Hi! I've an outdated Rick Steves' guide to Portugal, which includes train information PRIOR to the building of the high-speed system connecting larger cities throughout the country. Does anyone know the time it presently takes (using the high-speed system) from Lisbon to the Algrave? Is there a high speed connection in Evora? I'd like to stop there in-between, if possible. And in relation, does anyone have a suggestion on whether it's better to fit-in Evora before or after the Algrave (starting and ending in Lisbon)? Thanks so much!
Posted by
Chicago
8179 posts
There is no high speed connection to Evora.
You would have to go back to Lisbon to get a train an Alafa Pendular (High Speed Train) or IC train to the Algarve area.
This is the Official Rail site with all the travel times
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/train-times
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
502 posts
There are no real high-speed trains in Portugal.
Both the Alpha Pendular (AP) and the Inter-City (IC) run on the same tracks.
The AP is a bit nicer and takes a bit less time between Lisboa and Porto (for example) because the AP makes fewer stops.
Regional (R) trains make lots of stops.
Urban (U) trains are similar to commuter rail. Stop at every station and the seating is hard. They are fine for a 1 hour journey.
The way to use the CP.pt website is:
1. Become a cliente (aka registered user)
2. Buy your tickets 2 months in advance. For example, these the Lisboa-Evora prices (list vs advance purchase)
€16,50/€12,40 €10,00/€7,00
this is a case where I would buy the €10 1ª ticket.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9249 posts
You can use Rome2rio to find transport options of trains, buses, and planes.
We decided to use the buses in Portugal as they were cheaper as well as faster. With the train, we would have had to switch trains and with the bus, it was direct.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
It really depends on where in the Algarve you are going to determine how long it takes. From Lisbon to Lagos is about 4 hours, with one change of trains at Tunes. But, it’s an easy change.
And while there aren’t the high speed trains as in Spain and France, the trains are comfortable and easy. And, very inexpensive if you purchase tickets ahead of time. I much prefer the train to the bus.
And, yes, you can not stop off in Evora on your way to the Algarve. It’s in a bit of a different direction so you would need to go back to Lisbon.