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London to Lisbon by train
You can reach Portugal by train from London either via Barcelona & Madrid, Barcelona & Vigo, or San Sebastian & Vigo, an exciting journey with lots to see on the way. This page explains the best train times, fares and how to buy tickets.
Train times, fares, tickets
Starting from other UK towns & cities
Trains from Lisbon to
other European cities
Trains from other European cities to
Lisbon
Lisbon
to Faro & the Algarve by train
Portugal's Douro Valley line, Porto to Pocinho
Other travel information
Useful country information: currency,
dial code...
General information for European train travel
How to change stations in
Paris by metro or taxi
Left
luggage facilities in Paris & Madrid
Taking your bike
Taking your dog
Hotels & accommodation in
Portugal
Holidays & tours to Portugal by train
Travel insurance, mobile data, VPN &
other tips
Interactive map: Click a route
Useful country information
London to Lisbon & Porto
This used to be easy, using the famous Sud Express sleeper train from the French border to Lisbon. However, the Sud Express was suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Renfe (Spanish Railways) used that as an excuse to discontinue it and a famous train name disappeared from the timetables after 134 years. A fast Madrid-Lisbon daytime train may appear in 2027 using new & rebuilt high-speed lines, but in the meantime there are just two cross-border routes between Spain & Portugal: The Celta regional express from Vigo to Porto and a twice-daily railcar from Badajoz to Entroncamento which form part of a slow but interesting 3-train combo from Madrid to Lisbon. Journeys from the UK to Portugal currently have to use one of these trains, or a bus from Seville to Faro.
Which route to choose?
For Lisbon, option 1 via Barcelona & Madrid is fastest and easiest. However for Porto, it's better to use options 2 or 3 via Vigo. Going via Barcelona & Vigo is arguably easier, going via San Sebastian & Vigo often has cheaper fares, both take a similar time. Your choice of route may also depend on where you want to stop off, Barcelona or San Sebastian are both great cities. By all means go out one way, back the other, almost all European trains are priced one way except for Eurostar where return fares are less than two one-ways.
Option 1, London to Lisbon via
Barcelona & Madrid
Option 2, London to Porto & Lisbon via
Barcelona & Vigo
Option 3, London to Porto & Lisbon via San Sebastian
& Vigo
Option 1, London to Lisbon via Barcelona & Madrid
This is the fastest route to Lisbon. You can travel from London to Lisbon with just one overnight stop in Barcelona if you don't mind early starts and late arrivals, or you can spread it out over 2 nights with overnight stops in Paris and Madrid, I explain both 1-night and 2-night journeys here. You can stop off in Paris, Barcelona or Madrid if you like, it makes no difference to the price.
London ► Lisbon (overnight in Barcelona)
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Day 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 09:31 every day, arriving Paris Gare du Nord 12:50.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include breakfast.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi to the Gare de Lyon, just 2 stops on RER line D.
Why not take an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the wonderful Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon?
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42, arriving Barcelona Sants 21:29.
The impressive TGV Duplex is a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 1st & 2nd class, café-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
The train speeds along the Rhône valley past pretty French villages & picturesque churches, then passes Béziers cathedral, colonies of flamingos on the étangs (lakes) in southern France and the Fort de Salses near Perpignan. It then rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees with great views of the 2784m Mt Canigou, see photos of the journey.
Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's located above Barcelona Sants station itself and gets great reviews, with nice rooms, a great breakfast buffet and a delightfully kitsch space theme. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel and AC Sants Hotel by Marriot are both just across the road from the station. Other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by Ouigo high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 06:15 arriving Madrid Atocha 09:15.
Ouigo is a lo-cost operator, check luggage limits carefully. Fares start from only €9.
Alternatively, on Mondays-Fridays you may prefer to use a full-service Iryo high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 05:45 arriving Madrid Atocha 08:28. Or on Mondays-Saturdays, a full-service Renfe AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 05:50 arriving Madrid Atocha 09:10. It's your call!
See the Barcelona-Madrid page for more about these trains & operators. I'd allow at least 1 hour in Madrid between trains.
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Day 2, travel from Madrid Atocha to Lisbon Santa Apolonia as shown here using the daily 10:55 departure from Madrid Atocha via Badajoz & Entroncamento, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 22:25.
London ► Lisbon (overnights in Paris & Madrid)
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Day 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar on any evening Eurostar you like.
The last Eurostar leaves London St Pancras at 20.01 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 23:18, but by all means book an earlier one.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include dinner with wine.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon, 2 stops on RER line D.
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Stay overnight in Paris. If you want a hotel on arrival at the Gare du Nord, I recommend the excellent 25 Hours Terminus Nord, directly across the road from the Gare du Nord with great feedback from Seat61 users. If you'd rather stay at the Gare de Lyon ready for the morning train to Spain, the Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon is part of the Gare de Lyon station complex next to its famous clock tower with great reviews for staff, cleanliness & comfort. Other suggested hotels near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:42, arriving Barcelona Sants 14:29.
The impressive TGV Duplex is a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 1st & 2nd class, café-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
The train speeds along the Rhône valley past pretty French villages & picturesque churches, then passes Béziers cathedral, colonies of flamingos on the étangs (lakes) in southern France and the Fort de Salses near Perpignan. It then rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees with great views of the 2784m Mt Canigou, see photos of the journey.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE-S103 high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:25 Mondays-Fridays by AVE S103 arriving Madrid Atocha 17:55, or at 15:55 by Iryo arriving Madrid Atocha 18:40, or at 16:00 any day of the week by AVE S103 arriving Madrid Atocha 19:12.
AVE & Iryo high-speed trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Times may vary, I'd allow at least an hour between trains.
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Stay overnight in Madrid. The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station. For somewhere cheaper, try the Pensión Mollo or Hostal Residencia Fernandez.
