Train Travel in Portugal

Although parts of the Portuguese rail network (website www.cp.pt) are reasonably efficient, particularly between the major centres, trains on some regional routes can be excruciatingly slow.

Many trains require a supplement. The fastest of those that don't require a supplement are called Inter-Regional. You can also ride the much slower Regional trains without paying a supplement. Supplements are required on Intercidades and Rápido (Alfa) services and any train which requires a reservation.

Station facilities are a tad below the European average and there are often long queues at the ticket counter so it pays to get to the station early, particularly if you have to buy a ticket or make a reservation.

If you're planning on covering a lot of ground in Portugal, you might want to invest in a comprehensive timetable, available for €3 at major stations.

Individual tickets are affordable by Western European standards so a rail pass isn't a necessity here, however InterRail, Eurorail, Eurodomino and Eurail passes are valid on Portuguese trains along with the following passes and discount tickets: