The 2026 International Atmospheric Rivers Conference will be held at the historic Alfândega do Porto Congress Centre, a landmark venue situated along the scenic Douro River in the heart of Porto. Conference registration and activities will take place in the west wing of the building.

Participants should enter through the main entrance and follow the IARC2026 signage.

The venue is fully accessible to participants with disabilities.

Location: EDIFÍCIO DA ALFÂNDEGA, R. Nova da Alfândega, 4050-430 Porto, Portugal


From Porto City Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport):

  • Metro: Take the E metro line (starts at the airport) until Trinidade station. Transfer to D metro line until São Bento metro station, followed by a 15-20 minute walk through the historic city center
  • Bus (601-Cordoaria): From Aeroporto to Hosp. Sto. António bus stop, followed by a 10 minute walk
  • Taxi: Approximately 40 minutes driving
  • UBER and BOLT are available throughout Porto. Once you at the airport arrivals area, look for the Uber and Bolt pickup point which is located beyond the metro station (level -1). Please follow the signs and the information boards marked with the Uber logo to find the designated pickup area

In the city: Two main means of transportation: BUS and METRO.

Located in the heart of Porto’s historic waterfront district, the Alfândega Congress Centre is surrounded by a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to boutique hotels and international hotel chains. Many accommodations are within easy walking distance of the venue, while additional options can be found through platforms such as Booking.com and Airbnb. Porto is also renowned for its vibrant hostel scene, offering comfortable and affordable accommodation popular with students and travelers from around the world (https://www.hostelworld.com/).

To assist participants, IARC-2026 has arranged special conference rates with a selection of nearby hotels:

The Poets Inn

Distance from Alfândega: 15 minutes on foot / 10 minutes by car

Address: Rua dos Caldeireiros 261 / 4050-142 Porto

Promo code: IARC2026 (valid for online, email or phone reservations)

Discount on the best rate: 10%

Minimum number of nights: 2

Valid from 16th till 25th October 2026

Timbre Virtudes

Distance from Alfândega: 3 minutes on foot

Address: Rua São Pedro Miragaia 60 / 4050-565 Porto

Promo code: IARC2026 (valid for email reservations – reservations@timbrevirtudes.com)

Discount on the best rate: 5%

Valid from 16th till 25th October 2026

Neya Porto Hotel

Distance from Alfândega: 5 minutes on foot

Address: Rua Monchique 35 A–41 / 4050-394 Porto

Promo code: IARC2026 (valid for online, email or phone reservations)

Discount on the best rate: 5%

Porto Palácio Hotel

Distance from Alfândega: 40 minutes on foot / 10 minutes by car

Address: Avenida da Boavista 1269 / 4100-130 Porto

Promo code: IARC2026 (valid for online reservations)

Discount on the best rate: 10%

Valid from 16th till 25th October 2026

Currency: Euros (EUR)

Power plugs and sockets: In Portugal, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type F are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz (https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/portugal/).

Weather: October in Porto is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 18–20°C and cooler nights. Weather can vary from sunny days to periods of persistent rainfall associated with passing frontal systems and, occasionally, atmospheric rivers affecting western Iberia. Participants are encouraged to bring layered clothing and rain protection.

For emergencies: Dial 112 for police, medical assistance, or fire services

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and is known for its unique blend of tradition and vibrant contemporary culture.

The historic city centre features landmarks such as the Clérigos Tower, City Hall, and the University building, surrounded by lively streets filled with cafés and local activity.

The Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic areas of Porto, overlooking the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge, and characterised by its colourful buildings and riverside atmosphere. This is where the conference will be located.

A short trip to the coastal districts of Foz or Matosinhos offers access to the Atlantic Ocean, scenic rocky shores and sandy beaches, renowned surfing spots, and a wide selection of restaurants serving fresh local seafood.

More information can be found at: https://visitporto.travel


If you have any questions regarding abstract submission, contact Kyla Van Maanen. For inquiries about the conference, contact Irina Gorodetskaya at and Anna Wilson.