Braga is an incredible destination, it’s a city that often requires a little planning when it comes to transport. Unlike Lisbon or Porto, which have their own international airports, Braga doesn’t have a major airport, but the nearby Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto serves as the gateway for visitors. I’ve made the trip to Braga from various parts of Portugal, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through how to easily fly to Porto, which is just an hour away from Braga by car or train.
Flying into Porto is the most convenient way to reach Braga. From there, you can quickly transfer to Braga by either taking a bus, a train, or even a taxi. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and provide all the necessary details on how to book flights from other major Portuguese cities to Porto, along with tips on the best flight options, costs, and booking platforms.
1. Flying from Lisbon to Porto: The Quickest Route
One of the most popular routes within Portugal is flying from Lisbon to Porto, the closest major airport to Braga. Lisbon, being Portugal’s capital, is well-connected to all regions of the country, and flights from Lisbon to Porto are frequent and affordable. I’ve taken this flight multiple times, and it’s always a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Flight Details:
- Airline: TAP Air Portugal / Ryanair / EasyJet
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Cost: Flights can range from €20 to €70 depending on how early you book and the time of year. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet often offer the lowest fares, especially if you book in advance. TAP Air Portugal offers slightly higher fares but provides more comfortable seating and additional services.
Flight Experience:
TAP Air Portugal is the national carrier and offers a comfortable experience with free snacks and beverages during the flight. Ryanair and EasyJet, being budget airlines, offer a more streamlined service, but for the price, it’s a quick and efficient journey. If you’re flying with just a carry-on, you can save even more by avoiding checked luggage fees. The flight duration is so short that you don’t need to worry too much about comfort, as the planes are typically small, but they get you to Porto quickly.
Booking Platforms:
For the best fares and convenience, you can use platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices across airlines and book the flight that best fits your schedule. Both platforms also allow you to track flight prices, which can be helpful if you’re looking to snag the best deal. If you want to book directly through the airline, visit TAP Air Portugal’s website, Ryanair, or EasyJet for ticket purchasing.
Travel Tip:
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often find cheaper fares by flying mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) instead of weekends. Booking a few weeks in advance will help you secure the best prices, especially during the high season (summer months and holidays).
2. Flying from Faro to Porto: A Southern Escape
For those visiting Faro in the Algarve region, flying to Porto remains one of the most convenient ways to travel north. Faro is synonymous with sun, beaches, and the laid-back vibe of southern Portugal, but it’s also well-connected to the rest of the country, making it easy to explore Braga from here. Porto is the nearest major city to Braga, and with the flight options available, getting from Faro to Porto is both affordable and comfortable.
If you’re staying in the Algarve and want to visit Braga, flying from Faro to Porto is a fantastic option, especially considering the quick flight duration and the ease of transfer to Braga afterward. I’ve taken this flight several times, and every time I’ve been impressed by how efficient the journey is. After landing in Porto, you can quickly catch a bus, train, or taxi to Braga, making it a seamless experience.
Flight Details:
- Airline Options: The budget airlines Ryanair and EasyJet both operate direct flights from Faro Airport to Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
- Flight Duration: Just 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is perfect for those who want a fast and direct journey.
- Cost Range: The ticket prices for this route typically range from €25 to €60, depending on how early you book. Booking in advance is key if you want to secure the best fares. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet often offer significantly lower prices if you book several weeks ahead, and you can even find special promotions that drop the prices even further.
Flight Experience:
Both Ryanair and EasyJet are known for providing no-frills, efficient services. Given the short flight duration, there’s not much in terms of in-flight entertainment or dining, but the flight attendants are friendly, and boarding is quick. Both airlines are great for budget-conscious travelers, though Ryanair can sometimes charge additional fees for seat selection and baggage. If you’re traveling light with only a carry-on bag, it’s a straightforward and affordable experience.
Flying during busy times can sometimes result in long queues at check-in, so I’d recommend arriving at Faro Airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight. The airport is relatively small compared to Lisbon or Porto, so navigating it is easier, but it can get crowded during peak times. On the plus side, Faro Airport is very efficient, and the flight is short enough that the wait doesn’t feel excessive.
