Best Guide to the Paris to Lisbon Train (2024)

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If you’re contemplating a scenic and efficient way to get from the City of Light to Portugal’s vibrant capital, look no further than the Paris to Lisbon train.

With four months of European train travel under my belt, including every mishap and surprise you can imagine, I’ve got your back. I want to make your trip from Paris to Lisbon a smooth ride for you.

I will walk you through everything you need to know, from booking tickets and deciding on train companies to key travel tips for the journey.

Let’s face it: sorting through train schedules and options can be daunting, especially when the fastest train is over 18 and a half hours long!

Ready to book your tickets? Let’s go!

Why Take the Train from Paris to Lisbon?

So you’re sold on the idea of visiting Lisbon, but you’re not quite sure how to make the trek from Paris.

Let me tell you, taking the train is an experience you won’t want to miss.

First off, the scenic routes are the stuff of travel dreams. Imagine rolling through the French countryside, crossing into Spain, and then entering Portugal, all while you’re sipping a café au lait or nibbling on some pastries.

It’s like a sightseeing tour on wheels, minus the tour guide!

Convenience Factor

Taking the train also means convenience. There are no long security lines, no baggage fees, and best of all, train stations are often centrally located.

You hop off the train and are already smack-dab in the middle of the city, ready to start exploring.

Compared to Other Modes of Transport

Let’s take a quick moment to look at the alternatives:

• Flying: Sure, it’s fast. But think about the time it takes to get to the airport, go through security, and then do it again on the other end. Not to mention, you miss out on all the scenic beauty along the way
  
• Bus: It’s generally the cheapest option, but it can be long and sometimes uncomfortable. Plus, there are rest stops, and let’s just say they don’t offer the culinary delights you’d find in a Parisian café.

So why not mix convenience with experience? The train offers a smooth, scenic, and comfortable way to travel from Paris to Lisbon.

Is There a Direct Train from Paris to Lisbon?

Short answer: No, there is no direct Paris to Lisbon train, but there are two main options for making the journey with transfers.

Option 1: Paris to Lisbon Via Barcelona & Madrid

The fastest option is taking the train to Lisbon from Paris with stops in Barcelona and Madrid.

Day 1: Paris to Madrid

• Leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 by TGV INOUI, arrive at Barcelona Sants at 16:34. Then, travel from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha at 18:25, arriving at 20:55.
  • Fares from €39 (2nd class) and €59 (1st class) from Paris to Barcelona.
  • Fares from €38 (Standard) and €45 (Comfort) from Barcelona to Madrid.
    
• Stay: Stay overnight in Madrid. NH Hotel Madrid Atocha is a good option for one night

Day 2: Madrid to Lisbon

Leave Madrid Atocha at 8:50 AM by Renfe INTERCITY, arrive in Badajoz at 1:24 PM.

Continue from Badajoz at 2:09 PM by R – Regional and arrive in Entroncamento at 3:52 PM.

Finish the journey from Entroncamento at 3:59 PM by IC – Intercidades arrive in Lisbon – Oriente at 4:52 PM.

🚊 Check Prices and Availability!

Option 2: Via San Sebastian, Vigo & Porto

This option is cheaper but will take you much longer. If you are traveling on a budget but flexible with time this route is perfect for you. The views on some parts of this leg are incredible.

Option 2: Paris to Lisbon via San Sebastian, Vigo & Porto (Cheaper & Scenic)

Day 1: Paris to San Sebastian

• Depart: Paris Gare Montparnasse at 16:11 (Mon-Fri & Sun) or 18:11 (Sat)
  Arrive: Hendaye at 20:47 or 22:47
• Train: TGV Duplex Océane
  
  ✅ Pro Tip: I recommend choosing an upper deck seat (seat # >60) for some amazing views.
  
• Fare: Starts at €25 (2nd class)
• Transfer: Quick metro ride to San Sebastian on Euskotren for €2.75
  
• Stay: Overnight in San Sebastian. Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra is a good choice.

Day 2: San Sebastian to Vigo

• Option 1: Morning train to Madrid then to Vigo
• Option 2: Afternoon train on Wed, Fri, Sun via Vitoria/Gasteiz
• Fare: Starts at €23
  
• Stay: Stay overnight in Vigo. Hotel Inffinit is perfect for the night.

Day 3: Vigo to Porto

• Train: Air-conditioned regional train
• Fare: Fixed at €14.95
• Stay: Overnight in Vigo at NH Collection Vigo or Hotel Atlantico Vigo. 🏨

Day 3 or 4: Porto to Lisbon

• Train: Alfa Pendular 🚅
• Fare: Starts at €15

Tips:

1. If you can, book your tickets in advance to snag those cheaper fares.
2. For a cozy pre-departure coffee, hit up the cafe bar at San Sebastian Renfe station.

✅ Pro Tip: You can book these trains up to 4 months in advance for French routes and 60 days for Spanish routes

🚊 Check Prices and Availability!

How Long Does the Journey Take?

How much time will you be spending on the train? Well, buckle up, because that depends on whether you’re taking a direct route or making a few pit stops along the way.

Direct Routes

If you’re someone who likes to get from Point A to Point B as fast as possible, direct routes are your friend.

