The Lisbon to Coimbra train takes as little as 1 hour 35 minutes, with trains running from 6:30 AM until around 10 PM. The question most people actually have isn’t the schedule — it’s whether Coimbra works as a day trip from Lisbon. Short answer: yes, but it’s a long day, and the logistics are worth understanding before you commit to it.
Is There a Direct Train from Lisbon to Coimbra?
Yes. Direct Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains run throughout the day, operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), with roughly 20 or more departures daily combining both train types — one of the more frequent long-distance routes in Portugal.
Lisbon to Coimbra Train Duration
The Alfa Pendular covers the roughly 200 km route in about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The Intercidades takes a little longer, closer to 2 hours.
Can You Do Coimbra as a Day Trip from Lisbon?
Yes, but go in with realistic expectations. With travel time alone eating up 3+ hours round trip, plus whatever time you spend getting to and from stations on both ends, you’re looking at a genuinely long day if you want to see Coimbra properly — the university, the old town, the Joanina Library, and the riverside area all deserve unhurried time.
The bigger practical issue is booking: return tickets need to be pre-booked in advance, and there’s very little flexibility if your plans change during the day. If you’re set on a day trip, book an early outbound train (the 6:30 AM or shortly after) and a realistic return in the early evening, rather than trying to keep your schedule open — trains on this route can sell out, especially on Fridays and Sundays.
If you can manage even one overnight, Coimbra is worth it as more than a rushed afternoon.
Lisbon to Coimbra Train Cost
- Cheapest fares: from around €9
- Average fares: roughly €15–€20
- Higher full-flex fares: up to about €32, depending on train type, class, and how far ahead you book
As with other CP routes, booking a few weeks ahead — and avoiding peak commuter hours (roughly 6–10 AM and 3–7 PM on weekdays) — tends to get you noticeably better prices.
Lisbon to Coimbra Train Schedule
The first train leaves around 6:30 AM, and the last departs around 10 PM, arriving in Coimbra close to midnight. Trains run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes for most of the day, so you’re rarely stuck waiting long, though the exact frequency varies — check cp.pt for the current timetable.
Which Lisbon Station Should You Use?
Most express services depart from Lisboa Oriente, which connects directly to the metro’s red line — useful if you’re arriving from Lisbon Airport, since it’s just a 10-minute metro ride (around €2 with the Navegante card) from the airport to Oriente. Some services also depart from Santa Apolónia, closer to the historic center. Always check your specific ticket, since it isn’t the same for every departure.
Arriving in Coimbra: Coimbra-A vs Coimbra-B
Long-distance trains arrive at Coimbra-B, a few kilometers outside the center — not the small central Coimbra-A station. A free connecting shuttle train links the two in about 10 minutes, included in your ticket, so you can ride straight through to Coimbra-A if you’re headed into town.
Practical Tips
- Seat reservations are included with every Alfa Pendular and Intercidades ticket.
- Book your return train in advance if you’re doing this as a day trip — same-day flexibility is limited.
- Avoid peak commuter hours for better fares if your schedule allows it.
- Use the free Coimbra-B to Coimbra-A shuttle to reach the city center without a taxi.
- Consider an overnight stay if you want to see Coimbra properly rather than rushing.
Other Ways to Travel from Lisbon to Coimbra
By Bus
Rede Expressos and FlixBus run this route in around 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes, from as little as €5. Buses depart from either Sete Rios or Oriente bus station — note that Sete Rios is Rede Expressos-only, with some of their services shifting to Oriente when Sete Rios is at capacity.
By Car
Driving via the A1 motorway takes about 2 hours, similar to the slower train, though you’ll pay tolls and need parking in Coimbra.
FAQs
Is there a direct train from Lisbon to Coimbra?
Yes. Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains run direct, with roughly 20 or more departures a day.
How long does the Lisbon to Coimbra train take?
The Alfa Pendular takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The Intercidades takes closer to 2 hours.
Can I visit Coimbra as a day trip from Lisbon?
Yes, but it’s a long day — 3+ hours of round-trip travel, plus return tickets need to be pre-booked with little flexibility. An overnight stay lets you see the city without rushing.
How much does a Lisbon to Coimbra train ticket cost?
Fares typically range from about €9 to €32, depending on the train, class, and how far ahead you book.
What time is the first and last train?
The first train leaves around 6:30 AM, and the last departs around 10 PM.
Which Lisbon station do I use?
Most trains depart from Lisboa Oriente, with some from Santa Apolónia — check your specific ticket.
Which Coimbra station do I arrive at?
Coimbra-B, a few kilometers outside the center. A free 10-minute shuttle connects it to the central Coimbra-A station.
Is the bus cheaper than the train?
Often yes, especially with early FlixBus fares, but the train is faster and more comfortable for this distance.
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.