Portugal by Train: Tickets, Routes and Tips (2026)

Portugal’s trains are comfortable, scenic and good value, linking Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and many towns in between. But the different train types, booking windows and promo fares confuse a lot of visitors. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling Portugal by train in 2026.

Quick answer: book on cp.pt or the CP app, up to 60 days ahead. The fast Alfa Pendular and Intercidades include a reserved seat; book early for promo fares. Regional and suburban trains need no reservation. Lisbon to Porto takes about 2h50–3h15 (from about €36 standard, much less on promo). Watch for strikes, which are common.

Train types

• Alfa Pendular (AP): the fastest trains, Lisbon–Porto–Braga/Guimarães and Lisbon–Faro. Two classes (Turística and Conforto), reserved seats, café car.
• Intercidades (IC): fast intercity trains on more routes (including Évora, Beja, Covilhã and Guarda). Reserved seats.
• Regional and InterRegional: slower trains stopping at smaller stations. No reservations; buy and board.
• Urbanos: suburban trains around Lisbon (to Sintra, Cascais and Setúbal) and Porto (to Braga, Guimarães and Aveiro). Pay with navegante (Lisbon) or Andante (Porto).

Booking and fares

• Where: cp.pt or the CP app, or at station ticket machines and counters.
• When: tickets go on sale 60 days before travel, up to 15 minutes before departure.
• Promo fares: booking well ahead on AP and IC can save a lot, and CP runs flash sales (in spring 2026, Lisbon–Porto was as low as €7.50).
• Prices rose 2.26% in 2026, but trains remain great value.
• Rail passes: the €20 monthly “Passe Ferroviário Verde” is for residents only. Visitors can use an Interrail Portugal pass, but you’ll pay a reservation fee for Alfa Pendular trains.

Key routes and times

• Lisbon – Porto: AP about 2h50–3h15, IC about 3h15–3h30. See Lisbon to Porto by train.
• Lisbon – Faro: AP about 3h, IC about 3h30. See Lisbon to the Algarve.
• Lisbon – Évora: IC about 1h30.
• Lisbon – Sintra: Urbano from Rossio, about 40 minutes. See Lisbon to Sintra.
• Lisbon – Tomar: Regional or InterRegional, about 2h. See Tomar.
• Porto – Braga: Urbano, about 1h, a few euros. See Braga and Guimarães.
• Porto – Pinhão (Douro): about 2h20, with stunning river views. See the Douro without a tour.
• Porto – Aveiro: Urbano about 1h10, or faster AP/IC. See Aveiro.

What’s new in 2026

• The Algarve line is fully electric since July 2026, with direct trains from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António and more services.
• The Douro line reopened between Marco de Canaveses and Régua in April 2026 after tunnel works; electrification there continues.
• Porto to Vigo (Celta): buses replace the train between Valença and Vigo until April 2027.
• Lisbon to Madrid: there’s still no direct train (it takes 10+ hours with changes), so most people fly or take the bus.

Tips

• Strikes happen fairly often. Check CP’s website the day before, and keep plans flexible.
• Sit on the right heading north from Lisbon for river views, and on the right heading east on the Douro line.
• Luggage: there’s space at the end of carriages and overhead; no extra charge.
• Stations: in Lisbon, AP and IC trains leave from Santa Apolónia and Oriente; in Porto, from Campanhã (São Bento is for suburban and regional trains).
• Train or car? Trains are great between cities; a car is better for the countryside. See our Portugal road trip.

More: 7 days in Portugal and 10 days in Portugal.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.