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CP (Comboios de Portugal) is the national rail operator and runs services on every major corridor in the country. The network covers around 2,786 km of track, connecting Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, and the Algarve coast. Rural interior regions are less well served. If your destination is off the main corridors, check that a train actually goes there before building your itinerary around it.
Most intercity journeys use one of two services: Alfa Pendular (AP) for the fastest connections, or Intercidades (IC) for routes the AP does not cover. Both require a seat reservation. Regional and InterRegional trains cover smaller towns and do not need a reservation, but they stop more often and take longer. Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on CP trains throughout Portugal, though pass holders still need a seat reservation for AP and IC services.
Train types in Portugal
Alfa Pendular (AP)
The Alfa Pendular is Portugal’s fastest intercity train, using tilting technology and reaching speeds of up to 220 km/h on the main north-south corridor. AP services run between Braga, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Faro.
A seat reservation is mandatory on every AP departure. You cannot board with just a ticket or a pass. You need a reservation for that specific train. Book through cp.pt, the CP app, or at a station machine. Reservations can be made on the day, but popular Lisbon-Porto departures on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings fill up. Do not leave it until you are at the station if you are travelling at a busy time.
Second class is comfortable for the journey lengths involved. You get air conditioning, power outlets, and WiFi on AP trains. First class offers more space but costs roughly 30 to 50 per cent more. For a journey of two to three hours, second class is fine for most travellers.
Intercidades (IC)
Intercidades trains are the right choice when AP is unavailable or fully booked, or when your route is not on the AP corridor. They are slower and make more stops, but they are comfortable and have seat reservations at a similar price to AP. Reservation is mandatory.
If you hold an Interrail or Eurail pass and the AP departure you want is sold out, IC is your next option. Availability is generally better.
Regional (R) and InterRegional (IR) trains
Regional trains serve smaller towns and rural areas. No seat reservation is needed, but you still need a valid ticket or an activated pass before you board. They stop frequently and are slower than IC or AP, but they are cheap and cover routes the faster services miss.
InterRegional trains make fewer stops than Regional but still need no reservation. Both are good for rural and scenic travel.
Scenic routes worth knowing
The Linha do Douro between Porto and Pocinho is one of Portugal’s most rewarding train journeys. The stretch from Régua to Pinhão runs along the Douro River through terraced vineyards. It is particularly striking in autumn. It runs as a regional service with no reservation needed; Porto to Régua takes around two hours.
The Sintra line from Lisbon Rossio to Sintra takes about 40 minutes and runs frequently. It needs no reservation and is the easiest way to make the day trip from Lisbon.
Key routes and journey times
Lisbon to Porto
This is Portugal’s main rail corridor. AP trains take between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on the departure and stops. IC services take around 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes. Both depart from Lisbon Oriente (some also from Santa Apolónia) and arrive at Porto Campanha.
Services run throughout the day from early morning into the evening. The route calls at Coimbra, useful if you are continuing to the university city. Book ahead if you are travelling on a weekend or public holiday, particularly for Friday afternoon and Sunday evening departures.
Lisbon to Faro and the Algarve
AP trains from Lisbon to Faro take approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours. Trains to the Algarve depart from Lisbon Oriente and also call at Lisboa Entrecampos. Check your ticket for the exact departure station.
The line continues beyond Faro to Lagos and Tavira. Summer trains on this route get busy. Book in advance for June to September travel, especially at weekends. These trains sell out.
Lisbon to Coimbra
AP and IC trains cover Lisbon to Coimbra in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The intercity stop is Coimbra-B, not Coimbra station. Long-distance trains arrive at Coimbra-B; from there a short suburban connection takes you into the centre.
Porto to Braga and Aveiro
Braga is about 1 hour from Porto by urban or regional train. No reservation needed. Aveiro is 45 to 60 minutes from Porto by regional train. Both have frequent services throughout the day.
International connections
There is no overnight train between Lisbon and Madrid. The Trenhotel Lusitania, which operated this route, was suspended in 2020 and has not resumed. The daytime rail option requires a change at the Spanish border; the total journey to Madrid takes around 9 to 10 hours. Most travellers fly.
There is no direct train from Portugal to Barcelona or France. The Sud Expresso, which once linked Lisbon towards Paris, no longer runs. For France, connect via Madrid or fly from Lisbon.
Stations: which one to use
Lisbon
Two main stations handle intercity traffic: Oriente and Santa Apolónia.
Oriente is the larger, more modern station, in eastern Lisbon. It has direct Metro access (Red Line) connecting to the airport and the city centre. Most intercity and long-distance trains call here. If you are connecting onwards by Metro or bus, Oriente is the easier choice.
Santa Apolónia is the older central station, near the Alfama district and the riverfront. Some long-distance services terminate here. If you are staying in central or eastern Lisbon, it may be more convenient.
Booking pages often show only “Lisbon”. Open the train details and confirm which station before you pay. The difference matters.
Porto
Campanha is Porto’s intercity station. All AP and IC trains to and from Lisbon use Campanha. It is not in the centre, but Metro Line E (Violet) connects it to the city and the airport.
São Bento is in the heart of Porto’s historic centre and is worth a visit for its azulejo tile panels. It serves regional and suburban routes only. Intercity trains from Lisbon do not call at São Bento. Turning up at São Bento for a Lisbon train is one of the most common mistakes visitors make in Porto.