Booking Platforms:
For finding the best deals and comparing prices across airlines, Skyscanner is an excellent tool. It allows you to track prices and see a full range of options, helping you decide the best time to book. Momondo is another great option, particularly for low-cost flights like those offered by Ryanair and EasyJet. By using these comparison websites, you can easily pinpoint the most affordable flights.
Travel Tip:
If you’re planning to travel during the off-peak season, it’s a great idea to check the Ryanair and EasyJet websites directly. Both airlines tend to offer substantial discounts during seasonal sales and special promotions. Sign up for their newsletters or follow their social media accounts to catch these flash deals, which can make your trip even more affordable.
3. Flying from Ponta Delgada (Azores) to Porto: A Scenic Flight Over the Atlantic
If you’re heading to Braga from Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, the flight from Ponta Delgada to Porto is a bit longer but still offers a fantastic experience. As someone who has visited the Azores, I can tell you that the flight is one of the most scenic I’ve ever taken. You’ll fly over the Atlantic Ocean and see stunning views of the archipelago, which makes it an exciting journey.
Flight Details:
- Airline: Azores Airlines (SATA) / TAP Air Portugal
- Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes
- Cost: Flights generally cost between €80 and €150, depending on the season. Since this flight covers a longer distance, the price is typically higher than domestic flights within mainland Portugal. Booking in advance is essential for finding the best deals.
Flight Experience:
I’ve flown with Azores Airlines (SATA) on this route, and the service was excellent. The flight attendants were friendly, and the view from the plane was absolutely breathtaking, especially as we flew over the islands. TAP Air Portugal also operates this route and offers a similarly comfortable experience with a full-service flight, including snacks and beverages.
The plane itself was relatively spacious, and the seats were comfortable for the short duration of the flight. The onboard entertainment is limited, so I recommend bringing your own entertainment, especially if you’re traveling with children.
Booking Platforms:
To find the best deals on flights from Ponta Delgada to Porto, I recommend using Google Flights, as it will help you compare prices across different airlines. Skyscanner is also a great resource for this route, as it will show you all available options from Azores Airlines and TAP Air Portugal.
Travel Tip:
Azores Airlines often offers discounts during the off-peak seasons, and if you book a few months ahead, you can often secure a great deal. Be sure to check out Azores Airlines’ website for promotions and special offers.
4. From Porto to Braga: The Easy Transfer
Once you arrive in Porto, getting to Braga is easy. Since Braga is only about 50 kilometers away from Porto, you have several options for transferring. Whether you’re taking a bus, a train, or a taxi, the journey is short and scenic, and I personally enjoy the train ride the most. It’s incredibly affordable and offers a relaxing journey through the Portuguese countryside.
Transport Options:
- Train: The train ride from Porto’s São Bento Station to Braga takes approximately 40 minutes, with tickets costing around €5-€7. The trains are comfortable and efficient, and I find the journey quite scenic as you pass through small towns and rolling hills. Tickets can be booked directly at the station or online through Comboios de Portugal.
- Bus: Buses from Rodonorte also run frequently between Porto and Braga, taking around 1 hour, and the fare is around €5-€10. You can book tickets on the Rodonorte website.
- Taxi: A taxi ride will cost around €50-€60 and take approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Booking Flights and Travel in Portugal
For booking your flights and transfers within Portugal, I highly recommend using platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo. These platforms provide detailed flight comparisons, show you the best rates, and even allow you to set up alerts to get notified when prices drop. For booking accommodations in Braga, Booking.com and Expedia offer great options, from budget-friendly stays to luxury hotels. If you need restaurant recommendations or activities, GetYourGuide and Viator are excellent platforms for finding curated tours and local experiences.
Whether you’re flying from Lisbon, Faro, or the Azores, the journey to Porto and then onto Braga is easy and relatively affordable. I personally love the variety of flight options and the ease of traveling within Portugal, especially since the country is so well-connected. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip and navigate your way from other cities in Portugal to Braga, a city that truly deserves to be explored.
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