Infrastructure In Portugal

Portugal’s national rail network is administered by Comboios de Portugal and connects most of the country’s main cities. International service is via Spain.

Most of the 2,791 kilometers in tracks are wide-gauge to accommodate shipments from Spain, and about 1,430 kilometers are electrified.

High-speed passenger services (in excess of 120 kilometers per hour) covers about about 900 kilometers of the network.

Most passenger rail services are designated Regionais (R) or Interregionais (IR). Intercidades (IC), faster and more expensive services, connect Lisbon to the main regional centers; while the modern, high-speed Alfa Pendulares (AP) trains run from Lisbon to Faro, and from Lisbon to Braga via Santarém, Coimbra, Aveiro and Porto.

For the most part, the network is fast and reliable, and fares are an extremely good value. The more scenic routes are in the north, particularly Douro line from Porto to Pocinho.

Both Lisbon and Porto have subway systems, the Lisbon Metro and Metro Sul do Tejo in the former and the Porto Metro in the Porto Metropolitan Area.  Each have more than 35 kilometers of lines.

Additionally, there are tram networks in both cities, though Lisbon’s is much more extensive than that of Porto, which is geared primarily for tourists.

All major cities and towns have their own local urban transport network, as well as taxi services.