Lisbon to Coimbra by train

Lisbon to Coimbra is a direct journey with CP, Portugal's national rail operator. Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains leave Lisboa Santa Apolónia or Lisboa Oriente and arrive at Coimbra-B. The fastest direct journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes from Lisboa Oriente and about 1 hour 50 minutes from Lisboa Santa Apolónia; most services take around two hours.

If you are staying in central Coimbra, continue from Coimbra-B on the Metrobus to Praça da República and the city centre. This is a separate local journey after the train.

Direct CP trains and journey time

Several direct Alfa Pendular and Intercidades departures run each day between Lisbon and Coimbra-B, with times varying by day.

Alfa Pendular is usually the faster choice. Intercidades is also direct and can be the better fit when its departure time or fare suits you. Seat reservations are mandatory on both categories. When buying an ordinary CP ticket, choose a seat during the purchase; if you are travelling with a rail pass, arrange its separate reservation before boarding.

The fastest direct journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes from Lisboa Oriente to Coimbra-B. From Lisboa Santa Apolónia, the fastest direct journey takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. Other direct services take roughly two hours or a little longer, depending on the train and its stopping pattern.

Which Lisbon station should you use?

Long-distance CP trains to Coimbra-B use both Lisboa Santa Apolónia and Lisboa Oriente. Lisboa Santa Apolónia is on the Blue Metro line and connects with buses and CP trains on Avenida Infante D. Henrique. Lisboa Oriente is on the Red line and connects with buses and CP trains on Avenida de Berlim beside Gare Intermodal do Oriente.

Choose the station that fits your accommodation and onward plans, then keep the exact station name on your ticket. The two Lisbon stations are not interchangeable, and the same route can have different departure times from each one.

Arriving at Coimbra-B

Coimbra-B is the station for Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains. It is outside central Coimbra, so book to Coimbra-B and check the station name shown in your itinerary.

For the city centre, use the Metrobus from Coimbra-B to Praça da República. Leave time for this separate transfer when you are meeting someone, visiting an appointment or continuing to another train.

Fares and reservations

The 2026 standard one-way Intercidades fare from Lisboa Santa Apolónia or Lisboa Oriente to Coimbra-B is €22.20 in 2nd class or €28.05 in 1st class. The Alfa Pendular fare is €27.10 in Tourist class or €38.50 in Comfort class. Promo tickets may be lower when limited advance seats are available, but the price and conditions depend on the departure and booking time.

Seat reservations are mandatory on both Alfa Pendular and Intercidades. When buying a CP ticket, choose your seat during the purchase. If you are using a rail pass, arrange its separate reservation before boarding. Pass reservations can be obtained at CP ticket offices.

Interrail and Eurail passes

In Portugal, eligible CP travel is covered by Interrail Global, Interrail One Country Portugal, Eurail Global and Eurail One Country Portugal passes, subject to each pass's conditions.

The reservation rule still applies to this route. Alfa Pendular and Intercidades require a separate seat reservation for pass travel. Arrange it at a CP ticket office before boarding. The reservation costs €5 per journey in either class. Carry both the valid pass and the reservation.

Plan the journey

Search from Lisboa Santa Apolónia or Lisboa Oriente to Coimbra-B and choose a direct CP departure. Alfa Pendular is the useful default when the fastest ride matters; Intercidades works well when its timing or standard fare is a better match.

If your accommodation is in central Coimbra, include the Metrobus in the plan and keep a little margin after the train arrives. For a return journey, book the return reservation at the same time when your plans are fixed, especially on a busy weekend.