Lisbon to Porto by train

Traveling by train from Lisbon to Porto is the best way to explore Portugal, offering speed, comfort, and convenience that surpasses air travel, car, or bus. Direct train services connect the two cities, making the journey north through the country’s scenic landscapes. Passengers enjoy modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and power sockets on high-speed trains, with standards on par with the best in Europe. Rail travel also has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to driving or flying.

When comparing travel options, flights between Lisbon and Porto may seem fast, but the time spent at airports, airport transfers, and check-in procedures often makes the total journey longer than by train. Traveling by car can be flexible, but it’s less convenient and often slower than the direct train, especially considering parking and traffic in both cities.

Here’s what you need to know about the Porto Lisbon train route:

• Distance: 206 miles (332 km)

• Travel Time: Average around 3 hours

• Trains per Day: Approximately 15 direct trains daily, operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP)

• Ticket Prices (One-Way): Tickets can start as low as €9.50 if booked in advance, with all tickets including a reserved seat automatically. Children under 4 travel free if they sit on an adult’s lap.

• Booking: Train tickets from Lisbon to Porto can be purchased online through the CP website or Omio.com. You can show your ticket on your phone or print it out.

• Stations in Lisbon: All trains depart from both Santa Apolónia Railway Station (opened in 1865, one of the oldest in the country, connecting travelers to major domestic routes including Porto and Faro) and Gare do Oriente (the main train station in Lisbon, easily reached by public transport including bus and metro). Santa Apolónia is closer to the city center.

• Stations in Porto: Trains arrive at Porto Campanhã, the final destination for most services, which integrates perfectly with the city’s metro, bus, and cab systems. Campanhã is located in a developing area with easy access to Porto’s historic center, full of cultural and gastronomic attractions. It’s a 35-minute walk from Porto’s old town (town), and all Lisbon-Porto tickets allow a free transfer by suburban train from Porto Campanhã to Porto São Bento in the hour after your train arrives.

• Landmarks: When arriving in Porto, you’ll see the iconic Dom Luis I bridge over the Douro River, a highlight as you approach the north of the country.

• Save up to 65% with early bookings (the lowest fares depend on your departure date and availability).

• Tickets can be purchased online via the CP website or Omio.com, and you can show your ticket on your phone or print it out.

• Discounts available for youth, seniors, and children.

Whether you prioritize speed or budget, Portugal’s trains offer a scenic, direct, and hassle-free way to travel between Lisbon and Porto, with excellent connectivity across the country and a comfortable experience for all passengers.

Lisbon to Porto on Portugal’s Premier Train

Train Companies and Service Types

Comboios de Portugal (CP), Portugal’s national railway operator, manages all train services between Lisbon and Porto. Here’s a breakdown of the two main service types offered by CP.

Alfa Pendular Fast Trains

The Alfa Pendular is CP’s high-speed service, offering modern trains with amenities like free Wi‑Fi and spacious seating. The trip between Lisbon and Porto takes about 2 hours and 40–50 minutes.

Intercidades Regular Trains

Intercidades (IC) trains provide a more budget-friendly option. These trains feature standard seating and an onboard café. The journey takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Main Stations

• Lisbon: Santa Apolónia (historic station with basic services) and Oriente (a modern hub with various transport connections)

• Porto: São Bento (centrally located with full passenger amenities)

Details about ticket options and fares for these services are covered next.

Tickets and Fares

Class Options

Both Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains offer two seating classes, each with its own set of perks.

Alfa Pendular Conforto (First Class) includes:

• A welcome kit with a newspaper/magazine and earphones

• Extra legroom

• Folding tables and armrests

• Power outlets

• Wi-Fi

• Access to the CP lounge at Oriente station

• Meal service (available at an extra cost)

Intercidades first-class provides upgraded seating and additional comfort compared to its standard class, though its amenities differ slightly from Alfa Pendular’s Conforto class.

Current Prices

Here’s a breakdown of typical fares, converted to US dollars:

Price Variables

• Advance Booking Discounts: Save up to 65% by booking 35 days in advance. Second-class tickets can start as low as $10.35, and first-class tickets at $24.50.

• Round-Trip Discounts: Get 10% off when booking a return journey.

• Group Rates: Discounts are available for families traveling together.

Standard one-way tickets typically range from $26 to $50, depending on the class and how early you book.

Booking Methods

CP Website and Mobile App

You can book tickets directly through the official CP (Comboios de Portugal) website or mobile app. Here’s how:

1. Create a free myCP account.

2. Pick your route and travel dates.

3. Select your train and class.

4. Pay using PayPal, Visa/MasterCard, or MB WAY.

Tickets can be booked up to 60 days in advance or as late as 15 minutes before departure. Once purchased, you’ll get digital tickets via email or SMS, and your booking history will be stored in your account. You can make changes up to 15 minutes before departure. Keep in mind, online tickets are personal and non-transferable – carry a valid ID when traveling.

Prefer face-to-face service? Visit staffed ticket counters at stations in Lisbon or Porto. This option is ideal for travelers who:

• Need help planning their journey.

• Have questions about complicated bookings.

• Experience issues using foreign credit cards.

• Require regional tickets that aren’t available online.

If you’re catching an early train from a smaller station, consider buying your ticket the day before to avoid timing issues at the counter.

Online Booking Sites

Third-party websites also allow you to buy train tickets, typically charging a service fee of $1–$3 per ticket. These platforms often provide:

• Support for multiple languages.

• A variety of payment options.

• Easy-to-use interfaces.

• Instant e-ticket delivery.

