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All Aboard: Exploring Portugal's National Railway Museum in Entroncamento

Set on the main line north of Lisbon, Portugal, the Portugal’s National Railway Museum (Museu Nacional Ferroviário) in Entroncamento offers a world class journey through more than 160 years of the country's rail history. Spanning 4.5 hectares with 19 railway lines, this museum houses one of Europe's most extensive collections of railway heritage, featuring around 36,000 artifacts, including historic locomotives, carriages, and railway equipment. 

 Rail-musuem

Entroncamento is  a key rail junction and the museum which celebrates the city’s unique legacy. Though the city has diversified economically, the railway still defines its character — visible in its layout, architecture, and community spirit.

A Railway Journey Through Time

The museum's extensive collection showcases the evolution of rail transport in Portugal, from the first steam locomotives to modern electric trains. Highlights include the Royal Train and the Presidential Train, both meticulously preserved and open for exploration.

Interactive Exhibits for All Ages

Beyond static displays, the museum offers interactive experiences suitable for visitors of all ages. Children and adults alike can enjoy the scale model train rides and the railway driving simulator, providing hands-on insights into train operations. The museum also features augmented reality exhibits and themed tours, enhancing the educational experience.

Planning Your Visit

  • Location: Rua Eng.º Ferreira de Mesquita Nº1 A, Entroncamento, Portugal

  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); closed on Mondays and certain holidays.

  • Admission: Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for children, students, seniors, and families. And there is a discount if you arrive by train!.

  • Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and equipped with facilities for visitors with special needs.

Getting There

Entroncamento is well-connected by train, making the museum easily accessible from major cities including Lisbon and Porto. The museum is just a short walk from the Entroncamento Railway Station, following clearly marked signs.

Costs

 
  • Adults (18-64): 6,00€
  • Seniors (65+): 4,00€
  • Youth (6-17): 3,00€
  • kids (up to 5): Free!
  • Students: 3,00€ (with card)
  • Come via CP with a ticket, 50% off

Entroncamento: Born for the Rails

Entroncamento, located in the Santarém District of central Portugal, is a unique city whose origins are directly tied to the railway. Unlike many Portuguese cities with medieval roots, Entroncamento emerged in the mid-19th century as a railway junction — in fact, its name literally means “junction” in Portuguese.

The Birth of a Railway Town

Entroncamento began to take shape around 1864, when the Portuguese government expanded its rail network to support economic growth and national integration. It was here that the two major railway lines — the Northern Line (Linha do Norte) and the Eastern Line (Linha do Leste) — intersected, making it a key strategic hub.

As the railway station and maintenance workshops were built, workers and their families began to settle nearby. What started as a workers’ settlement quickly grew into a vibrant town. By the early 20th century, Entroncamento had become among the most important railway centers in Portugal.

Growth and Recognition

With a growing population and infrastructure linked to the rail industry, Entroncamento was officially recognized as a town (vila) in 1945, and later as a city (cidade) in 1991. Its identity remained closely tied to the railway — both economically and culturally — with generations of residents working in rail-related trades.

Entroncamento is a symbol of industrial modernity in Portugal: a city not built around a castle or cathedral, but around the heartbeat of the 19th-century technological revolution — the train.

More Information

For detailed information on exhibits, events, and ticketing, visit the official websites:

 

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