Starting Camino in Rates

[AKROD]

My husband and I will begin our first Camino in three weeks. To accommodate the time we have available, we would like to start in Rates. We are thinking we could take the train from Porto to Povoa de Varzim where we would then get an Uber to Rates and begin our pilgrimage. I wondered if anyone else has done this and if it seems a reasonable solution given that there isn't any direct transportation from Porto to Rates. Thanks!

 

[jungleboy]

Seems reasonable. The Uber from Povoa to Rates costs only about €10-11.

 

[KeyserSoza]

Last September we walked the boardwalk from Agudela to Vila do Conde as our first day and took a taxi to Rates the following morning to start the Central Route. It worked out fine. The taxi cost €15 I think.

 

[AKROD]

You have both been so helpful. Thank you so much!

 

[CarolamS]

Sounds like you have a good plan.
I have started the Portuguese Central in Barcelos and there are direct trains from Porto. I managed to arrive on market Thursday which was fun.
Bom Caminho.

 

[AKROD]

Update- My husband and I completed our Camino, which was fabulous. We took the train to Povoa and found several taxis lined up outside. It cost €15 to get to Rates. Rates ended up being the perfect place for us to start. I agree with CarolmS above, however, that Barcelos would have also been a great place to start, especially since you can get a direct train from Porto.

 

[auburnfive]

We started in Barcelos at the end of September and noticed the market was also operating on a Saturday