1st class train travel portugal

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Portugal train guide | how to travel portugual by train.

The Savvy Backpacker's guide to traveling Portugal by train

Transportation

Portugal is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe and one of the best ways to explore its amazing cities and towns is by taking the train. In this Portugal Train Guide, I’ll cover how to travel through Portugal by train—including how to buy train tickets, how to find the best prices on train tickets, and other helpful tips for using Portugal’s rail system.

How To Buy Train Tickets In Portugal

Ok, let’s start with how and where to buy train tickets for trains in Portugal.

Where To Buy Train Tickets in Portugal

Other than buying tickets at the train station (via the ticket window or automated ticket machines), there are only two ways to pre-purchase train tickets for trains in Portugal—either from the Official Portugal Rail Website ( Comboios de Portugal ) or through the third-party reseller Omio .

The Comboios de Portugal website suffers from some weird translation issues and some international users might have trouble making credit card payments so I recommend sticking to Omio .

Luckily, Omio is much more user-friendly than the Comboios de Portuga website, it accepts all international credit cards, it has a nice smartphone app (where your digital train tickets will be stored), it has a way better user interface, and it’s all in English. Omio sells tickets at the same price as the Comboios de Portugal website but they add a small service fee (around $2)—which I’d rather pay than deal with the Comboios de Portuga website.

Train tickets purchased via both Omio and Comboios de Portugal are digital tickets and can be accessed from their respective smartphone apps (they can also be printed at home). That’s why having a phone with reliable data is important. Check out my Guide For Buying A SIM Card and Mobile Data Plan in Europe to learn how to get affordable mobile data.

When To Buy Train Tickets To Get The Best Price

Train tickets in Portugal generally are available for purchase about 60 days before departure so there is no point in trying to book super far in advance.

Tickets for the Portuguese Alfa Pendular train (their high-speed, long-distance train which connects major cities in Portugal and international routes that connect to cities in Spain) are cheapest if bought a few weeks in advance—but generally buying 5-8 days is good enough.

For example, a ticket from Lisbon to Porto costs €16-€20 when bought a week early but sometimes they have extra cheap €10 promo fares. However, if you buy last minute, expect to pay €25-€35. Poke around Omio to see what you find to get a better idea of prices for your itinerary.

The route popularity can also have an effect on price so popular departure times are often slightly more expensive than less desirable times.

Pay Attention To Train-Type And Number of Transfers

When looking at potential train tickets, it’s super important to pay attention to both the type of train (AP high-speed, Intercity, local/regional, etc.) and the number of changes (direct, one change, two changes, etc.).

• AP = Alfa Pendular high-speed train that goes up to 135mph. These trains generally only stop at major towns/cities.
• IC = Intercity trains. These trains are still quick and hit speeds of 120mph but make more stops than the AP trains. Many IC trains will connect the same cities as AP trains but the journey will take longer.
• All other trains are local/regional trains. These travel at much slower speeds and make very frequent stops as they’re designed to service smaller towns and villages.

Some train routes are direct and others will have a transfer (or multiple transfers) where you’ll have to change trains at a train station—these stopovers can be super quick (~10-15 minutes) but I’ve also seen longer 1hr+ waits. If possible, seek out direct trains since it’s much easier, quicker, and you don’t have to worry about missed transfers because of delays.

First-Class vs Tourist Class Train Tickets

First-class tickets on Portuguese trains generally cost 50% more than “tourist” class (i.e. second-class) tickets. The main perks are more legroom and larger seats. You can also order food but that’s extra. Seats are arranged in a 2+1 configuration—one row has one seat the other row has two seats.

Otherwise, the tourist/second class is perfectly comfortable. Seats are arranged in a 2+2 configuration—both rows have two seats.

The Types Of Trains In Portugal

The Portuguese rail network is comprised of three main types of trains and each has its own quirks.

Alfa Pendular Train (High-Speed Train)

The Alfa Pendular Train (AP) is Portugal’s high-speed train that travels at speeds up to 135mph. These trains typically connect major cities and it’s also the train that connects to cities in Spain. If possible, always book these tickets because it’s a faster and more enjoyable experience.

The Alfa Pendular Trains are modern, have air conditioning, and have comfortable seats. Each train has 1st & 2nd class cars as well as a cafe/bar car. There is also free WiFi & power sockets at all seats.

