Lisbon and Porto in 6 Days: Itinerary and Train Transfer
Lisbon and Porto are a natural pair: two walkable, hilly cities a few hours apart by train, each with its own character. Lisbon is bigger and more varied, so it gets more of the time. This itinerary splits the nights, places the transfer on a day with light plans and keeps the steep streets in mind when you group the sights.
In short: Four days in Lisbon (one for Belém or Sintra), a train to Porto of about three hours, then a day and a half in Porto; expect hills, cobbles and a lot of walking.
How the nights are split
A good split is three or four nights in Lisbon and two in Porto. Lisbon has more to see and a day trip to Sintra is worth the time, while Porto is compact and rewarding over a shorter stay. The train between the cities takes about three hours, so treat the transfer day as a half day.
Hold the Lisbon to Porto train for the middle of the day, so that you can see one more Lisbon sight in the morning and still reach Porto for dinner.
If you are deciding between a longer stay in one city and two bases, see multi-city trip planning.
Days 1 to 4: Lisbon
Group by area. One day for Alfama and the castle viewpoint, one for Baixa and Chiado with the evening in Bairro Alto, and one for Belém, with the monastery, the tower and the riverside, which is best taken by tram or train from the center. The fourth day can be Sintra by train for its palaces and gardens, or a slower day for markets and viewpoints.
Lisbon is built on hills and many streets are steep and cobbled, so comfortable shoes matter more than usual. The famous trams are popular and crowded, so consider walking or a different route at busy hours. Check opening days and ticket options on the official sites close to your date.
Day 5: The train to Porto
Book the train in advance for the time you want, and arrive at the station with some margin. The ride is about three hours, so you will arrive with time for the Ribeira riverfront and an evening walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Days 5 and 6: Porto
Porto is easiest on foot with a few climbs. Spend the morning in the historic center (the Clérigos Tower, the old streets and the famous bookshop, which may require a timed ticket), and the afternoon across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia for a port wine cellar visit. If you have a spare day, the Douro Valley is an option, but it needs a full day.
Planning it in MyTrip Builder
Add a hotel in each city and the train as a stop between them so the transfer day is visible. MyTrip Builder shows the distance and estimated time between consecutive stops, which helps you judge how hilly and spread out a day really is. For the method, see how to plan a day-by-day itinerary, and for tickets and bookings, organizing travel documents and bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Is 6 days enough for Lisbon and Porto?
Six days is enough for the main sights of both cities and a day trip. It is not a lot, so choose fewer things and leave room for walking.
How long is the train from Lisbon to Porto?
About three hours on the faster services. Check the timetable and the ticket type for your day.
Is Sintra worth a day?
If you like palaces and gardens, yes. It is an easy day trip by train from Lisbon, but it takes most of a day, so plan nothing else for it.
What should I wear for walking in Lisbon and Porto?
Comfortable, closed shoes with good grip. The streets are steep and often cobbled.