Portugal has exploded in popularity and welcomes visitors with a modern train network that allows them to travel throughout the country. Train tickets are cheap in Portugal, but we’ve created this guide on how to buy train tickets in Portugal to help you buy the best train tickets at the lowest price.
Buying Train Tickets in Portugal: A Quick Guide
that portugal trains The official Portuguese railway service. Anyone can purchase train tickets directly. portugal trains Website.
However, it suffers from strange translation issues and some international users may have trouble making credit card payments. We therefore recommend using the booking websites below (especially for non-Europeans):
Additionally, you cannot purchase international train tickets (e.g. Lisbon-Madrid). portugal trains.
Omi
Omio is my preferred rail service booking service because it finds the cheapest train tickets and is much more user-friendly than the official Portuguese Railways website. There are no issues with using foreign credit cards or translation issues. Omio charges a small service fee (about $1 per ticket), but the ticket price is the same.
Most train tickets booked on Omio are electronic tickets, so you’ll receive an e-ticket sent to your phone (via email or the Omio app). Just show your ticket on your phone screen when the train conductor comes to check your ticket. If electronic tickets are not available, you can print your ticket at the train station using your booking confirmation code.
train route
Trainline is similar to Omio, so it looks for tickets like this: train in portugal, You will pay a small reservation fee ranging from $1 to $.3.
Buy tickets at the train station
You can buy train tickets at any time at any train station in Portugal. The quickest and easiest way to buy train tickets is through automatic ticket machines (they all have English options). However, these machines do not always accept foreign credit cards.
You can also buy tickets at the box office, but the lines can be very long during busy times. Most ticket sellers speak acceptable English, but not always. That said, the ticket counter generally accepts all credit cards, so if you’re having trouble with the machines, try using the counter.
Important: Ticket windows (especially at smaller stations and on weekends) often open late in the morning, so this can be a problem if you’re trying to catch an early train! If possible, make a reservation the day before.
Travel Tips: To take the train in Portugal, you’ll need reliable, high-speed data on your phone. I’ve written several articles on how to get cheap mobile data in Portugal/Europe: Guide to Mobile Data Plans and Smartphone Phones in Europe, How to Buy SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Europe, Best eSIM Data Plans for Portugal.
A step-by-step guide to booking train tickets in Portugal
Now that you know where If you want to buy train tickets in Portugal, let’s take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to buy train tickets in Portugal.
In this section, we’ll explain the different types of train tickets, strategies for getting the best price, and other things to keep in mind when searching for train tickets.
Enter your train travel details
The first step is to visit a booking website (I like Omio) and enter your travel details. This is pretty simple, but I’ve listed a few things to keep in mind below.
- Departure and arrival stations: Many large cities have multiple train stations, so make sure you enter the correct train station.
- Number of transfers: If possible, a route without transfers is always the best option.
- Train types (high-speed and regional): High-speed trains are always my top choice.
- Departure Time: Most routes have multiple departure times, so click around to find the route that’s right for you. Departure time can also affect ticket prices.
Note: If your train is not found yet, you may be trying to book too early. Train reservations can usually be made up to 60 days before departure.
Please select a ticket type
Booking sites like Omio or Trainline will show you the cheapest second class tickets by default. First class tickets cost about 50% more than second class tickets, but second class seats are comfortable enough.
The cheapest tickets are “promo fares” so they are non-refundable or exchangeable, so you don’t miss your train. “Regular fare” tickets can be canceled for a fee up to 15 minutes before departure, but these tickets are much more expensive than lower promotional fare tickets.
What is the pricing structure for train tickets in Portugal?
Like many European countries, train ticket prices in Portugal can vary depending on train type (high-speed vs. regular), demand, time of day, etc.
Luckily, train tickets in Portugal tend to be cheap, so even full price fares aren’t all that expensive. But let’s take a look at the factors that affect train ticket prices.
Alpha-Pendular (AP) high-speed train
that alpha-pendulum It is the fastest and most modern train in Portugal, reaching speeds of 125 miles per hour. This high-speed train connects Portugal’s largest cities and has limited stops. Ticket sales begin 60 days prior to departure, with prices increasing closer to the departure date. To get the lowest price, we recommend purchasing at least two weeks in advance.
Ticket prices also vary depending on departure time, so more popular travel times are more expensive than less popular travel times.
Intercidades (IC) trains
Intercidades are relatively fast trains that run similar routes to the Alpha-Pendular trains, but offer more stops, resulting in longer journey times. The trains are also a bit older and more basic.
