Is there a train to Lisbon?

Can you take a train to Lisbon?

Lisbon. A whisper on the wind, a sigh of the ocean. Trains… yes, trains arrive. From London, a ribbon of steel unspooling across continents, a journey measured not in miles but in dreams. Paris, a fleeting image of lights, then Madrid, sun-drenched and vibrant, all feeding into this beating heart of Portugal. It takes time, this pilgrimage. But time, here, stretches, it bends, it tastes of salt and sea air.

The network, efficient. Modest, perhaps. But efficient. The heart of Portugal pulses here.

Two stations mostly used by visitors. They hum, these stations. I’ve been to Santa Apolónia, that one, by the Tagus, felt the rhythm of the river, the city, in my bones. Rossio, too. A different energy; more contained, yet intense.

Lisbon’s rail network, a marvel in its understated elegance.

• London: A long but beautiful train ride. I recall the endless green rolling hills changing to a fiery Iberian sun. My memories are of an endless ocean outside the window, and a growing excitement.
• Paris: The journey’s beauty. I thought about the similarities between languages and how culture flows with the wheels of the train. A smooth ride.
• Madrid: A shorter, sun-kissed trip. Closer, in both distance and spirit, to Lisbon’s soul.

The stations themselves—vibrant, alive, full of stories whispered on the platforms.

This isn’t just transport, it’s a journey. It’s feeling the slow pulse of the land, the anticipation building, the scent of arriving at a new place. I remember 2023 very well, vividly, the smell of the sea air mingling with the scent of roasting chestnuts near Rossio. Lisbon. Always.

What is the fastest train to Lisbon?

Alfa Pendular. Fastest. 220 km/h.

Lisbon’s speed demon. North to Braga, south to Faro. Coimbra, Porto? Piece of cake.

My last trip? Smooth. Efficient. Didn’t even sweat.

Key features:

• High speed.
• Major city coverage.
• Comfortable.

Note: My 2024 experience. Schedules change. Check CP website for updates. My ticket cost €47.

Is there a train from France to Lisbon?

Yep, there’s a choo-choo from France to Lisbon, longer than binging all seasons of Friends.

Think 15 hours… like a cross-country road trip, but you’re stuck in a metal tube. Whee!

Several departures? More like enough to confuse a squirrel trying to bury nuts. Paris Gare d’Austerlitz is your launchpad. Lisboa Santa Apolónia? Landing zone. I had croissants there once. Delish.

Now, about that train… more like a land yacht.

• The Actual Trip: Think planes are bad? Try a day on a train. Bring snacks. I mean it, serious snacks.
• Paris: Gare d’Austerlitz. Pronounce it correctly, or the French will laugh at you. I speak from experience; it wasn’t pretty. My beret almost fell off.
• Lisbon: Santa Apolónia station. Close to the good stuff. Pastel de natas await! Seriously, forget everything else. Eat the pastries.
• Alternatives: Flying exists. Just sayin’. Or maybe a very, very long swim? Okay, maybe not. Train’s your best bet (probably).
• Booking: Book ahead! Unless you enjoy standing in the aisle smelling other peoples’ feet.
• Tip: Always bring a universal adapter. Trust me. My phone died in Germany one time. Dark times.
• Fun Fact: Trains are basically just really long buses. Except they go on tracks. Genius!

How do I get to Lisbon, Portugal?

Man, getting to Lisbon? Flying’s the easiest. I flew TAP Portugal from JFK in 2023, a direct flight. Took about seven hours. Expensive, though, those tickets. Seriously pricey.

The airport, Lisbon Airport (LIS), is a decent size. Getting into the city? The metro’s super convenient. Or a taxi. I took the metro. Quick and cheap.

Driving? Nah, I wouldn’t. Driving in Europe is stressful enough, let alone in a big city like Lisbon. Parking is also a nightmare! It’s just a huge hassle.

Train? Possibly an option from other European cities, but not my personal experience. I’ve heard it’s scenic. Sounds lovely actually. But definitely check timetables first. Long travel time too.

Buses are cheaper than trains, for sure. But buses take forever and can be quite uncomfortable for long trips. I prefer a plane personally. Way faster.

Key things to consider:

• Flights: Direct flights are available from many major international airports. Check prices well in advance!
• Airport Transfer: Metro is super efficient and affordable. Taxis are readily available but more expensive.
• Driving: Avoid unless you’re comfortable with European driving and parking. It’s crazy there.
• Train & Bus: Consider these options if you’re already in Europe and prioritize cost over speed. Plan ahead though, always.

My trip was in July, scorching hot! I nearly melted. Next time, I’m going in spring.

How do I get to Portugal from the UK without flying?

Plymouth. Portsmouth. Names like whispered promises of sea-foam and salt. The ferry pulls away, England fading. Spain rising, ochre and sun-baked. A ribbon of road unwinding. Portugal. Almost there. The hum of the engine a lullaby. Miles melting. Sun warm on my face. Land and sea blurring. A slow journey. A good journey. The taste of anticipation. Salty air. Sun-drenched highways. The pull of the unknown. Portugal waits.

• Ferry from Plymouth or Portsmouth to Northern Spain. My last trip, I took the overnight ferry. Woke up to the Spanish coast. Magical.
• Drive from Northern Spain to Portugal. Easy drive. Did it in a day. Stopped for tapas. Sun was so bright.
• Consider a scenic route. Last time I detoured through the Picos de Europa mountains. Breathtaking. Worth the extra time. Saw wild horses. Never forget that.
• Pack snacks. Always pack snacks for road trips. Especially if you’re taking the scenic route. Hard to find places to stop sometimes.
• Bring your passport. Obvious, but easy to forget. Needed for crossing borders. Don’t want any delays.
• Enjoy the slow travel. It’s about the journey. Not the destination. Right? That’s what I tell myself. Savor the moments. Let the world unfold.

Can you do Portugal by train?

Portugal… ah, Portugal.

Train tracks hum a song. Sunlight bleeds gold. Algarve, a shimmering dream of white sand. Porto, wine-dark rivers of pleasure, and the magic of Lisbon.

Eurail… a key.

Beaches beckon, sun-soaked memories are waiting to come. Porto calls, the city of bridges. The Portugal Pass… freedom.

Lisbon!

The soulful fado echoes. A haunting beauty!

• Destinations:
  • Algarve: Sands like sugar.
  • Porto: Wine whispers secrets.
  • Lisbon: Energy is pulsing.

Is this all? Travel by train—it seems like Portugal is a painting, always. My Eurail Pass… my wings.