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Day 3, travel from Madrid to Lisbon by a 3-train daytime combo, leaving Madrid Atocha at 08:50 daily except Sundays via Badajoz & Entroncamento, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 17:00 or leaving Madrid Atocha 10:55 every day, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 22:25, as explained on the Madrid to Lisbon page.
See map of Lisbon showing Santa Apolonia & Oriente stations.
Lisbon ► London (overnight in Barcelona)
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Day 1, travel from Lisbon to Madrid by 3-train combo, leaving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 08:00 daily, changing at Entroncamento & Badajoz, arriving Madrid Atocha 19:44, as explained on the Madrid to Lisbon page.
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Day 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by AVE, leaving Madrid Atocha daily except Saturdays at 21:10, arriving Barcelona Sants 23:40.
On Saturdays (or any day of the week if it has cheaper fares), leave Madrid Atocha at 20:40, arriving Barcelona Sants 23:55.
Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's located above Barcelona Sants station itself and gets great reviews, with nice rooms, a great breakfast buffet and a delightfully kitsch space theme. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel and AC Sants Hotel by Marriot are both just across the road from the station. Other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by high-speed TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants 09:28 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 16:12.
The impressive TGV Duplex is a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 1st & 2nd class, café-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck. In Barcelona there's a brief X-ray baggage check to access the platforms.
The train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees with views of 2,784m Mt Canigou, after Perpignan it passes the Fort de Salses and colonies of flamingos on the étangs in southern France. Look out for Béziers cathedral on the left. It then speeds along the Rhône Valley towards Paris.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi, just 2 stops on RER line D.
Why not have an early dinner in Paris and catch a later Eurostar? The excellent Brasserie Terminus Nord (www.terminusnord.com) is just across the road from the Gare du Nord. Oysters & Sancerre?
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Day 3, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 18:12 arriving London St Pancras 19:39.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include dinner with wine.
Lisbon ► London (overnight in Madrid)
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Day 1, travel from Lisbon to Madrid by 3-train combo, leaving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 08:00 daily, changing at Entroncamento & Badajoz, arriving Madrid Atocha at 19:44, as explained on the Madrid to Lisbon page.
Or there's a later departure leaving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 12:20 daily except Saturdays, change Entroncamento & Badajoz, arriving Madrid Atocha 22:04, also explained on the Madrid to Lisbon page.
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Stay overnight in Madrid. The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station.
For somewhere cheaper, try the
Pensión Mollo or
Hostal Residencia Fernandez. -
Day 2, travel from Madrid to Barcelona lo-cost Avlo train, leaving Madrid Atocha at 06:15 every day, arriving Barcelona Sants 08:45.
The lo-cost Avlo train is 2nd class only, no catering so bring your own food & drink, but has free WiFi.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by high-speed TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants 09:28 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 16:12.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has 1st & 2nd class, a café-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck. In Barcelona there's a brief X-ray baggage check to access the platforms.
The train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees with views of 2,784m Mt Canigou, after Perpignan it passes the Fort de Salses and colonies of flamingos on the étangs in southern France. Look out for Béziers cathedral on the left. It then speeds along the Rhône Valley towards Paris.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi, just 2 stops on RER line D.
Why not have an early dinner in Paris and catch a later Eurostar? The typically French Brasserie Terminus Nord (www.terminusnord.com) does lovely seafood, across the road from the Gare du Nord.
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Day 3, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 18:12 arriving London St Pancras 19:39.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include dinner with wine.
How much does it cost?
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London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in Standard, £97 one-way or £168 return in Plus (1st class).
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Paris to Barcelona by TGV starts at €39 each way in 2nd class, €59 in 1st class. More details here.
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Barcelona to Madrid by AVE starts starts at €17.05 in standard class or €68.05 in comfort class.
Barcelona to Madrid by lo-cost operator Ouigo starts at as little as €9.
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Madrid to Lisbon by 3-train combo costs around €59 each way, more details here.
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Fares for Eurostar, TGV & AVE trains vary like air fares, so book ahead.
How to buy tickets
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When do reservations open?
Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead, booking for TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead, longer over the summer. However, the booking horizon for Spanish trains can be anywhere between 1 and 9 months depending how Renfe are feeling. More about when bookings open.
Madrid-Badajoz trains often only go on sale only weeks ahead, this is normal for Renfe, go ahead and book the other trains and leave this till last. Badajoz-Lisbon trains open 60 days ahead. You can book hotels risk-free before booking trains using www.booking.com with free cancellation.
Before you start, note down each specific individual train you need and the travel date, using the information above.
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Step 1, go to www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and book from London to Paris & back, add to basket.
Use whichever site you prefer, fares are the same. Both connect to the British, French (SNCF) & Spanish (Renfe) ticketing systems so you can buy these tickets together in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $, small booking fee. You print your tickets or can show them on your phone.
A round trip on Eurostar should be booked as a round trip, as Eurostar return fares are cheaper than one-ways. With most other European trains including TGV & AVE it doesn't matter, a round trip is simply two one ways.
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Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, book from Paris to Barcelona & back, add to basket.
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Step 3, still on www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, book from Barcelona to Madrid & back, add to basket.
Both retailers can sell AVE & Ouigo, but only www.thetrainline.com can book Iryo.
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Step 4, now follow the instructions on the Madrid to Lisbon by train page for booking the Madrid-Lisbon 3-train combo.
Wait until booking opens, then book from Madrid to Badajoz at Omio.com, then use it again to book from Badajoz to Lisbon.
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Alternatively, you can of course book London-Paris at www.eurostar.com, Paris-Barcelona at the French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com, and Barcelona to Madrid & Madrid to Badajoz at the Spanish Railways site www.renfe.com (see my advice for using it). Then book Badajoz to Lisbon at the Portuguese Railways website www.cp.pt. It's more work, more fiddly, prices should be the same, but no booking fee. Using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com is easier!
