Faro to Lisbon Train

Traveling from Faro to Lisbon by Train

The train services from Faro to Lisbon include the Alfa Pendular, CP's premium high-speed service, and the Intercidades (InterCity). The Alfa Pendular offers a faster journey with enhanced amenities such as Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and onboard catering. First Class on the Alfa Pendular includes spacious seating, power outlets, and access to CP lounges at major stations. The Intercidades service, while slightly slower, operates frequently and with affordable prices. These offer comfortable seating and a café-bar, ensuring a pleasant journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Algarve and Alentejo regions before reaching the bustling city of Lisbon.

Amenities at the Lisbon Oriente train station

Inside Lisbon's Oriente Station, you'll find a metro station. The red line connects Oriente to other parts of the city. For bus travelers, all international bus companies, such as Alsa and Flixbus, arrive at Lisbon Oriente Station, as well as local private bus companies. As Lisbon's central intercity train station, Oriente handles all intercity express trains. High-speed Alfa Pendulares trains depart to Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto, and Braga. 

You'll find luggage storage, ticket offices, and customer service inside the station. There's a waiting room, several cafés, and facilities for car rental, public phones, and ATMs.

What to do in Lisbon

1. Explore the historic Alfama district with its narrow streets and Fado music.
2. Visit the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage sites.
3. Ride the iconic Tram 28 for a scenic tour of the city.
4. Enjoy panoramic views from the São Jorge Castle.
5. Sample traditional Portuguese pastries, like Pastéis de Belém.
6. Stroll along the Lisbon waterfront and discover the MAAT museum.
7. Experience Lisbon's vibrant nightlife in the Bairro Alto district.
8. Shop for unique souvenirs and crafts at the Feira da Ladra flea market.
9. Relax in the lush gardens of the Gulbenkian Museum.
10. Discover contemporary art at the Berardo Collection Museum.

What to Eat in Lisbon:

1. Pastéis de Nata: Iconic Portuguese custard tarts from Nata next to Lisbon.
2. Bacalhau: Traditional salted cod dishes served in various styles for affordable prices, and cod fish like you have never had before.
3. Caldo Verde: A comforting kale and potato soup.
4. Polvo à Lagareiro: Tender octopus dish roasted with olive oil and garlic.
5. Francesinha: A hearty sandwich (perfect hangover food)from Porto, often enjoyed in Lisbon.
6. Arroz de Marisco: A flavorful seafood rice dish.
7. Bifana: A simple yet delicious pork sandwich.
8. Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines are especially popular during the summer.
9. Alheira: A traditional Portuguese sausage made with meats and bread.
10. Vinho Verde: Refreshing 'green' wine from northern Portugal and Porto's most famous Portuguese drink.

Day Trips from Lisbon:

Sintra is famous for its palaces and gardens, and not far from Sintra lies Cascais, a cute seaside town with lovely beaches and a historic center worth seeing. Óbidos is a medieval village surrounded by walls. Arrábida Natural Park is the place to go if you want some coastal views and hiking trails. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has historical landmarks - no surprise. Nazaré is known for its large waves and fishing culture. Fátima is a notable pilgrimage site with a sanctuary. Ericeira is famous for surfing. Mafra houses the Mafra National Palace and a library. Setúbal offers dolphin-watching tours and proximity to Arrábida beaches.

Travel Tips for Lisbon:

1. Book a table in advance: Lisbon has recently experienced a boom in its restaurant scene—trendy restaurants serving your favorite bacalhau dishes or something more experimental get booked out quickly. So be smart and book ahead!
2. Portuguese people are multilingual and will do their best to make you feel welcome in your language, especially if your language is English, Spanish, or French.
3. Lisbon is hilly, and that is an understatement. You will spend more time hiking than expected, so bring comfy shoes.
4. Use a Viva card for the metro and elevators (this is plan B if you refuse to hike). You can top up on any of the automated machines in the metro system.
5. If you need a taxi, opt for an Uber, as traditional taxis have the terrible habit of taking unnecessary detours and pumping the bill. So keep an eye.