Lisbon to Faro train with Comboios De Portugal

From Lisbon to Faro on a Classic Intercity Train!

Introduction

The quality of “Intercity” trains within Europe varies greatly, as you may have noticed. I didn’t know what to expect when I booked a trip on the Intercidades within Portugal, but I was pleasantly surprised! Let’s head down to the Algarve on the South Coast and see what it is all about.

Route Overview

All trains in Portugal are operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), which has two types of long-distance trains: the cheaper but slower Intercidades trains and the faster but slightly more expensive Alfa Pendular trains. Both operate on the route between Lisbon and Faro. The leisurely Intercidades takes an extra half-hour, and my journey, the 18:32 departure from Lisbon, took exactly 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach its terminus in Faro. The route is 302 kilometers (188 miles) in distance.

Intercidades trains use considerably older rolling stock than the Alfa, a mix of “Corail” and “Sorefame” carriages hauled by locomotives. These may be old but remain perfectly adequate and comfortable. In my opinion, they have an undeniable charm that is quietly washing away as new stock replaces the old.

Transportation Experience

Reserving a seat is compulsory on Portuguese trains, as they can sell out. However, there are many trains every day, so you’ll always be able to find a ticket for a specific day. Book in advance on Omio to get the best seats and benefit from “promo” advance fares.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Trains to Faro leave from Lisboa Oriente station in the city’s northeast. It is extremely easy to reach, thanks to buses, local trains, and the city’s metro (Red Line). The station is vast, and its glass canopy design is controversial, but I am rather a fan of it. If you’re staying in the popular Alfama district, your best way to reach Oriente is via a local train from Santa Apolónia terminus station, which is well worth a visit just to admire its splendid, classic Portuguese architecture, a stark contrast to the modern Oriente.

Faro station, the train’s terminus, is located well within the city. From here, you can walk to the center within 15 minutes.

Schedule & Frequency

CP operates five trains between Lisbon and Faro, three of which are Intercidades services (IC). These depart approximately every 4 hours on weekdays at 10:02, 14:02, and 18:32.

Onboard Experience & Services

If you’ve been on an intercity train in France, you might recognize these carriages! The interior is very similar, and this is a good thing: they are extremely comfortable, especially in First Class. The seats are laid out in a 2+1 configuration and feel more like your grandparents’ old armchair than a train seat. Of course, you have everything you need: plug sockets (at some seats), a large table, and a reading light. No Wi-Fi is available on these trains. Most seats are airline-style, but there are some bays of four as well.

First Class tickets in Portugal do not come with additional service, simply a better seat. However, the upgrade to First Class is not very expensive, either. And if you are feeling peckish, there is a very nice dining car on board, serving very well-priced snacks and drinks! No luggage limits apply, but be sensible: make sure you can carry and store it safely onboard!

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

There is a fixed price for train tickets in Portugal. The journey from Lisbon to Faro in First Class normally costs €31. However, booking in advance allowed me to benefit from a €19 “promo” fare, which is very cheap for over three hours in First Class. The “promo” for Second Class was just €15.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Get a local train to Oriente from Santa Apolónia if you’re in the area. You’ll be able to check out both of these beautiful stations.
• Head to the buffet for refreshments or to just stretch your legs! Sitting in one place for hours can be tiring.
• If traveling alone, First Class solo seats are my preference.
• Look out over the stunning River Tagus when crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge. It's the sister of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for the Alfa high-speed train or the slower (and cheaper) Intercidades on the Lisbon–Faro route is entirely up to you. The IC is my personal preference; although you will compromise on journey time, you will not compromise on comfort. The choice is yours! In the end, both are great options, and I’m glad they both exist to complement each other.

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Creator

• Bio: Nonstop Eurotrip creates YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses, and ferries all around the world, and also shares blog posts and travel deals on their website.