Portugal By Train

Map with popular domestic routes in Portgual

View approximate train travel times between Portugal's key cities with high-speed trains and regional trains.

Map with example train route in Portugal

Example train route in Portugal

Visit Portugal's most important cities on a single trip with Eurail. You can follow the suggested route below using a Eurail Portugal Pass - 4 days within 1 month, starting from € 100.

1. Faro

Faro, in the southern Algarve region, is a place to relax in the sun and meet friendly people on one of the magnificent beaches.

2. Lisbon

Lisbon is rich in history and offers many spectacular sights. The enchanting old city comes alive when the sun goes down.

3. Coimbra

Coimbra is one of the cultural highlights of Portugal and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to the year 1290.

4. Porto

Porto, the second largest city of Portugal, offers splendid views of the Douro river, best enjoyed with a glass of local port wine.

5. Braga

Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, and rich in churches and other splendid architecture dating back to the Roman Empire.

Arco de Almedina, upper town of Coimbra

Higher learning in Coimbra

Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Founded in 1290 by King Dinus, the university helped Coimbra become the center of prosperity in Portugal. Don’t miss the Old Catheral (Sé Velha), the New Cathedral (Sé Nova) and the 12th century Santa Cruz Monastery. The nearby towns of Conimbriga and Montemor-o-Velho are historical treasure troves. Like many ‘college towns’, Coimbra also has a spicy nightlife.

Porto

Intoxicating Porto

Sample the splendid port wines in Porto (we recommend Solar Vinho do Porto for the best price/quality ratio), but try to save some room to drink in the atmosphere as well. Portugal’s second largest city boasts a gorgeous riverfront region (Ribeira), where you can take a river cruise, tour ancient cathedrals or meet the locals at the bar. Climb to the top of the Torre dos Clérigos for the very best panoramic view of the city.

Lisbon

National pride in Lisbon

Be sure to stay several days in Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon (Lisboa). There’s plenty to see and do. The city is primarily walkable, but trams can help you get around. The Castelo de Sao Jorge is stunning, and rich with history. Check out the splendid fare at Ribeira Nova open market, take in a bit of shopping or a museum. But save some energy for the exciting nightlife. Lisbon comes alive when the sun goes down.

The coast of the Algarve

Relaxation at its finest in Algarve

Use your Eurail pass to spend a few days in paradise. Portugal’s southernmost beaches, the Algarve, give you a choice – hidden beaches, sporty beaches, family beaches – and the weather allows outdoor dining all year round. Take in a game of golf or lounge on some of the world’s most perfect seaside spots. Check out the spectacular dance clubs and cafes. The people are friendly, the sun is constant and the view is unmatched.

Garrano wild ponies

The magnificent Gerês

Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers shouldn’t miss the spectacular Peneda-Gerês National Park (known by locals simply as ‘Gerês’). The only official national park in the entire country, is teeming with wildlife, flora and fauna of all descriptions. See the famous Garrano wild ponies, trek through the massive oak forests, hike the Homem River Valley and climb 300 million year old granite rocks.

Terras sem Sombra

Terras sem Sombra is a civilian initiative in Beja. It has a high internacional level and dialog between the heritage, music and biodiversity. The past and the contemporary creation, the intersections among the arts, the rescue of musicological heritage, are structural elements of the project. This background shows the relevance of the environmental and cultural value of this territory, presenting one of the best index of preservation in Europe.

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Temporada de Música Erudita - Parques de Sintra

The Music Season, staged by Parques de Sintra – Monte da Lua and with Artistic Direction ensured by Divino Sospiro, has fostered the revitalisation of the Palaces through their musical heritage, boosting the link between Heritage and Music. Spanning a vast repertoire, ranging from the Medieval to the Romantic periods, the Music Season is subdivided into three cycles, distributed over the year and dedicated to the specific repertoires appropriate to the epoch of each Palace.

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View of Lisbon

Relax in the CP lounge

Holders of a 1^st class train reservation for the Alfa Pendular, Sud Expresso or Lusitânia tain have free access to the CP lounge in Lisbon Oriente station.

See all pass benefits for Portugal.

There are various trains in Portugal that will transport you across the country both day and night. The Portuguese network is operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal). Use the Eurail train timetable to check times for trains in Portugal.

Regional and intercity trains in Portugal

The main rail network in Portugal is made up of the following regional trains and intercity trains:

• Regional and inter-regional trains are used for short distances and make frequent stops. They complement the long distances services, connecting regional destinations with the larger cities, such as Lisbon and Porto.

• Intercidades (InterCity) trains connect all major towns and cities in Portugal. They are faster than regional trains and make fewer stops.

• Urbanos commuter trains operate in and around Portugal's largest cities, Lisbon and Porto. Listed below are the lines operating in both cities:

• Lisbon - Azambuja / Cascais / Sintra / Sado

• Porto - Aveiro / Braga / Caíde/Marco de Canaveses / Guimarães

High-speed trains in Portugal

International high-speed trains in Portugal

This high-speed train operates to and from Portugal:

• Celta connects Porto to Vigo (Spain). This train is operated by both CP and the Spanish railway network RENFE.

Domestic high-speed trains in Portugal

This high-speed train operates within Portugal:

• Alfa Pendular is the fastest train in Portugal, connecting the country's major cities on the route Braga-Porto-Coimbra-Lisbon-Faro.

Night trains in Portugal

International night trains in Portugal

The following night trains connect Portugal with Spain and France:

• Trenhotel Lusitania night trains are the quickest and most direct way to travel from Lisbon to Madrid. In less than 11 hours, you'll find yourself in the lively capital of Spain.

• Trenhotel Sud Expresso night trains run from Lisbon (Gare do Oriente) to Hendaye in the south of France. Here, you can catch a TGV train that will carry you to Paris.