Like Alpha-Pendular trains, Intercidades trains are cheaper when purchased early, with prices increasing as departure date approaches.
Regional (R), Interregional (IR) and City (U) train:
These slow, short-distance regional trains connect small towns/regions/suburbs. Prices are fixed and cannot be purchased online.
How early should I buy my train tickets?
Long-distance and high-speed train tickets can be reserved about two months in advance. These tickets start out cheap and become more expensive as the departure date approaches. For example, if you book a month early your ticket will cost around €10, but if you book on the day of travel the ticket could cost €35, so it’s a good idea to buy your train tickets early.
In general, tickets purchased 5 days in advance receive a 50% discount from the regular price, and tickets purchased 8 days in advance receive approximately 60% off the regular price.
The only downside is that these cheap tickets are non-refundable or non-changeable, so you’ll need to plan. If you’re worried about your plans, you can pay more for a refundable ticket.
Collect e-tickets or physical train tickets
Almost all train tickets purchased online are mobile e-tickets. If you purchased your tickets through Omio or Trainline, your tickets will be saved to your booking app or you will receive your tickets by email. Show your e-ticket to the train conductor with your mobile phone and he will scan the QR code.
Physical tickets purchased at the train station must be validated unless a specific time is printed on the ticket. Scan your ticket at the ticket machines located around the train platform. Failure to verify may result in costly fines.
The most popular train routes in Portugal
Most travelers only visit Lisbon, but there are many other places in Portugal worth checking out. Here are some of the most popular routes:
From Lisbon to Sintra by train (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour)
Sintra is the most popular day trip destination from Lisbon. The local train takes about an hour and costs €2.30 one way. Several trains run every hour, sometimes every 10 minutes during peak travel periods.
Tickets can only be purchased at the station. Ticket lines can get very long during peak season, so arrive early to avoid the lines.
Lisbon to Porto by train (2 hours 5 minutes – 3 hours)
Traveling between Lisbon (Oriente Station) and Porto (Campanhã Station) by train is easy, with several direct trains running daily. Alfa Pendular high-speed trains take approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, while slightly slower Intercity trains take approximately 3 hours 10 minutes.
Ticket prices start from around €32, but you can save over 50% if you book early. Check prices on Omio.
Lisbon to Braga by train (3 hours 16 minutes)
Braga is a large city located in the northernmost part of Portugal. Braga is about 3 hours 15 minutes by high-speed train from Lisbon and 40 meters by high-speed train from Porto.
There are a few direct trains between Lisbon and Braga, but most require a change in Porto (which can add up to a layover of anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or more). So look for direct trains for the shortest and most convenient route.
There are several daily departures between Lisbon and Braga, tickets cost €30 to €40, but if you book early you can save as much as €12 to €15. Check prices on Omio.
From Lisbon to Coimbra by train (1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes)
The riverside city of Coimbra is located about halfway between Porto and Lisbon, making it a popular trip from both cities. Direct trains between Lisbon and Coimbra take between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on whether you take the AP or IC train.
Regular train tickets between Lisbon and Coimbra cost around €20 to €26, or €10 to €15 if you book early. Check prices on Omio.
Lisbon to Faro by train (3 hours 30 minutes)
Sunny Faro is the most famous city in Portugal’s famous Algarve region. From Lisbon, the high-speed AP train takes about 3 hours and the IC train takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Check prices on Omio.
General Portugal train travel tips
There are a few more things to consider when taking the train in Portugal. Check out our Portugal train guide for more advice.
Check the train station
Many cities in Portugal have multiple train stations, so double-check to make sure you have the correct one.
baggage allowance
Technically only personal bags and suitcases are allowed on Portuguese trains, but this is not monitored unless you take a huge amount of luggage on the train. There is ample luggage space between the train cars and small shelves above the seats.
Train seat reservation
Your ticket automatically comes with seat reservations on high-speed AP and IC trains. Local and regional trains have open seats.
Food and drinks on board the train
You are free to bring your own food and drinks (including alcohol) on all trains. Most high-speed trains also have cafe cars selling snacks, coffee and alcohol. Some trains also have restaurant cars that offer a variety of options.
international train
Although Portugal is geographically separated from the rest of Europe, the most popular international train route is from Lisbon to Madrid, Spain, which takes about 14 hours. So most people choose to fly.
More Portugal travel tips from The Savvy Backpacker
Here are some additional articles I wrote about traveling in Portugal and Europe:
James Feess is the founder of The Savvy Backpacker and author of the book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Europe On A Budget”. He has been blogging about budget travel in Europe since 2010.
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