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How to get from Lisbon to Porto
The fastest practical way is the CP Alfa Pendular train, about 2 h 50–3 h from Lisbon to Porto Campanhã. Coaches are the cheapest at about 3 h 30, and flights take about 1 h in the air but more door to door.
Best option: Train. City-centre to city-centre in about 3 hours, with frequent departures and no airport time.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train CP Alfa Pendular or Intercidades trains from Lisboa Santa Apolónia or Oriente to Porto Campanhã | about 2 h 50 (Alfa Pendular) to 3 h 15 (Intercidades) | roughly hourly through the day | about €20–40 | Seats are reserved; change at Campanhã for a short urban train to São Bento in the centre. |
| bus Long-distance coaches (Rede Expressos and others) from Lisbon Sete Rios or Oriente to Porto | about 3 h 30 | many a day | about €10–25 | Cheapest option, especially when booked early. |
| flight Domestic flights Lisbon (LIS) to Porto (OPO) | about 1 h in the air, about 3 h door to door | several a day | about €40–120 | Only worth it if connecting to another flight. |
| car A1 motorway north | about 3 h (about 315 km) | fuel plus about €20–25 in motorway tolls | Parking in central Porto is limited and expensive. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book Alfa Pendular tickets on the CP website a few days ahead for promotional fares.
- From Porto Campanhã, frequent suburban trains reach São Bento station in about 5 minutes.
- Sit on the left side heading north for occasional views of the coast and estuaries.
- Rental cars in Portugal usually have an electronic toll device; ask when you pick up.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Lisbon to Porto?
Yes. CP's Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains run directly from Lisbon (Santa Apolónia or Oriente) to Porto Campanhã without changes. The Alfa Pendular takes about 2 hours 50 minutes and the Intercidades a little over 3 hours. Some continue to Braga or Guimarães. From Campanhã, a short urban train takes you to São Bento in the centre.
What is the cheapest way?
Coaches are generally cheapest, at roughly €10–20 when booked in advance, for a trip of about 3½ hours. CP train promotions can bring the Intercidades close to coach prices. Driving alone is usually more expensive once you add tolls of about €20–25 each way plus fuel and parking in Porto.
Is it worth flying?
Rarely. The flight is about an hour, but with travel to and from the airports and security checks, the total is close to the train's 3 hours and usually more expensive. Flying makes sense mainly if you are connecting to an onward international flight from Porto or Lisbon airport.
Do I need to book ahead?
Train seats are reserved, and popular departures on Fridays, Sundays and holidays can sell out or get expensive, so booking a few days ahead is wise. Outside peak times you can often buy on the day at the station. Coaches also sell out on busy weekends in summer.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.