How to buy tickets by phone
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It's better to book online to avoid phone booking fees and see for yourself which trains are cheapest. Most agencies only work weekday office hours, you can book online 24/7. But if you want to book by phone, see my list of UK-based ticketing agencies.
Or let Byway arrange it
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Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Portugal train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like. Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.
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To see pre-configured packages from London to Faro, Porto or Lisbon, use the journey planner on their website.
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Or they can build a trip to your requirements, call 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form. Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.
What's the journey like?
1. London to Paris by Eurostar
Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. Plus and Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00). There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train. More about Eurostar & check-in procedure. St Pancras station guide. Paris Gare du Nord station guide. How to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi.
2. Paris to Barcelona by TGV See video guide. More about this journey.
The Paris-Barcelona trains are impressive 320 km/h (199mph) TGV Duplex double-deck high-speed trains. You board the train through a wide sliding external door into a small hall at one end of the lower deck, where an internal door opens into a lower deck seating area. A wide, short & easy flight of nine stairs leads from the entrance to a landing at one end of the upper deck. You walk along the train from car to car at the upper level, the café-bar is also at the upper level. There are toilets & luggage racks upstairs & downstairs, and power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. If you have problems with stairs or very heavy luggage, the lower deck might be best. But for the best views (over the top of the occasional sound barrier along the high speed lines!), definitely choose an upper deck seat. For couples in first class, an upper deck 'club duo' table-for-two is the nicest option. Paris Gare de Lyon station guide. Barcelona Sants station guide.
TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon. These 320 km/h double-deckers link Paris with Barcelona. Watch TGV Duplex video.
Option 2, London to Lisbon via Barcelona & Vigo
This is the fastest route to Porto, although it's a slower route to Lisbon. Option 3 has similar timings, but can work out a bit cheaper simply because SNCF often price up Paris-Barcelona international TGVs well beyond the starting price. Their domestic TGVs from Paris to Hendaye (for San Sebastian) are usually cheaper!
London ► Porto, Lisbon
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Day 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 09:31 every day, arriving Paris Gare du Nord 12:50.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include breakfast.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi to the Gare de Lyon, 2 stops on RER line D.
Why not take an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the wonderful Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon?
-
Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42, arriving Barcelona Sants 21:29.
The impressive TGV Duplex is a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 1st & 2nd class, café-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
The train speeds along the Rhône valley past pretty French villages & picturesque churches, then passes Béziers cathedral, colonies of flamingos on the étangs (lakes) in southern France and the Fort de Salses near Perpignan. It then rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees with great views of the 2784m Mt Canigou, see photos of the journey.
Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's located above Barcelona Sants station itself and gets great reviews, with nice rooms, a great breakfast buffet and a delightfully kitsch space theme. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel and AC Sants Hotel by Marriot are both just across the road from the station. Other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:00, arriving Madrid Atocha 11:45.
The AVE S103 high-speed train has a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Have lunch in Madrid and transfer to Madrid Chamartin by suburban train.
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Day 2, travel from Madrid to Vigo by Alvia, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 16:00, arriving Vigo Urzaiz 20:12.
The high-speed Alvia train has power sockets at all seats & cafe-bar.
From Vigo Urzaiz it's an easy 10 minute 500m walk to Vigo Guixar, see walking route between stations using the halo lift.
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Alternatively, a direct Alvia train links Barcelona with Vigo three times a week, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:05 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays arriving Vigo Guixar at 22:51. It's usually cheaper and there's no need to change in Madrid, but it's a slower journey.
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Stay overnight in Vigo. The lovely NH Collection Vigo hotel & cheaper Hotel Atlantico Vigo are both near Vigo Guixar with great reviews.
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Day 3, travel from Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express, leaving Vigo Guixar at 08:58, arriving Porto Campanhã 10:20.
The train is air-conditioned, 2nd class only, bring your own food & drink. Remember the time difference between Spain & Portugal!
If you'd like to spend some time in Vigo, there's a later train leaving Vigo Guixar at 19:56, arriving Porto Campanhã 21:18.
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Day 3, travel from Porto to Lisbon by Alfa Pendular, leaving Porto Campanhã at 11:32, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 14:30.
Alfa Pendular trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Or book a later train and spend some time in Porto, Porto to Lisbon trains run every hour or two.
Lisbon, Porto ► London
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Day 1, travel from Lisbon to Porto by Alfa Pendular, leaving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 14:00, arriving Porto Campanhã 16:58.
Or book an earlier train and spend a pleasant afternoon in the lovely city of Porto, Lisbon to Porto trains run every hour or two.
Alfa Pendular trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Day 1, travel from Porto to Vigo by Celta regional express, leaving Porto Campanhã at 19:10, arriving Vigo Guixar 22:34.
The train is air-conditioned, 2nd class only, bring your own food & drink. Remember the time difference between Spain & Portugal!
If you're staying in Porto and would like some time in Vigo, there's a morning train leaving Porto Campanhã at 08:13, arriving Vigo Guixar 11:35.
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Stay overnight in Vigo. The lovely NH Collection Vigo hotel & cheaper Hotel Atlantico Vigo are both near the station with great reviews.
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Day 2, travel from Vigo to Madrid by AVE, leaving Vigo Urzaiz at 09:30, arriving Madrid Chamartin 13:38.
The AVE S106 high-speed train has a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Have lunch in Madrid and transfer to Madrid Atocha by suburban train.
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Day 2, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by AVE, leaving Madrid Atocha at 15:30, arriving Barcelona Sants 18:42.
The AVE S103 high-speed train has a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Alternatively, a direct Alvia train links Vigo with Barcelona three times a week, leaving Vigo Guixar at 07:48 on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays arriving Barcelona Sants 21:35. This is usually cheaper and there's no need to change in Madrid, but it's a slower journey.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's located above Barcelona Sants station itself and gets great reviews, with nice rooms, a great breakfast buffet and a delightfully kitsch space theme. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel and AC Sants Hotel by Marriot are both just across the road from the station. Other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 16:12.
