I am trying to determine whether to take a plane or a train from Lisbon to Madrid. I am interested in how often the trains run, whether the scenery from the train is worth seeing and how long the train trip takes. Thank you.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
From a matter of convenience, I vote for the plane. The rail system is not as developed in Spain and Portugal as the rest of Europe. As a consequence, the rail connect between Lisbon and Madrid is not good. Without checking schedules myself, I would assume that there is no direct trains but will check on it for you.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
The only rail link is an overnight train, long and expensive. Fly. Check whichbudget.com for discount airlines flying that route.
Posted by
San Diego
552 posts
Because I was recently checking on this, I can be more specific. The night trip is 15 hours, with 3 to 4 transfers, leaving me wondering when and where we'd actually get seated in our private sleeper. Due to our need to feast on "Leitao da Bairrada," (Google it!), and after lots of research, we're ending up with having a car during our time in Lisbon. I'll be driving part of the route of the famous Tram #28 to get to our hotel,... wish us luck.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Actually, the overnight "Trenhotel" between Lisbon and Madrid takes about 10 1/2 hours with no changes.¶ A couchette in a 4-bed compartmment (segregated by gender) will run you about 50 euro.
Posted by
San Diego
552 posts
Here lies a problem with using only the Bahn site for checking schedules. (After Norm corrected the info I had to relook, of course) The default search went from Rossio station to Atocha. The "Trenhotel" leaves from Oriente station and ends up in Chamartin, eliminating 2 transfers right there. "Trenhotel" makes it sound like more fun, though. You can fly anytime. But how often can you Trenhotel?
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
As of this year a single daytime train across the border has been reintroduced, allowing you to travel from Madrid to Lisbon in about 10 1/2 hours (plus the hour's time difference between the two countries). You have to make two changes, at Badajoz in Spain and Entroncamento in Portugal, with about a three-hour wait at Badajoz in the early evening (probably time to eat, as I don't think the trains have catering). I have no idea if the scenery makes all this hassle worthwhile.
Posted by
OP
Lovettsville, Virginia, USA
42 posts
Thank you all very much for your comments. Looks like the plane is the way go go!