Portugal By Train
Traveling by train in Portugal will lead you to some of the most exciting and diverse destinations imaginable. Use your Eurail pass to discover the white sand beaches of Algarve, the sumptuous wines of Porto, and the magical energy of Lisbon. It’s all yours to discover with your Eurail Portugal Pass!
Train types in Portugal
- Route map
- Domestic
- International
There are various trains in Portugal that will transport you across the country both day and night. The Portuguese network is operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal). Use the Eurail train timetable to check times for trains in Portugal.
Regional and Intercity trains in Portugal
Regional (RE / TRN) and Inter-Regional (RE)
- Trains connecting larger cities such as Lisbon and Porto to smaller towns. They make frequent stops over short distances.
- No reservation required.
Intercity / Intercidades (IC)
- Faster trains connecting major towns and cities and making fewer stops along their routes.
- Reservations are required.
Urbanos (SUB)
- Suburban commuter trains operating in and around Lisbon and Porto.
- No reservation needed.
- You can take the following Urbanos lines:
- Lisbon to Azambuja, Lisbon to Cascais, Lisbon to Sintra (a traveller favourite!) and Lisbon to Sado
- Porto to Aveiro, Porto to Braga, Porto to Caíde/Marco de Canaveses, and Porto to Guimarães
High-speed trains in Portugal
Alfa Pendular (AP)
Domestic high-speed train connecting Guimarães, Braga, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Faro.
Portugal's fastest train.
A reservation is required.
International trains in Portugal
Celta (INT)
- International train linking Porto (Campanha) with Vigo (Guixar) in Spain.
- A cooperation between CP and RENFE of the Spanish railways.
- A reservation is required (no fee at the railway station).
IC & Regional train (RE)
- Lisbon/Porto – Madrid (Spain). See our Rail Planner.
- Lisbon/Porto – Entroncamento with connecting trains.
- Entroncamento – Badajoz.
- Badajoz – Madrid by IC.
- Reservation required for Lisbon/Porto – Entroncamento and Badajoz – Madrid.
Popular connections
- Domestic trains
- International trains
Here are approximate train times between Portugal's most popular cities by either high-speed or regional trains. If you wish to take a high-speed train, you usually have to reserve your seat in advance.
By travelling with slower regional trains you do not need to make reservations. You'll need to change trains on one or more occasions, which will lengthen your journey time.
Route | High-speed | Regional |
---|---|---|
Lisbon to Braga |
3h 16m |
7h 50m |
Lisbon to Coimbra |
1h 40m |
3h 30m |
Lisbon to Faro |
3h 30m |
- |
Lisbon to Porto |
2h 35m |
6h 40m |
We suggest the following routes to travel between Portugal and other European countries:
Route | Which train? | Duration | Reservations |
---|---|---|---|
Porto to Vigo (Spain) | Celta | 2h 20m | Required |
Lisbon to Madrid (Spain) via Badajoz | IC + RE + IC | 9h | Required (Lisbon-Entroncamento & Badajoz-Madrid) |
Porto to Madrid (Spain) via Badajoz | IC + RE + IC | 11h | Required (Porto-Entroncamento & Badajoz-Madrid) |
Porto to Madrid (Spain) via Vigo | IC + RE + ALV | 11h | Required (Pontevedra-Madrid) |
Reservations
How can I make reservations for trains in Portugal?
- At local railways stations in Portugal. This is extremely easy to do. Make them up to 60 days in advance, from any of the CP Ticket Offices.
- When you want to book a seat for an International train, this can only be done at an international train station.
If you require assistance, you can call CP on (+351) 707 210 220.
Get your Pass for Portugal
Portugal Pass
Spend your whole vacation exploring Portugal by rail.
Standard prices from $ 100
Global Pass
Have the freedom to visit Portugal and up to 32 other Eurail countries.
Standard prices from $ 233
Tips and tricks for Portugal
Portuguese hub stations
Portugal's main hub stations are Santa Apolónia in Lisbon and Campanha in Porto. At these train stations it's possible to connect to trains to Portugal's main cities and international destinations.
Station facilities
Stations in Portugal usually have excellent facilities, often including:
Luggage lockers
Foreign exchange desks
Restaurants and cafés
Tourist information offices
ATM cash machines
Elevators and escalators
Access for disabled passengers
Get inspired
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Portugal Itinerary Discover Portugal's delightful regions by train. This Portugal itinerary takes you from Porto in the north, to the Algarve in the south.
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1 week in Portugal by train 1 week in Portugal gives you enough time to see the country's highlights by train. Travel with a Eurail Pass and visit beautiful Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra!
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