Porto to Alicante train with AVE

Taking the Train from Porto to Alicante with Renfe

Introduction

Getting from Portugal’s northern hub to Spain’s Mediterranean coast might sound complicated, but with a little planning, it’s absolutely doable by train. I started in Porto, one of my favorite cities for its tiled façades and river views, and made my way all the way to Alicante, a full travel day powered by Renfe and a few well-timed snack breaks. I love long train rides, and booking through the Omio app made piecing this route together surprisingly simple. If you’ll also be taking the Porto to Alicante train journey with Renfe, here’s what to expect on this comfortable and scenic rail trip across Portugal and Spain.

Route Overview

The full Porto to Alicante train route covers more than 900 km and involves two legs: Porto Campanhã to Madrid and Madrid to Alicante Terminal.

My first Portuguese CP train departed Porto at 8:13 AM, with a brief stop in Vigo. This part of the journey took roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes. From here, I changed to my Spanish train, operated by Renfe. I arrived in Madrid around 5:37 PM. It was a long but scenic ride through Portugal and northwest Spain. After a quick early dinner in Madrid, I boarded my final train at 7 PM, arriving in Alicante by 9:28 PM, just in time for a relaxed evening on the coast.

Flights from Porto to Alicante depart frequently, so I did consider it. However, airfare was expensive, and I wanted to keep travel costs low. The full-day journey with CP and Renfe was comfortable, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a cafeteria. Being able to move around and stretch my legs made it much more enjoyable.

Transportation Experience

Since this trip spans two countries, I booked two separate tickets on Omio: one from Porto to Madrid and another from Madrid to Alicante. Omio made it easy to match the schedules so I could connect on the same day instead of staying overnight. Payment was quick and secure, and I received mobile tickets with QR codes for fast scanning before boarding. Everything was stored in Omio’s app, which made it simple to keep my travel documents organized. Taking the bus from Porto to Alicante can take 13 to 17 hours, so the train was definitely the better option for this trip.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

The journey from Porto to Alicante begins at Porto Campanhã. It’s a big, busy, and efficient station located about 15 minutes from the city center. After enjoying my hotel breakfast of coffee, fruit, and pastries, I took a short 10-minute walk to the station. I grabbed a few extra snacks and bottled water from the convenience store before boarding. If you’re traveling this route, it’s worth bringing your own food since the onboard café is limited. My train left on time, and I settled into my window seat with my laptop and book, ready for the day ahead.

The first leg to Vigo took about 2 hours and 20 minutes before crossing the border into Spain. After a short transfer, the second train from Vigo to Madrid took roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes. By the time I arrived at Madrid Chamartín, I was ready to stretch and eat something warm. With about 1 hour and 30 minutes between trains, I wandered into a nearby restaurant, Restaurante Asturias, for tapas and Madrid’s must-try calamari sandwich. It was the perfect little reset before continuing my journey to Alicante. Madrid’s station area has plenty of cafés, restaurants, and even a few lounges if you want a quiet corner before your connection.

The evening train from Madrid to Alicante Terminal takes just under 3 hours, running directly to Alicante. I boarded at 7 PM and arrived by 9:28 PM. The second half of the trip felt easy, with smooth tracks, sunset views, and plenty of room to unwind. The train stayed quiet and well lit, with charging outlets at every seat.

Inside Alicante Terminal, you’ll find small shops for snacks and several ATMs. There’s also a Costa Coffee and a Tim Hortons if you arrive hungry and want a quick bite or caffeine boost before heading out. I booked a hotel next to the station since I knew I’d want to check in and rest right after a long day of travel.

Schedule & Frequency

Trains from Porto to Alicante aren’t direct, so you’ll need to book two separate Renfe journeys: one from Porto Campanhã to Madrid (with a quick change in Vigo) and another from Madrid to Alicante. At present, there’s usually one main morning option from Porto, leaving at 8:13 AM and arriving in Madrid at 5:37 PM.

From Madrid, you can connect to an evening train to Alicante. I recommend the 7 PM departure for a smooth connection. Later trains at 8 PM or 8:15 PM also work well if you’d like extra time for dinner at the station.