The impressive TGV Duplex is a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 1st & 2nd class, café-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
In Barcelona, there's a brief X-ray baggage check at the entrance to the platforms.
The train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees with great views of Mt Canigou, it passes the Fort de Salses near Perpignan and colonies of flamingos on the étangs in southern France. Look out for Béziers cathedral on the left. It then speeds along the Rhône Valley towards Paris.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi, just 2 stops on RER line D. Why not have an early dinner in Paris and catch a later Eurostar? The Brasserie Terminus Nord (www.terminusnord.com) is good and typically French, and it's directly opposite the Gare du Nord.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 18:12 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays arriving London St Pancras 19:39, or at 19:12 on Saturdays arriving 20:30.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include dinner with wine.
How much does it cost?
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London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in Standard, £97 one-way or £168 return in Plus (1st class).
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Paris to Barcelona by TGV starts at €39 each way in 2nd class, €59 in 1st class.
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Barcelona to Madrid by AVE starts starts at €17.05 in standard class or €68.05 in comfort class.
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Madrid to Vigo by AVE or Alvia starts at €33 in standard class or €40 in comfort class.
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Vigo to Porto costs €15.90, fixed price.
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Porto to Lisbon starts at €9.50 in 2nd class, €22.50 in 1st class.
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All these fares (except Vigo-Porto) vary like air fares, so book ahead.
How to buy tickets
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Go to www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead, booking for TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead, longer over the summer. However, the booking horizon for Spanish trains can be anywhere between 1 and 9 months depending how Renfe are feeling. More about when bookings open.
www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com connect to the British, French (SNCF) & Spanish (Renfe) ticketing systems so you can buy all your tickets together in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $, international credit cards accepted no problem. You print your own tickets or show a mobile ticket on your phone. There's a small booking fee. Use whichever you prefer, fares should be the same.
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Step 1, book from London to Barcelona (and back, if returning) and add this to your basket.
Make sure you allow at least a full 60 minutes between trains in Paris, ideally more, as the system may suggest connections as short as 42 minutes by default. If necessary, split the booking into London-Paris & Paris-Barcelona, or (if using www.raileurope.com) click More options and use the stopover feature to specify a 1-hour or longer stopover in Paris.
A round trip on Eurostar should ideally be booked as a round trip, as Eurostar return fares are cheaper than one-ways. With TGVs, AVEs and most other European trains it doesn't matter as a round trip is simply two one ways.
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Step 2, book the train from Barcelona to Madrid add to basket.
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Step 3, book the train from Madrid to Vigo and add to basket.
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Step 4, buy the ticket from Vigo to Porto and add to basket.
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Now check out and pay for all journeys.
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Step 5, to book a Porto to Lisbon train use the Portuguese Railways (CP) website www.cp.pt (in €) or Omio.com (in €, £ or $).
Raileurope & Trainline do not yet connect to CP's system.
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Alternatively, you can book London-Paris at www.eurostar.com, Paris-Barcelona at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Vigo & Vigo-Porto at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com, without booking fees, but it's more work and more fiddly, using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com is much simpler. Advice for using renfe.com.
How to buy tickets by phone
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It's better to book online. But to buy tickets by phone, see my list of UK ticketing agencies.
Or let Byway arrange it
-
Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Portugal train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels, starting from any British station you like. Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.
-
To see pre-configured packages from London to Faro, Porto or Lisbon, use the journey planner on their website.
-
Or they can build a trip to your requirements, call 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form. Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.
What's the journey like?
1. London to Paris by Eurostar
Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. Plus and Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00). There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train. More about Eurostar & check-in procedure. St Pancras station guide. Paris Gare du Nord station guide. How to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi.
2. Paris to Barcelona by TGV See video guide. More information about this journey.
The Paris-Barcelona trains are impressive 320 km/h (199mph) TGV Duplex double-deck high-speed trains. You board the train through a wide sliding external door into a small hall at one end of the lower deck, where an internal door opens into a lower deck seating area. A wide, short & easy flight of nine steps leads from the entrance door to a landing at one end of the upper deck. You walk along the train from car to car at the upper level, the café-bar is also at the upper level. There are toilets & luggage racks upstairs & downstairs, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. If you have problems with stairs or very heavy luggage, the lower deck might be best. But for the best views (over the top of the occasional sound barrier along the high speed lines!), definitely choose an upper deck seat. For couples in first class, an upper deck 'club duo' table-for-two is the nicest option. Paris Gare de Lyon station guide. Barcelona Sants station guide.
TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon. These 320 km/h double-deckers link Paris with Barcelona. Watch TGV Duplex video.
4. Madrid to Vigo
These comfortable Alvia trains have standard & comfort class, a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats. They travel at up to 250 km/h (155 mph) on high-speed lines and can change gauge when necessary, from standard gauge (4' 8½") used for most Spanish high-speed lines to Iberian gauge (5' 6") used on the main Spanish network.
Above left, comfort (1st) class seats on an Alvia S730 train, recently refurbished in tan leather.
The cafe-bar. Above right, an Iberico meal deal from the cafe-bar on an Alvia train.
Above left, boarding at Madrid Chamartin. Above right, standard (2nd) class seats on an Alvia S730 from Madrid to Vigo.
Scenery at high-speed, north of Madrid.
Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, a little way south of Ourense.
5. Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express
The train is comfortable and air-conditioned, 2nd class only, there are toilets but no catering so bring your own food & drink. In theory, you get a reserved seat, but it's seldom busy so you can move if you like. More about the Celta regional express and the Vigo-Porto journey.
Above, the Celta train at Vigo Guixar. Below, the train crosses the Minho river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal.
