Of Porto's three historic tram routes, the scenic Linha 1 is the most popular with visitors. The line follows the northern bank of the Douro River, rattling and trundling from the edge of the historic Ribeira district out to the coastal Foz district, where the river meets the Atlantic.

The journey offers a wonderful perspective of the city. It passes traditional neighbourhoods and old dockyards, travels beneath the impressive Ponte da Arrábida bridge, and keeps the river constantly in view. The experience is made all the more memorable by the trams themselves; beautifully restored 1930s carriages that retain many of their original features, from polished wood interiors and gleaming brass controls to the traditional driver's bell.

A ride on the Linha 1 is a highly recommended activity for a trip to Porto, providing both a charming historic experience and a practical way to travel to the lovely Foz district. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the route, along with fare information and links to the current timetable.
Related articles: Porto tram guide - Walking tour of Porto - Top 10 Porto

A single journey on the historic tram costs €6.00 for adults and €3.50 for children (ages 4 to 12), with tickets purchased directly from the driver upon boarding. For a return trip on the same day, a ‘2 trips’ ticket offers better value at €8.00.

For those planning multiple tram journeys, a 2-day unlimited pass is also available, costing €12.00 for adults and €6.00 for children. It is important to note that these tickets are exclusively for the historic tram network and are not valid on any other form of public transport in Porto.

The Linha 1 tram service departs approximately every 20 minutes, with operating hours generally between 9am and 8pm. For the latest schedule, it is always advisable to check the official STCP (Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto) website: www.stcp.pt

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The line 1 tram route can get very busy during the peak season and it is advisable to travel early or later in the day to avoid the crowds. The main appeal of the Linha 1 tram is the ride itself, if you find yourself at the end of a long queue consider boarding the next tram, as the experience is little enjoyment if you end up standing.

The entire Linha 1 is shadowed by the 500 bus service (Praça da Liberdade to Matosinhos), if the queues are too long consider taking the bus instead, which is also cheaper (€1.95 for a single).

The following section details the sights and attractions at each of the stop along the tram line.

Infante Stop
The Linha 1 tram departs from the Infante tram stop . This is at the base of the Gothic Igreja de São Francisco, and is on the edge of the Ribeira district. As this is the start of the tram line, it is the location where most passengers board the tram. The majority of passengers ride the entire length of the line, departing at the last couple of stops.

The tram departs from the gothic Igreja de São Francisco, the most spectacular church in Porto

Alfândega Stop
The first stop along the tram line is Alfândega, which is opposite the 150-year-old Alfândega Nova do Porto (the Old Customs House). This sprawling complex has been transformed into a congress centre and houses the Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações. Close to Alfândega is the World of Discoveries museum (GPS: 41.14337, -8.62096), a great location for children and ideal for a wet day.

High above the Alfândega tram stop is one of the better viewpoints of Porto, the Miradouro Bandeirinha da Saúde (GPS: 41.14445, -8.622143). This viewpoint provides stunning views of the Douro River, but it is a steep climb from the tram stop.

Museu Vinho Porto stop
The Museu Vinho Porto tram stop, halts outside the Vinho Porto museum, a museum detailing the history of Port and Port production. Further up the hill is the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, the best city park of Porto.

Museu Eléctrico Stop
The Museu Eléctrico tram stop is outside the tram museum (the Museu Eléctrico) and the tram depot. This is also the location to connect to the number 18 tram, which heads into the historic centre of Porto. The Museu Eléctrico details the history of Porto’s trams, which were first constructed in 1895, and is an excellent, if niche, museum.

Bicalho Stop
A very scenic section of the tram journey, with great views of the Ponte Arrábida bridge, but very little reason for passengers to exit the tram.

The magnificent Ponte Arrábida bridge

Ponte Arrábida Stop
The Ponte Arrábida tram stop is in the shadow of the mighty Ponte Arrábida bridge. The bridge has a single, unsupported arch which spans the 270m of the Douro River and carries the main A1 expressway. For the brave, it is possible to join a tour which climbs the stairway on the lower arch and provides fantastic 70m high views of the river and city. For more information, please see Porto Bridge Climb’s website:
www.portobridgeclimb.com

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Sécil
The Sécil stop provides great views of the river and the Ponte Arrábida, but there is no real reason to leave the tram.

Gás
Gás is the tram stop for the ferry to Afurada. Afurada is on the southern side of the Douro River and is a peaceful town that has been completely untouched by tourism. If you are after a location for an immersion into typical Portuguese daily life or are looking to escape the tourist masses, then pretty Afurada should be the destination for you. The small ferry (the Flor de Gás) departs every 15 minutes, and a return to Afurada costs € 1.50.

The water front of Afurada, as seen from Gás

Fluvial
The Fluvial tram stop is at the eastern edge of the parks and open spaces that line the banks of the Foz district and continue westwards to the mouth of the Douro River. The small park next to the Fluvial tram stop is the Jardim do Cálem, and this overlooks the sandbanks and marshes of the Observatório das Aves, an area popular with feeding seabirds. The 30-minute walk from Fluvial to Passeio Alegre (final stop of tram line), along the Promenade Foz do Douro, is highly recommended.

The Observatório das Aves tidal marshes

D.Leonor
D.Leonor is another pretty tram stop, which is next to the Jardim de Sobreiras. The tram stop is also close to the Promenade Foz do Douro.

Cantareira
Cantareira is very different from all of the previous tram stops, as it halts next to a sheltered harbour and traditional fishing community. In the modern huts along the waterfront old men tend to fishnets, while in the river small fishing boats bob around in the water.

At the western end of the harbour wall is the Farol de São Miguel-o-Anjo lighthouse. This almost inconsequential building, hidden by the larger tower and surrounded by a chapel, was Europe’s first ever lighthouse, being constructed in 1538.

Cantareira is the most scenic section of the Linha 1 tram and our favourite location to depart. Even if you do not have much time for the tram ride, it is suggested to exit at Cantareira and then walk to Passeio Alegre, for the return tram journey.

Passeio Alegre
Passeio Alegre is the final stop along the Linha 1 tram route, and is on the edge of the Jardim do Passeio Alegre (GPS: 41.14772, -8.66775). The Jardim do Passeio Alegre is the finest park of the Foz district, and hidden beneath the shade of the massive trees are fountains, sculptures and ornamental ponds. For children, there is a mini golf course.

From the Passeio Alegre, it is possible to walk to the São João da Foz fort or to the Farol de Felgueiras lighthouse, which is positioned at the mouth of the Douro River. For a longer walk consider visiting the charming beachfront of Foz and the beaches of Praia do Ourigo and Praia dos Ingleses, or the Pergola of Foz.

The riverside walk of the Jardim do Passeio Alegre