How to travel by rail in Portugal
April 13, 2023
Portugal has a well-developed railway network that covers most of the country. Here's a guide to Portuguese rail that should help you plan your journey:
- Types of trains:
Portugal has several types of trains: Alfa, Regional, Urban and Intercity. Regional trains make stops at all stations along the route, while Intercity trains make fewer stops and are faster. Alfa is high speed from Braga to the Algarve. Urban are commuter trains.
- Ticket types:
There are 2 types of tickets available:
- Single ticket: A ticket for a single journey between two stations.
- Return ticket: A ticket for a return journey between two stations.
- How to buy tickets:
Tickets can be purchased at train stations, online or via the CP app or site. The app is available for iOS and Android devices. Do not use any third party site, as CP may not allow it for travel.
- Train schedules:
Train schedules can be found on the CP website or the CP app. They are also posted at train stations.
- Luggage:
Each passenger is allowed to bring up to three pieces of luggage on board. There are luggage racks and storage areas on the trains.
- Accessibility:
CP trains are equipped to accommodate passengers with disabilities. There are reserved spaces for wheelchairs and assistance is available for boarding and disembarking.
- Popular routes:
Some of the most popular train routes in Portugal include Lisbon to Porto, Lisbon to Faro, and Porto to Coimbra.
- Tips:
- Book your tickets 3 weeks advance to get the best prices.
- Try to travel outside of rush hour to avoid crowds.
- Be prepared for delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Keep your ticket with you at all times, as you will need it to exit the station.
- Most trains have wi-fi, some have cafe cars.
With this guide, you should be able to enjoy the Portuguese rail system with ease.
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