You’ll want to book these tickets at least a week in advance for the best price but booking even earlier might result in even cheaper promo fares. Check Omio to see current prices.

Intercity Trains 

Next are the Intercity Trains (IC) and these also connect main cities as well as a few smaller cities. These trains can still reach relatively fast speeds of 120 mph but they make more frequent stops which means trips will take longer.

Again, trains are air-conditioned and have both 1st & 2nd class. Most trains also have free WiFi and a cafe/bar car. Don’t expect power sockets in 2nd class but many seats in 1st should have them.

You’ll also want to book these tickets at least a week in advance for the best price. Check Omio to see current prices.

Regional and Local Trains

All other trains are slower regional trains that reach out to small towns and villages.

These trains can’t be booked in advance and prices are always the same, so simply buy your tickets at the train station.

NOTE: Some popular day trip routes (like Lisbon to Sintra) attract tons of tourists so the ticket lines can get very long. Arrive well before your train’s departure or buy your tickets from the station a day before you travel to avoid missing the train you want.

Popular Train Routes in Portugal

Portugal is a fairly small country so most visitors stick to a few main train routes. I’ve listed a few of the most popular routes and listed some helpful information for each route.

Lisbon to Porto By Train (Around 2.5h-3h)

Traveling between Lisbon (Oriente Station) and Porto (Campanhã Station) by train is easy and there are multiple direct trains daily. The Alfa Pendular high-speed train will take around 2h40min and the slightly slower Intercity train takes around 3h10min.

Single tickets start around €32 but you can save 50%+ by booking early. Check prices at Omio .

Lisbon to Sintra by Train (Around 45min-1hr)

Sintra is a very popular day trip from Lisbon. It uses a local train that takes around one hour and costs €2.30 each way. There are multiple trains every hour—sometimes as often as every 10 minutes during peak travel times.

You can only buy tickets from the station. The ticket lines can get very long during the busy season so arrive early to avoid the lines.

Lisbon to Braga by Train (Around 3hr 16min)

Braga is a city in the far north of Portugal. Braga is about 3hr15m from Lisbon via the high-speed train and 40m from Porto via the high-speed train.

There are a few direct trains between Lisbon and Braga but most require a change in Porto (which can add anywhere from a 10-minute stopover to over an hour stopover). So look for a direct train for the shortest and most convenient route.

There are multiple daily departures between Lisbon and Braga and tickets cost between €30-€40 but can get down to €12-€15 if booked early. Check prices at Omio .

Lisbon to Coimbra by Train (Around 1h30min-1hr50min)

The riverfront city of Coimbra is about halfway between Porto and Lisbon so it makes a popular trip from both cities. Direct train journeys between Lisbon and Coimbra take between 1.5-2 hours depending if you take the AP or IC train.

Standard train tickets between Lisbon and Coimbra cost around €20-€26 or €10-€15 if booked early. Check prices at Omio .

Lisbon to Faro by Train (Around 3hr 30min)

Sunny Faro is the best-known city in Portugal’s famous Algarve region. The high-speed AP train takes about 3 hours and the IC train takes about 3.5 hours from Lisbon. Check prices at Omio .

More Portugal Train Travel Tips

Here are some more random things to keep in mind when using Portugal’s train system.

Double-Check Your Train Station Name

Many cities have multiple train stations that serve different parts of Portugal or other countries—for example, Lisbon’s main stations are Rossio, Santa Apolónia, and Campolide. Don’t make the mistake of going to the wrong station.

Give Yourself Time At The Station

It’s generally easy to find your train once you arrive at the station but give yourself some extra time so you’re not rushing through the crowded station to get to your train.

Don’t Freak Out If You Don’t See Your Train On The Board

You’ll find your train platform via the departure board at the train station. Don’t worry if you don’t see your train because they often only display trains departing within the next 15-20 minutes.

Arrive Early If Buying Tickets At The Station

Ticket lines at the train station can get very long so you’ll want to arrive with plenty of time so you don’t miss your train. If possible, buy your tickets online so you can skip the lines but many local trains can’t be bought online so doing it in person is your only option.

Self-Service Machines Are In English

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Portuguese because the ticket machines (and train station signs) are all in English.

Cheap Tickets Are Non-Refundable

One downside to cheap train tickets is that they’re non-refundable and can’t be changed.

Pack A Picnic

You’re allowed to bring your own food and alcohol on trains so bring some food along for those long train rides.

