How to take the easy journey by train from Portugal's second city to its capital

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Porto to Lisbon by train

There are two options available for taking the train from Porto to Lisboa / Lisbon;

  1. The faster, sleeker option of riding the pride of Portuguese railways, the Alfa Pendular (AP) trains
  2. The slightly slower, but cheaper Intercidades (IC trains)

In the image above, the IC train is on the left and the AP train is on the right.

If you book in advance the price difference between the two services can be less than €5.
And if the departure times suit, my recommendation is to take the comparatively comfortable AP trains.

Though travellers who are sensitive to motion sickness should note that the AP trains tilt so that they can travel faster, but the IC trains don't.

Routes you can take to go from Porto to Lisboa / Lisbon

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Route Information

Option 1; travel on an AP train
Travel Time (approx)

from 2hr 50min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

To Lisboa-Oriente:

  • Monday to Friday = 11 x trains per day
  • Saturday = 8 x trains
  • Sunday = 9 x trains

To Lisboa-Santa Apolonia:

  • Monday to Friday = 9 x trains per day
  • Saturday = 6 x trains
  • Sunday = 7 x trains

Is the journey from Lisboa-Santa Apolonia to Porto-Camphana direct?
Yes, there are no changes on the journey between Porto and Lisbon

Is the journey scenic?
It's pleasant, but not outstanding - though it does have some highlights, see the Journey Information for videos and a description.

What other tourist locations are along the route from Lisbon to Porto?
Aveiro and Coimbra

When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Lisboa (Oriente) station?
Around 08:20am daily

When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Lisboa (Santa-Apolina) station?
Around 09:30am daily

When is the usual approximate latest departure from Porto (Camphana)?

  • Around 20:30 except Saturdays; around 18:30 on Saturdays

Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for the Porto to Lisboa / Lisbon train?
Yes

How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the Lisbon to Porto journey by train?
60 Days; see the Ticket Information

What are the child ticket terms for the Lisbon to Porto journey by train?

  • Children aged 3 and under are entitled to travel free of when accompanied by an adult, though they must travel in the adult's lap.
  • Children aged 4 to 12 receive a 50% discount and they can travel in their own seat
  • Those aged 13 to 25 inclusive qualify for a 25% discount on ticket prices

Does the ticket for the Lisbon to Porto train include assigned seats?
Yes

Is catering available on the Lisbon to Porto journey by train train?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car
Note that there is no at-seat catering service

Route Information

Option 2: travel on an IC train
Travel Time (approx)

3hr 15min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

7 x trains per day
The timetable can be looked up here

Is the journey from Lisboa-Santa Apolonia to Porto-Camphana direct?
Yes, there are no changes on the journey between Lisbon and Porto

Is the journey scenic?
It's pleasant, but not outstanding - though it does have some highlights, see the Journey Information for videos and a description.

What other tourist locations are along the route from Lisbon to Porto?
Aveiro and Coimbra

When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Lisboa (Oriente) station?
Around 09:50am on Monday to Saturday; around 11:50am on Sunday

When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Lisboa (Santa-Apolina) station?
Around 10:00am on Monday to Saturday; around 12:00 on Sunday

When is the usual approximate latest departure from Porto (Camphana)?
Around 19:35 daily

Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for the Porto to Lisboa / Lisbon train?
Yes

How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the Lisbon to Porto journey by train?
60 Days; see the Ticket Information

What are the child ticket terms for the Lisbon to Porto journey by train?

  • Children aged 3 and under are entitled to travel free of when accompanied by an adult, though they must travel in the adult's lap.
  • Children aged 4 to 12 receive a 50% discount and they can travel in their own seat
  • Those aged 13 to 25 inclusive qualify for a 25% discount on ticket prices

Does the ticket for the Lisbon to Porto train include assigned seats?
Yes

Is catering available on the Lisbon to Porto journey by train train?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car

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