If you are planning a trip to Portugal sometime in the future, you probably have Lisbon and Porto somewhere in your itinerary. Going around Portugal is very convenient. They have an excellent public transport system that can take you to different parts of the cities. This is no different if you are planning on traveling from Lisbon to Porto and vice versa.
You can take the train from Lisbon to Portugal and have a glimpse of several scenic views. The travel time will depend on the train and it will take you about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Lisbon to Porto if you take their high-speed trains, which is the Alfa Pendular. If you take the Intercidades (Intercity) trains, it will take a little over 3 hours.
But, taking the train is not your only option. There are several ways to go from Lisbon to Porto and we will talk about them in this article. We will also give you some tips on how to book your train tickets for a hassle-free ride from Lisbon to Porto. Enjoy!
How To Get From Lisbon To Porto
Lisbon and Porto are the first and second largest cities in Portugal. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal so most tourists often visit Lisbon first. Porto is also a major tourist destination, so it is understandable that many tourists would want to visit both cities.
For people who love good food, wine, and beautiful architecture, including Porto in your itinerary is a must.
There are several ways to get from Lisbon to Porto. You can either travel by train, car, bus, or by plane.
Lisbon To Porto By Train
The most recommended way to travel is to take the train from Lisbon to Porto as it is the easiest way. There are high-speed Alfa Pendular trains and intercity trains that run daily from Lisboa to Porto. Porto trains also have a daily schedule going to Lisbon, so you can definitely have a day trip from Lisbon to Porto.
The travel time will depend on the train that you will take. The Alfa Pendular train will take you from Lisbon to Porto in about 2 hours and 40 minutes while the Intercidades (intercity trains) will take a little over 3 hours.
Most of the trains will go directly from Santa Apolonia station and all services will stop at Porto Campanha Station. From there you will have to transfer trains to go to São Bento Station, which is the city center of Porto.
São Bento Station is just a 4-minute train ride from Campanha Station and is also home to the famous blue tiles. You can also take other train lines in Campanha Station that can get you to other destinations in Porto.
Tips For Booking Your Train Tickets
For a successful journey, it is best to plan your trip weeks, even months, in advance. By doing so, you can check different train schedules and plan your trip around them.
Not only that, train tickets from Lisbon to Porto must be pre-booked. Train tickets will be checked by train conductors so if you do not have a ticket, you will be fined.
If you buy your train tickets online at least 5 days in advance, you can get cheaper train tickets than if you buy your ticket on the day of your travel. If you can’t buy your ticket in advance, be at the train station earlier than your intended departure and purchase your ticket at the ticket office.
When you buy your tickets, you can choose to get tickets for 1st or 2nd class seats. Of course, 1st class train tickets will be more expensive than 2nd class tickets.
Most trains will depart from Santa Apolonia Station which is located in Alfama. But, some trains can also depart from Oriente train station so make sure to double-check your tickets. Trains coming from both stations will stop at Porto Campanha Station so you should also indicate that your final destination is São Bento.
Once you arrive at Campanha Station, you need to transfer to another train that is going to São Bento. If you choose São Bento as your final destination, the transfer is already included in your ticket so you do not have to buy another ticket.
How Far Is Lisbon To Porto By Train?
It is about 170 miles (274 km) distance between Lisbon and Porto and traveling by train takes about over 3 hours.
Is The Train Ride From Lisbon To Porto Scenic?
Yes, you can definitely see beautiful scenery if you take the train from Lisbon to Porto. The train will pass through the city of Coimbra and the train ride will also offer you views from different countryside sceneries such as vineyards and farms. Aside from those views, you will also get a glimpse of rivers and mountains during your train ride.
Other Ways To Get To Porto From Lisbon
Lisbon To Porto By Bus
Another way to travel from Lisbon to Porto is by bus. The travel time would be a little longer than if you would take the high-speed train but it would more or less take about 3 hours and 30 minutes of travel time by bus.
There are different bus companies that you can choose from for the Lisbon to Porto route and vice versa. Bus tickets tend to be cheaper than train tickets so if you want to save transportation costs, you can check and see if a 3-hour bus ride is for you.
Like train tickets, you would want to book bus tickets in advance to find the cheapest possible fare.
Lisbon To Porto By Car
If you like driving, and you are not averse to a 3-hour drive, you can definitely have a road trip from Lisbon to Porto.
There are several car rental companies where you can rent a car for the duration of your stay. But, do take note that there will be several toll gates and you’d have to spare money for fuel during your journey. Make sure to take those expenses into consideration if you prefer to drive instead of taking public transportation.
Lisbon To Porto By Plane
Taking the plane is another option if you want to get to Porto from Lisbon. The plane ride is only 1 hour and you can also find cheaper plane tickets if you book them in advance. Do consider the time it will take for you to go through security and the travel time for you to go from the airport to Porto’s city center. But, if you can get really cheap tickets, getting on a plane from Lisbon to Porto is not a bad idea.
Wrap Up
The train ride from Lisbon to Porto is just about 3 hours. You’d want to book your tickets in advance so you can get cheap train tickets compared to last-minute ticket prices.
We also have highlighted several modes of transportation that you can take going from Lisbon to Porto. Whether you choose to travel by train, bus, driving car, or plane, we hope this article has been helpful in your travel preparations. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Do A Day Trip From Lisbon To Porto?
Yes, you can! But, you would probably have to go very early in the morning and come back late at night. Make sure to check the train’s schedule so you can make sure there are trains available early in the morning and late at night. If you happen to arrive early morning, know which coffee shops to hit as soon as you step off the train.
Is It Better To Drive Or Take The Train From Lisbon To Porto?
If you do not mind driving and you like having multiple stops in your journey, going by car is the best option for you. But, you’d also have to worry about highway tolls and gas money if you decide to drive. If you would just like to sit back and relax, taking the train is the best option.
At the end of the day, it will depend on your personal preference.