I took the early departure because it allowed me to complete the trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You’ll find several daily Porto–Madrid connections on Omio, and Madrid–Alicante trains typically run every hour.

Onboard Experience & Services

My journey from Porto to Alicante was long but surprisingly relaxing thanks to the onboard comfort. The first train from Porto to Vigo was slightly dated but still clean and well-maintained. The ride took about 2 hours and 20 minutes, passing through green countryside and small Portuguese towns before crossing into Spain.

After a quick change to Renfe’s high-speed service, the second train from Vigo to Madrid took roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes, arriving right on time at Madrid Chamartín. Renfe’s train felt much more comfortable than the CP service, with padded seats, headrests, and footrests that made it easy to settle in.

For both legs, I had a window seat reserved and brought my laptop, headphones, and a book to make the day more enjoyable. The Wi-Fi via Renfe’s entertainment portal was generally fast, although patchy in rural stretches, and worked well for most of the journey. In Madrid, I got out to stretch my legs and enjoy a hot meal. After tapas and a calamari sandwich, I boarded my final train (also with Renfe) at 7 PM. Both Renfe trains had a small restaurant car selling snacks, sandwiches, salads, hot coffee, and soft drinks. I had a lot of snacks leftover from Porto, so I didn't need to spend any more on food or drinks.

The final leg from Madrid to Alicante was noticeably faster and more modern than the previous two trains. I had a reclining leather seat, a fold-down tray, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi. As it was already dark outside, I browsed through the PlayRenfe portal. There were plenty of movies and shows to choose from, and I ended up hopping between a few since I couldn’t decide on just one.

On all three trains, the staff were friendly and efficient, and everything ran on schedule, which felt like a reward after a full day of travel. Perhaps the highlight in regard to scenery was between Vigo and Ourense. There, the train followed the Miño River valley, passing stone villages and forested hillsides along the way. It reminded me why I love traveling on trains in Spain. ### Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown For long-distance train journeys like Porto to Alicante, it’s best to book at least two weeks in advance. To find the best fares and secure your preferred times, booking one to two months ahead is even better. I booked my tickets on Omio about two weeks before departure and still managed to find good prices.

With Renfe, you’re allowed up to three pieces of luggage with a combined total weight of 25 kg. Considering the generous baggage policy, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable seats, I found the trip to be well worth the cost. Below is my total spending for the full train journey from Porto to Alicante.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

If you’re planning to book Porto–Alicante train tickets, keep these tips in mind for a smoother and more enjoyable trip:

• Pack for the day: This is a long, multi-leg journey, so bring food, a charger, and something to read or watch. Having your own snacks and entertainment will make the hours pass more comfortably.
• Book both legs together on Omio: Coordinating your Porto–Madrid and Madrid–Alicante trains at once saves time and stress. It also ensures your connection in Madrid fits nicely without long gaps or tight transfers.
• Bring your ID or passport: You’ll be crossing from Portugal into Spain, and border checks can occasionally happen. Keep your travel documents handy so boarding and ticket checks go smoothly.
• Try Madrid’s calamari sandwich: If you have a layover at Chamartín, this is a local favorite worth seeking out. You can find it at nearby cafés like Restaurante Asturias, just outside the station.
• Book a hotel near the station: The train arrives in Alicante after dark, so staying close makes things easier. You can drop your bags and unwind right away after a long day of travel.

Conclusion

The Porto to Alicante train journey was long but deeply satisfying. It was a full day spent crossing two cultures, with scenic countryside views, Spanish tapas, and that peaceful feeling of arriving in a new city by rail. It’s the kind of trip that reminds you why slow travel is worth it. If you’d rather skip the airport rush and enjoy a calm, connected way to see more of the Iberian Peninsula, plan your route and book your tickets early on Omio for a seamless journey from Portugal to Spain. Ready to go? Then book your train tickets on Omio today.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel & Lifestyle Creator
• Bio: Nancy is a travel content creator who shares honest guides, helpful tips, and personal experiences from her global adventures. Based between Spain and the U.S., she specializes in creating visually compelling content for her blog and social platforms.