The Portuguese national railway company, CP (Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses) provides an excellent service covering the whole of the country.
Considered one of the best intercity connections in southern Europe, the high-speed Alfa train between Lisbon, Coimbra and Oporto is an extremely efficient way of travelling from the capital to the north of the country, and vice versa. The train leaves Lisbon's Santa Apolónia station and passes through the impressive Oriente station in the east of the city.
Other intercity trains are either ‘regional’, which means they stop at most stations en route and have first- and second-class carriages, or the faster ‘inter-regional’ service which only stops at major stations in-between.
In Oporto, trains to and from the south terminate at Campanhã station, while journeys to Braga and beyond start at Trindade station in the north of the city. Points between Bragança in Portugal's extreme north-eastern corner are served by Oporto's São Bento station
Train travel in the Minho and Douro Valley regions of Portugal is achieved at a much slower pace, allowing time to appreciate the stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.
The Algarve is served by Lisbon's Barreiro station on the south side of the River Tagus, which is reachable by ferry from the city centre. The trans-Algarvian network terminates at Lagos to the west (changing at Tunes) and the border town of Vila Real de Santo António.
Rail fares in Portugal are cheap in comparison with other countries, and there are numerous discounts available. Young children travel free, while older children pay half the adult fare. First-class travel is available on most intercity services.