Lisbon
- Belém Tower & Monument to the Discoveries
- Tram 28 through the Alfama district
- Praça do Comércio on the Tagus riverfront
- Pastéis de nata at Belém
Porto to Lisbon TrainPortugal's Golden Line
The train from Lisbon to Porto covers 337 km (209 miles) along Portugal's main north–south line. Alfa Pendular, Portugal's high speed train, makes the fastest Lisbon to Porto train journey in about 2h58; the conventional Intercidades train ride takes 3h15–3h23. Most trains run from Lisboa Oriente station and Lisboa Santa Apolónia station to Porto Campanhã roughly every one to two hours.
Porto to Lisbon Train — Quick Facts
Distance337
Shortest travel time2h58
Lowest ticket cost€18.50
Avg. daily departures16
Earliest departure~06:30
Latest departure~21:30
Route
The Porto to Lisbon Train Route
Trains run north from Lisbon along the Linha do Norte, Portugal's principal rail line, through Coimbra and Aveiro before reaching Porto. The railroad distance between the two cities covers 337 km of track — noticeably longer than the straight-line distance, since the route follows the coast and river valleys.
Lisbon
Oriente / Santa Apolónia
0 km
Coimbra-B
interchange for Coimbra centre
~206 km
Aveiro
lagoon & canal town
~258 km
Porto
Campanhã
337 km
Alfa Pendular services typically call at only 3–4 of these stops; Intercidades trains make more intermediate stops, including smaller stations not shown here.
Cities Along the Route
Lisbon and Porto anchor each end of the line, both with central, walkable city centers; Coimbra and Aveiro sit directly on it if you want a day trip stop along the same route.
Porto
- Ribeira riverfront & Dom Luís I Bridge
- Livraria Lello & Torre dos Clérigos
- Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
- Francesinha, Porto's signature sandwich
Coimbra
- University of Coimbra & the Biblioteca Joanina
- Sé Velha, the old cathedral
- Fado de Coimbra performances
- Riverside walks along the Mondego
Aveiro
- Moliceiro boat rides on the canals
- Art Nouveau buildings along the central canal
- Costa Nova's striped beach houses
- Ovos moles, the local egg-yolk sweet
Compare
Porto to Lisbon Train Options Compared
Two train types run this route. Neither is objectively "better" — they trade speed for price and stop count.
| Train | Travel time | Typical fare (2nd cl.) | Stops | Departures/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercidades | 3h15–3h23 | €27–€34 | 6–8 | ~12 |
| Alfa Pendular | 2h58–3h10 | €34–€40 | 3–4 | ~8 |
Alfa Pendular is Portugal's high speed train — a tilting train that reaches up to 220 km/h, which shortens the trip and smooths out curves on the northern section of the line; it also has a cafe-bar carriage, free Wi-Fi and a power outlet at every seat. Intercidades is a conventional, non-tilting train hauled at lower speeds with more intermediate stops; it has a cafe car but Wi-Fi and power availability are inconsistent, and the ride can be slightly noisier on tighter curves. Both offer First class (Conforto) and Second class (Turística) with reserved seating.
Along the Way
Top 3 Activities on the Porto–Lisbon Route
A few detours worth knowing about if you're not just racing between stations — charming villages and picturesque landscapes sit right along this route.
1
Wine Tasting in Porto
Before you even board the train, sip on a glass of Port wine along the Ribeira waterfront or take a cellar tour across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, a great vantage point over the Douro. It's the perfect way to kick off the journey — and a fitting bookend if you're heading south toward Lisbon's own riverside sunset.
2
Moliceiro Boat Ride in Aveiro
Nicknamed the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro is a quick detour off the main line. Hop on a traditional colorful moliceiro boat to glide through the canals, then grab the local specialty — ovos moles (sweet egg pastries) — from a café by the water.
3
Flamingo Watching in Vila Franca de Xira
Just outside Lisbon, the wetlands along the Tagus estuary host one of Europe's largest flamingo colonies, with some of the route's best scenic views. Bring binoculars (or borrow the ones on your map!) for a peaceful stop before the bustle of the capital.
Classes
Porto to Lisbon Train Classes
Both train types run two travel classes — First class (Conforto) and Second class (Turística). Here's what actually differs between them, seat by seat.