Option 3, London to Porto & Lisbon via San Sebastian & Vigo
This route takes 2 nights with overnight hotel stops in San Sebastian and Vigo. It's slower but usually cheaper than option 1, but as fares are dynamic like air fares this isn't always so. San Sebastian is well worth a longer stop and Porto is worth a stop, too. There's great scenery crossing Spain.
London ► Porto, Lisbon
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Day 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 10:24, arriving Paris Nord 13:50.
On Saturdays you can leave London St Pancras at 12:31, arriving Paris Gare du Nord 15:48.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include breakfast or (after 11:00) a meal with wine.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare du Nord to the Gare Montparnasse.
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Océane, leaving Paris Gare Montparnasse at 16:11 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, arriving Hendaye 20:47. On Saturdays, leave Paris Gare Montparnasse at 18:11, arriving Hendaye 22:40.
The TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.
Times may vary so check for your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
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Day 1, travel from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station by Euskotren, every half hour, taking 37 minutes.
At Hendaye, walk out of the station and turn right, you'll see the little Euskotren station 50m away. Buy a ticket from the ticket machines or staffed counter with cash or card and hop on the half-hourly metro train to San Sebastian, you can check times at www.euskotren.eus.
San Sebastian Amara station is 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station, see walking map. The Renfe station is currently being reconstructed, access to the platforms is on the far side of the tracks, so allow a little extra time.
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian. The Pension Regil is close to the old town with great reviews, 10 minutes walk from the Renfe station, 7 minutes walk from the Amara Euskotren station. If you want something in the old town itself, try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda. If you want to push the boat out, San Sebastian's most venerable hotel (which I can recommend personally, having stayed there) is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra, on the sea front.
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Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Vigo. There are two possible departures, both using comfortable high-speed Alvia trains with cafe-bar:
Morning departure, every day:
Travel from San Sebastian to Madrid by Alvia train, leaving San Sebastian Renfe station at 08:47, arriving Madrid Chamartin 13:51. Then travel from Madrid to Vigo by Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 16:00, arriving Vigo Urzaiz 20:12.
Vigo Urzaiz is an easy 10 minute 500m walk from Vigo Guixar, see how to walk between stations using the halo lift.
Afternoon departure, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays only:
Spend the morning in San Sebastian. An Intercity train leaves San Sebastian Renfe station at 11:30 arriving Vitoria/Gasteiz 13:35. This is a guaranteed connection into the Barcelona-Galicia Alvia train leaving Vitoria/Gasteiz at 14:03 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays arriving Vigo Guixar 22:51.
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Stay overnight in Vigo. The lovely NH Collection Vigo hotel (which I've used myself) & cheaper Hotel Atlantico Vigo are both near the station with great reviews.
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Day 3, travel from Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express, leaving Vigo Guixar at 08:58, arriving Porto Campanhã 10:20.
The train is air-conditioned, 2nd class only, bring your own food & drink. Remember the time difference between Spain & Portugal!
If you'd like to spend some time in Vigo, there's a later train leaving Vigo Guixar at 19:56, arriving Porto Campanhã 21:18.
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Day 3, travel from Porto to Lisbon by Alfa Pendular, leaving Porto Campanhã at 11:32, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 14:30.
Or book a later train and spend some time in Porto, Porto to Lisbon trains run every hour or two.
Alfa Pendular trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Lisbon, Porto ► London
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Day 1, travel from Lisbon to Porto by Alfa Pendular, leaving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 14:00, arriving Porto Campanhã 16:58.
Or book an earlier train and spend a pleasant afternoon in the lovely city of Porto, Lisbon to Porto trains run every hour or two.
Alfa Pendular trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Day 1, travel from Porto to Vigo by Celta regional express, leaving Porto Campanhã at 19:10, arriving Vigo Guixar 22:34.
The train is air-conditioned, 2nd class only, bring your own food & drink. Remember the time difference between Spain & Portugal!
If you'd like to some time in Vigo, there's also a morning train leaving Porto Campanhã at 08:13, arriving Vigo Guixar 11:35.
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Stay overnight in Vigo. The lovely NH Collection Vigo hotel & cheaper Hotel Atlantico Vigo are both near the station with great reviews.
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Day 2, travel from Vigo to San Sebastian on one of these two departures:
Early departure, 3 times a week:
Leave Vigo Guixar at 07:48 on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays for Vitoria/Gasteiz, arriving 16:24. The comfortable air-conditioned Alvia train has a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats. An Intercity train provides a guaranteed connection, leaving Vitoria/Gasteiz 16:45, arriving San Sebastian Renfe station 18:50.
Mid-morning departure, every day:
Leave Vigo Urzaiz at 09:30 every day by Alvia train, arriving Madrid Chamartin 13:38. Leave Madrid Chamartin at 17:37 by Alvia train arriving San Sebastian Renfe station 22:47.
Vigo Urzaiz is an easy 10 minute 500m walk from Vigo Guixar, see how to walk between stations using the halo lift.
San Sebastian Renfe station is 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Amara station, see walking map.
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian. The Pension Regil is close to the old town with great reviews, 10 minutes walk from the Renfe station, 7 minutes walk from the Amara Euskotren station. If you want something in the old town itself, try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda. If you want to push the boat out, San Sebastian's most venerable hotel (which I can recommend personally) is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra, on the sea front.
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Day 3, travel from San Sebastian to Hendaye by Euskotren, leaving San Sebastian Amara station at either 07:45 or 08:15. These metro trains run every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes, you can check times at www.euskotren.eus. Buy a ticket from the ticket machines or staffed counter with cash or card and hop on the next train. See the Euskotren information on the Paris to San Sebastian page.
