Porto’s embrace of contactless payments for its metro system heralds a new era of convenience for travelers. This innovative feature promises to simplify how you navigate the city’s public transport. However, it’s not without its limitations. Keep reading to discover where and how you can use contactless payments, and what it’ll cost you.
The Reality of Contactless in Porto
As much as contactless payments sound like the future of transit fare, their application in Porto is currently quite narrow. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this new system like a pro:
Limited Reach, But Growing
Pilot Phase: Right now, contactless payments are in a trial run, limited to specific parts of the Metro do Porto and STCP bus routes. It’s like Porto is dipping its toes in the water before taking the full plunge.
One Person, One Card: Sharing is not caring in the world of contactless metro payments. Each passenger needs their own card to tap through.
Stick to the Script: Swapping between your physical card and its digital twin on your smart device can complicate things. Choose one for the day to ensure a smooth ride.
Special Validators Only: Look out for the marked validators. Not every gate will play nice with your contactless card.
Costs and Caps
A single trip sets you back €2.25, mirroring the Z4 ticket price, and stays valid for 1h15 minutes across the metro and bus network, allowing for unlimited transfers within this timeframe. The daily cap at €7 is a sweet deal for explorers keen on making the most of their day.
Where Can You Use Contactless?
The good news is that if you’re travelling from the airport to the downtown core, encompassing stations like Bolhão, Trindade, São Bento, and Aliados, these stations fall within the network that supports contactless transactions. Besides those, other stations accepting contactless includes Senhora da Hora, Casa da Música, Campanhã, Campo 24 de Agosto. This facility is also available to bus travelers, the STCP’s line 500, which operates from Praça da Liberdade to Matosinhos/Mercado, also accommodates contactless payments.
Why an Andante Card Might Still Be Your Best Bet
Given the current constraints of contactless payments, you might find the Andante card a more versatile companion for your Porto adventures. It’s accepted everywhere in the metro and bus network, offering a straightforward way to travel without needing to worry about the pilot project’s limitations. Plus, it can be a more economical choice for those planning just a few trips or traveling outside the contactless zones.
My Recommendation
Porto’s foray into contactless payments is exciting, but it’s still early days. For a stress-free experience, consider an Andante card or even the Porto Card, which offers comprehensive travel options and discounts around the city. You can learn more about these in the article I penned previously. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, navigating Porto’s public transport can be a breeze with a little planning and the right card in your pocket.