Train Times and Route Details

Daily Schedule

Trains between Lisbon and Porto run regularly, starting early in the morning and continuing until late at night. Here’s a breakdown of departures by time:

Travel Time

The travel time depends on the type of service you choose:

• The Alfa Pendular covers the 192-mile (310 km) route in just 2 hours and 40 minutes.

• The Intercidades service, which makes more stops, takes 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Main Stops

Here are the key stations along the Lisbon-Porto route:

• Santa Apolónia: Lisbon’s historic central station.

• Oriente: A modern transport hub in Lisbon.

All trains terminate at Campanhã station in Porto. From there, you can take a quick urban train to São Bento station, located in Porto’s historic center. If you’re staying in Vila Nova de Gaia, south of the Douro River, trains also stop at Vila Nova de Gaia station.

The Intercidades service makes additional stops, serving several cities along the way, offering more options for travelers.

Onboard Amenities

Traveling from Lisbon to Porto by train is not just about getting from one city to another—it’s about enjoying a comfortable and memorable journey across Portugal. The Alfa Pendular train, which serves this popular route, is designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind, offering a range of onboard amenities that make the train ride both relaxing and productive.

No matter which travel class you choose, you’ll find spacious seating with plenty of legroom and large windows that showcase the scenic Portuguese countryside. Both 2nd class and 1st class carriages provide ample storage space for luggage, so you can keep your belongings close at hand throughout the journey. For those who want to stay connected, free WiFi and power outlets are available at every seat, making it easy to catch up on work, stream entertainment, or share your travel experiences online.

Feeling hungry or thirsty during your trip? The onboard café-bar offers a selection of snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and even Portuguese wine, allowing you to enjoy a taste of local flavors as you travel between Lisbon and Porto. The café-bar is easily accessible from all carriages, and friendly staff are on hand to assist with your order.

If you opt for 1st class (Conforto) on the Alfa Pendular train, you’ll enjoy additional perks such as more spacious and reclining seats, priority boarding, and complimentary food and drink services. These carriages are located at the front of the train, providing a quieter and more exclusive environment—perfect for travelers seeking a premium experience.

Booking your train tickets for the Lisbon to Porto route is simple and convenient. You can buy tickets directly on the Comboios de Portugal (CP) website or through the CP app, where you’ll find up-to-date train times, travel class options, and detailed information about onboard services. For added flexibility, platforms like Rail Ninja also enable you to compare routes, check the porto train timetable, and book tickets online in advance.

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, the onboard amenities on the Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains ensure that your journey is as enjoyable as your destination. With easy access to digital booking tools, comfortable seating, and a range of services, taking the train from Lisbon to Porto is one of the best ways to experience Portugal’s major domestic routes.

Cost-Saving Options

Early Booking Deals

Booking your train tickets in advance for the Lisbon–Porto route can lead to big savings. CP (Comboios de Portugal) offers “Promo” fares that significantly reduce costs:

• Book 8 or more days in advance to save up to 65% on regular fares

• Book 5 or more days in advance to save up to 56% on regular fares

These discounted tickets start at €9.50 for 2nd class and €22.50 for 1st class. Here’s a quick comparison of standard fares versus Promo fares:

Low-Season Travel

Want to save even more? Consider these tips:

• Morning trains often have cheaper fares compared to afternoon or evening departures.

• Booking as early as 60 days in advance gives you access to more discounted options.

• Compare different departure times to find the best price.

If you’re traveling with kids, are under 25, or are a senior, you may qualify for additional discounts. However, these discounts can’t be combined with Promo fares.

Extra Costs and Rules

Ticket Changes

CP allows ticket exchanges for the Lisbon–Porto route up to 15 minutes before the train departs from the original station. Within 120 days of purchase, you can make unlimited free changes to your ticket. These include adjustments to the travel date, time, origin/destination, seat category, passenger name, and ID details. If the new ticket price differs, CP will either issue a refund or charge the difference at their ticket office.

Rail Pass Information

This section outlines rail pass options, requirements, and perks, complementing earlier ticketing details.

Both Interrail and Eurail passes can be used on CP trains between Lisbon and Porto, allowing multiple trips and covering all CP services on this route.

For travelers planning to continue their journey beyond Portugal, there are international rail options connecting from Lisbon or Porto to Madrid by train, making it convenient to reach Spain’s capital as part of your itinerary.

Pass Types and Pricing

• Interrail Portugal Pass: Starts at $99 (€91)

• Eurail Portugal Pass: Starts at $100

• Interrail Global Pass: Covers 33 European countries and starts at $231 (€212)

Keep in mind that seat reservations are mandatory for certain trains, even with a rail pass.

Reservation Requirements

For Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains between Lisbon and Porto, a seat reservation is required, even if you have a rail pass. Here’s what you need to know:

• Reservation fees are €5 (around $5.45) per trip

• Reservations must be made at CP ticket offices

• You can book up to 60 days in advance

Important Considerations

Before your trip, take note of these practical tips:

• Portuguese ticket barriers require a manual check for tickets. Ask station staff for assistance and always carry your passport or ID.

• For help with reservations or questions about your pass, contact CP’s customer service at (+351) 707 210 220.

Pass Benefits

Summary

The Lisbon to Porto train route offers two main service options with different travel times, prices, and amenities:

• Discounts are available for youth, seniors, and children. Round-trip tickets are usually 10% cheaper.

• Seat reservations are mandatory for all trains.

• It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during busy travel seasons.

• Tickets can be purchased through CP’s official platforms.

• Trains run frequently, with departures from 6:30 AM to 10:09 PM.

The Alfa Pendular is a quicker option with upgraded features, while the Intercidades provides a budget-friendly choice with more stops along the way.