Train Transfer

I have not done this, but I assume it is going to be the same as train transfers everywhere: you get of one train, walk to another train and get on. Nothing to be anxious about. You will not be the only one making this transfer.

EDIT: According to posts on Tripadvisor (where this question was also asked) the transfer is usually cross platform, and I would expect it to be a timed transfer, ie. the local will not leave before everyone has made the transfer, and will wait for a delayed long distance trains. CP offers connections in Tunes as low as 1 minute, which reflects quite well on them. Railways should try to avoid wasting their customers' time.

Thank you Wengen.

We have transferred at Tunes to and from the AP train.
There is a two sided central platform, the local train arrived first on one side of the platform and the AP train arrived afterwards on the opposite side of the platform, it was just a matter of walking from one train to the other ( maybe 5 meters).

Access to the central platform is done by an elevated walkway which connects to the station building platform, if arriving by car.

Thank you Aulopone.

When buying train tickets online how do I get the train tickets? Do I print the tickets or will they be on the CP app ?

Thanks for your help.

You can buy the tickets in person at any CP station ( you'll be given a paper ticket) or online ( on the app or computer - if you want a paper copy you'll have to print it yourself) at cp.pt official site
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/

Tickets are available a maximum of 60 days before departure ( sometimes there's a discount if bought early).
We use the AP train ( fastest) first class seats ( more comfortable).

Sometimes we fly from Faro to Porto ( about 1 hour) because the train takes over 6 hours.

Wrote a trip report that has some photos of the AP train if you want to check it out , scroll to the train photos
https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/extended-trip-to-portugal-1711933/

Thank you so much for all that useful info.

Apart from the seating arrangements (which you showed in your pics) is there much difference between the 1st and 2nd class train tickets ? There is quite a significant difference in price and so I just wanted to check.

I'm planning to book my tickets online soon even though my trip from Lagos to Porto is only on 11/9.

Many Thanks.

The difference is the size of the seats, other than that it's the same.

I've traveled on both classes and prefer the first class, the seats are wider which is more comfortable for a larger person.

I've paid full price for last minute tickets and discounted price for tickets purchased in advance.

Also if you're traveling with a senior, they're entitled to a discount on regular priced tickets.
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/discounts-benefits/Discounts/senior-citizens

Thanks again for all your wonderful help.

I'm finally getting around to organising our transport.

I've booked our train tickets from Lagos to Porto and will have to wait for another week or so before I can book the rest of the train/bus tickets.

Joined this train in Lisbon through to Lagos a week ago. The train from Lisbon was 20 minutes late and they still held the train at Tunes until the AP arrived.

The Algarve line is going through an electrification and upgrade project. It appears they are finishing up the Lagos to Tunes leg. Online sources indicate completion this fall with new trains to be deployed.

Thanks for the info chardy76.

My husband and I will be in Portugal this September, We plan to travel from Porto to Lisbon and Lisbon to Lagos and Lagos to Lisbon.
How are the trains? Do they run on time.? I have heard that the trains are quite old and not on time in Portugal.
Just wondering whether we should consider hiring a driver.