For more general trips about traveling by train in Europe, check out my Complete Guide To Train Travel In Europe . Also, check out my Guide To Using Rail Passes in Europe if you’re going to be taking multiple train trips as you travel.

More Europe Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

Traveling to Portugal and beyond? Here are some helpful articles to help you plan your trip.

• Lisbon Travel Guide : The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to visiting Lisbon on a budget.
• How Much To Budget For Lisbon : I do the math and break down how much it costs to visit Lisbon.
• The Best Hostels in Lisbon : My guide to my favorite hostels in Lisbon for every travel style.
• The Best Travel Backpacks : A list of my favorite backpacks that are designed for travel.
• Backpacking Europe Packing List : What you should take (and what you should leave behind) when traveling to Europe.
• The Complete Guide To Backpacking Europe : Just about everything you need to know about traveling Europe on a budget.
• How To Buy Train Tickets in Portugal : More in-depth tips for buying Portuguese train tickets.
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Trains 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 Combra for Porto. From Irún to Madrid 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.

The Celta service runs daily between Campanhã Station in Porto and Vigo in Spain. There are stops at Nine, Viana do Castelo and Valença .

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 Guides

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

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 railway line in the Algarve (Linha do Algarve) runs from Lagos Station 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.

Lisbon Trains

Local train services in Lisbon include the Linha de Cascais with trains from Cais do Sodre Station to Estoril and Cascais via Oeiras, the privately operated Fertagus Line with connections south to Setubal and the Sintra Line with trains from Rossio Station to Sintra Station via Sete Rios and Campolide .

Cascais Line Trains

Buses to + in Portugal

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The Man in Seat 61

How to travel by train from

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The best way to travel between Portugal's capital and second city is by train.  Fast trains link Lisbon's Santa Apolonia station with Porto's Campanhã station in as little as 2h58, city centre to city centre.  Choose between a tilting 200 km/h Alfa Pendular, or a slightly slower Intercity train.  Further feedback or photos would be appreciated .

Lisbon to Porto is 337 km (209 miles) by rail.

Lisbon ► Porto

Check times at the Portuguese Railways (CP) website www.cp.pt or at Omio.com .

Trains leave Lisbon Santa Apolonia every hour or two, some 200 km/h Alfa Pendulars taking 2h58, others Intercity trains taking 3h23. 

All trains also call at Lisbon Oriente station in the east of the city 9 minutes after leaving Santa Apolonia, you can pick the train up here if you prefer.  Lisbon Oriente is located next to the Parque da Nações, the former Expo '98 site.

Trains arrive at Porto Campanhã.  However, all tickets include a free transfer by suburban train to the beautiful Porto São Bento station closer to the old town.  Suburban trains link Campanhã & São Bento stations every 5-15 minutes taking 4 minutes.

Porto ► Lisbon

Check times at the official CP (Portuguese Railways) website www.cp.pt or at Omio.com .

Trains leave Porto Campanhã every hour or two, some are 200 km/h Alfa Pendulars taking 2h58, others Intercity trains taking around 3h23.

All trains also call at Lisbon Oriente station in the east of the city 9 minutes before arriving at Santa Apolonia, you can get off here if you prefer.  Lisbon Oriente is located next to the Parque da Nações, the former Expo '98 site.

Trains leave from Porto Campanhã.  However, all tickets allow you to start from the beautiful Porto São Bento station closer to the old town, transferring by suburban train to Campanhã.  Suburban trains link São Bento & Campanhã stations every 5-15 minutes taking 4 minutes.

If you use Porto - São Bento as your starting station at www.cp.pt it'll show you the suggested transfer time, but as this is not a guaranteed connection and I'd make sure it's giving you plenty of time (say, 20+ minutes) between trains at Campanhã - if necessary play safe and take an earlier local train from São Bento.

How much does it cost ?

Promo fares start at just €9.50 in 2nd class or €22.50 in 1st class.

How to buy tickets

Buy tickets at the Portuguese Railways (CP) website www.cp.pt (in €) or at Omio.com (in €, £ or $). 

Booking opens 60 days ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone, including in the CP app.

Omio.com is easy to use, overseas credit cards welcome, small booking fee.  Cp.pt is more fiddly, but has an English version ands works with most overseas payment cards. 