If your booking shows “Porto”, check whether the train stops at Campanha or São Bento. For any Lisbon service, it will be Campanha.
Regional stations
Coimbra-B is the intercity stop for Coimbra, not Coimbra station. Faro is the main Algarve gateway. Lagos is the western Algarve terminus. Braga station is central.
Booking tickets
Buying direct through CP
cp.pt is the main booking site for domestic tickets. The site works in Portuguese and English. The CP app covers booking, real-time departure information, and digital ticket storage. Station machines and ticket offices are also available.
Promo fares are cheapest. They are non-refundable and tied to a specific train. Normal fares cost more but allow changes with a fee. If your travel plans are firm, Promo is the better value.
Interrail and Eurail pass holders
Passes are valid on CP trains throughout Portugal. For AP and IC trains, you need a separate seat reservation. The reservation fee is typically 5 euros per seat for both AP and IC. Buy it at a station ticket office: the cp.pt site and the CP app generally will not sell pass-holder reservations online, so plan to collect them at a staffed counter before you travel.
Do not arrive at the platform for an AP or IC train without a reservation. Pass holders are not exempt. Train staff will not allow boarding without one.
For Regional and InterRegional trains, a valid pass is sufficient. No reservation needed.
Pass value for Portugal
A Portugal-specific Interrail or Eurail pass makes sense if you are making four or more separate rail journeys. For one or two trips, compare the pass cost against individual Promo fares through CP. Point-to-point tickets can be competitive, and each journey on a pass still requires a paid reservation on AP and IC trains. Check current pass prices at interrail.eu or eurail.com against your actual itinerary before buying.
Reservations at a glance
| Train type | Reservation required? | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| Alfa Pendular (AP) | Yes, mandatory | cp.pt, CP app, or station |
| Intercidades (IC) | Yes, mandatory | cp.pt, CP app, or station |
| InterRegional (IR) | No | Ticket or pass only |
| Regional (R) | No | Ticket or pass only |
Pass holders need a reservation for AP and IC. No reservation is needed for R and IR trains.
On board
You can bring your own food and drinks on board. Longer AP trains have a restaurant car or trolley service. Regional trains are more basic: no WiFi on older stock, limited power outlets. They are clean and reliable.
Luggage up to 20 kg is allowed per passenger. Overhead racks and end-of-carriage storage areas handle most bags. There are no checked-baggage fees for standard luggage within this limit.
Practical tips
Arrive around 20 minutes before departure. Platform numbers appear on the electronic departure boards 10 to 15 minutes before the train leaves. Check when you arrive rather than assuming the platform will match what you saw at booking.
Keep your ticket accessible throughout the journey. Inspectors check on board, and fines apply for missing or invalid tickets. Pass holders need to show both their pass and their reservation.
English-speaking staff are at Lisbon Oriente, Santa Apolónia, and Porto Campanha. At smaller stations, signage is in Portuguese. Key terms: Partidas (departures), Chegadas (arrivals), Plataforma (platform), Bilheteira (ticket office).
Use cp.pt or the CP app for timetables and real-time information. Download tickets before you travel if you are not sure about connectivity.
Seasonal demand
Summer is the busiest period, particularly for Algarve services. Friday afternoon and Sunday evening Lisbon-Porto trains fill quickly in July and August. Book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Winter is the quietest time on most routes. Prices are lower and trains are rarely full, though some regional lines run reduced weekend schedules.
Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper than summer, with no need to book weeks ahead on most routes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Lisbon to Porto take?
Alfa Pendular (AP) trains take between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the departure and number of stops. Intercidades (IC) services are slower, typically 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes. Both require a seat reservation. Services depart from Lisbon Oriente (some also from Santa Apolónia) and arrive at Porto Campanha.
Do I need a seat reservation for trains in Portugal?
It depends on the train type. Alfa Pendular (AP) and Intercidades (IC) trains require a mandatory seat reservation. You cannot board with just a ticket or pass. Regional (R) and InterRegional (IR) trains do not need a reservation; a valid ticket or activated pass is enough.
Which station should I use in Lisbon?
For most intercity and long-distance trains, use Lisbon Oriente. It has direct Metro access on the Red Line to the airport and the city centre. Some services also use Santa Apolónia, in central Lisbon near the Alfama district. Booking pages often show only "Lisbon", so open the train details and confirm the exact departure station before you pay.
Can I use an Interrail or Eurail Pass in Portugal?
Yes. Both passes are valid on CP trains throughout Portugal. For Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains you still need a separate seat reservation, which typically costs €5 per seat. Buy it at a station ticket office, as the cp.pt website and CP app generally do not sell pass-holder reservations online. For Regional and InterRegional trains, a valid activated pass is sufficient and no reservation is needed.
Is there an overnight train from Portugal to Madrid or Paris?
No. The Trenhotel Lusitania night train between Lisbon and Madrid was suspended in 2020 and has not resumed. The Sud Expresso, which linked Lisbon towards Paris, has also been discontinued. The current daytime rail option to Madrid requires a change at the Spanish border and takes around 9 to 10 hours. Most travellers fly for these international journeys.
Where should I buy train tickets in Portugal?
For domestic journeys, buy through cp.pt or the CP app. Both work in English. Station machines and ticket offices are also available. Promo fares are cheapest but non-refundable and tied to a specific train. Normal fares cost more but can be changed. Interrail and Eurail pass holders should buy their AP or IC seat reservations at a station ticket office before travelling.
