About Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal's capital and one of Europe's oldest cities, spread across seven hills above the Tagus River. Its mix of historic neighborhoods, grand riverside monuments, and lively food and nightlife scene makes it easy to fill a short or long stay. Popular stops include the Jerónimos Monastery and Tower of Belém in the Belém district, São Jorge Castle in Alfama, and the iconic yellow Tram 28 that winds through the city's oldest streets. Visitors can also explore the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, the Time Out Market, and the modern Parque das Nações waterfront. For day trips, Sintra's fairy-tale palaces are just 40 minutes away by suburban train.

Lisbon is also a practical base for exploring the rest of Portugal by rail. The Alfa Pendular high-speed train connects the city with Porto, Faro, Albufeira, Lagos, and Braga, with frequent daily departures and clear timetables. Whether you are spending a few days in the capital or passing through on a longer trip, the rail connections from Lisbon make it straightforward to reach the best of Portugal without needing a car.

Train Routes to and from Lisbon

Lisbon – Porto

The most popular intercity rail connection in Portugal, linking the capital with the country's second city.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 332 km
Travel time: 2 h 39 m - 6 h 9 m
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Porto – Lisbon

Key business and leisure route, with frequent daily departures in both directions.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 332 km
Travel time: 2 h 42 m - 4 h 46 m
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Lisbon – Faro

A scenic route south to the capital of the Algarve, serving sun-seekers and beach travelers.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 295 km
Travel time: 2 h 52 m - 4 h 9 m
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Faro – Lisbon

Convenient return route from the Algarve capital back to Lisbon, with multiple daily services.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 295 km
Travel time: 3 h 5 m - 3 h 41 m
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Lisbon – Albufeira

A popular coastal route serving one of the Algarve's most beloved resort towns.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 256 km
Travel time: 2 h 28 m - 3 h 45 m
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Albufeira – Lisbon

Return connection from Albufeira's Ferreiras station to Lisbon, with several daily services.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 256 km
Travel time: 2 h 41 m - 3 h 47 m
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Lisbon – Lagos

A longer Algarve route serving the charming coastal town of Lagos, with a connection at Tunes.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 301 km
Travel time: 3 h 38 m - 5 h 41 m
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Lagos – Lisbon

Return journey from Lagos to Lisbon, with a short connection change at Tunes.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 301 km
Travel time: 3 h 55 m - 4 h 53 m
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Lisbon – Braga

A longer northern route connecting the capital with one of Portugal's most historic cities.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 389 km
Travel time: 3 h 20 m - 6 h 26 m
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Braga – Lisbon

Return connection from Braga south to Lisbon with multiple daily services.

Alfa Pendular High-Speed train
Distance: 389 km
Travel time: 3 h 22 m - 3 h 48 m
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Train Stations in Lisbon

Gare do Oriente is Lisbon's largest and busiest railway station, located in the modern Parque das Nações district. Designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 1998 for Expo '98, the station is an architectural landmark in itself, its soaring steel and glass canopy draws comparisons to Gothic cathedrals while feeling thoroughly contemporary. It serves as the main hub for Alfa Pendular high-speed trains to Porto, Faro, Lagos, and beyond, and is also integrated with Lisbon's metro, bus, and suburban rail networks.
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Constructed in 1865, Santa Apolónia is the oldest railway station in Portugal, situated on the northern banks of the Tagus River in the historic Alfama district. Operated by CP, it serves as a key departure point for long-distance domestic routes and international connections to Madrid. Despite having only eight platforms, the station is easy to navigate and remains one of the most centrally located stations in the city, within walking distance of Lisbon's waterfront and Alfama neighborhood.
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Entrecampos is a central Lisbon station serving the Sintra and Fertagus lines, as well as long-distance Alfa Pendular trains heading north to Porto and south to Faro. It is one of the main departure points for the famous Alfa Pendular express service. The station features distinctive architecture by Carlos Roxo, with artistic contributions by José Santa-Bárbara and Luís Ralha. Its central location makes it a convenient boarding point for travelers staying in the heart of Lisbon.
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Sete Rios is a smaller but well-connected station in central Lisbon, serving as a departure point for some southbound Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services to Faro, Albufeira, and other Algarve destinations. The adjacent Sete Rios bus terminal makes it a convenient combined hub for rail and coach travel. It is also linked to Lisbon's metro network, providing easy access from across the city.
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How to Get from Lisbon to Other Cities by Train

Lisbon to Porto Train Journey

The Lisbon to Porto route is the backbone of the Portuguese rail network, connecting the country's two largest cities in under 3 hours by Alfa Pendular. Services run roughly every hour or two throughout the day from Santa Apolónia and Oriente stations, with the fastest Alfa Pendular covering the 332 km journey in approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes. The scenery along the way, vineyards, river valleys, and rolling hills, makes the trip itself a pleasure. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Mecca to Medina Train Journey
Mecca to Jeddah Airport Train Journey
Lisbon to Faro Train Journey

The Lisbon to Faro route is the main gateway to the Algarve, serving beach travelers and sun-seekers throughout the year. Alfa Pendular trains complete the journey in approximately 3 hours, while Intercidades services take around 3 hours 30 minutes. Trains depart from Lisbon Oriente about 5 times per day and also call at Entrecampos, crossing the Tagus River via the 25 de Abril Bridge and stopping at key Algarve towns en route. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Lisbon to Albufeira Train Journey

The Lisbon to Albufeira route is popular with holidaymakers heading to one of the Algarve's best-known coastal resorts. Alfa Pendular trains cover the 256 km distance in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, arriving at Ferreiras station, which is located around 7 km north of Albufeira's town centre and well connected by local taxi and bus services. Several Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains run daily on this route. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Mecca to Jeddah Train Journey
Mecca to Jeddah Airport Train Journey
Lisbon to Lagos Train Journey

The Lisbon to Lagos journey is slightly longer and requires a short train change at Tunes station in the Algarve. The full trip typically takes around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes, with the Alfa Pendular running the Lisbon–Tunes leg and a regional train covering the final stretch to Lagos. Despite the connection, it is still the most comfortable and reliable way to reach this picturesque coastal town. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.

Travel Tips for Visiting Lisbon by Train

  • Check Train Schedules
    Review train schedules in advance, especially if you are connecting onward to Faro, Porto, or other destinations on the same day, as some services have limited daily departures.
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  • Book Tickets in Advance
    Book Alfa Pendular tickets as early as possible, particularly during summer (July–August), Easter, and Portuguese national holidays, when popular routes such as Lisbon–Porto and Lisbon–Faro sell out quickly.
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  • Choose Your Lisbon Station Wisely
    Lisbon has multiple train stations. Alfa Pendular trains typically call at Santa Apolónia, Oriente, Entrecampos, and Sete Rios, check which station is most convenient for your accommodation before booking.
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  • Allow Time for Platform Changes
    At Lisbon Oriente, which connects trains, metro, and buses, allow extra time to navigate the terminal and reach your platform, particularly if you are traveling with luggage or as part of a group.
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  • Metro to Reach Train Stations
    Both Gare do Oriente and Entrecampos are served by Lisbon's metro (subway), making it straightforward to travel from most central neighborhoods to the station without needing a taxi.
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  • Validate Suburban Tickets
    If using suburban or urban (Urbano) trains within the Lisbon area, always validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines. Alfa Pendular and Intercidades tickets do not require separate validation.
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FAQ About Trains to and from Lisbon

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