In brief
- Train (best option): 2h45-3h15 city-centre to city-centre, comfortable and scenic.
- Bus: 3h30-4h, the cheapest option.
- Car: ~3h on the A1 motorway (tolls), useful only if you stop along the way.
- Plane: 55 min flight, but airport transfers make it slower overall.
- Our tip: take the train and book ahead for the best fares.
Porto and Lisbon are about 313 km apart, and getting between them is easy. The question is which option suits your trip. Here is our local comparison of the train, bus, car and plane to travel from Porto to Lisbon.
By train: the best all-round choice
Comboios de Portugal (CP) runs frequent Alfa Pendular (fastest, ~2h45) and Intercidades (~3h15) trains between Porto’s Campanhã station and Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia / Oriente. Comfortable, scenic and city-centre to city-centre. Book a few days ahead on the CP website for the lowest fares, and choose a window seat for the rolling countryside.
By bus: the budget option
Coaches (Rede Expressos, FlixBus) link the two cities in 3h30-4h for the lowest price. Comfortable enough, with several daily departures. A good choice if budget matters more than speed.
By car: only if you stop along the way
The A1 motorway covers the distance in about 3 hours, with tolls. Driving makes sense only if you want to stop en route, Aveiro (the “Portuguese Venice”), Coimbra and its historic university, or the medieval town of Óbidos. Otherwise, the train is faster and stress-free.
By plane: rarely worth it
The flight itself is only about 55 minutes, but check-in, security and the airport transfers at both ends make door-to-door travel slower than the train, and usually pricier. Skip it unless you are connecting to an international flight.
So, which should you choose?
For most travellers, the train wins on comfort, speed and convenience. Choose the bus to save money, the car to explore Aveiro, Coimbra or Óbidos along the way. Combining Porto and Lisbon in one trip? See our tailor-made offers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Porto to Lisbon?
About 2h45 on the Alfa Pendular and 3h15 on the Intercidades, from Porto-Campanhã to Lisbon.
What is the cheapest way to get from Porto to Lisbon?
The bus is usually the cheapest. Train tickets can also be inexpensive if booked a few days in advance.
Is it worth flying from Porto to Lisbon?
Rarely. The flight is short but airport transfers and procedures make it slower and often more expensive than the train, door to door.
Should you stop between Porto and Lisbon?
If you drive, yes, Aveiro, Coimbra and Óbidos are lovely stops. By train you can also break the journey in Coimbra or Aveiro.
Related articles & offers
Heading to the capital? Our sister agency Secret Lisbon can plan your stay, and Secret Portugal builds combined Porto-Lisbon itineraries.