How to Book Train Travel From Lisbon to Coimbra

Located north of Lisbon, Coimbra is Portugal's third-largest city. You can easily travel from Lisbon to Coimbra by train, since an efficient railway system that runs multiple times throughout the day connects the two cities. Tickets for this route are typically midpriced. Here's how to book your tickets.

Instructions

Book a Train Ticket From Lisbon to Coimbra

1. Book tickets through the CP Passengers Web site (see the Resources section below), or call 011 ([phone].

2. You also can buy train tickets or a railpass through the Rail Europe Web site (see Resources below), or call (888) 382-RAIL (382-7245).

3. Decide how fast you want to arrive at Coimbra, which is a 2-hour ride north of Lisbon. Trains leave every hour from Lisbon's main station, Oriente. The cheapest and slowest options are the regional trains, followed by the interregional and finally the Alfa lines, which charge an extra supplement.

4. Enter all prompted information if you purchase your ticket or pass online. Be prepared to choose class of seats, number of passengers, dates of travel and so on. Pay for your tickets with a major credit card, inputting any group or age-related discounts.

Leave for Coimbra

1. Make your way to Lisbon's Oriente station by a regional train, car or foot.

2. Bring your own water and snacks. Stations in Portugal don't offer much in food or refreshments.

3. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to finalize plans and approach the platform.

4. Locate your train's platform by matching the train number on posted monitors.

5. Board the train in your designated area, determined by your reserved seat. If you have a standard ticket, enter the second-class general seating area.

6. Choose from many transportation options once you arrive in Coimbra. The main train station is located in the city's center.

Tips & Warnings

• 011 is the dialing prefix used for telephoning abroad from the United States. If you're calling from another country, check which international dialing prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Book online to speed through the station on your day of travel.

• If you plan to use the trains frequently in Portugal, buy a comprehensive timetable, available at any station.

• Lines in the stations in Lisbon and Coimbra are notoriously long. If you plan to buy tickets or change your reservations, give yourself time to stand in line before departure.

• Weather delays, strikes and other obstacles are common during train travel throughout Portugal. Call ahead on the day of travel to ensure departure times and service.