses and metro.
- Prices: 1-day: €13, 2-day: €20, 3-day: €25, 4-day: €33
How to Use the Porto Card
- Purchase online, at the airport, or the Porto tourism offices.
- Activate by writing the start date and time on the back.
- Present the card at participating attractions and transport services.
Comparing the Porto Card and the Andante Card with a Sample Itinerary
Example Itinerary Comparing Both Cards
| Day | Porto Card | Andante Card |
| Day 1: Exploring Central Porto | Transportation: Included | Transportation: Included in Andante Tour 3 (€15.00 for 3 days) |
| Sightseeing: Discounted entry to Porto Cathedral (€2.00) | Sightseeing: Porto Cathedral (€3.00) | |
| Discounted entry to Clérigos Tower (€6.00) | Clérigos Tower (€8.00) | |
| Discounted entry to Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis (€3.00) | Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis (€6.00) | |
| Day 2: Cultural Immersion | Transportation: Included | Transportation: Included in Andante Tour 3 |
| Sightseeing: Discounted entry to Serralves Museum (€19.20) | Sightseeing: Serralves Museum (€24.00) | |
| Discounted entry to Palácio da Bolsa (€9.00) | Palácio da Bolsa (€12.00) | |
| Discounts at Ribeira District restaurants | Full price for meals | |
| Day 3: River Cruise and Beyond | Transportation: Included | Transportation: Included in Andante Tour 3 |
| Sightseeing: Discounted river cruise (€12.00) | Sightseeing: River cruise (€15.00) | |
| Discount at Real Companhia Velha Port Wine Cellars (€7.50) | Real Companhia Velha Port Wine Cellars (€15.00) |
Total Costs Comparison
| Aspect | Porto Card | Andante Card |
| Card Cost | €25.00 (3-day Porto Card + Transport) | €15.00 (Andante Tour 3) |
| Transportation | Included in card price | Included in card price |
| Sightseeing Costs | ~€60.00 | ~€83.00 |
| Total Costs | ~€85.00 | ~€98.00 |
Where to Purchase
Andante Card:
- Metro Stations: Ticket vending machines and customer service desks.
- Authorized Retailers: Various kiosks and shops around the city.
- Porto Airport: Available at the airport’s ticket vending machines and counters.
Porto Card:
- Tourism Offices: Located in major tourist areas, including the city center and Porto Airport.
- Online: Purchase through the official Porto Card website and pick up at designated locations.
- Hotels: Some hotels in Porto sell the Porto Card directly to guests.
Choosing Between the Porto Card and the Andante Card
Opt for the Andante Card if:
- Your focus is on transportation: Extensive use of public transport without many paid attractions.
- You’re on a budget: €15.00 for 3 days of unlimited travel is cost-effective.
- You have a simple itinerary: Exploring neighborhoods, dining out, and visiting free attractions.
- You prefer flexibility: Unlimited travel across Porto’s public transport network.
Choose the Porto Card for:
- Comprehensive sightseeing: Multiple paid and discounted attractions, museums, and landmarks.
- Extended stays: Multi-day options (1, 2, 3, or 4 days) for immersive experiences one-day, two-day, or longer itineraries.
- Maximizing savings: Free entries and discounts along with unlimited transport.
- Convenience and ease: Combining transport and attraction access in one card.
Porto Card vs. Andante Card: Final Verdict
Choosing between the Porto Card and the Andante Card ultimately depends on your travel plans and what you’re looking to do in Porto. For extensive sightseeing and convenience, the Porto Card offers significant savings and comprehensive benefits. If your focus is on transportation and you prefer a simple itinerary, the Andante Card is a great value, specifically the Andante Tour Card.
Having used both cards with family and friends, we’ve found that the Porto Card is perfect for thorough exploration, while the Andante Card is ideal for flexible, transportation-focused travel.
Ready to learn about Porto’s unique experiences? Check out our blog post on 20 Unique Things to Do in Porto for more exciting adventures!
