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Trains to and in Portugal

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Rail Travel to Portugal

If you are visiting Portugal as part of a longer trip around Europe a European Rail Pass may be more economical. There are a number of rail passes available covering certain regions as well as individual countries. There are reductions for passengers under 26.

The Inter-Rail Pass for 16 days consecutive travel in Zone F (Spain, Portugal & Morocco). The EuroDomino Pass is valid for a number of journeys on consecutive days within a specified month.

The Iberic Rail Pass (available to non-European residents) allows: Any 3-10 days unlimited train travel in a 30 day period and 1st class train travel.

Full information and online booking for all rail passes is available from Rail Europe.

Rail Routes into Portugal

London to Lisbon via the Channel Tunnel on Eurostar and riding the French TGV takes over 24 hours. From Gare d'Austerlitz in Paris the journey to Lisbon is scheduled at 20 hours. Madrid to Lisbon is 10 hours, 30 minutes overnight. Trains from Seville in the south of Spain run to Huelva and then bus.

There are 2 main rail routes into Portugal:
From Paris via Bordeaux, Biarritz, Irún, San Sebastian and Guarda to Coimbra & Lisbon. Change at Pampilhosa for Porto.
From Irún to Madrid crossing into Portugal at Marvão-Beirã and then on to Lisbon.
For journeys on to the Algarve change at Lisbon.

The Sud-Expresso leaves Santa Apolónia Station daily arriving in Hendaye the following day; there is a connection here with the French TGV-Atlantique that runs from the French-Spanish border to Paris.

Passengers can choose between 1st and 2nd class bunks or 2nd class reclining seats.

The Lusitânia Comboio Hotel train departs from Santa Apolónia Station every evening for Madrid.
Travelers can choose from 1st or 2nd class seats or beds.

Rail Travel in Portugal

The Portuguese national rail company CP operates all trains in Portugal. Faro, Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto are all connected by high-speed trains.

Train Types in Portugal

Rápidos - the fastest, most expensive service on the Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto main run. Known as alfa.
Intercidades - inter-city services; advanced booking necessary. There are two classes conforto (1st) and turistica (2nd).
Inter-regional - these trains stop at the main stations.
Regional - slow, local services.

There are also car-train services available on the main routes where you can take your car on the train. Full information and schedules on express and local trains in Portugal are available at www.cp.pt

For information on city stations see our Portugal City Guide

Trains in the Algarve

There are four trains a day from Lisbon to Faro on about a three or four-hour journey. There are local trains from Faro to Albufeira (30 mins), Lagos (105 mins), Loule (20 mins), Tavira (40 mins) and Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the border with Spain. There are no direct train connections from Faro to Sevilla and travellers should take a bus for this journey.

The line in the Algarve runs from Lagos in the west to Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the east but passengers must change in Faro. From Lagos the stations to Faro are Meia Praia, Mexilhoria Grande, Portimão, Ferragudo, Estombar-Lagoa, Silves, Porco-Barreto, Alcantarila, Algoz, Tunes, Albufeira-Ferreiras, Boliqueime, Loule, Almansil, Parque des Cidades and Faro. From Faro to Vila Real de Santo Antonio the stops are at Bom Joao, Olhao, Fuzeta-A, Fuzeta, Livramento, Luz, Tavira, Porta Nova, Conceicao, Cacela, Castro Marim, Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

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