The Portuguese rail network is vast, connecting stations across the length and breadth of the country, as well as in Spain. Whether you’re a local escaping the chaos of the city or a tourist seeking a day trip, train travel is the way to go. Check out the following train routes to discover your perfect rail connection.
Porto to Vigo
In 2020, the Portuguese government agreed to invest tens of billions of Euros into the rail network. A key part of its plan was the creation of a new high-speed rail line connecting Lisbon with Porto and Vigo. Construction began in 2024, so it’s still someway from completion, but there is an existing line that can take you from Porto to the Galician city of Vigo.
It takes about 2.5 hours and is a direct train served by Celta and operated by Comboios de Portugal on the Portuguese side and Renfe on the Spanish side.
After arriving in the city, head for the Monte O Castro hill, which provides breath-taking panoramic views of the city and surrounding sea. There’s a park and the Castelo O Castro castle nearby, so you can make an afternoon of it.
From there, check out Museo de Arte Contemporánea de Vigo (MARCO), a modern art museum housed inside a former prison, and complete your cultural tour with a visit to Afundación Social Centre, which has a glorious art collection and an indoor garden.
There are many artisan shops if you have time to do a spot of shopping, and there are some great restaurants to complete your day with a relaxing evening meal.
Lisbon to Madrid
The train from Lisbon to Madrid is arguably the best way to travel between these two capitals. It’s a cheap and sustainable option, but as it takes around 10 hours, it’s not suitable for a day trip and you’ll need to book some accommodation in the Spanish capital.
Like Lisbon, Madrid is a big and vibrant city that offers everything you could need. The food is great, there are scores of festivals throughout the year, and as it’s home to two of the best football teams in Europe, sports fans are not short on options either.
Some must-do things in Madrid:
- Watch a flamenco show
- Attend a match at the Bernabéu
- Use a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to see more of the city
- Visit the Royal Palace
- Explore the Prado Museum
- See Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofia Museum
- Taste some local tapas
Faro to Lisbon
What can be said about Lisbon that we haven’t already said many times on this site? It’s home to fantastic museums, delicious oyster bars, and great entertainment. You can drink local wine, sample local cheeses, and explore the best seafood in the world.
It’s no wonder that Lisbon is becoming one of Europe’s most popular city breaks, and if you find yourself in Faro and have seen all there is to see, you can head up to the capital in only 3.5 hours by train.
Lisbon to the Algarve
If the city is too busy for you, consider visiting the Algarve, one of the best places for doing nothing at all! Just head to the beach, grab a cocktail, and while away the hours watching the turquoise sea lap the shore. It’s all about sun, sea, and serenity in the Algarve. It also has some fantastic food and drink, so you can go on your own little foodie adventure as you explore the many cafes, restaurants, and markets.
Some of the things we’d recommend in the region include:
- Charter a yacht
- Grab a round of golf in the sunshine
- Try a spot of surfing
- Explore the local markets and sample fresh produce
- Hike along the cliffs
- Take a sea cave tour
The Algarve is huge and there is a lot to see and do—most of it amazing. Just remember to take your camera, as you’ll be making Facebook and Instagram friends jealous throughout the entirety of your trip.
Train Routes from Portugal
Portugal records around 4.5 billion passenger kilometres on its rail network every year and those numbers are set to increase as passengers increasingly prioritize cheaper and more sustainable modes of transportation. The government is also doing its bit by investing heavily in the network, making its trains faster and laying down more lines.
So, the next time you plan a holiday that starts in Portugal, consider booking a train ticket and taking one of the exciting routes outlined above.
