Travelling between Lisbon and Porto by train is one of the great pleasures of visiting Portugal, and when you package the whole thing with your flights from Canada, it becomes one of the most seamless city-break experiences you can have anywhere in Europe. The train takes around three hours between the two cities, runs several times a day, and drops you right in the heart of each destination. No airports at the other end, no rental cars, no stress. 

Our Lisbon-Porto by Train packages include your return flights from Canada, accommodation in both cities, and the intercity rail journey. Depending on which itinerary you choose, some packages include guided elements to help you get the most out of specific sights or experiences, while others are entirely self-guided with everything pre-booked and waiting for you. Either way, you arrive knowing the hard part is already sorted. 

Departure Airports 

Most of our Lisbon-Porto by Train packages are priced from Toronto and Montreal, where direct flights to Portugal are most readily available. If you're departing from another Canadian city, give us a call at 1-800-665-4981 and our agents can work out the best routing and pricing for you.

The Cities 

Lisbon is where most itineraries begin, and it's easy to understand why. It's one of those cities that rewards wandering in a way very few places do. Each neighbourhood has its own personality: the Alfama with its fado bars and tangled medieval lanes, Mouraria with its markets and mix of cultures, Bairro Alto buzzing after dark. The food is excellent at every price point. One practical note: Lisbon is hilly so make sure to pack comfortable shoes and make use of the yellow trams.

Porto is smaller than Lisbon, yet many travellers feel it’s even more atmospheric. The Ribeira district along the river is beautiful in the way that makes you slow down and just look at things. Walking across the Dom Luís I bridge on foot gives you one of the best views in the country. On the south bank, in Vila Nova de Gaia, you'll find the historic port wine lodges, where an afternoon of tastings is essentially non-negotiable. 

The Train Journey 

The intercity rail between Lisbon and Porto is comfortable, runs on time, and is underrated as a travel experience in its own right. The Alfa Pendular express takes around three hours and passes through the Portuguese countryside: rolling hills, vineyards, clusters of orange-roofed villages. There's a café car if you want a coffee and something to eat along the way, and the seats are perfectly comfortable for the journey. You arrive in the centre of each city rather than at an airport on the outskirts, which alone makes it easier than flying. 

When to Go 

Spring, from March through May, is probably the best time for this kind of trip. The cities are relatively uncrowded, the weather is warm and sunny without being hot, and the Portuguese countryside is green and flowering. If you have flexibility, this is the window to aim for. 

Summer, from June through August, is peak season in both Lisbon and Porto. The cities get busy and prices go up accordingly, but the long evenings are beautiful, and the outdoor dining scene is at its best. Book well ahead if you're travelling in July or August. 

Autumn, from September through October, is another excellent window. It's warm, less crowded than summer, and if you're thinking about extending your trip to the wine country north of Porto, this is harvest season in the Douro Valley, which makes it particularly special. 

Winter, from November through February, is mild by northern European standards. Porto gets more Atlantic weather than Lisbon and sees some rain, but if you're not chasing beach weather, winter is a pleasant and affordable time to visit. You'll have bookshops, wine lodges and plenty of restaurants mostly to yourselves. 

Not sure which itinerary is right for you? 

Our agents know Portugal well and can help you figure out the pace, the cities, and the level of guidance that suits you. Whether you want to be pointed in a direction and left to wander or prefer to have more of the experience planned out, we can help you find the right fit. Give us a call at 1-800-665-4981 and let's plan it together.