At Hendaye the Euskotren station is just 50m from the mainline SNCF French Railways station, but allow plenty of time between trains. The friendly Cafe Olé directly across the road from Hendaye SNCF station does excellent coffee and the best pain au chocolat you'll ever taste.
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Day 3, travel from Hendaye to Paris by TGV Duplex Océane, leaving Hendaye at 09:34, arriving Paris Gare Montparnasse 14:22.
The TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Times may vary, check train times for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Cross Paris by métro or taxi from the Gare Montparnasse to the Gare du Nord.
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Day 3, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 17:12, arriving London St Pancras 18:32.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include a meal with wine.
How much does it cost?
-
London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in Standard, £97 one-way or £168 return in Plus (1st class).
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Paris to Hendaye by TGV starts at €25 each way 2nd class, €40 1st class.
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Hendaye to San Sebastian costs €2.75 fixed price, paid at the station on the day.
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San Sebastian to Vigo starts at €23 each way.
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Vigo to Porto costs €15.90, fixed price.
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Porto to Lisbon starts at €9.50 each way 2nd class, €22.50 in 1st class.
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All these fares vary like air fares (except where shown as fixed price), so book ahead.
How to buy tickets
-
Go to www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead, booking for TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead, longer over the summer. However, the booking horizon for Spanish trains can be anywhere between 1 and 9 months depending how Renfe are feeling. More about when bookings open.
www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com connect to the British, French (SNCF) & Spanish (Renfe) ticketing systems so you can buy all your tickets together in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $, international credit cards accepted no problem. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone. There's a small booking fee. Use whichever you prefer, fares are the same.
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Step 1, book from London to Hendaye (and back, if returning) and add this to your basket.
Tip: Make sure you allow at least a full 60 minutes between trains in Paris, ideally more, as the system may suggest connections as short as 42 minutes by default. If necessary, split the booking into London-Paris & Paris-Hendaye, or (if using www.raileurope.com) click More options and use the stopover feature to specify a 1-hour or longer stopover in Paris.
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Step 2, book from San Sebastian to Vigo one-way and add this to your basket. If returning, book Vigo to San Sebastian as a second one-way journey and add that to your basket.
Tip: If you have any problems getting the system to show the whole journey across Spain, split the booking and book each train separately, using the times above as your guide.
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Step 3, now buy the ticket from Vigo to Porto (and back, if returning) and add that to your basket.
Now check out and pay for all journeys as one transaction.
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Step 4, book a Porto to Lisbon train either at the Portuguese Railways (CP) website www.cp.pt (in €) or at Omio.com (in €, £ or $). Raileurope & Trainline do not yet connect to CP's system.
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Alternatively, it's also possible to book London-Paris at www.eurostar.com, Paris-Hendaye at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, San Sebastian-Vigo & Vigo-Porto at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com, with no booking fees, but it's more work and more fiddly, using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com is much simpler. See advice for using renfe.com.
How to buy tickets by phone
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It's better to book online to avoid phone booking fees and see for yourself which trains are cheapest. Most agencies only work weekday office hours, you can book online 24/7. But if you want to book by phone, see my list of UK-based ticketing agencies.
Or let Byway arrange it
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Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Portugal train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels, starting from any British station you like. Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.
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To see pre-configured packages from London to Faro, Porto or Lisbon, use the journey planner on their website.
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Or they can build a trip to your requirements, call 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form. Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.
What's the journey like?
1. London to Paris by Eurostar
Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. Plus and Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00). There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train. More about Eurostar & check-in procedure. St Pancras station guide. Paris Gare du Nord station guide. How to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi.
2. Paris to Hendaye on the Spanish border by TGV
Most Paris-Hendaye trains are double-deck TGV Duplex, usually with the Océane interior as shown below. There are power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
A TGV Duplex at Paris Gare Montparnasse.
Boarding at Paris Montparnasse. Note the automatic ticket gates at the entrance to the platforms, just scan the QR code on your ticket.
TGV Océane cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4 or 14 (above left) and 2nd class seats (above right).
TGV Océane 1st class seats. All 1st class seats (except the end ones) rotate to face direction of travel. There are USB & 2-pin outlets above each drop-down table.
3. Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara by Euskotren
After a dash across France at up to 300 km/h, the TGV arrives at Hendaye. Incidentally, Hendaye station is where Hitler met Franco on 23 October 1940. You'll be treading the same platforms!
There are now two platforms. It's where the trains start, so no worries, you can't get on the wrong train, they all go to San Sebastian-Donostia Amara! These air-conditioned metro trains leave every 30 minutes, a turn-up-and-go metro service. There's plenty of space for luggage and they even have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
4. San Sebastian to Vitoria by Intercity and Vitoria to Galicia by Alvia
The connection at Vitoria-Gasteiz: On the right, the Intercity train from San Sebastian has arrived at Vitoria/Gasteiz. On the left, the Alvia train from Barcelona to Galicia picks up passengers. These Alvia S130 trains are nick-named Patito (little duck) by staff, no prizes for guessing why. They have adjustable axles so can run on standard-gauge high-speed lines at up to 250 km/h or on Iberian broad gauge classic lines at lower speed. Photo courtesy of Ekain Munduate.
Comfort (1st) class seats on an Alvia train. Above right, a menu Iberico meal deal from the cafe-bar.
The cafe-bar and standard (2nd) class seats on an Alvia train.
Scenery as the train enters Galicia on its way to Vigo. Photo courtesy of Martin Hill.
5. Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express
The train is comfortable and air-conditioned, 2nd class only, there are toilets but no catering so bring your own food & drink. In theory, you get a reserved seat, but it's seldom busy so you can move if you like. More about the Celta regional express and the Vigo-Porto journey.
Above, the Celta train at Vigo Guixar. Below, the train crosses the Minho river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal.
