Trains in Portugal: Routes Worth Taking and How to Book

Portugal’s rail network concentrates where the people are — the Lisbon–Porto axis and the coast — and hides one world-class scenic ride. For visitors, trains beat domestic flights on every route they cover; for new residents in the two metros, they render car ownership optional.

The routes that matter

• Alfa Pendular Lisbon–Porto: 2h50, fast, comfortable; book early for €25–35 promo fares (standard €45)
• Intercidades Lisbon–Faro: 3h15–3h45, direct to the Algarve coast towns
• Porto–Pinhão (Douro line): 2h–2h20 of river-following scenery — arguably Europe’s best-value train journey
• Lisbon–Cascais and Porto–Braga: suburban workhorses every 20–30 minutes
• Lisbon–Madrid: night train restarted — check current schedule, it’s seasonal

Booking and cards

Book at cp.pt — promotional fares appear up to 60 days out and sell first. The CP customer card (young/senior versions) cuts standard fares by half or more; tourists can get a discount card valid for regional travel. Regional trains need no reservations; Alfa and Intercidades do.