Main routes on the CP network
CP (Comboios de Portugal) operates the national network:
- - Lisbon → Porto (Alfa Pendular): 2h50, trains every 1–2 hours
- - Lisbon → Porto (Intercidades): 3h15, cheaper
- - Lisbon → Faro (Algarve): 2h45 (with change at Tunes or direct IC)
- - Porto → Braga: 1h, frequent regional trains
- - Porto → Viana do Castelo: 1h40
- - Lisbon → Sintra: 40 min, suburban train from Rossio station
- - Lisbon → Setúbal: 1h10
All Eurail/Interrail passes cover CP trains. Seat reservations are required on Alfa Pendular (€2.70) and Intercidades (€2.20) services.
The Douro Valley — one of Europe's great train journeys
The Linha do Douro runs east from Porto along the Douro River for 175 km to Pocinho. The stretch from Régua to Pinhão is considered one of Europe's most beautiful train routes — vineyards cascade down steep terraced hillsides to the river below.
From Porto: Take a regional train to Marco de Canaveses or Régua (2–3h). The most scenic section is Régua → Tua → Pinhão (30 min) — narrow-gauge rails squeezed between the cliff and the river.
Day trip: Porto → Pinhão → Porto is doable as a day trip but leaves little time in the valley. An overnight in Pinhão or Régua lets you explore the quintas (wine estates) at leisure.
Lisbon and Porto on foot from the station
Lisbon arrives at Oriente (modern hub, east side), Santa Apolónia (old town and Alfama), or Rossio (historic centre). The city is hilly — the 28 tram up to Alfama and the Santa Justa elevator are useful for reaching the main viewpoints.
Porto stations: Campanhã is the main intercity terminus; São Bento is a 12-minute metro ride away in the city centre, famous for its azulejo-tiled interior. The Ribeira waterfront is a 15-minute walk from São Bento.
City highlights
Lisbon — Seven hills, yellow trams, and extraordinary azulejos. The Alfama, Belém (Pastéis de Belém is not a cliché — go), and the LX Factory on a Sunday. 3 nights.
Porto — Intimate and edgy. The Ribeira, port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, and the Livraria Lello bookshop. 2–3 nights.
Sintra — 40 minutes from Lisbon, a UNESCO-listed hilltop town with fairy-tale palaces. Peña Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Faro and the Algarve — The south coast is best explored by train along the Algarve line (Faro → Lagos, 1h40), stopping at Tavira, Olhão, and Portimão.
Practical tips
Book ahead in summer: The Lisbon–Porto Alfa Pendular fills up fast in July–August. Book at cp.pt at least a week ahead.
Lisbon's urban rail: The Metro, suburban trains, and trams use the same Viva Viagem card — buy one at any station and top it up.
Porto card: Covers unlimited metro rides and discounts at most museums — useful for a 2-night stay.
Language: Portuguese is not Spanish, but menus and timetables are easy to navigate with a translation app.
Plan your Portuguese rail journey
EuroTrekker builds your Portugal itinerary with real CP connections from Lisbon to Porto, the Algarve, and the Douro Valley.