The short version
Fly into Porto airport (OPO), then take a direct coach to Braga, which usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes. Coming from Porto city, take the direct regional train from São Bento or Campanhã, which takes roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Timetables change, so check with the operator before you travel.
From Porto airport
Coach companies including Getbus and FlixBus link the airport with Braga. Fares are low, often in single-digit or low double-digit euros depending on the operator and the date. Book in advance for early or late flights, because departures are not continuous. A private transfer or ride-hailing car costs more but makes sense for a group or at night.
From Porto by train
The urban line run by CP connects São Bento and Campanhã with Braga station, a short walk from the old centre. It is cheap, and tickets are sold at the station and through CP. Trains are frequent during the day, but check the last departure if you are making a day trip.
From Lisbon
Some Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services run through to Braga, taking about three and a half hours. Otherwise, change in Porto Campanhã. Direct coaches also run from Lisbon to Braga and are often cheaper, taking about four hours or a little more.
| From | By | Roughly how long |
|---|---|---|
| Porto airport | Coach | 45–60 min |
| Porto city | Train | 1 h–1 h 15 |
| Guimarães | Bus | 30–40 min |
| Lisbon | Train | About 3 h 30 |
| Vigo (Spain) | Car | About 1 h 15 |
| Santiago de Compostela | Car | About 2 h |
From Spain and by car
Braga sits just off the A3 motorway between Porto and Valença on the Spanish border, close to the A11 towards Guimarães. Some Portuguese motorways use electronic tolls with no booths, so ask your rental company how tolls are handled, particularly if you are bringing a Spanish car. If you are continuing north into Galicia, our sister guide to Baiona on the Rías Baixas is a natural next stop.
Getting around the city
The old centre is flat and best on foot. Municipal TUB buses cover the suburbs, and taxis and ride-hailing are inexpensive by European standards. Parking in the centre is mostly in paid underground car parks. If your hotel has none, ask before you arrive.
Getting to Bom Jesus
TUB line 2 has long been the usual bus from the centre to the foot of the stairway. Confirm the current line and stop locally. From the bottom you can walk up the stairway or ride the historic funicular. A taxi from the centre is a short and affordable ride, and it can take you to the top. Sameiro is a further few kilometres up the same road and is easiest with a car, a taxi or a guided tour.
Where to sleep once you are here
See our where to stay guide, or read about using Porto as a base.
