Trains from Lisbon to Porto: Complete Travel Guide

Traveling between Portugal's two largest cities by train with Comboios de Portugal (CP) is fast, comfortable, and scenic. Direct services connect Lisbon and Porto throughout the day, covering 274 km with multiple departure options.

Lisbon to Porto Train Types: Alfa Pendular vs Intercidades

Lisbon to Porto Train Stations: Where to Depart and Arrive

Lisbon Departure Stations

Santa Apolónia Station

Historic central station near the riverfront, serving as the traditional terminus for long-distance trains since 1865. Located in the Alfama district near the Tagus River, it's well-connected by Metro Blue Line and multiple bus routes (728, 759, 782). The station features traditional Portuguese architecture and offers ticket offices, waiting areas, and cafés.

Oriente Station

Modern transport hub in Parque das Nações, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. This contemporary station offers easier connections for travelers, serving as a major interchange for metro (Red Line), buses, local trains, and long-distance services. Ideal for travelers staying in eastern Lisbon or near the airport, with shopping facilities and multiple food options.

Tip for international travelers: Both stations serve Porto trains with similar frequencies. Choose based on your accommodation location.

Porto Arrival Stations

Campanhã Station

Main arrival point for long-distance trains from Lisbon, located approximately 3km east of Porto's city center. This major transport hub connects to Porto's metro system (lines A, C, E, F), regional trains, and bus services. The station offers luggage storage, ticket offices, and basic amenities.

São Bento Station

Porto's most iconic station in the historic center, renowned for its stunning entrance hall decorated with over 20,000 beautiful azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese historical scenes. Located in the heart of downtown Porto, steps from major attractions. Your Lisbon-Porto ticket typically includes a free 4-minute connection from Campanhã to São Bento on urban trains.

Why Take the Train from Lisbon to Porto?

Traveling by train between Lisbon and Porto offers several distinct advantages:

City Center to City Center Convenience

Trains connect downtown Lisbon directly to Porto's historic center, eliminating the need for expensive airport transfers or suburban connections. You arrive exactly where you want to be.

Scenic Journey Through Portuguese Countryside

The route showcases Portugal's diverse landscapes—from Lisbon's urban areas through agricultural heartlands to beautiful Atlantic coastal views approaching Porto. Experience the country's natural beauty from comfortable window seats.

Comfortable and Productive Travel

Spacious seating with tables, free WiFi on Alfa Pendular trains, and power outlets make train travel ideal for working or relaxing during your journey. Freedom to move around, visit the café car, and stretch your legs at any time.

Reliable and Stress-Free

No early airport check-ins, no security queues, no boarding hassles. Simply arrive 15-20 minutes before departure, find your platform, and board your train.

Sustainable Choice

Train travel produces significantly lower carbon emissions compared to cars or planes, supporting responsible travel in Portugal.

Looking for the most budget-friendly option? Compare buses from Lisbon to Porto on Omio.

Why Book Lisbon to Porto Train Tickets with Omio?

Designed for International Travelers

The Only Authorized Third-Party Platform

According to The Man in Seat 61, "Omio (who also own Rome2Rio) and CP are the only sites currently authorised to sell Portuguese train tickets, no other retailer connects to CP's system." This means Omio is the sole third-party platform with direct system integration, ensuring legitimate tickets and reliable booking.

Seamless International Booking

While CP.pt now offers guest checkout, international travelers still frequently encounter technical issues with the Portuguese railway website. Omio provides a consistently reliable booking experience specifically designed for travelers from any country, eliminating common frustrations with payment processing and website errors.

Foreign Payment Cards Accepted

International credit and debit cards work seamlessly on Omio. CP.pt's payment system sometimes rejects non-Portuguese cards or requires complex authentication that doesn't work with foreign banking systems. Omio's international payment infrastructure ensures smooth transactions every time.

Multi-Language Support

Browse, book, and receive customer service in your language. Omio provides full support in English and 20+ languages with customer service teams who understand international travelers' needs, unlike CP.pt's primarily Portuguese-focused support.

24/7 Customer Support

Access help whenever you need it, in your language. Whether you have questions before booking or need assistance during your journey, Omio's international support team is available around the clock.

Simple & Convenient Booking

Instant Mobile Tickets

Receive your ticket immediately via the Omio app or email. No printing required—simply show your mobile ticket when boarding.

Compare All Options in One Place

View all available trains, prices, and departure times in one search. Easily compare Alfa Pendular vs Intercidades services to find the best option for your schedule and budget.

Multi-Modal Travel Planning

Traveling beyond Porto? Omio lets you compare trains, buses, and flights in one platform, making it easy to plan your entire Portugal journey.

