Funicular dos Guindais, Funicular railway in Ribeira district, Porto, Portugal
The railway runs along a steep slope parallel to medieval city walls, covering the elevation difference between the riverside promenade and the plateau with two cabins operating on counterbalanced tracks.
Following its inauguration in 1891, the original installation operated until closure due to an accident. Three years of intensive renovation work led to the reopening of the modernized system in 1994.
For over a century, this railway has linked two neighborhoods with distinct social and commercial functions, facilitating daily movement between the historic waterfront quarter and the business center in upper Porto.
The journey takes approximately two minutes and connects both stations without intermediate stops. Tickets can be purchased from automated machines at either terminal, with a single ride costing 3.50 euros. The railway operates daily between 8 AM and 8 PM.
The modern glass windowed cabins offer views of the Dom Luis I Bridge and Douro River during the 920 foot (280 meter) journey. Each cabin can transport up to 20 passengers and features seating along the side walls.
Location: Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória
Inception: 1893
Architects: Adalberto Dias
Part of: transport in Porto
Address: R. da Ribeira Negra 314, 4000-509 Porto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-22:00; Friday-Saturday 08:00-00:00; Sunday 08:00-22:00
Website: http://metrodoporto.pt/frontoffice/pages/295
GPS coordinates: 41.14199,-8.60889
Latest update: December 1, 2025 18:46
Funiculars have transported passengers up mountains and hills in cities worldwide for over a century. This collection covers 25 installations across five continents, from the Como-Brunate railway in Lombardy to the Fløibanen in Bergen, Norway. Some handle substantial elevation changes, such as the Niesenbahn in Switzerland with 710 meters (2,329 feet) of vertical ascent, while others cover shorter distances through urban neighborhoods like the Bica funicular in Lisbon or the ascensores in Valparaiso. The systems range from heritage operations like the Great Orme Tramway in Wales, opened in 1902, to modern installations such as the Stanserhorn CabriO in Switzerland with its double-decker open-top design. Several serve primarily as tourist attractions, including the Peak Tram in Hong Kong and the Montmartre funicular in Paris, while others remain essential transport links for residents and visitors, such as the Wellington Cable Car in New Zealand and the Heidelberger Bergbahn in Germany. Each offers access to viewpoints, historic districts or mountain facilities that would otherwise require lengthy walks or drives.
Dom Luís I Bridge
257 m
Porto Cathedral
215 m
Igreja de Santa Clara
61 m
Ponte pênsil D. Maria II
171 m
Walls of D. Fernando/Fernandina Wall
218 m
Episcopal Palace, Porto
227 m
City walls of Porto
219 m
Casa da Câmara
267 m
Elevador da Ribeira
218 m
Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro
151 m
Muralha Primitiva
181 m
Alminhas da Ponte
229 m
Capela dos Alfaiates
189 m
Arqueossítio da Rua de D. Hugo
177 m
Fernandine Walls of Porto
69 m
Chafariz do Anjo
208 m
Casa do Cabido da Sé do Porto
234 m
Recolhimento do Ferro
132 m
Muralha Primitiva do Porto
181 m
Museu do Vitral
201 m
Palácio dos Condes de Azevedo
161 m
Zona Histórica do Porto
187 m
Casa Pia do Porto
208 m
Capela da Lada
177 m
Casa do Ascensor dos Guindais
17 m
Recolhimento da Porta do Sol
158 m
Torres da Muralha Fernandina
104 m
Chafariz do Largo Actor Dias
85 mReviews
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