Lisbon to Porto by Train: Alfa Pendular vs Intercidades

Lisbon to Porto is the trip almost everyone makes on a first visit to Portugal, and the train is the easiest way to do it: about three hours, centre to centre, with no airport queues. Here’s how to choose your train, book it and arrive in the right part of Porto.

Quick answer: take the Alfa Pendular (about 2h40, from €35.70) if you want the fastest and most comfortable ride, or the Intercidades (about 3h10, from €28.05) to save a bit. Book on the CP website or app, ideally a few weeks ahead for promo fares.

Alfa Pendular vs Intercidades

	Alfa Pendular (AP)	Intercidades (IC)
Journey time	About 2h40	About 3h10
Standard fare (2026)	€35.70 (Turística class)	€28.05 (2nd class)
Comfort	Newer, quieter, power sockets, café	Older but comfortable
Best for	Speed and comfort	Saving money

Fares from January 2026, standard one-way. Promo fares are often much cheaper if you book early, and there are discounts for children, under-25s and over-65s. Both trains also have a first class (Conforto) for a bit more.

Where the trains leave from in Lisbon

Most Lisbon to Porto trains start at Santa Apolónia (by the river, near Alfama) and stop at Oriente (Parque das Nações, next to the metro red line). Board at whichever is closer. Oriente is handy if you’re coming from the airport, just a few metro stops away.

Where you arrive in Porto

Trains arrive at Porto Campanhã, about 2km east of the historic centre. Don’t stop there:

• Hop on a local train to São Bento, the beautiful tiled station in the centre. It’s a 4-minute ride and included in your ticket if you booked to Porto.
• Or take the metro from Campanhã to Trindade and the centre.
• Or grab an Uber, Bolt or taxi, especially with heavy bags.

How to book

• Online: the official CP website or the CP app. You’ll get an e-ticket with a QR code to show the conductor.
• When: tickets usually go on sale up to about two months ahead. Book early for the cheapest promo fares, especially on Fridays, Sundays and in summer.
• At the station: ticket offices and machines sell tickets on the day, but popular trains do sell out.
• Seats are reserved on both AP and IC. Your carriage (carruagem) and seat (lugar) are on the ticket.

Tips from our groups

• Sit on the left heading north for glimpses of the coast and lagoons after Aveiro.
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Platforms are announced late and trains don’t wait.
• Luggage goes in racks at the end of the carriage or overhead. There are no weight limits, but you carry it yourself.
• Bring snacks. The AP has a café carriage; the IC may only have a trolley, if anything.
• Strikes: CP strikes happen a few times a year. Check the news the day before, and if your train is cancelled, CP usually refunds or rebooks you.

Train vs bus vs car vs flying

• Bus (Rede Expressos or FlixBus): about 3h30, often cheaper, and leaves from different stations.
• Car: about 3 hours on the A1, which has tolls. Good if you’re stopping at Coimbra, Aveiro or Óbidos on the way. See our car rental guide.
• Flying: rarely worth it once you add airport time.

When you get to Porto

• See getting around Porto (Andante card tips) and our Douro Valley wine tours.
• Questions about Porto? Ask the members of Porto Travel Tips.
• Find somewhere to stay in Porto.

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