I am traveling from Madrid to Portugal round trip.
I have heard from several people that the easiest/quickest way is by plane rather than train.
'Easy jet' seems to be the most reasonably priced.
Has anyone flown 'Easy jet'?
Any opinions on plane vs. train?

Im also looking for any recommendations on places to stay in Lisbon.
Thanks!

I'll do it by plane.It's a 1 hour flight, and the approach to Lisbon from the air is magnificent. There are no high speed trains between madrid and Lisbon. The only one you have is an overnight train that departs from Madrid at 22:25 and arrives to lisbon at 07:41. The return is departing at 22:30 from Lisbon and arriving to Madrid at 9:03. So if you like sleeping at the train that can be also an option. The trains are good and have all kind of facilities.
In the other hand Lisbon airport is very near the city. Taxis in Lisbon are cheap and subway, even if small, is a good way to move (but take care of pickpockets).

veloria writes: << I have heard from several people that the easiest/quickest way is by plane rather than train.
'Easy jet' seems to be the most reasonably priced.
Has anyone flown 'Easy jet'? >>

I've flown EasyJet London (Luton) to Madrid - never to Portugal. I've found it much more comfortable than RyanAir

Many weeks, on Thursdays, SpanAir advertises weekend trips Madrid-Lisbon. Monitor Internet versions of ABC or El Pais on Thursdays.

<< Im also looking for any recommendations on places to stay in Lisbon.>>

I like a Hostal: Estrela do Saldanha near Praça Saldanha on Avda da Republica, 17. It's well communicated, centrally located at Metro Saldanha (Duque de Avila exit) and Carlos Ferreira, co-owner/Manager speaks passable English.

thanks for the recommendations.
has anyone ever flown vueling?

easyjet and vueling are comparable in price, but easyjet has a lot of add-ons.

any thoughts?

There's an overnight 'trainhotel' with cosy sleepers, restaurant & bar, an experience in itself.

Departs Madrid Chamartin 22:25, arrives Lisbon Santa Aplonia station in the city centre at 08:25 or so next morning.

Fares from about 85 euro including bed in 4-bed tourist class sleeper, rising to 150 euro for a bed in a 2-berth gran clase sleeper with private shower & toilet, breakfast included. Just book at the station.

Remember, the trainhotel will actually SAVE time over flying as your '1 hour flight' actually takes 4-5 hours out of your daytime day, the train is overnight. And this will save a hotel bill too.

this overnight train splits in Portugal with a portion going to Lisbon and another to Coimbra-Porto i believe.

have flown vueling many many times. and easyjet to lisbon. both are just fine. check luggage restrictions and online purchase pricing to not get gouged at airport.

Hola,

I personally took an overnight train from Madrid to Lisbon and we left at about 11pm and arrived at 7am (but Portugal are an hour behind Spain). I just purchased standard tickets which just entitled me to a chair that didn´t recline at all. Also I was in a booth of four so everyone was fighting for leg space.

This was an extremely uncomfortable ride I had and if I were to personally to do it again, I would either catch a plane, or upgarde to a bed on the train. This time last year, that cost 30euros more for a bed on the train which I think is worth it defintely.

Anyway, Portugal is simply amazing...enjoy.

OHandrew

(OH-holidays)