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Portugal itineraries
A first trip through Portugal usually runs between its two big cities. Lisbon is a city of hills, trams and river views, and Porto is a smaller, granite city on the Douro with the port cellars across the water. They feel different, and that is the reason to see both.
- 2 cities
- 5 and 7 days
Data checked on October 7, 2026
Choose the length of the trip
Lisbon comes first because it has the larger airport and the longer list of sights, and Porto follows to the north as the quieter end of the trip. You can fly into Lisbon and out of Porto, or the other way round, so there is no need to travel back down the line.
Trains between the cities
The Alfa Pendular is CP's fastest train between the two cities and runs direct from Lisboa Santa Apolónia to Porto Campanhã, with a stop at Lisboa Oriente. A seat reservation is compulsory on it, so a ticket means a fixed seat on a fixed departure. Slower Intercidades trains run on the same line. Buy once your dates are fixed, because every seat is assigned and a full departure cannot take more passengers.
| From | To | Fastest direct train | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| LisbonLisboa Santa Apolónia | PortoPorto Campanhã | 2 h 48 | CP, Comboios de Portugal (Alfa Pendular) |
When to go
May and September give the best mix of mild weather and smaller crowds in both cities. Midsummer is hot in Lisbon and busy in both, and from November to March rain is frequent, especially in Porto.
Before you go
- Book the Lisbon to Porto train as soon as you know which day you are moving, and choose the departure around your hotel checkout.
- Porto Campanhã is on the eastern edge of the city, so plan a short metro or taxi ride to the old town after you arrive.
- Pack for rain in Porto even when Lisbon is dry, because the north gets noticeably more of it.
- Both cities are steep and cobbled, so bring shoes with a proper grip rather than smooth soles.
Common questions
Do I need to reserve a seat on the train between Lisbon and Porto?
On the Alfa Pendular, yes: the reservation is part of the ticket and comes with a seat number. Intercidades trains run on the same line if you prefer a slower service. Check the departure you want on the CP site before you plan the day around it.
Can I fly into one city and out of the other?
Yes, and it saves a day of backtracking. Both cities have an international airport, so a route that starts in Lisbon and ends in Porto, or the reverse, works without a return trip.
Is it worth going to Porto from Lisbon?
They are quite different places. Lisbon has the larger sights and the wide river, while Porto is compact, tiled and built around the port cellars. If you have the time, seeing both gives a fuller picture of the country than either alone.