The Coimbra to Lisbon train is quick — under 2 hours on the fastest service — and unlike Portugal’s Algarve routes, you actually have a choice of which Lisbon station to use. Here’s what matters: duration, cost, which Coimbra station to board from, and the schedule.
Is There a Direct Train from Coimbra to Lisbon?
Yes. Direct Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains run from Coimbra-B to Lisbon throughout the day, operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), with no transfers required.
Coimbra to Lisbon Train Duration
The Alfa Pendular covers the roughly 190 km route in about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The Intercidades takes a little longer, around 2 hours.
Coimbra-A vs Coimbra-B: Where Do You Actually Board?
Same detail that catches people out on the Coimbra–Porto route applies here too. Coimbra-B, about 2–3 km outside the city center in Eiras, is where all long-distance trains to Lisbon depart from — not the small central Coimbra-A station. CP runs a connecting shuttle train between the two, taking about 10 minutes and included in your ticket, so if you’re staying centrally, board at Coimbra-A and let the shuttle handle the rest. There’s also a local bus and taxis if you miss the connecting train.
Which Lisbon Station Will You Arrive At?
This is where the Coimbra route differs from the Algarve routes: Coimbra trains can use either Santa Apolónia or Lisboa Oriente, sometimes both on the same journey, since Coimbra sits on the northern line that passes through both stations. Some services also stop at Entrecampos or Sete Rios. Check your specific ticket, since it varies by departure — but the flexibility means you can often pick whichever station is closest to where you’re headed in Lisbon.
Coimbra to Lisbon Train Cost
- Alfa Pendular: roughly €8–€27 depending on how far ahead you book and the fare type
- Intercidades: generally a few euros less
- Promo fares: released 5 to 60 days ahead, the cheapest but non-refundable option
Standard CP discounts apply: children under 4 travel free, kids 4–12 get 50% off, under-25s get 25% off, and seniors 65+ get 50% off, though these don’t combine with Promo fares.
How to Buy Tickets
Book through cp.pt, CP’s official site, or Omio, which also sells official CP tickets. Given this is a popular, frequent route, last-minute booking is usually fine for availability, but Promo fares still sell out first, so book ahead if price matters more than flexibility.
Coimbra to Lisbon Train Schedule
Alfa Pendular services run roughly hourly through the day, with Intercidades adding more options — this is one of the more frequent long-distance routes in Portugal, so you’re rarely waiting long between trains.
Alfa Pendular vs Intercidades
The Alfa Pendular is the faster, more modern option, with free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and a café-bar. The Intercidades takes about 15–25 minutes longer and has slightly older carriages, but it’s also the more bike-friendly choice if you’re traveling with one, and still comfortable for a journey this length.
Practical Tips
- Seat reservations are included with every Alfa Pendular and Intercidades ticket.
- Confirm which Lisbon station your ticket uses — Santa Apolónia, Oriente, Entrecampos, or Sete Rios — and plan your onward transport accordingly.
- Use the free Coimbra-A to Coimbra-B shuttle if you’re starting from the city center; allow about 15 minutes total buffer.
- Book Promo fares early if you want the lowest price and your dates are fixed.
Other Ways to Travel from Coimbra to Lisbon
By Bus
Rede Expressos and FlixBus run this route in around 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes, from about €5–€15.50, departing from Coimbra’s bus terminal and Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal. It’s often the cheapest option, though slower and less comfortable than the Alfa Pendular.
By Car
Driving via the A1 motorway takes about 2 hours, similar to the slower train options, though you’ll pay tolls and need parking in Lisbon.
FAQs
Is there a direct train from Coimbra to Lisbon?
Yes. Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains run direct from Coimbra-B to Lisbon, with no transfers required.
How long does the Coimbra to Lisbon train take?
The Alfa Pendular takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The Intercidades takes around 2 hours.
How much does a Coimbra to Lisbon train ticket cost?
Fares typically range from about €8 to €27 depending on the train type, fare class, and how far ahead you book.
Which Coimbra station do I use?
Coimbra-B, about 2–3 km outside the center. A free 10-minute connecting train links it to the central Coimbra-A station.
Which Lisbon station do I arrive at?
It varies — Coimbra trains can use Santa Apolónia, Oriente, Entrecampos, or Sete Rios, unlike Algarve routes, which only use Oriente. Check your specific ticket.
Do I need to reserve a seat?
No separate reservation is needed — a seat is included automatically with every Alfa Pendular or Intercidades ticket.
How frequent are the trains?
Alfa Pendular services run roughly hourly, with Intercidades adding more options throughout the day.
Is the bus a good alternative?
It can be if you’re on a tight budget — it’s cheaper but takes around 45 minutes to over an hour longer than the fastest train.
Prices and schedules reflect recent Comboios de Portugal (CP) fares. Always confirm current details on cp.pt before booking, as prices and timetables can change.