Rail Ninja is not an official CP reseller and should be avoided .  Omio and CP are currently the only two sites currently authorised to sell Portuguese train tickets, no other retailer connects to CP's system.

Booking tips

For Lisbon city centre select Lisboa - Santa Apolonia , or select Lisboa - Oriente for the east of the city & Parque da Nações.

For Porto, you can either select Porto - Campanhã which is the station used by the trains to/from Lisbon, or you can select Lisboa - São Bento and it will show through journeys to/from São Bento closer to the old city, using a suburban train for the free transfer between São Bento & Campanhã.

AP = Alfa Pendular.  IC = Intercity.  IR = Inter-Regional.  R = Regional.  U = Urban (suburban train).  AP or IC on their own indicates a direct train.  A combo, for example AP|U means Alfa Pendular with 1 change onto a suburban train (it'll show you details if you click the + sign).

When registering on www.cp.pt , it won't accept UK-style postcodes with letters in, so enter your postcode as 123456 , it makes no difference.

What are the trains like ?

Alfa Pendular trains are CP's premier trains, fully air-conditioned 6-car electric trains which reach 220 km/h (136 mph) on some sections of the Lisbon-Porto route.  Built by FIAT, they tilt into the curves, enabling them to go faster than conventional trains.  They have 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  There's free WiFi & power sockets at all seats.  They are shown in the booking system as AP.  For a seating plan, see the seat numbering page .

Intercity trains are CP's second-rank expresses, fully air-conditioned 1st & 2nd class, most also with cafe-bar & free WiFi.  You'll find power sockets at some 1st class seats, but not in 2nd class.  The distinctive stainless-steel exterior built in Portugal hides an interior design closely based on SNCF's (French Railways) successful Corail carriages.  They are shown in the booking system as IC.  For a seating plan, see the seat numbering page .

Travel tips

Station information.

Lisbon Santa Apolonia is the city's main terminus, walking distance from the old city centre.  Lisbon-Porto trains normally start & end here.  See location map .

Lisbon Oriente is a modern station & transport hub to the east of the city centre.  Designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava (who also designed Lyon St Exupéry and Liege Guillemins), it opened in 1998 next to Expo '98, an area now occupied by the Parque da Nações.  All Lisbon-Porto trains call here, and all Lisbon to Faro trains start from here (in fact, one or two trains run direct between Porto & Faro, these call at Lisbon Oriente but by-pass Santa Apolonia).   Click for location map

Porto Campanhã is Porto's main station, trains to & from Lisbon & Faro use this station.  See location map .

Porto São Bento is a terminus located in Porto's UNESCO-listed historic centre.  Built between 1904 & 1916, the azulejo tiling in the main hall make it one of Europe's most beautiful stations, and a Porto attraction in its own right.  Make sure you call in here!  It's not served by mainline trains to or from Lisbon, but frequent suburban trains link it with Porto Campanhã every 5-15 minutes, journey time 4 minutes.  A few Douro Valley trains start from here, before serving Porto Campanhã.  See larger photo of the interior .  See location map .  See Wikipedia page about Sao Bento station .

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Porto and Lisbon First Class Train

Description.

Lisbon is called the "city of seven hills" located on the Tagus’ river mouth and the World’s Leading City Break Destinations 2017. This cosmopolitan city is famous for its hospitality, gastronomy and rich cultural heritage. Lisbon is an historical city full of authenticity and stories where tradition and history intersect with cultural entertainment, where historical monuments and World Heritage Sites blend with urban art by world famous artists.

Porto is known as “Cidade Invicta”, the city that was never conquered. Located by the Douro River, Porto has been named “Best European Destination 2017”. Its historical center, never touched by invaders, is registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The historical value of the Old Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis and the Torre dos Clérigos combine with the contemporary buildings as the Serralves Museum and the “Casa da Música” (house of music), showcasing the unique aesthetic of the city.

Arrival at Lisbon Airport. Meet & greet in English and private transfer to your Check-in and accommodation for 4 nights on bed and breakfast basis. Spend your time in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a fantastic city to visit with its monuments, museums, restaurants, religious & historic buildings, gardens and cultural places.

Tours included:

Lisbon tour by TUK TUK and food & wine experience (duration 2:30 hours). The most authentic experience of Lisbon combining history, iconic sights and portuguese gastronomy. See some of the typical Lisbon quarters from Bairro Alto to Chiado and Rossio, admire beautiful views of the ‘city of seven hils’ and experience some portuguese ‘tapas’ & wines.

Full Day Sintra Tour (lunch NOT included) - Daily Tour with departure around 09h00. A tour to the charming and picturesque town of Sintra . See the historic center and visit the National Palace. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon travel to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of Europe, and admire the beautiful views of Guincho beach and Boca to Inferno. Continue to Cascais and Estoril before returning to Lisbon and to your hotel.

Check-out from the hotel in Lisbon and transfer to the Lisbon Oriente Train Station. Arrival to Campanha Train Station and transfer to the hotel in Porto. Check-in and accommodation for 3 nights on bed & breakfast basis. Time to discover the 2nd largest city in Portugal. Known by its many and varied monuments, from the cathedral with its Romanesque choir, the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace to the typically Portuguese Manueline style Church of Santa Clara, Porto also offers the cultural richness of a big city.

Half Day Porto City Tour – Daily Tour with departure around 09h00 or 14h00 . Guided tour to explore this beautiful city on the Douro river banks. Visit the superb Cathedral, the neoclassical stock exchange Palace, the São Bento train station. Continue through the historic centre with narrow streets and squares, and admire the incredible Lello bookshop. Visit a Port wine cellar and sample some rich wine flavours .

Full Day Douro Tour including lunch. Daily Tour with departure around 09h00. This charming and unique region in the North of Portugal is defined by having been the first demarcated wine region in the world and its landscape classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Our tour takes you to visit ‘São Leonardo de Galatura’ view point, continue to Pinhão and take an hour cruise in the Douro River. Finish your day with a Port wine tasting at a local Wine estate.

Check-out from your hotel in Porto and transfer included to Porto-Campanha Train Station. Take the train to Lisbon and travel in FIRST Class, to Lisbon-Oriente Train Station (train tickets included). No transfers are provided from the Oriente train Station to the Hotel in Lisbon. Chcek-in for the last night in Lisbon.

Check-out from your hotel. Transfer by private car to Lisbon airport , included. Board your flight home.

What's Included

• 4 nights stay at the mentioned hotel in Lisbon (or similar hotel) 
• 3 nights stay at the mentioned hotel in Porto (or similar hotel)
• Half Day Porto Tour + Full Day Douro Tour
• Tuk Tuk tour and gastronomy experience. + Full Day Sintra Tour
• First Class train ticket Lisbon/ Porto /Lisbon
• Private transfers Lisbon Airport/ Hotel in Lisbon ( Day 1)
• Private transfer Hotel in Lisbon/ Train Station in Lisbon (Day 4)
• Private transfers Train Station in Porto/ Hotel in Porto (Day 4)
• Private transfer Hotel in Porto/ Train Station Porto (Day 7)
• Private transfer Hotel in Lisbon/ Porto (Day 8) 
• Entrance fees to Jeronimos ( closed on Mondays ), Museu da Ajuda e Museu dos Coches. Please note: Museu dos Coches is only visited on Thursday tours.

Does Not Include

• Porto and Lisbon City Taxes 
• Transfer Train Station in Lisbon to Hotel in Lisbon (Day 7)
• Entrance fees to Livraria Lello & Palacio da Bolsa in Porto city.

Dates & Rates

• Prices per person in US Dollars
• Single = 1 person per room
• Double = 2 persons per room
• Triple = 3 persons per room
• Prices are subject to change according to Hotels availability

Booking your land only vacation

• A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per person is required to confirm and hold your reservation
• Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change until confirmed
• Full payment due 45 days from departure

Booking your Vacation with Air

• This vacation does not have an airfare option. We can hold your land reservation while you book air. Once you confirm your air itinerary we can then proceed with collecting a deposit and confirming your land portion

Cancellation Policy

• Deposit is non-refundable
• Cancellation up to 26 days prior to arrival: $350 per person plus 10% total package
• Cancellation with 25 or less days prior arrival, "no shows" and unused services - No refund

Refund Fees

• A 3.9% credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.

I want to book. What do I do next?

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Booking Changes

• A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. 

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• We strongly recommend you purchase travel/cancellation insurance. Ask us about it.

Standard Hotels

Porto - hf tuela porto.

Located in Boavista, one of the most important business and shopping centers in Porto, some of the main tourist attractions are just around the corner from the hotel, such as the gardens of Palácio de Cristal and their amazing views, or the banks of the Douro river.

