Is it easy to get around Portugal by train?

Is train or bus better in Portugal?

The train… it’s cheaper, yes. I remember those old carriages, rattling along, like a heartbeat. Scenic routes?Sometimes. But slow. God, so slow.

The bus, quicker. That’s a fact. Always rushing, always going. Like life itself, I guess. More convenient? Definetely. But I miss the slow.

Driving. That’s freedom, isn’t it? My old VW Beetle, remember that? Out-of-the-way places… I could go anywhere. Now? Not so much.

• Trains:

  • Often the most economical choice.
  • Offers scenic views on certain lines.
  • Generally slower than buses, particularly on shorter routes.

• Buses:

  • Typically faster, especially on less common routes.
  • More direct and efficient for many destinations.

• Driving:

  • Provides the greatest flexibility for exploring remote areas.
  • Allows for personalized itineraries and stops.

What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on Portugal trains?

The train. Yeah. It’s just… different.

First class. More space, definitely. I remember that ride to Faro. Empty seats all around. Quiet. I paid extra, of course. Was it worth it?

Second class? People. Backpacks hitting you. No guaranteed peace. But it’s real, I guess. Cheaper.

• First Class: Roomier seats. Sometimes a complimentary drink, maybe a snack. Power outlets are more accessible. It feels… isolated.
• Second Class: More crowded. Shared experience. That’s what it is. Sometimes that’s okay.
• Price: First class tickets cost more. Obvious, right?

Alfa Pendular… those are the fast ones. Lisbon to Porto. Fast is good. Or, it used to be.

Booking online? Easier. Always is, isn’t it? What else is there to do at this hour? Trains. Sigh.

What is the best transportation in Portugal?

Man, Portugal’s public transport? It’s a mixed bag, let me tell you. I was there in July 2023, exploring Lisbon and Porto. Lisbon’s metro was great, super clean, easy to navigate. Got me everywhere I needed to go in the city center quickly. No complaints there.

But the buses, ugh. One time, near Praça do Comércio, I waited twenty minutes for a bus that was supposed to come every five. Twenty minutes! In that heat! I was sweating like crazy, felt like I was melting. Seriously considering a taxi. I ended up walking, which was a really long walk. And in Porto? The bus system felt… disorganized. Schedules were sometimes unreliable.

Trains were okay for getting between cities, but the regional trains were…crowded. People were packed like sardines. My trip from Porto to Guimarães was especially brutal. Standing room only for most of the trip. Never again.

Uber was a lifesaver a few times, though more expensive than the public transport. But hey, sometimes convenience is worth it. Especially when you’re tired and late.

Best transport? Honestly, depends on where you’re going. Metro in Lisbon is fantastic. For intercity travel? Consider a train but book in advance if you don’t want a packed ride. Uber’s your friend when you need it

• Lisbon Metro: A+
• Lisbon Buses: C-
• Porto Buses: D
• Trains: B (intercity), C (regional)
• Uber: Convenient but costly.

What is the main form of transportation in Portugal?

Trains, darling, trains! Portugal’s got a pretty spiffy rail network, Comboios de Portugal, it’s like a chugging, scenic postcard. Efficient? Mostly. Easy? Depends on your definition of “easy,” but generally, yes.

The Douro line, that’s the real showstopper. Think rolling vineyards, a visual symphony of green and gold; it’s basically a moving Monet. Other lines? Pleasant enough, but the Douro? Oh honey, that’s the one.

• Efficiency: Generally good, but don’t expect Swiss precision; this is Portugal, darling.
• Scenery: Northern lines (especially the Douro) are breathtaking. Think Instagram gold.
• Ease of use: Simple enough for a technologically-challenged grandma; I’d know. My grandma struggled with it.. once.

But let’s be honest, cars are still king, even if they’re slightly less romantic. And the occasional donkey cart adds a touch of authentic Portuguese charm. Right?

One thing’s for certain: you won’t be bored on a Portuguese train journey. Unless you’re on one of those slower regional lines. Then you may want to bring a book… or a very understanding friend. Or a whole library. My last trip on the Lisbon to Faro line had me questioning my life choices. 2024 was… not my year for train travel! Let’s just say I was less than thrilled.

What is the best train system in Portugal?

The Alfa Pendular. Hands down. I took it from Lisbon to Porto last July. Man, what a trip. The speed was insane, I swear it felt like flying. Seriously, 220 km/h? Whizzed past vineyards and stuff, gorgeous countryside.

The WiFi worked perfectly. I streamed a movie the whole way, no buffering. That was a huge plus. Snacks and drinks were good too. Not gourmet, but decent. Better than nothing, you know?

Coimbra? I’ve heard good things but haven’t been there by train. Braga and Faro are on my list. Definitely Alfa Pendular for those, too. It’s that good. No other option compares. I’ll never forget that smooth ride.

• Speed: 220 km/h. Fast as hell.
• WiFi: Excellent. Streamed a whole movie, no problems!
• Amenities: Decent snacks, drinks available.
• Overall: The best train system in Portugal, period.

My friend Sarah used CP trains last year –said they were ok but nowhere near as fast or comfortable. She regretted not taking the Alfa Pendular. The Alfa Pendular is the only way to go.

What are the most beautiful train stations in Portugal?

Portugal’s train stations? Oh, you want beauty on rails? As if anyone actually enjoys train travel. Here we go…

• São Bento in Porto: Tiles! Azulejos everywhere. It’s like Portugal threw a giant, beautiful history book at the walls. If only the trains were as punctual as the decor is stunning. A must see; even if you despise waiting.

• Vilar Formoso Station: Apparently, borders can be beautiful. I would be skeptical, but the station is on some list, so it must be so. Vilar Formoso? Never heard of it. Perhaps I should visit someday soon.

• Aveiro Station: Art Nouveau bliss, supposedly. More tiles! I guess Portugal really cornered the market. Flamingo spotting in the nearby lagoon, or I’m dreaming?

• Rossio Station (Lisbon): Neo-Manueline insanity. I mean, design. Two horseshoe entrances. Drama much? It’s like someone built a castle for…trains.

• Pinhão Station: More tiles! But Douro Valley themed. Vineyards! Wine! Wait, are we sure this isn’t just a disguised wine cellar? Now that’s a train station I’d use.

Digging Deeper (Sort Of)

• Tiles obsession: Yes, Portugal loves its azulejos. It’s not just decoration; it’s storytelling. History plastered on everything. Kinda cool, kinda intense.
• Architecture: From Neo-Manueline (think: nautical, fancy) to Art Nouveau (flowing lines, nature vibes), Portuguese train stations are not boring concrete blocks.
• Beyond the Big Names: Explore smaller stations. They may lack the grandeur but often have tons of local character. Think: random cat napping on a bench, old men playing cards and stuff.
• Why bother with train stations? Good question. Because travel should be about the journey, not just the destination. And sometimes, the journey includes admiring pretty buildings while you wait for the eternally delayed train.
• Don’t forget the snacks! Pasteis de nata are compulsory. Just saying.