After staying three nights in Sintra, we will be traveling to Porto on Saturday, March 12, 2025. We will not have a car, nor do we wish to fly. Can anyone advise us on the best transportation options: bus, train, combo of both? We would ideally like to arrive in a Porto mid-afternoon,
Thank you all.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16230 posts
Train from Sintra to Lisboa Oriente station.
Then change train from Lisboa Oriente to Porto Campanha station.
It should take you about 4 hours.
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt
The fastest train from Oriente is called Alfa Pendular
Intercity (IC) trains however are cheaper and not much slower.
If taking the IC, I prefer the first class. Not much more money than 2nd class but much more comfort.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7246 posts
Or Flixbus direct from Sintra to Porto. Direct and a tad faster than the train, but a bit less comfortable.
Posted by
MD
674 posts
I've taken the train from Sintra to Lisbon and I've taken the train from Oriente in Lisbon to Porto. I've also taken the Flixbus from Porto to Sintra. The bus was quicker, but not as comfortable and I had to get a Bolt from the bus station into town where I was staying. If I was taking your trip, I would take the train simply because of the comfort factor.
Posted by
OP
Franklin, Tennessee
187 posts
I have looked it over and the 11:06 - 11:52 Sintra to Lisboa Oriente U. train connecting there for the 12:09 - 14:58 AP. train to Porto Campanha seems like the best choice for us. I believe we can connect there for 4 minute, one stop local train to Porto Sao Bento Station which is a short walk to our Airbnb.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1848 posts
After several trips taking the train, I’ve switched to taking the bus. Its so much easier IMO to simply get on the bus in Sintra (or Cascais, in my case) and the next stop is Porto. Having to go into Lisbon to catch the train takes another hour plus and it requires schlepping luggage from place to place. I doubt I will ever take the train again. Flixbus and Gypsyy both make the trip. Gypsyy has a slightly more comfortable bus with a decent size toilet on board, if that’s a factor. But, sometimes the driver takes a rest stop during the trip.
Posted by
OP
Franklin, Tennessee
187 posts
Many questions… help?
If I purchase the one connection 11:06 - 14:48 ticket, can I get it as mobile or pdf ticket? Unclear whether the Urbano tickets are only printed and must be purchased at a ticket office.
Also, I am eligible for a senior fare, will that apply to a purchase of the above Sinatra - Porto Campanha ticket?
Is the discount available on both first and second class tickets?
Are first class tickets on the Lisbon - Porto route worth the extra cost?
Finally, it looks like the best fares are available about 30 days in advance at which time promo tickets are available, is that correct?
Does the senior discount apply to promo fare tickets?
Thanks for all the help!