Porto to Lisbon train with Comboios De Portugal

Portugal’s Flagship High-Speed Train from Porto to Lisbon

Introduction

Did you know Portugal has a high-speed train? Well, they do, kind of! The Alfa Pendular is the flagship service of Comboios de Portugal (CP). These modern, striking silver trainsets cross Portugal, from north to south, at speeds of up to 220 km/h. I took a trip on one in First Class from Porto to Lisbon, so let’s dive into it!

Route Overview

All trains in Portugal are operated by CP, which operates two types of trains between Porto and Lisbon. These include the cheaper but slower Intercidades trains, as well as the faster but slightly more expensive Alfa Pendular trains, which shave 25 minutes off the journey time on this route. There are about ten of each per day. The Alfa Pendular service covers the 293-kilometer (182-mile) journey from Porto to Lisbon in just 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Trains serve a few different stations in Lisbon, so the journey times may vary slightly, depending on where you are going. None of the stations are too far away from city centers, making train travel between Portugal’s two largest cities very convenient.

The Alfa service uses the popular Pendolino tilting high-speed trains, also in use in many other European countries. The tilting technology increases the train’s average speed, as it does not slow down as much as a “regular” train in curves.

Transportation Experience

Reserving a seat is compulsory on Portuguese Intercity trains. They can sell out, but since there are many trains every day, you’ll almost always be able to find a ticket for the day you want, if not the exact time. Book in advance on Omio to get the best choice of times and benefit from “promo” advance tickets.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Porto’s São Bento station may just be one of Europe’s most famous, thanks to its beautiful design. However, long-distance trains depart from another station: Porto Campanhã. These two are just one stop away from each other on frequent local trains, and this might be the best way to reach Campanhã. You’ll even have time to admire the mosaics of São Bento before you take the train. It is well worth it!

Two principal stations are served in Lisbon. If you wish to be closer to the heart of the capital, you should disembark at Lisboa Santa Apolónia. Trains also stop at Lisboa Oriente station, slightly further afield but with good local rail and metro connections. Oriente is on the metro’s Red Line, while Santa Apolónia is on the Blue Line.

Schedule & Frequency

CP operates one train every one or two hours, with departures 40 minutes past the hour from Porto Campanhã, between 05:40 and 20:40. Keep a look out for the Atlantic Coast views on the right side when heading Southbound.

Onboard Experience & Services

First Class, known locally as Conforto, is very comfortable. As soon as I entered the carriage, I was blown away by how luxurious the train looked. The seats are leather and feel very premium, and I reserved a seat on the “solo” side since I was traveling alone. Most seats are airline-style, with a few bay seats, too. These are ideal for families or anyone wishing to work on the train. The Turistica, or Second Class seats, are more than suitable for this length of journey. Every passenger has access to free Wi-Fi, which worked well on my journey.

There's also a small “bistro” on board selling small snacks, along with hot and cold drinks. A First Class ticket does not grant you any complimentary goodies, just the upgraded seat. While luggage is not restricted, these trains don’t have the best storage onboard. Because of this, you should be mindful not to bring too much. One suitcase and one backpack should be fine, though.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

In general, there is a fixed price for train tickets in Portugal. The journey from Porto to Lisbon in Conforto cost me €48 when booking two days before travel. Turistica fares are €32. However, a limited number of “promo” tickets for both classes are available on off-peak trains when booking in advance. These start from €22.50 in Conforto and just €9.50 in Turistica, so it may be a good idea to plan ahead.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Get a local train from São Bento to Campanhã. It’s quicker than the metro, which requires a change, and you will be able to discover the beautiful buildings of São Bento.
• Pick a solo seat if you’re traveling alone. First Class is in a 2+1 layout.
• Check where you’ll be staying in Lisbon. The city is quite spread out and hilly, so look in advance at which station is best for you to disembark at.
• Buy a 1–3-day pass for Lisbon’s city transport if making more than a few journeys a day. It is excellent value. Take it from me, you will want to use public transport to get around, especially the famous Tram Line 28!

Conclusion

Whether you opt for the tilting Alfa Pendular or the classic Intercidades is entirely up to you. But the Alfa is a very solid option, and it takes less than three hours to complete the journey. If you’re willing to spend a little more, I highly recommend it. Remember to look on the Omio app a few weeks before you travel to snag one of those “promo” fares!

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Video Creator
• Bio: I create YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe — and all around the world — and also share blog posts and travel deals on my website.