Instant Confirmation

Receive immediate booking confirmation and ticket delivery. Your travel plans are secured the moment you complete your purchase.

Trusted & Reliable

Exclusive Authorization

Omio is the only third-party retailer authorized by Comboios de Portugal to sell train tickets online. With direct connection to CP's booking system, Omio provides legitimate tickets with the same validity as booking directly with CP—no other third-party platform has this access.

Easy Changes & Support

Manage your bookings through one convenient platform. Need to modify your plans? Omio's customer service team handles the complexities of CP's policies for you, with support in your language.

Lisbon to Porto by Train: The Effortless Way to Explore Portugal

Introduction

If there’s one route in Portugal I’d recommend to every traveler, it’s the Lisbon to Porto by train journey. Not only is it the easiest and most scenic way to travel between these two vibrant cities, but it’s also part of the fun. After experiencing it first-hand, I can say this route makes moving between Lisbon and Porto feel like a mini adventure, with the added bonus of comfort and speed.

Route Overview

The train from Lisbon to Porto takes just under 3.5 hours, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing ways to travel during my time in Portugal. It covers about 313 kilometers, and I loved having the chance to just sit back and enjoy the countryside roll by. I took the Alfa Pendular high-speed train, but there are also Intercidades options. Both leave from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations and arrive at Porto Campanhã, which is only a short metro ride from the city center.

Booking & Transportation Experience

Booking my Lisbon to Porto train with Omio was a breeze. I compared times and prices in minutes and easily upgraded to First Class for a little extra comfort. If you’re wondering, “Should I take the train or bus from Lisbon to Porto?”—the train wins for speed, space, and scenic views. Flights are fast, but with city-center stations and no security lines, train travel is way more relaxing.

On Alfa Pendular trains between Lisbon and Porto, each passenger may bring one piece of hand luggage plus a personal item, with no strict size limits. Bags should fit in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated storage areas. While dimensions aren’t strictly enforced, it’s best to keep luggage around 55 × 35 × 25 cm. Excess or bulky items may incur a fee depending on space availability, so travel light when you can.

Flights might be quicker, but with city-center stations, no airport lines, and a smoother luggage experience, taking the train is far more relaxing.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Lisbon Santa Apolónia is centrally located and easy to navigate, with plenty of seating, cafés, and helpful staff. Oriente station is another great option, especially if you’re coming from the airport. Porto Campanhã is well-connected, with metro and taxis right outside. That means you’ll be in the heart of Porto in minutes.

Schedule & Frequency

There are frequent departures throughout the day, typically every hour or so. I caught a mid-morning Alfa Pendular, which got me to Porto in just under 3 hours and 15 minutes, with a few scenic stops along the way. Mornings tend to be quieter and offer great window views as Portugal wakes up.

Onboard Experience & Services

I opted for First Class on the Alfa Pendular (a worthwhile splurge for the comfy seats and quieter cabin). My seat had plenty of legroom, a power outlet, and a tray table that was perfect for snacking and journaling. There’s free Wi-Fi (that actually worked for most of the ride!), plus clean restrooms and a snack cart offering coffee and pastries. Economy Class also looked comfortable and spacious.

The best part? Watching Portugal roll by with vineyards, rivers, charming towns, and the occasional castle in the distance.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Book early for the best prices. I reserved my seat about a month ahead for just €25 in First Class. Here’s my budget breakdown:

You can save even more in Second Class (sometimes as low as €12-15). Always check Omio for promo fares and consider traveling off-peak for better deals.

Top Tips & Recommendations

• Arrive early since stations can be busy, and you’ll want time to grab a pastry or coffee.
• Upgrade to First Class if you can because it’s quiet, comfortable, and has power outlets.
• Bring your own snacks or try the onboard cart.
• Keep your ticket handy since conductors check tickets during the journey.
• Don’t rush off at Porto Campanhã. Enjoy the arrival, then hop on the metro to São Bento for a gorgeous city-center welcome.

Scenic Highlights You’ll Remember

What I love about the Lisbon to Porto train is that the scenery constantly changes, from Lisbon’s urban vibe to rolling fields, sleepy villages, and rivers glinting in the sun. The stretch north of Coimbra was my favorite, a lush and peaceful landscape with glimpses of vineyards and traditional houses.

Conclusion

For anyone wondering how to get from Lisbon to Porto, the train is hands-down the easiest and most enjoyable way. It’s comfortable and scenic, and it makes the journey part of your trip. Book your Lisbon to Porto train with Omio, grab a window seat, and let Portugal work its magic.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel and Lifestyle Blogger

• Bio: Nancy Sevilla, also known as Fancy Nancista, is a travel and lifestyle content creator who shares honest guides and personal experiences from her global adventures. She specializes in solo travel and digital nomad life.