| Option | Duration | Indicative price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Pendular train (CP) | about 2 h 45 | about €35.70 in 2nd class; promo fares from about €21.50 | the fastest, comfort | |
| Intercidades train (CP) | about 3 h 15 | about €28.05 in 2nd class; promo fares from about €17 | a bit cheaper | |
| Private transfer with up to 4 stops | 4 to 9 h | from about $279 per group; rated 4.9 from nearly 250 reviews | arriving in Lisbon with sightseeing | See |
| Private transfer with stops at Óbidos, Nazaré, Aveiro | 3 to 9 h | from about $202 per group; rated 5 from 62 reviews | families, small groups | See |
| Private transfer with stops at Coimbra and Fátima | about 8 h | price to check on the page | those who want Coimbra's university and Fátima | See |
By train: most travellers' choice
Long-distance trains leave from Campanhã station, not São Bento (which serves regional trains). According to a comparison site that consulted the CP timetable, the Alfa Pendular leaves Campanhã and reaches Lisboa Oriente in 2 h 43; a midday Intercidades reaches Lisboa Santa Apolónia after about 3 h 15. The 2nd-class fares seen by the comparison site were €35.70 (Alfa Pendular) and €28.05 (Intercidades), with promotional fares from about €21.50 and €17 that can sell out. These figures come from a single check: verify times and prices on cp.pt before booking. Book early to get the low prices. To reach Campanhã from the centre, see transport in Porto.
And the bus?
Buses also link Porto and Lisbon, often cheaper than the train but slower: we did not find reliable prices or journey times. Compare on the operators' sites; the train is generally more comfortable and punctual.
The day tour: what we can say
We found no group day tour Porto–Lisbon–Porto on GetYourGuide in October 2026: the offers are one-way private transfers with stops. This makes sense: Lisbon is too far for a worthwhile visit between two long journeys. If you are short of time, concentrate your day in Porto with Porto in one day, or choose a closer day trip such as Aveiro.
The private transfer with stops
This is the right option if Lisbon is your next stop. A driver picks you up in Porto, you choose among Aveiro, Coimbra, Fátima, Nazaré or Óbidos depending on the offer, and you are dropped in Lisbon. Prices are per private group: with four people, the formula from about $279 works out at around sixty dollars per person, roughly double a train ticket; alone, it is clearly more expensive (indicative prices). Details of the Nazaré and Óbidos stops are in Nazaré and Óbidos from Porto, and of Coimbra and Fátima in Fátima and Coimbra from Porto.
Which option to choose
- Fast and simple: the Alfa Pendular, booked early.
- Tight budget: the Intercidades at a promo fare, or the bus.
- Sightseeing on the way: the private transfer with stops, especially with several people.
- No time for a Lisbon round trip: stay in Porto or choose a closer day trip.
Pitfalls
- Stations. In Lisbon, check the arrival station (Oriente or Santa Apolónia) against your hotel.
- Promo fares. Cheaper, but limited and sometimes not very flexible.
- Group prices. A private transfer is not a per-person price.
- Strikes and works. Check the notices on the CP website before leaving.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Porto to Lisbon?
About 2 h 45 on the Alfa Pendular and a little over 3 hours on the Intercidades, depending on the timetable. To be checked on cp.pt.
Can you visit Lisbon in a day from Porto?
Technically yes, but it is long: over five hours of train there and back. A night on site is better.
Is there a day tour to Lisbon from Porto?
No group tour found on GetYourGuide in October 2026; the offers are private transfers with stops.
Which Porto station for Lisbon?
Campanhã for the Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains.
