If you’re planning a trip to Portugal from Spain, you might be wondering if there are direct trains from Madrid to Lisbon. The answer is yes! In fact, there are several options for taking the train between these two cities.
Direct Trains from Madrid to Lisbon
There are currently two train companies that offer direct service between Madrid and Lisbon: Renfe and Comboios de Portugal (CP).
Renfe
Renfe is Spain’s national railway operator and offers high-speed AVE trains that can get you from Madrid to Lisbon in just under 11 hours. These trains depart from Madrid’s Chamartín station and arrive at Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia station. The AVE trains have comfortable seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and snack bars.
Comboios de Portugal (CP)
CP is Portugal’s national railway operator and offers the Sud Expresso train that runs between Lisbon and Hendaye (France) with a stop in Madrid. This train takes around 10 hours to complete the journey from Madrid to Lisbon. The Sud Expresso departs from Madrid’s Chamartín station and arrives at Lisbon’s Oriente station.
Other Train Options
If you don’t mind making a transfer along the way, there are other train options available that can get you from Madrid to Lisbon.
Interrail/Eurail
If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass, you can take advantage of the many regional trains that run between cities in Spain and Portugal. While these trains may take longer than the direct options, they offer more flexibility in terms of departure times and stops along the way.
Local Trains
For budget-conscious travelers, local trains may be an option. However, keep in mind that these trains often take longer than other options and may require multiple transfers. You can check schedules and purchase tickets through the respective national railway operators’ websites.
Conclusion
In summary, there are direct trains from Madrid to Lisbon offered by Renfe and CP. The journey takes around 10-11 hours and offers comfortable amenities such as Wi-Fi and snack bars.
If you’re looking for more flexibility or budget-friendly options, you can also consider regional or local trains. Regardless of which option you choose, traveling by train is a great way to see the beautiful countryside of Spain and Portugal.