Is it better to take bus or train from Lisbon to Porto?

What is the best way to travel to Porto from Lisbon?

Okay, so Lisbon to Porto, right? I took the train last July. Absolutely hated the bus ride years ago, way too long. The train, though? Smooth.

Alfa Pendular, that’s the one. Fast, man, like two hours fifty-eight minutes, door to door, practically. Santa Apolonia in Lisbon, Campanhã in Porto. Beautiful views, too. Rolling hills the whole way. Felt fancy, even bought a coffee on board. Expensive coffee, though.

Book in advance, though, seriously. I almost didn’t get a seat, nearly panicked. Tickets online were cheaper, too. I compared prices. Cheaper than a car rental, and less of a headache. Much less stressful than driving in Portugal. Trust me on this.

The Intercity option is slower, I heard. Didn’t bother with that. I need speed. I wanted to get to Porto ASAP. Good for a longer trip, maybe.

The train station in Porto was, what’s the word… overwhelming? But cool. A bit chaotic. Lots of people. Anyway, the train itself? Definitely recommended. So much better than driving, especially if you don’t like navigating like me.

Is the train ride from Lisbon to Porto scenic?

The Lisbon to Porto train? Oh, it’s definitely more than just point A to B. Parts are, like, genuinely pretty.

Think rolling hills punctuated by vineyards – classic Portugal, right? And along the coast? Breathtaking. I was actually sketching the view once; got some weird looks, lol.

• Coastal stretches: These are the money shots. Expect glimpses of the Atlantic.
• Interior landscapes: Less dramatic but still charming. Think olive groves.
• Variable scenery: Some bits are just, well, fields. Can’t win ’em all.

The Alfa Pendular is quick, yeah, but don’t snooze through the good bits. I am a fan of trying to take in the views, even if just for a little bit, y’know? Anyway I am sure they updated those trains, the ones from my travel were not that good I must say.

It goes by Alcobaça and Batalha. Wonder who lives there. My father in law lives there! He is not the easiest person to deal with, but is my father in law anyway.

Are buses or trains better in Portugal?

Buses are faster, you know? Especially for shorter trips. Trains, though… they’re cheaper sometimes. And the views. Man, some train routes are breathtaking.

Driving offers freedom. That’s a big plus. But you know the traffic in Lisbon. Ugh.

Key Differences:

• Speed: Buses win, hands down, for most routes in 2024.
• Cost: Trains can be cheaper, particularly regional lines.
• Scenery: Train journeys sometimes offer stunning views. I especially recall the trip to Sintra.
• Flexibility: Driving is the most flexible option.

I hate driving in Porto. Parking is a nightmare. The buses there are reliable, if a bit crowded.

It depends, really. What I’d choose differs depending on where I’m going and how much time I have. A long trip with amazing views? Train. Need to get somewhere fast and cheap? Bus.

My friend Mark swears by his car. He even went to Évora and back in one day, crazy. Me? I’d never attempt that. It’s exhausting. I prefer the train.

How much does it cost to take the train from Lisbon to Porto?

Nine-five sixty-three dollars. A hefty sum. Lisbon to Porto. The train. Night falls, a velvet curtain drawn across the sky. Twenty-one twenty-five, weekdays. A single journey. Such a price.

The clatter, the rhythm of the rails, a lullaby of steel. Porto’s lights, distant stars. A whisper of ocean wind, salty on my skin. Twenty-one thirty-four, weekends. One train.

Cost: exorbitant. A cruel joke. It’s a steal, really, to think of all that time, that journey. The hours melt. I see myself in the window, a fleeting ghost.

• Departure times: Weekday: 21:25. Weekend: 21:34.
• Frequency: Approximately one train daily.
• Price: Starting at US$95.63. Steep, isn’t it? Ridiculous.

That price. It hangs in the air, heavy, like the scent of old books in a forgotten library. The price, the price! A single ticket. I dream of those windows, those endless fields.

The hum of the engine. It haunts me. The journey itself is a precious commodity. It echoes. Porto’s charm. The journey is the destination. Sometimes it feels more expensive than other times, you know? It’s more than just money.

What is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto?

Lisbon to Porto? Train, obviously.

• Fast. Usually under three hours, or something like that. Beats the alternatives? Yes.
• Comfort? Undeniable. Way better than clinging to a bus seat, trust me. I know.
• Direct routes exist. No need to complicate things. Book it. Done.

Alternative Considerations:

• Driving? Scenic, sure. Time-consuming? Absolutely. I drove it last year. Never again.
• Flights? Airport hassle. Added travel time. Not worth it. Really.
• Buses? Budget-friendly. But… nope. Just no. I repeat NO.

How long is the train ride between Lisbon to Porto?

Lisbon to Porto: Three hours, minimum. Fastest trains: Three hours flat. Fifteen daily departures. Schedules vary.

• Average travel time: 3 hours 32 minutes.
• Fastest travel time: 3 hours.
• Daily departures: 15.
• Check schedules. Always confirm.

Time is fluid, a human construct. Punctuality? A bourgeois obsession. My last trip: a slight delay. Irrelevant. The scenery: breathtaking. Or, at least, adequate. My watch? Seven minutes fast. So what?

Key point: Variability exists. Plan accordingly. Expect delays. Reality defies schedules. Life’s like that, eh?

My July 2024 ticket cost 35 euros. A bargain. Economy, of course. Comfort isn’t a priority for me.

What is the most scenic train route in Portugal?

Ugh, scenic train in Portugal… Douro Valley, yeah. Porto to Régua, Pinhão, Pocinho.

• Douro Valley line is it.

• From Porto, obvi. Not Lisbon, lol, too far.

Day trip? Porto yes, Lisbon no. Hmm, did I pack enough snacks? I need, like, those pastel de natas again.

• Day trip from Porto.

But what if I missed the best view? I was busy eating that custard tart. Oh well! Still amazing, right? What else is scenic in Portugal anyway?

• Is it really the MOST scenic though?

Régua… Pinhão… Pocinho… Pocinho sounds funny. I always mispronounce it. Gosh, Portuguese is hard. Wish I’d actually learn some phrases beyond obrigado. Next time, maybe. Train was comfy though.

• Stops at Régua, Pinhão, Pocinho.

What is the difference between AP and IC trains in Portugal?

AP trains: Speed demons. Premium service.

IC trains: Slower. Basic amenities. Older rolling stock.

Key Differences: Speed, comfort, amenities. My recent trip on CP’s Alfa Pendular from Lisbon to Faro was far superior. The IC felt…dated.

• AP: Faster, newer, more luxurious.
• IC: More stops, less comfortable. Think budget airline vs. business class. Less legroom, too.

Note: My experience traveling between Porto and Braga on an IC in 2023. The AP is worth the extra cost, believe me. The difference is stark. Seriously.