6. Porto to Lisbon by Alfa Pendular or Intercity train
These are CP's premier trains, and very classy indeed. They're fully air-conditioned 6-car electric trains which reach 220 km/h (136 mph) on some sections of the Lisbon-Porto route. Built by FIAT, they tilt into the curves, enabling them to go faster than conventional trains. They have 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar. There's free WiFi & power sockets at all seats. They are shown in the booking system as AP. See Alfa Pendular seat map.
Alfa Pendular train to Lisbon at Porto Campanhã.
An Alfa Pendular from Porto, arrived at Lisbon Santa Apolonia. The large numbers on the side of each car are car numbers, not class!
London to Faro & the Algarve
You can easily reach the Algarve by train from London, either by train all the way via Lisbon, or by train to Seville then bus to Faro. The bus from Seville is easiest.
Option 1, London to the Algarve via Seville
This is currently the fastest, cheapest & easiest option. Take comfortable high-speed trains from London to Barcelona and stay overnight. Next day, take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Seville then an easy 3-hour bus ride from Seville to Faro.
London ► Faro & Algarve
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Day 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 09:31 every day, arriving Paris Gare du Nord 12:50.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include breakfast.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi to the Gare de Lyon, just 2 stops on RER line D.
Why not book an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the wonderful Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon?
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42, arriving Barcelona Sants 21:29.
The impressive TGV Duplex is a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 1st & 2nd class, café-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
The train speeds along the Rhône valley past pretty French villages & picturesque churches, then passes Béziers cathedral, colonies of flamingos on the étangs (lakes) in southern France and the Fort de Salses near Perpignan. It then rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees with great views of the 2784m Mt Canigou, see photos of the journey.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's located above Barcelona Sants station itself and gets great reviews, with nice rooms, a great breakfast buffet and a delightfully kitsch space theme. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel and AC Sants Hotel by Marriot are both just across the road from the station. Other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Seville by AVE, leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:35, arriving Seville Santa Justa 14:32.
The AVE S103 high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. If you pay the Premium fare, breakfast is served at your seat, included in the price. More about Renfe's fares & classes.
Remember that at Spanish stations there's a brief X-ray baggage check at the entrance to the platforms for high-speed trains. If you've paid the Premium fare you can use the Sala Club 1st class lounge at Barcelona Sants for up to 2 hours before your train leaves.
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Day 2, travel from Seville to Faro by Alsa-Rede Express bus, leaving Seville Santa Justa at 15:30, arriving Faro 18:00.
Times vary so check at Omio.com, I'd allow at least 40 minutes between train & bus. Remember the 1h time difference between Spain & Portugal.
Several other bus companies run this route including Damas, EuroLines & Iberobus, all leaving from Seville Plaza de Armas bus station, Omio can book all of these. I recommend Alsa-Rede Express as their buses start from outside Seville Santa Justa station for easy train-bus connections. Walk out of the main station exit and turn right, you'll see the blue Alsa-Rede Express bus waiting opposite McDonalds, see the photo below.
The Alsa-Rede Express buses also call at Seville Plaza de Armas bus station after leaving Santa Justa, a better departure point if you're visiting Seville city centre. The bus has power sockets, but no WiFi or toilets. There's a brief toilet stop at Talvira bus station.
In Faro, the Alsa-Rede Express buses arrive at the Eva bus station next to the excellent Eva Senses Hotel and 2 minutes walk from Faro railway station. The bus continues to Lagos, or you can have a coffee and continue to Tunes & Lagos by train.
Faro & Algarve ► London
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Day 1, travel from Faro to Seville by Alsa-Rede Express bus, leaving Faro Eva bus station at 10:00, arriving Seville Santa Justa 14:15.
Times vary so check at Omio.com, I'd allow at least 60 minutes between bus & train. Remember the 1h time difference between Spain & Portugal.
Several other bus companies run this route including Damas, EuroLines & Iberobus, all going to Seville Plaza de Armas bus station, Omio can book all of these. I recommend Alsa-Rede Express as their buses call at Plaza de Armas, then continue to Seville Santa Justa station for easy bus-train connections. The bus arrives right outside the main station entrance opposite McDonalds, see the photo below.
The Alsa-Rede Express bus has power sockets, but no WiFi or toilet. There's a brief toilet stop at Tavira bus station.
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Day 1, travel from Seville to Barcelona by AVE, leaving Seville Santa Justa at 16:29, arriving Barcelona Sants 22:35.
The AVE S103 high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. If you pay the Premium fare, breakfast is served at your seat, included in the price. More about Renfe's fares & classes.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's located above Barcelona Sants station itself and gets great reviews, with nice rooms, a great breakfast buffet and a delightfully kitsch space theme. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel and AC Sants Hotel by Marriot are both just across the road from the station. Other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 16:12.
The impressive TGV Duplex is a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 1st & 2nd class, café-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number above 60 is upper deck.
The train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees with great views of Mt Canigou, it passes the Fort de Salses near Perpignan and colonies of flamingos on the étangs in southern France. Look out for Béziers cathedral on the left. It then speeds along the Rhône Valley towards Paris.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi, just 2 stops on RER line D.
Why not have an early dinner in Paris and catch a later Eurostar? The Brasserie Terminus Nord (www.terminusnord.com) is good and typically French, and it's directly opposite the Gare du Nord.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 18:12 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays arriving London St Pancras 19:39, or at 19:12 on Saturdays arriving 20:30.
Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Plus & Premier fares include a meal with wine.
How much does it cost?
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London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in Standard, £97 one-way or £168 return in Plus (1st class).
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Paris to Barcelona by TGV starts at €39 each way 2nd class, €59 each way 1st class.
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Barcelona to Seville by AVE starts at around €46 each way in Standard class, €56 in Comfort class.
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Seville to Faro by bus costs around €17-€21 each way.
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All these train fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
How to buy tickets
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Step 1, buy tickets from London to Seville as shown here.