Intercidades
Intercidades Train — First Class (Conforto)
- Spacious seating — wider seats with extra legroom
- 2+1 seating layout
- Quieter, typically fewer passengers per carriage
- Power outlets at some seats — marked when booking
Intercidades
Intercidades Train — Second Class (Turística)
- Standard, comfortable seats in a 2+2 layout
- Padded, reclining seats with adjustable headrests and tray tables
- Power outlets at some seats — not all, check the seating plan when booking
Alfa Pendular
Alfa Pendular Train — First Class (Conforto)
- Spacious 2+1 seating layout — extra width and legroom
- Complimentary drink served at your seat
- Free Wi-Fi and a power outlet at every seat
- Access to CP lounges before departure, including at Lisboa-Oriente
- No at-seat catering trolley since the pandemic — the complimentary drink is generally the extent of at-seat service
Alfa Pendular
Alfa Pendular Train — Second Class (Turística)
- 2+2 seating layout — the main difference from Conforto's 2+1
- Leather-covered, comfortable seats, a step up from standard 2nd class on other European expresses
- Free Wi-Fi and a power outlet at every seat
- Cafe-bar car for snacks and drinks, versus drinks included in Conforto
Stations
Stations for the Lisbon to Porto Train
Each city is served by two stations. Hover or tap a marker on the map for details on each one.
Timetable
Porto to Lisbon Train Timetable Overview
A sample daily departure pattern, styled after a classic station split-flap board. Tap a row to preview the stops along the line.
Partidas · Departures
CP · Lisboa Santa Apolónia → Porto Campanhã
--:--:--
Time
Destination
Train
Plat.
Status
| Time | Destination | Train | Plat. | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | Porto Campanhã | Alfa Pendular | 3 | On Time |
| 08:00 | Porto Campanhã | Intercidades | 5 | On Time |
| 09:30 | Porto Campanhã | Alfa Pendular | 2 | Boarding |
| 12:30 | Porto Campanhã | Intercidades | 4 | On Time |
| 14:30 | Porto Campanhã | Alfa Pendular | 3 | On Time |
| 16:00 | Porto Campanhã | Intercidades | 6 | On Time |
| 18:00 | Porto Campanhã | Alfa Pendular | 2 | Boarding |
| 19:30 | Porto Campanhã | Intercidades | 5 | On Time |
| 21:30 | Porto Campanhã | Alfa Pendular | 3 | On Time |
Sample departure pattern based on typical daily spacing — not a live board. Verify current times with the search widget above.
Onboard
What the Train from Lisbon to Porto Is Actually Like
Factual specifics on scenery, seating and amenities — sourced from CP's own service details, not marketing copy.
Scenery
The route runs along the Tagus estuary out of Lisbon, then crosses flat Ribatejo farmland — classic Portuguese countryside — and rolling countryside dotted with charming villages and cork oaks, before the final approach into Porto near the Douro valley. For the best scenic views of Portugal's stunning landscapes, take a window seat on the left side heading north.
Seating classes
Both train types offer Second class (Turística) and First class (Conforto) travel classes, each with assigned, reserved, comfortable seats.
Wifi & power
Alfa Pendular has free Wi-Fi and a power outlet at every seat. Intercidades has a cafe car, but Wi-Fi and power outlet availability is inconsistent between carriages. Tickets and schedules for both are also available through the CP app.
Catering
Both trains have a cafe-bar or cafe car serving snacks and drinks; there is no full at-seat meal service on either.
Luggage
There's no formal check-in if you bring luggage — bags go on the racks near your seat or at the end of each carriage, the same as most European intercity trains.
Ride comfort
Alfa Pendular's tilting mechanism smooths out curves at speed, generally giving a quieter, steadier, more comfortable ride than the conventional, non-tilting Intercidades.
Fares & Booking
How to Buy Cheap Train Tickets from Lisbon to Porto
Pricing works in tiers, not a single fixed number — here's what to expect before you buy tickets.
Fares are cheapest booked in advance through Comboios de Portugal (CP), Portugal's national rail operator — booking 5 to 60 days ahead can save more than 50% off standard pricing. Travelers under 25 get a 25% discount on standard fares, and passengers 65 and older get 50% off. Single and return tickets can be bought online, through the CP app, or at the train station.
- Regional trainfrom €18.50
- Intercidades, 2nd classfrom €25.25
- Alfa Pendular, 2nd classfrom €31.90
- Standard one-way farefrom €27
Alternatives
Bus, Car & Flight vs. the Train from Porto to Lisbon
The train isn't the only way to cover this route — here's how the others compare, without steering you toward any of them.
