Plane or Train Lisbon to Porto?
Jan 30th, 2015, 03:48 PM
#1
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Plane or Train Lisbon to Porto?
My husband & I have a cycling trip in the Duoro Valley of Portugal in early summer.
We will be going to Lisbon first and want to spend a day in Porto before heading further north for the cycling portion of the trip.
We are traveling on miles/points and can include a flight from Lisbon to Porto.
Alternatively, we can take the train to Porto.
So, I need advice of whether to take the 55 minute flight or the 2+ hour train ride.
Considering convenience and costs of getting to and from train stations vs. airports, the security of checked luggage at the airport, the extra cost of 2 train tix, and having to get to the airport a little early.
Train or Plane?
We will be going to Lisbon first and want to spend a day in Porto before heading further north for the cycling portion of the trip.
We are traveling on miles/points and can include a flight from Lisbon to Porto.
Alternatively, we can take the train to Porto.
So, I need advice of whether to take the 55 minute flight or the 2+ hour train ride.
Considering convenience and costs of getting to and from train stations vs. airports, the security of checked luggage at the airport, the extra cost of 2 train tix, and having to get to the airport a little early.
Train or Plane?
Jan 30th, 2015, 06:39 PM
#2
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It much easier to take the high-speed train from Lisbon to Porto, much more relaxing, and can be booked online: http://www.cp.pt
The website is in English. There are some discount tickets available is booked in advance.
The website is in English. There are some discount tickets available is booked in advance.
Jan 31st, 2015, 02:22 AM
#3
The "high speed" is a little misleading in the title. It's a distance of around 310kms(192 miles) but takes nearly 3 hours. It does have a number of stops that probably account for the time. However, there's not much in it timewise. Flight time is about 50 mins. and you need to add on the time out and back from airports, and being at Lisbon up to an hour before the flight, plus the usual taxiing to the stand, walking off the plane and through the airport etc.
For less hassle, take the train, but you need to do a cost comparison.
For less hassle, take the train, but you need to do a cost comparison.
Jan 31st, 2015, 05:52 AM
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Is it the kind of bike trip where you bring your own bike or will you be loaned bikes when you meet up with your group and guide?
If you aren't bringing your own bikes, I say take the train. Flights can be unexpectedly delayed. Trains less often.
If you are bringing your own bikes, I'm not sure what the answer is regarding train seating.
If you aren't bringing your own bikes, I say take the train. Flights can be unexpectedly delayed. Trains less often.
If you are bringing your own bikes, I'm not sure what the answer is regarding train seating.
Jan 31st, 2015, 10:45 AM
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According the CP: You can take your bike with you at no extra cost every day of the week and at any time of day.
http://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/pass...rte-bicicletas
http://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/pass...rte-bicicletas
Jan 31st, 2015, 11:37 PM
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But what one poster calls the high speed line (I suppose it is relative to the other trains in Portugal) you have to disassemble and pack your bikes. Are you willing to do that?
The train you use is called Alfa-pendular.
The train you use is called Alfa-pendular.
