Is train or bus better in Portugal?

Is it better to travel by train or bus in Portugal?

Okay, so Portugal, right? I went in 2023, July to be exact. Lisbon to Porto. Train was definitely an option, everyone kept saying it. Picturesque, blah blah. But, man, the bus was a freakin’ steal. Seriously, like half the price.

The train looked nice in the brochures, all glossy and stuff. But the bus? It was air-conditioned, comfy seats, even wifi. I mean, the scenery was fine on the train, sure. But I got there way faster by bus.

I was stressed about arriving late to Porto for my hotel check in. The bus smashed that worry. I needed to be there by 5pm, and I was there by 4:30. Plenty of time to chill, grab a Pastel de nata.

My friend, Sarah, took the train same trip. She ended up late. The train was delayed an hour. An hour! I’m still chuckling.

Key takeaways for you:

• Price: Bus is WAY cheaper.
• Speed: Bus is usually faster, especially for shorter hops.
• Comfort: Modern buses are surprisingly comfortable.
• Scenic Views: Eh, both offer scenic routes, it depends on the specific lines. But honestly, looking at my phone most of the time, it didn’t matter.

Honestly, forget the train hype for short distances. I’m telling you, bus is the superior choice, especially for budget travelers like me. It actually felt more efficient, less fuss. The train was so hyped, and honestly, a bit of a letdown. I was expecting so much more. The bus was a pleasant surprise. Next trip to Portugal, bus again for sure.

What is the best transportation in Portugal?

Okay, Portugal transport… hmm.

Public transport is def the way to go, duh. Trains, metros, and buses—they’re pretty comprehensive. Like, really good.

• Trains for longer distances: I remember taking the train from Lisbon to Faro. Gorgeous!

• Metros in Lisbon and Porto: Easy peasy for city travel. Beats traffic, lol.

• Buses everywhere: Even small towns!

Uber is an option. Sure, that works. Renting a car, though? Only if you plan to explore tiny villages in the Algarve. Places my grandma used to visit. Otherwise, it’s just a hassle. Parking… Ugh.

Don’t bother with renting. Unless… what was I saying? Oh yeah, super rural areas only. That’s it.

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

Train, hands down. Unless you enjoy buses, then, by all means, knock yourself out.

Seriously though, train trumps bus. Think of it: scenic views not blurry windows.

Imagine a bus ride… ugh. Cramped, maybe smells faintly of regret and old sandwiches. Train? Feels almost…civilized.

• Speed: Trains are faster. More time for Pasteis de Natas, less time staring at the back of a seat.
• Comfort: Remember legroom? Trains have it. Buses plot against it, and your knees.
• Scenery: Bus windows are for seeing gas stations. Train windows are for seeing…Portugal. Big difference!
• Freedom: Train stations are usually central. Bus stations? Often playing hide-and-seek with civilization.

Oh! Did you know my Great Aunt Mildred once took a bus from Lisbon to Porto? She said it “felt like being gently tumble-dried in a cement mixer.” I will simply leave that there.

Trains win again. The end!

Is Portugal easy to travel by train?

Portugal train… good. Covers lots of ground. Cheap too. Saw so much green countryside last summer, Porto to Lisbon. Remember those hills outside Coimbra? Stunning. Wish I’d stopped. Next time. Definitely next time. Need to see Sintra. Should book tickets in advance? Probably. Lisbon to Sintra… wonder how long. Train best way to see Portugal, I think. Car… ugh, traffic. Parking? Forget it. Plus, expensive gas. Train. So relaxing. Just watch the world go by. Food on trains? Not bad, actually. Had a decent sandwich once. Okay, twice. Gotta get back there. So much to see. Evora. Algarve beaches. Lagos looked so beautiful in photos. Need more vacation time. Ugh, work. Anyway, train travel in Portugal: thumbs up.

• Cheap
• Scenic routes
• Covers most of the country
• Good alternative to driving
• Easy to use

Took that Alfa Pendular train last year. Fast! Really fast. Smooth too. Almost didn’t feel it moving. So different from those old rattling trains. Pre-booked tickets online. Super easy. Saved some money too, booking early. Had a little trouble with the ticket machine at Santa Apolónia station… but the guy at the info desk was helpful. Spoke perfect English. Learned a few Portuguese phrases though. Obrigado. Bom dia. Useful. Need to learn more. Should download a language app. Duolingo? Babbel? One of those. Anyway, Portugal trains… good stuff. Seriously considering going back this December. Christmas markets maybe?

• Alfa Pendular: fast, modern trains
• Easy online booking
• Helpful staff (English speaking)
• Ticket machines can be tricky
• Consider pre-booking for discounts

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

AP trains? Those are the fancy pants, high-speed rockets! Think speeding bullet, but with slightly less chance of actually becoming a bullet. IC trains? More like a comfy, slightly grumpy old bus on rails.

Speed: APs zoom like a caffeinated cheetah. ICs? More like a determined tortoise, albeit a tortoise with air conditioning.

Comfort: APs got those swanky reclining seats, like you’re on a first-class flight to the Algarve. My butt was thanking me after the last trip. ICs? Basic, kinda like grandma’s living room but with slightly less crocheted doilies. My back was screaming at me the whole way home last month!

Amenities: APs have wi-fi better than my home internet(which is admittedly abysmal). ICs? Let’s just say don’t expect to stream a movie without buffering the whole ride. Plus the wifi is only available on certain cars, annoying!

Cost: APs cost more, obviously, because style costs money. ICs are cheaper, a bit more budget-friendly, think “value meal”.

Overall: Pick APs for speed and style. Choose ICs if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a slightly more “rustic” experience. I prefer the AP trains, but the IC trains will get you there… eventually.

My personal experience: Last year I took an IC train from Porto to Lisbon, it felt like a lifetime. And the person next to me ate some truly questionable smelling cheese. Still traumatized. This year I took an AP to Faro, it was sooo much better. It went by so fast I almost missed my stop! Almost.