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, supporting both Apple Pay and Google Pay alongside traditional contactless cards. 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
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. While this expansion in 2025 has made the system much more practical for tourists, there are still some important limitations to keep in mind.
Each passenger needs their own card or mobile device to tap through – sharing is not caring in the world of contactless metro payments. If you’re traveling with family or friends, everyone will need their own payment method. Additionally, swapping between your physical card and its digital twin on your smart device can complicate things, so choose one for the day to ensure a smooth ride.
Perhaps most importantly, look out for the marked validators. Not every gate will play nice with your contactless card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. You’ll need to find the specific validators that support contactless payments, which can add a bit of confusion during rush hours or when you’re in a hurry.
Costs and Caps (2025 Pricing)
How much does each journey cost? Each journey has the cost of a simple occasional ticket Z4 (€2.25) and is valid for 1h15m on Metro do Porto and STCP, regardless of the number of boardings in that period at any of the above mentioned stations and stops.
If you perform 4 or more journeys in one day, the most advantageous fare applies, with a maximum limit of €7.50, equivalent to a daily ticket (Tour 1). This daily cap is a sweet deal for explorers keen on making the most of their day.
My Tip: If zone calculations seem daunting, visit en.metrodoporto.pt to check zones, ticket prices, and even plan your trip with real-time information showing the next available train.
Where Can You Use Contactless?
2025 Station Expansion
The contactless network has expanded significantly throughout 2025! Here are all the stations now accepting contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay:
Original Stations (2024): 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.
Additional Stations Added in 2025: Metro do Porto has expanded contactless support to include: Santo Ovídio, Aeroporto (Airport), Sete Bicas, João de Deus, Jardim do Morro, Marquês, Heroísmo, D. João II, Faria Guimarães, General Torres, Hospital S. João, Estádio do Dragão, Combatentes, Salgueiros, Manuel Leão, Hospital Santos Silva, and Vila d’Este.
This expansion means you can now use contactless payments (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) at 24 metro stations across Porto’s network, covering major tourist destinations and transport hubs.
Bus Network: 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.
Ticket Vending Machines: Still Limited Options
While contactless payments are expanding at station validators, ticket vending machines at stations still only accept cash and chip-and-pin cards. Metro do Porto is updating these machines throughout 2025, so contactless support for ticket purchases may be available during your next visit. For now, bring cash or a chip card if you need to purchase tickets from machines.
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.
The Andante card allows you to load 1 to 30 trips of the same type (Z2, Z3, etc.), and after the first validation, you can validate as many times as needed within the maximum journey time for that zone.
My Recommendation
Porto’s foray into contactless payments is exciting, and the 2025 expansion makes it much more practical for tourists. The ability to use Apple Pay and Google Pay at 24 stations covers most major tourist destinations and transport connections. However, it’s still early days for full network coverage.
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.
The Bottom Line: Physical Cards Often Win
Here’s the reality check: while contactless payments with Apple Pay and Google Pay are convenient, they’re not always the most economical choice. The contactless system is programmed to charge a flat Z4 ticket rate (€2.25) for every journey, regardless of your actual travel zones.
If you’re making short trips within Z1 or Z2 zones, you’ll end up paying significantly more than necessary. A Z2 journey costs just €1.40 with an Andante card, but €2.25 with contactless – that’s a 61% markup! For travelers planning multiple trips or staying longer than a day, the math quickly favors getting a physical Andante card.
The smart play: Use contactless for convenience during short visits, but invest in an Andante card for longer stays or frequent travel. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll have access to the entire network without worrying about validator compatibility.