Using www.raileurope.com, first book from London to Barcelona on day 1, add to basket, then book from Barcelona to Seville on day 2, add to basket and check out, paying for both journeys as one transaction.
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Step 2, buy tickets for the Seville-Faro bus at Omio.com and print your own ticket.
In fact, Spanish Railways www.renfe.com will sell through tickets from Barcelona to Faro if you select Faro-bus as your destination, although it's easier to buy tickets for the trains at www.raileurope.com and a separate ticket for the bus at Omio.com.
Barcelona to Seville by AVE type S103, seen here at Barcelona Sants. See virtual tour
Scenery from the high-speed AVE between Barcelona & Seville. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.
An Alsa bus from Seville to Faro & Lagos, at its departure point right outside Seville Santa Justa station.
The bus crosses the Guadiana river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal at this point.
An Alsa-Rede Express bus to Seville at Faro's Eva bus station, next to the Eva Senses Hotel & 2 minutes walk from Faro station.
Option 2, London to the Algarve via Lisbon
The sleeper trains to Lisbon have been discontinued, and until links between Spain & Portugal are improved, this is now the slower option.
London ► Albufeira, Lagos, Faro
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Step 1, travel from London to Lisbon as shown in the London to Lisbon section.
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Step 2, travel from Lisbon to the Algarve by air-conditioned InterCity train.
There are a range of trains daily between Lisbon and the Algarve, see www.cp.pt or Omio.com for times, fares and tickets.
For Lagos, change at Tunes.
Faro, Albufeira, Lagos ► London
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Step 1, travel from Faro to Lisbon by air-conditioned InterCity train.
There are a range of trains daily, see www.cp.pt or Omio.com for timetable, fares and to buy tickets online.
Coming from Lagos, change at Tunes.
How much does it cost?
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Lisbon to Faro costs €21 each way in 2nd class, €27 each way in 1st class, full price.
Cheaper advance-purchase fares are often available at www.cp.pt or Omio.com.
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For fares London to Lisbon, see the Lisbon section above.
How to buy tickets
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See the Lisbon section to buy tickets from London to Lisbon.
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Buy Lisbon-Faro tickets online at www.cp.pt (in €) or at Omio.com (in €, £ or $).
If using www.cp.pt, remember that Lisbon is Lisboa, select Lisboa - Oriente for trains to Faro.
You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Or let Byway arrange it
-
Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Portugal train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like. Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.
-
To see pre-configured packages from London to Faro, Porto or Lisbon, use the journey planner on their website.
-
Or they can build a trip to your requirements, call 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form. Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.
An Intercity train about to leave Lisbon Oriente for Faro.
London to Madeira
Until the pandemic, a weekly summer-only ferry service used to link southern Portugal (Portimao in the Algarve) with Funchal on Madeira. The ferry crossing took 24 hours. However, at present there seems to be no ferry service at all linking mainland Europe to Madeira.
Guidebooks
Make
sure you take a good guidebook, even in the age of the internet. I think the best ones out
there for the independent traveller are the Lonely Planets and
the Rough Guides. Both books
provide an excellent level of practical information and cultural
and historical
background. You won't regret buying one of these!
My own book, an essential handbook for train travel to Europe
based on this website called "The
Man in Seat 61", is due to be published in June 2008, and Amazon
will let you pre-order now.
Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk
European Rail Timetable & maps
The
European Rail Timetable
(formerly the Thomas Cook European Timetable)
has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus
currency & climate information. It is essential
for regular European train travellers and an inspiration for armchair
travellers. Published since 1873, it had just celebrated 140 years of
publication when Thomas Cook decided to pull the plug on their entire publishing
department, but the dedicated ex-Thomas Cook team set up a private venture and
resumed publication of the famous European Rail Timetable in March 2014.
You can buy it online at
www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses) or
www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide).
More information
on what the European Rail Timetable contains.
Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south. Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted. See an extract from the map. Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).
Hotels in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve
Backpacker hostels:
www.hostelworld.com
www.hostelworld.com: If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.
Holidays to Portugal by train
If you want a holiday to Portugal by train not plane, but want someone else to organise all the train tickets & hotels for you, several specialist companies do just that, for a holiday without airport hassles or whole days in cramped coach seats on motorways.
Railbookers,
railbookers.co.uk
Railbookers can tailor-make a holiday or city break to Portugal for you, with train travel, transfers & hotels, leaving on any date you like. If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you. They get a lot of repeat business!
UK call 0207 864 4600,
www.railbookers.co.uk.
US call free 1-888-829-4775,
see
website.
Canada call free 1-855-882-2910,
see website.
Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526,
see website.
New Zealand call 0800 000 554 or
see
website.
Byway,
byway.travel
Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Spain for you as a package, including train travel from the UK and hotels, starting from any British station you like.
They can build a trip to your requirements if you phone 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form. Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.
Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.
Tailor Made Rail,
tailormaderail.com
Tailor Made Rail also offers packages from the UK to Portugal by train which can be customised your own requirements, one-way or round trip, with any stopovers you want. Or they can organise a trip entirely based on your own requirements, indeed they welcome complex itineraries! As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike. They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.
Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking. From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461. Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday. Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/switzerland.
Travel insurance & other tips
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Always take out travel insurance
You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer. It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit. These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here. Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.
www.staysure.co.uk
offers enhanced Covid-19 protection and gets 4.7 out of 5 on
Trustpilot.
www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.
If you live in the USA try
Travel Guard USA.
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Get an eSIM with mobile data package
Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list. There's no need to buy a physical SIM card! Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.
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Get a Curve card for foreign travel
Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards. And you can get a Curve card for free.
How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android. 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.
I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.
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Get a VPN for safe browsing. Why you need a VPN
When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained. ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I also get some commission to help support this site.
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Carry an Anker powerbank
Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone. You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or buy from Amazon.com.
Touring cities? Use hill walking shoes!
One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa. They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities. My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!