How to buy train tickets in Portugal

Heading to Portugal soon? Traveling by train is one of the best ways to discover this beautiful country. With picturesque landscapes and a modern rail system, this is an excellent way to explore even the most remote areas.

To ensure you make the most of your trip, we've put together a guide that explains how to buy train tickets in Portugal. We’ll also include information on checking train fares and timetables, answers to common questions and step-by-step instructions for buying tickets.

And if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to spend in Portugal, including buying train tickets online, check out the Wise international debit card. It lets you pay like a local with low fees*, while converting your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate.

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Trains in Portugal¹

Several companies provide rail transport in Portugal, but the main one is Comboios de Portugal. Comboios de Portugal or CP is the national railway operator, with an extensive network covering the entire country. In addition to domestic destinations, its network also includes international routes, primarily to Spain.

There are also various train types available in Portugal, such as Regional and Inter-Regional trains, Intercity trains and the high-speed Alfa Pendular trains. Alfa Pendular is the fastest train in the country, connecting destinations like Guimarães, Braga, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon and Faro.

Depending on the level of comfort you need, there are usually two seat categories. For example, the Intercity train lets you choose between first and second class², while the high-speed Alfa Pendular train has Conforto and Turística seat classes.³

What is the best way to buy train tickets in Portugal?⁴

To save money and guarantee that you get a good seat, it’s recommended to buy your train tickets in advance. Tickets for CP trains are usually available for purchase up to sixty days before departure, so make sure you plan accordingly. In short, the most convenient and affordable way to buy train tickets in Portugal is online.

There are some promotional deals that allow you to buy a ticket with a 65% discount. For example, if you book at least five days in advance, you'll likely be able to grab Alfa Pendular train tickets with a discount of over 50%.

While you can buy your ticket at any train station, it’s definitely much easier to do so online. This is especially useful if you don’t speak Portuguese and want to avoid any communication issues. With just a few clicks, you can book your seat and relax knowing your travel plans are all set.

How to buy train tickets online using Trainline

Although Trainline is a handy app that you’ll still be able to use while travelling through Portugal, you can’t buy train tickets directly through them. Instead, you can follow these steps⁵:

Visit the Comboios de Portugal website

Head over to the Comboios de Portugal official website and click Buy tickets. You’ll then be redirected to the Online tickets section. You can create a CP account now or a bit later, but you’ll certainly need to do this.

Choose your destination

Begin by selecting your travel destinations and entering the names of the departure and arrival stations. If you haven’t decided when exactly you’ll be returning, you can just book the one-way ticket.

Choose the best option

Once you enter this basic travel info, you'll see which trains fit the criteria you’ve entered. You can then select your preferred train time and ticket class and move on to choosing your seat.

Provide personal information

Make sure that all the names you enter match those on your ID to avoid any issues.

There are also plenty of ways to get a ticket discount, such as letting CP know that you have special needs or that you’re retired. For example, young people get 25% off, senior citizens can pay half the price and passengers with disabilities can save up to 75%.⁶

Continue to checkout

After entering all the necessary details, you’ll be directed to the checkout page. Make sure to double-check the dates, prices and passenger names thoroughly before proceeding with payment. Once you’re satisfied with your booking, go ahead and pay for your tickets.

How to check train fares in Portugal

There are a few ways to find out the cost of train tickets in Portugal. If you’ve already arrived in the country , and you prefer in-person assistance, you can stop by the nearest train station. The staff will be able to answer any questions about the route you're interested in, including the costs. However, this is most helpful if you already know your exact travel dates, rather than just browsing fares.

Another option is to visit the official website of the train operator you've chosen, such as Comboios de Portugal. They have the prices of all their tickets and passes available, even the cost of certain surcharges.⁷

Make sure you pay attention to the ticket type and the date of travel, since the price difference can be quite large. For instance, buying a ticket in advance can cost up to 65% less than regular tickets.⁴

How to check train times in Portugal⁸

You can check train times on the Comboios de Portugal website. Simply enter the date of your trip and, if you'd like, the approximate time you wish to travel.

You can also download PDF timetable information, though it doesn't include real-time updates.

Step by step guide to buying train tickets on Trainline

Since purchasing tickets through Trainline isn't an option, let's review the alternative ticket purchase process once again:

• Open the Comboios de Portugal website
• Enter your departure and arrival stations
• Select your departure date and, if applicable, the return date
• Specify the number of passengers
• Look through the available options
• Choose your preferred time, class option and seat
• Enter passenger information
• Proceed to checkout

FAQs about buying train tickets in Portugal

Here are the answers to some common questions about train tickets in Portugal:

Should I book train tickets in advance?

You don't have to, but you can get a big discount if you do.

Can I get train tickets on my phone?

Yes, you can have your tickets in your phone if you buy them through the Comboios de Portugal website.

Should I buy a pass?

If you plan to rely entirely on trains during your trip, passes are a great way to save money and avoid the hassle of buying individual tickets.

Do I need to pay for a seat reservation on Portuguese trains?⁹

Seat reservations are required in Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains, as well as the international Oporto-Vigo train.

Do children pay for trains in Portugal?¹⁰

Children aged 3 and under travel for free if they don’t occupy a seat. If they have their own seat, they pay half-price. Children between the ages of 3 and 13 pay half-price on Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, Regional, InterRegional and Lisbon, Oporto and Coimbra urban trains.

Travelling by train in Portugal? Use Wise to save money on train fees

After reading this, you should have a clearer understanding of how to buy train tickets in Portugal. We’ve also covered the train types, seat categories and popular routes across the country.

Now, let's discuss the most convenient and cost-effective way to buy train tickets online in Portugal.

The Wise account is a great option for a train trip to Portugal, as it allows you to spend in the local currency in 150+ countries. Whenever you pay, including for train tickets online, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate, without any margins or mark-ups. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee*, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 25-Nov-2024