Lisbon - Hotel Travel Park

Hotel Travel Park is located in the East side of Lisbon a mere 300 feet from Anjos Metro Station and a 15 minute walk from the bustling Praca Dom Pedro IV. It has a bar with a terrace.

The air conditioned rooms at the Hotel Travel Park Lisboa have wooden furnishings. They include a sitting area with satellite TV and a private bathroom with signature amenities.

Guests of the Hotel Park can enjoy a rich buffet breakfast. The hotel serves snacks and light meals in the bar and offers room service. On warm days, meals can be enjoyed on the spacious terrace.

A 24-hour front desk and car rental services are among the useful facilities offered by the Park Lisboa.

Superior Hotels

Porto - hotel fenix porto.

Standing tall in a commercial area of Porto’s Boavista district, HF Fénix Porto is 1,300 feet from Casa da Musica concert hall. It features free Wi-Fi throughout and spacious rooms with cable TV.

All rooms at the HF Fénix Porto are air conditioned and include a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Rooms on the upper floors offer full views of the Douro River.

A varied buffet breakfast consisting of pastries, breads, cereals, eggs, fruits and juices is served each morning in Fénix’s dining room, which features stained-glass features in the ceiling. There is a bar and an outdoor terrace with parasols.

The Fenix’s attentive, multilingual staff can provide babysitting services on request, arrange car rental and provide tourist information.

Cidade Do Porto shopping center is next to the hotel and São Bento Train Station is 1.9 mi away. Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is 7.5 mi away.

Lisbon - Hotel Mundial

Set in Lisbon’s Baixa Pombalina district, this 4-star hotel features a terrace with panoramic city views. It is a 2-minute walk from Rossio Square and offers free on-site private parking.

Rooms at the Hotel Mundial have air conditioning and traditional-style furnishings. They come equipped with satellite TV and a minibar. The private bathrooms include a bathrobe and hairdryer.

The Veranda de Lisboa Restaurant offers local cuisine in an a la carte style. Both the restaurant and the rooftop bar offer extensive views of Lisbon. There is also a wine cellar, where guests can attend wine tasting sessions hosted by experts.

Hotel Mundial is a 5-minute drive from St. George's Castle, and is a 10-minute walk from various shops and restaurants.

Similar Packages

Portugal Classic Self-Drive Tour

8 Days/ 7 Nights. See the sites of Lisbon and Northern Portugal with this 8 day getaway.

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1st Class or 2nd class train travel - worth the extra cost? - Portugal Forum

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1st Class or 2nd class train travel - worth the extra cost?

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You might find a 1st class promotional fare on offer for about the same as the standard second class fare, in which case I would take it.

The full details are set out at https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/how-to-travel

The two types of long distance train, Alfa Pendular (AP) and Intercidades (IC) are different, so read both. The twenty minutes from Faro to Fuseta are second class only in a two car local train.

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• Is first class wo...

Is first class worth it? Lisbon to Porto?

Hi all! I leave this evening for Lisbon from the US. I will be staying in Lisbon for a few days, then heading up to Porto. I am curious whether anyone has taken that route by train? I am trying to decide whether first class is worth the extra cost. Do you get more privacy? I see online that you get a little more space. Any other advantages?

I've taken this train several times, both 1st and 2nd class. There's not a big difference, other than you have a bit more space, which is nice if you are tall (I'm 6'4" so always like a bit more room if possible). 1st class is often less crowded than 2nd class, as most of the locals will be traveling in 2nd class. I don't recall this train ever being packed, in either 1st or 2nd class.

If you can, check the day you travel and see if there is a holiday that might increase the numbers on a train. Also, I think trains at noon would mean less people than earlier or later. We will be on a river cruise from Porto and have to return to Lisbon on the train. We plan to go 2nd class and take the train that leaves about noon.

It is truly personal preference. First class seating is 1x2 so the single seat could give a little more privacy in that you would not be sharing a seat with someone else. Personally we see little advantage to first class so generally used second class unless there is a super deal on first. Once rode first class on a German train and we were the only people in the car. That was private.

Here is the London to Porto page from The Man In Seat 61, showing pictures of both first and second class on the Lisbon to Porto train: http://seat61.com/Portugal.htm#Porto

First class is what we took and I would do it again. Not a lot more expensive and the 4 of us had facing chairs with a table in the middle

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