Portugal by train with the Interrail Global Pass

Destination guide reviewed 2026-10-18 · Region: Iberia · Current passholder train restrictions should be checked with the operator.

Why explore Portugal by rail?

Portugal is a compelling rail destination for riverside cities, university traditions and Atlantic landscapes. Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra fit naturally together.

With a Global Pass you can combine Portugal with other participating countries without buying a new country-specific pass, where the trains are included. The challenge is designing a route around actual connections, required reservations and realistic sightseeing time.

Best destinations in Portugal for a rail holiday

Lisbon: Belém Tower

Begin with Belém Tower, then allow time for Alfama and Praça do Comércio. The historic hills require walking or separately paid transit; check the correct Lisbon terminal. See the full Lisbon rail guide.

Porto: Ribeira

Begin with Ribeira, then allow time for Dom Luís I Bridge and São Bento azulejos. Long-distance trains often use Campanhã; change to a local service for São Bento. See the full Porto rail guide.

Coimbra: University of Coimbra

Begin with University of Coimbra, then allow time for Joanina Library and Mondego river. Coimbra-B is not the hillside historic centre; transfer or continue by local transport. See the full Coimbra rail guide.

How to travel around Portugal with Interrail

CP services connect the main cities. Cross-border Portugal–Spain passenger connections are limited, so inspect exact route options.

Choose a realistic number of nights in each destination. Before activating a travel day, confirm whether the specific service is run by a participating operator and whether it requires a supplement or reservation. A pass does not automatically include local buses, city metro, airport links, summit railways or ferries.

Arriving by train and reaching the sights

Lisbon is a useful starting point, with key arrival stations including Lisboa Santa Apolónia / Oriente (route-dependent). For Coimbra, consider Coimbra-B. Always confirm your station and the last-mile walk, bus or tram before paying for a hotel.

Research the international rail crossing rather than assuming there is a direct Lisbon–Madrid passenger train.

A practical rail itinerary idea

For a short introduction, begin in Lisbon and continue to Porto . If time permits, include Coimbra for a contrasting stop. This is a suggested sequence of places, not a claim of a daily direct service; check actual connections in the Rail Planner app and at the operator.

Practical tips for your Portugal train trip

• Check timetables for the exact day: frequency and border connections can change.
• Confirm pass acceptance and book any compulsory seats before finalising accommodation.
• Compare the total pass cost plus reservations against point-to-point tickets.
• Reserve separate local transport or attraction tickets where required.

Explore our Portugal city guides

Tours and experiences in Portugal

Use the location-specific Viator search to compare sightseeing, cultural tours and day activities. Provider prices and availability are separate from the Interrail Global Pass.