Train service
Renfe
Renfe is Spain’s national railway operator, offering high-speed, long-distance, and regional train services with extensive domestic coverage.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
For train travel from Coimbra to Lisbon, the Interrail Global Pass and Interrail One Country Pass are valid only for non-residents of Portugal. If a traveler is a resident of Portugal, the Interrail Passes cannot be used for domestic travel within the country. The Eurail Pass can be used for this route, but it is only valid for travelers who are not residents of the European Union.
Getting around
Arriving in Lisbon by train, you'll likely disembark at one of the main stations: Santa Apolónia or Oriente. Both stations are well connected to Lisbon's comprehensive local transportation network. To get around the city, you can start with the metro, which is efficient and covers a significant part of Lisbon. The metro has four lines: blue, yellow, green, and red, intersecting at key points in the city. If you're heading downtown, the blue line will take you directly from Santa Apolónia, while Oriente is served by the red line.
Lisbon's iconic trams are another quintessential way to explore the city, especially routes like the famous Tram 28, which winds through historic neighborhoods such as Alfama and Baixa. Trams and other modes of local public transit can be accessed using the Viva Viagem card, a rechargeable card available at metro stations. Buses complement the network, extending to areas the metro and trams don't reach. They operate frequently and can take you to many suburbs and surrounding areas.
For more private transport, taxis are readily available across the city, especially at major transit hubs and tourist areas. They are metered, providing a relatively affordable option for getting around quickly. Ridesharing services, like Uber and Bolt, also operate in Lisbon, offering the convenience of app-based rides.
Finally, cycling is becoming more popular in Lisbon with the expansion of dedicated bike lanes and the launch of bicycle-sharing services like Gira, which you can use to pedal around the city, although you should be prepared for some hilly terrain.
Onward connections
Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, serves as a central hub for train travel, with effective and scenic rail connections both domestically and internationally. Domestically, one of the most popular rail routes is the Alfa Pendular service that connects Lisbon to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, in approximately three hours. This high-speed train continues north to cities like Braga, providing a comfortable and efficient way to explore Portugal's diverse regions. Another significant domestic route is the Intercidades trains, which offer connections from Lisbon to major inland cities such as Coimbra, known for its historic university, and Évora, famed for its well-preserved Roman temple and quaint atmosphere.
Internationally, Lisbon is connected to Madrid, Spain, through an overnight train known as the Trenhotel. This service provides a classic couchette experience, making it a popular option for travelers looking to reach Spain comfortably while saving on accommodation. Although not as frequent as other European night trains, the Trenhotel offers a unique cross-border rail experience that reflects traditional European train travel charm. For travelers wishing to explore further within Spain or connect to the broader European network, Madrid serves as a gateway to other Spanish cities and beyond. While direct international connections from Lisbon are limited compared to other European capitals, its domestic rail network is robust, offering seamless connections across the country and links to neighboring Spain.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lisbon is generally during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) periods. These months offer mild and pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the city on foot, with temperatures ranging from the high 50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. During spring, the city blooms with vibrant flowers, while fall features warm golden days. Additionally, these periods fall just outside the peak tourist season, which means fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations and activities. By arriving in Lisbon by train, you're likely to experience less demand compared to air travel, but it’s still wise to book in advance for the best prices. In terms of festivals, spring welcomes events like the Lisbon Fish and Flavours festival, whereas fall features the Lisbon & Sintra Film Festival. These shoulder seasons offer discounts on lodging and dining as well, providing great value for travelers. Summer (June to August) sees a surge in tourism, with higher prices and hotter weather, whereas winter (November to February) might be rainy but still relatively mild, providing an opportunity for a quieter visit with considerable savings.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Coimbra to Lisbon?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from Coimbra to Lisbon are dynamic. Time of booking affects prices. Early bookings tend to be cheaper. Travel class selection impacts cost. First class costs more than second class. Departure time influences pricing. Peak hours are more expensive. Day of the week matters. Weekends may have higher fares. Ticket flexibility alters the price. Refundable tickets usually cost more. Demand and availability also play a role.
What trains run from Coimbra to Lisbon?
There are no trains listed that run from Coimbra to Lisbon. Flixbus operates buses from Coimbra to Lisbon. Renfe does not operate trains from Coimbra to Lisbon.
How long does the train from Coimbra to Lisbon take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Coimbra to Lisbon takes between 1.5 to 2 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Coimbra to Lisbon?
Travel during weekdays for fewer crowds. Avoid peak commuting hours for a quieter ride. Mid-morning and early afternoon are usually less busy. Ticket prices can be higher during weekends. Checking for discounts on weekdays can help save money. Demand rises during holiday seasons and festivals. Early bookings can secure better prices.
What’s the best route or train to take from Coimbra to Lisbon?
Flixbus runs direct bus services from Coimbra to Lisbon.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Coimbra to Lisbon?
According to EveryRail, the One Country Pass covers the route from Coimbra to Lisbon. This is because both cities are in Portugal.