I'm going to Sintra with my partner for a day trip. He will be working until Noon, so we are trying to leave town for Sintra ASAP. Can we eat on the train between Rossio Station and Sintra? It would save a lot of time if I can pack a lunch and eat it on the way, but I'm not sure what the set-up/rules are on the train. Thanks for any help!
Arie
Well if Portugual is anything like France, Italy , England or Spain.. the answer is of course.. And you can take on drinks ( fluids).. but hoping someone who has taken a train specifically in Portugual can answer you.
Yes, we packed lunch and ate on the trains in Portugal.
Are you expecting a restaurant car?
The worst thing that could happen is that you end up on a commuter train that has no tables at any of the seats. Of course, you're going to eat neatly and carry off your trash if it doesn't fit in the bins. No one will give you any trouble, including the conductor.
If travelling close to meal times, I often pick up a sandwich and a soft drink at the station, and then dine on the train. I've done that in many countries in Europe, including in Portugal from Rossio station, with no problems at all.
There will not be tables as this is a commuter train, but eating is fine. However, be aware that few people eat on these trains ( or drink either, other than water), so I would bring things that are quiet to eat and be tidy.
Thanks, everybody (especially Kathryn). I think I'll just eat at the Buffet do Leao, but if that seems to take too much time, I'll grab some of those steak sandwiches for the train. (And no, Tim, I was planning on sprinkling my trash on the locals while singing showtunes, but now that you mention it, I'll probably just throw my rubbish in the bin. Crisis averted!)
Just to clarify - people eat on long distance trains all the time, it’s just the commuter trains on which I rarely see people eating.
As in most of Europe, it’s not the custom to walk around with a cup of coffee or soft drink and this seems to go with commuter trains, too. The bigger train stations have coffee shops (and sometimes more) but people get their coffee and snack and eat it before boarding the trains.
It took some getting accustomed to, but now I really appreciate it. Enjoy your time in Portugal!
