Lisbon to Porto by Train: Portugal's Most Scenic Rail Journey

Portugal keeps surprising me every time I go back, and pairing Lisbon with Porto by train is now my favourite way to see both cities without the stress of driving. Flying into Lisbon Airport (LIS), I took the metro into the city — about 30 minutes and very affordable. Taxis are easy too, but the metro is hard to beat for the price.

I based myself in Alfama for the first two nights. It's the oldest district in Lisbon, built on steep hills above the Tagus River, and the narrow streets feel like a village inside a capital. The walking is tough on the legs but worth it — every corner opens onto a new viewpoint over the red rooftops and the river. I made a point of visiting two miradouros: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in the morning light, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina at sunset with a glass of vinho verde in hand.

Lisbon rewards slow mornings. I spent hours at the Time Out Market near the river, grazing through small plates from different chefs, and another afternoon wandering through Belém to see the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. The pastéis de Belém — the original custard tarts — live up to the hype. Eat them warm, standing at the counter, the way the locals do.

On day three I caught the train from Lisbon's Santa Apolónia station to Porto's Campanhã station. The journey takes about three hours on the fast Alfa Pendular service, or closer to three and a half on the slightly slower Intercity. Either way it's comfortable, clean, and the scenery rolls from rolling farmland to forested hills to the Douro Valley vineyards. Book in advance for the best prices, and sit on the right side of the train heading north for the better views of the river as you approach Porto.

Porto immediately feels different from Lisbon — smaller, more intimate, and a little more weathered in the best way. The historic Ribeira district sits right on the Douro River, with colourful buildings stacked above the waterfront. I crossed the Dom Luís I Bridge on foot into Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine cellars line the south bank. I toured one cellar and did a tasting — even as someone who isn't a big wine drinker, standing among the enormous oak barrels and learning how port is made was a highlight.

Porto is a city for walking, and the walking is steep. I wore decent shoes and was still grateful for them. One evening I climbed to the São Bento viewpoint and watched the city light up across the river. For food, I tried the francesinha — a towering sandwich layered with meats, cheese, and a spicy tomato-and-beer sauce. It's heavy enough that I'd only attempt it once, but it's a Porto institution and worth the experience.

A few practical notes. Train tickets between Lisbon and Porto start around €25–30 if you book early, and rise closer to €40 closer to the date. The stations are central in both cities, so you don't need a car at either end. Both cities are walkable, but Porto's hills are no joke — budget for the occasional taxi or tram ride if your legs give out. The best months are April through June and September, when the weather is warm but the summer crowds have thinned.

What I'd do differently: Add a day trip from Porto into the Douro Valley by boat or by train. I ran out of time and regret it — the terraced vineyards along the river are supposed to be some of the most beautiful scenery in Portugal.