Traveling by train from Lisbon to Porto is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to explore Portugal. Here’s what you need to know:
- Distance: 192 miles (310 km)
- Travel Time:
- Alfa Pendular (High-Speed): ~2h 40–50m
- Intercidades (Standard): ~3h 10–15m
- Ticket Prices (One-Way):
- Alfa Pendular: Starting at $36.95 (€33.90) for 2nd Class
- Intercidades: Starting at $29.25 (€26.85) for 2nd Class
- Main Stations:
- In Lisbon: Santa Apolónia (historic) and Oriente (modern, near the airport)
- In Porto: Campanhã (main station), with connections to São Bento (city center)
Quick Comparison:
| Train Service | Travel Time | Starting Price (2nd Class) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Pendular | ~2h 40–50m | $36.95 (€33.90) | High-speed, free Wi-Fi |
| Intercidades | ~3h 10–15m | $29.25 (€26.85) | Budget-friendly, onboard café |
Booking Tips:
- Save up to 65% with early bookings (8+ days in advance).
- Tickets can be purchased online via CP’s website or at station counters.
- Discounts available for youth, seniors, and children.
Whether you prioritize speed or budget, Portugal’s trains offer a scenic and hassle-free way to travel between Lisbon and Porto.
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 [1].
| Alfa Pendular Class | Features | Single Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| Conforto (1st) | Premium seating with extra legroom | $51.65 (€47.40) |
| Turística (2nd) | Standard seating | $36.95 (€33.90) |
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 [1].
| Intercidades Class | Features | Single Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Class | First class seating | $43.30 (€39.75) |
| 2nd Class | Standard seating | $29.25 (€26.85) |
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:
| Train Service | Class | Standard Fare | Youth (<25) | Senior (65+) | Child (<12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Pendular | Conforto | $51.65 | $38.74 | $25.83 | $25.83 |
| Alfa Pendular | Turística | $36.95 | $27.71 | $18.48 | $18.48 |
| Intercidades | First | $43.30 | $32.48 | $21.65 | $21.65 |
| Intercidades | Second | $29.25 | $21.94 | $14.63 | $14.63 |
These prices can vary depending on several factors.
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 [4].
- 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 [2] [3].
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:
- Create a free myCP account.
- Pick your route and travel dates.
- Select your train and class.
- Pay using PayPal, Visa/MasterCard, or MB WAY [5].
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 [5].
Station Ticket Offices
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:
| Time Period | Departure Window | Number of Trains |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 6:30 AM – 11:39 AM | 40 trains |
| Afternoon | 12:00 PM – 5:39 PM | 12 trains |
| Evening | 6:00 PM – 7:53 PM | 7 trains |
| Night | 10:00 PM – 10:09 PM | 2 trains |
The first train leaves at 6:30 AM, and the last train departs at 10:09 PM. Now, let’s look at how long the journey takes.
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.
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:
| Class | Regular Price | Promo Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Class Intercidades | €27 | €9.50 | €17.50 |
| 1st Class Intercidades | €37 | €22.50 | €14.50 |
| 2nd Class Alfa Pendular | €34 | €9.50 | €24.50 |
| 1st Class Alfa Pendular | €48 | €22.50 | €25.50 |
Keep in mind, Promo tickets are non-refundable but can be rescheduled, provided the same discount rate applies and seats are available.
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.
Rail Passes
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 [6]. 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 [10].
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) [8].
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 [10]. 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 [7][8].
Important Considerations
Before your trip, take note of these practical tips:
- Portuguese ticket barriers require a manual check for rail passes. Ask station staff for assistance and always carry your passport or ID [9].
- For help with reservations or questions about your pass, contact CP’s customer service at (+351) 707 210 220 [8].
Pass Benefits
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Discounts | Special rates for youth and senior travelers [8] |
| Family Options | Reduced prices for families [8] |
| Flexibility | Usable across all CP services [10] |
| Coverage | Valid for all CP-operated trains on this route [10] |
Note: Rail passes do not cover bus services between Lisbon and Porto [10].
Summary
The Lisbon to Porto train route offers two main service options with different travel times, prices, and amenities:
| Service Type | Travel Time | 2nd Class Price | 1st Class Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Pendular | 2h 40m | $36.95 | $51.65 | Faster travel, free Wi-Fi, extra legroom |
| Intercidades | 3h 10m | $29.25 | $43.30 | More stops, basic amenities |
Additional Details:
- 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. For station-specific details, check the Main Stations section.
