Alfa Pendular Second Class (Turistica)

Despite being the most cost-saving option offered by Alfa Pendular high-speed trains in Portugal, Turistica travel class boasts plenty of useful facilities guaranteeing its passengers a delightful ride. What is more, apart from enjoying modern facilities, Portugal adventurers are welcome to take advantage of the onboard catering service and purchase various snacks or beverages in the Alfa Pendular bistro car, which is open during the entire ride! The seating is designed for comfort, with ample legroom and adjustable reclining seats for a more relaxed journey. Passengers can also enjoy the convenience of power outlets to charge their devices, making it easier to stay connected during the trip. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the Turistica class offers an excellent balance of affordability and comfort.

Alfa Pendular Turistica Class Main Features

The Alfa Pendular is operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal), the national rail carrier, and is the fastest and most prestigious train service in the country. Running at speeds of up to 220 km/h, it connects Lisbon's Santa Apolónia station with Porto Campanhã in around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and continues south to Faro on the Algarve line. Turistica Class makes up the majority of seats on each train, offering travellers a high-quality experience at an accessible price point.

Alfa Pendular 2nd Class features:

spacious seats
generous legroom
folding tables
vending machines

ALFA PENDULAR TRAIN CLASSES

bar car
power outlets
free WiFi

220 km/h

Top speed
~2h 45m

Lisbon–Porto train travel length
Bistro car

Open all ride
2+2

Seating layout

Turistica Class seats are arranged in a 2+2 configuration, with a comfortable aisle between the two pairs. Each seat reclines smoothly and features a fold-down tray table, a dedicated power outlet, and an adjustable headrest. The generous seat pitch means passengers have enough space to stretch out, open a laptop, or simply relax without feeling cramped — a notable advantage over standard intercity services on shorter regional routes.

The bistro car is one of the highlights of travelling Alfa Pendular in any class. Open from the moment the train departs to the final stop, it serves a rotating selection of hot and cold snacks, sandwiches, pastries, coffee, wine, and soft drinks. Portuguese staples like pastel de nata and toasted bifanas are often available, making the bistro car a small but genuine taste of local culture during your journey.

Booking tip
Turistica Class tickets are significantly cheaper when booked in advance through the CP website or app. Prices can be up to 50% lower with an early booking, and seat selection is included at no extra cost — allowing you to choose a window seat for the best views of the Portuguese countryside and coastline.

Alfa Pendular Classes Information

The Alfa Pendular route offers some of Portugal's most varied and scenic rail views. Travelling northward from Lisbon, the train passes through the rolling plains of the Ribatejo region before reaching the vine-covered hillsides of the Douro Valley approach near Porto. On the southern route towards Faro, passengers are treated to the sun-baked landscapes of the Alentejo and the golden coastlines of the Algarve — all from the comfort of a Turistica Class seat.

For travellers considering an upgrade, Conforto Class — the Alfa Pendular's first-class offering — provides a 2+1 seating arrangement, wider seats, extra legroom, and complimentary snacks and drinks served at your seat. However, for the vast majority of journeys, Turistica Class delivers a genuinely comfortable and enjoyable experience that stands on its own merits, without the need to spend more.

Try the new Rail Ninja App today

Get our free app to book & manage your trips on the go