Lisbon to Porto by Train
Portugal's two great cities — the white hills of Lisbon and the wine-terraced banks of Porto — linked in under three hours by the tilting Alfa Pendular. The easiest, most comfortable way to travel between them.
The route, stop by stop
Most Alfa Pendular trains depart from Lisboa Oriente, Lisbon's modern main station in the Parque das Nações district (also stopping at Lisboa Santa Apolónia for some services). The train heads north through the rolling Ribatejo and Beira Litoral regions, passing through Coimbra — Portugal's historic university city, worth a visit on its own.
After Coimbra the train continues north through green Atlantic countryside before arriving at Porto Campanhã, Porto's main intercity station. A short suburban train (free with some tickets) or metro connects to the beautiful Porto São Bento station in the heart of the city.
Alfa Pendular vs Intercidades
Alfa Pendular is the faster, premium service — a tilting train that takes corners at higher speed, taking about 2h 50m. It has a bistro car and comfortable seating. Intercidades is slower (3h 30m) but cheaper, and a perfectly comfortable option for budget travellers.
Lisbon to Porto train price (2026)
Alfa Pendular tickets start from around €19 booked ahead. Intercidades trains offer a slower but cheaper option from €13.
| Operator | From | Journey time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Pendular | ~€19 | 2h 45m | Several daily |
| Intercidades | ~€13 | 3h 30m | Several daily |
Prices are indicative advance fares. Check live availability for your exact date.
How to get the cheapest ticket
- Book via CP online. Comboios de Portugal's website has the full range of fares, including promotional prices not always available elsewhere.
- Book early. The cheapest fares (€19–€25) are limited and go fast, especially for summer and weekends.
- Travel mid-week. Monday to Thursday departures are typically cheaper than Friday and Sunday.
- Consider Intercidades if time isn't critical — you save money and the scenery is the same.
- Confort class (first class on Alfa Pendular) is worth it for the extra legroom on a nearly 3-hour journey.
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Arriving in Porto
Porto Campanhã is well connected: metro line E (violet, "Linha Violeta") runs to the city centre and to the riverside Ribeira district. The short suburban train to Porto São Bento takes 5 minutes and drops you right in the old city — inside one of Europe's most beautiful stations, covered floor to ceiling in blue azulejo tiles.
Departing from Lisbon
Lisboa Oriente is on metro blue line (Linha Azul) and serves as Lisbon's main intercity hub. The station is also connected to long-distance buses and the Vasco da Gama shopping centre. Lisboa Santa Apolónia (a stop on some services) is the historic terminus near Alfama, served by metro blue and green lines.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Lisbon to Porto?
The fastest CP Alfa Pendular takes approximately 2 hours 50 minutes from Lisboa Oriente to Porto Campanhã. The Intercidades service takes around 3h 30m.
How much does a Lisbon to Porto train ticket cost?
Alfa Pendular tickets start from around €19 when booked in advance. Standard fares range from €25 to €40. Intercidades tickets are cheaper. Book through CP for the full range of prices.
Is there a direct train from Lisbon to Porto?
Yes. CP Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains both run directly from Lisbon (Oriente or Santa Apolónia) to Porto Campanhã without any change.
Which stations are used?
Most trains depart from Lisboa Oriente (metro blue line). Trains arrive at Porto Campanhã, where you can take the metro or a suburban train to Porto São Bento in the city centre.
What is the difference between Alfa Pendular and Intercidades?
The Alfa Pendular is faster (~2h 50m), more comfortable and more expensive. The Intercidades takes about 3h 30m but is cheaper. For most travellers, the Alfa Pendular is worth the small price difference.
