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Train strikes in Portugal

Just a warning to travelers: If you have bought train tickets, check the train website, Comboios de Portugal, to see if a strike is planned or going on, or google "train strike in Portugal'' to get the local news. Unions have to give two weeks' notice before striking.
We showed up at the Coimbra station on May 7 to discover a strike had been declared for May 7-14 (there was also other strikes in March and April). We had bought tickets online well in advance, but CP hadn't notified us, the driver of the bus connecting Coimbra A and B didn't say anything when we got on with suitcases, and there were no signs at the station. We had traveled by train from Lisbon to Coimbra on May 6 but heard nothing nor saw warning posters, if there were any.
We had a food tour to get to in Porto, so immediately we bought tickets on Flixbus, but then we found earlier tickets on Rede Express -- both companies offer regular non-stop service between towns that are cheaper, faster and, it seems, more reliable. Rede Express has actual bus stations where you can buy tickets and get information.
According to the CP website, we will not get a refund because strikes are among reasons not eligible for compensation, along with demonstrations, storms or changes to itinerary due to announced construction.
Buyer beware.

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We bought our train tickets few months ago via Comboios de Portugal website for the Lisboa to Portimao trip on 05/10/2025 and were told the Strike - Train disruptions on 7 to 14 May 2025. Logged on the CP website, we were able to get our refund (via myCP) with no issues.

Bought the bus tickets from Rede Expressos for less ($12.90/pp) and the journey took three hours and half - highly recommended.