Bus (FlixBus / Rede Expressos)
- ~3h30–4h, usually slower than either train
- Often cheaper than Alfa Pendular, similar to Intercidades promo fares
- More frequent very early/late departures than the train
Car
- ~2h45–3h15 via the A1 motorway, similar to train time door-to-door once you add city-centre parking and traffic
- Tolls apply on the A1; fuel and parking add to the cost
- Useful if you're continuing beyond either city
Flight
- ~55 minutes in the air, but 2–3 hours total with airport transfers and check-in
- Rarely cheaper than the train once transfers are counted
- Only faster overall on a tight schedule with no waiting
FAQ
Porto to Lisbon Train — Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the train from Lisbon to Porto?
The Alfa Pendular high-speed train covers Lisbon to Porto in about 2 hours 58 minutes at its fastest. The conventional Intercidades train takes longer, typically 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 23 minutes, since it makes more stops along the way.
Is there a direct train from Lisbon to Porto?
Yes. Both Alfa Pendular and Intercidades run direct, no-transfer services between Lisbon and Porto roughly every one to two hours throughout the day, with around 15 to 19 combined departures daily.
How long is the train ride from Lisbon to Porto?
The ride lasts just under 3 hours on the fastest Alfa Pendular services and a little over 3 hours on Intercidades trains, covering the roughly 337 km between the two cities.
How far is Porto from Lisbon by train?
The rail route between Lisbon and Porto covers about 337 km (209 miles), running north through Coimbra and Aveiro before reaching Porto.
How much do Lisbon to Porto train tickets cost?
Second class train tickets start from around €18.50 on Regional trains, €25.25 on Intercidades, and €31.90 on Alfa Pendular when booked well in advance — standard one-way fares generally start around €27. Standard walk-up fares run higher, especially for first class.
Are there discounts on Lisbon to Porto train tickets?
Yes. Travelers under 25 get a 25% discount on standard fares, and passengers 65 and older get 50% off. Booking 5 to 60 days in advance can also save more than 50% compared with walk-up pricing.
Which train station in Lisbon goes to Porto?
Most Lisbon to Porto trains depart from Lisboa Santa Apolónia station in the city centre, calling at Lisboa Oriente station a few minutes later. Porto-bound trains arrive at Porto Campanhã station, the city's main long-distance station.
Is there a train from Lisbon airport to Porto?
Not directly from the airport terminal. Take the Lisbon Metro red line about 10 to 15 minutes to Gare do Oriente, then board an Alfa Pendular or Intercidades service to Porto from there.
Which company operates the Lisbon to Porto train?
Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the national rail operator running both Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services on this route. Tickets can be bought through the CP app, on the CP website, or at the station.
Is the train from Lisbon to Porto comfortable?
Most travelers find it fast and comfortable. Alfa Pendular's tilting mechanism smooths out curves at speed, and both train types offer reserved, comfortable seats in first and second class, with free Wi-Fi and power outlets on Alfa Pendular.
Where is Lisboa Santa Apolónia station located?
Lisboa Santa Apolónia station sits in a central location on Lisbon's riverfront, at the start of the Porto route, with an easy walk into the historic centre. Tickets can be purchased online, through the CP app, or at the station, with prices that vary depending on train type and how far in advance you book.
Where can I buy train tickets from Lisbon to Porto?
You can buy train tickets from Lisbon to Porto online through CP, via the CP app, or at the station ticket counter — tickets can also be purchased online through the search widget near the top of this page. To book tickets and compare live fares for the same trip across different dates, use that widget directly.
Does the Porto train route reach the city center?
Yes. The Porto route serves both Porto Campanhã, about 2.5 km from downtown, and Porto São Bento right in the historic city center. On the Lisbon side, the same Porto route gives easy access to central Lisbon from Santa Apolónia station.
What time does the first train from Lisbon to Porto depart?
The first train from Lisbon to Porto departs at approximately 06:30, with the last around 21:30. Porto departures follow a similar pattern in the evening. Departures run roughly every one to two and a half hours, keeping total journey time predictable — check the widget above for next trains and exact times.
Can I take a day trip from Lisbon to Porto by train?
Yes — with a journey time of under 3 hours each way on Alfa Pendular, the fastest trip option, a day trip from Lisbon to Porto by train is easy. Many travelers instead break up the same trip with a stop in Coimbra or Aveiro along the journey.
Can I bring luggage on the train from Lisboa Oriente?
Yes, you can bring luggage on any Lisbon to Porto train journey — there's no formal check-in, just racks near your seat. Lisbon's Oriente station (also called Gare do Oriente) connects to the Lisbon Metro network, making it an easy start to the journey with bags in tow.
Is flying faster than taking the train from Lisbon to Porto?
Not usually, once you count transfers. Air travel's total travel time compares poorly to the train once you add airport check-in and transfers on both ends; the direct train journey from city centre to city centre often edges out flying for the fastest trip when you count the full door-to-door time.