The fastest trains from Paris to Lisbon will have you enjoying that famous Portuguese custard tart in roughly 24 hours and 20 minutes.

Specifically, trains usually leave Paris Austerlitz at 18:47 and arrive in Lisbon Oriente around 19:07 the next day.

Yep, it’s an overnighter, so make sure to bring your coziest travel pillow! 🛌

Non-Direct Routes

You can explore various cities along the way, like San Sebastian, Vigo, and Porto. If you opt for a scenic route, like our Paris to Lisbon via San Sebastian, Vigo, and Porto example, you’re looking at around 20 hours of travel time excluding layovers and transfers.

That’s right—multiple trains, but think of all the Insta-perfect landscapes you’ll witness!

Potential Delays and How to Plan

Trains are often more punctual than flights, but let’s be real—stuff happens. To keep your travel plans smooth sailing, consider these tips:

1. Stay Updated: Rail Europe offers real-time tracking. Bookmark that site, friends!
   
2. Buffer Time: Particularly if you’re catching multiple trains, an hour’s buffer time is your safety net for those ‘just in case’ moments.
   
3. Invest in Travel Insurance: A policy that covers travel delays could be a game-changer if you’re on a tight schedule.
   
4. Local Apps & Notifications: Download local railway apps to receive real-time notifications. They can be life-savers!

Train Times and Schedules

Whether you’re a planner or a spontaneous traveler, knowing the train schedule is key.

Let’s dive into the frequency, peak times, and special holiday schedules, so you’re not left on the platform waving goodbye to your travel dreams.

Frequency of Trains

The overnight Sud Express departs Paris Austerlitz daily, giving you flexibility if you’re not fixed on a specific travel date.

However, if you’re thinking of going the non-direct route, it’s a whole different ball game!

Depending on where you want to stop (San Sebastian, Vigo, Porto—so many choices!), train frequencies can differ.

Some routes have multiple trains per day, while others only run a couple of times a week. So, double-check your options!

Peak vs Off-Peak Times

If you’ve got a bit of a budget constraint or you’re not a fan of crowded journeys, listen up! Off-peak times can be your best friend.

Typically, weekday mid-mornings and mid-afternoons are less crowded. Weekends and Friday evenings, however, are peak times, both in terms of crowds and prices.

So if you can, maybe avoid hopping on the train just when everyone else is.

Trust me, your wallet and sanity will thank you!

During our four month train journey around Europe we found it was easier to travel off peak with all of our luggage.

There was more space for us to sit with our bags and we didn’t have to worry that we were in somebodies seat.

Special Holiday Schedules

Special days come with special schedules.

Public holidays, Christmas, New Year’s, and even some local festivals can influence train schedules.

Reduced service or altered timings are common, and yes, sometimes they can catch you off guard.

If you’re traveling during a holiday period, always—always—check the schedule a week or two in advance.

✅ Pro Tip: I recommend book early; holiday trains fill up faster than you can say “Feliz Natal!”

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

Alright, let’s talk numbers, because let’s face it, budgeting is part of the travel game! Train prices on the Paris-to-Lisbon route can vary like a rollercoaster, depending on factors like class, booking time, and any seasonal promotions.

Price Ranges Based on Class and Booking Time

On the Paris to Lisbon route, prices can vary significantly based on how far in advance you book and what class you choose.

Fares for the overnight Sud Express can start as low as €29 if you snag one of those early-bird promo prices.

For 2nd class, you’re generally looking at something between €50-€100, while 1st class can start at around €90 and go up from there.

✅ Pro tip: The early bird really does get the worm—or in this case, a cheaper train seat!

Discount Cards, Passes, and Seasonal Promotions

Who doesn’t love a good discount?

Whether you’re a frequent flyer on the rails or just looking for a one-time deal, there are some options to explore.

Various rail passes like Eurail or Interrail can offer substantial savings if you’re planning on multiple train journeys within Europe.

Check the T&Cs, though—sometimes the night trains require a supplement or reservation fee.If you’re under 27, over 60, or traveling in a group, look into specific discount cards; they can give you a pretty penny of savings.

Seasonal promotions are the unicorns of train travel—rare but magical. Black Friday, Christmas, and even summer sales pop up occasionally, offering slashed prices for a limited time.

So keep an eye out and maybe subscribe to some newsletters for a heads-up.

When to Book Your Tickets

The Early Bird Gets the…Cheaper Fare

If you’re all about snagging the best deal, then mark your calendar: Booking opens up to 4 months in advance for TGV trains in France, and generally around 60 days ahead for Spanish and Portuguese trains.

These first-come, first-served tickets are often available at promotional prices. The rule of thumb is simple: the earlier you book, the cheaper the fare is likely to be.

Availability and the Sweet Spot

But what if you’re not an uber-planner? Don’t sweat it. While ticket prices might rise as the departure date looms closer, you’ll usually still find availability up to a few days before your desired travel date, particularly if you’re flexible with your departure times.

However, keep in mind that trains can fill up quickly during peak times like summer months, major holidays, and weekends.

The sweet spot for booking tends to be a few weeks in advance for a nice balance between price and availability.

✅ Pro Tip: During our trip we did not have any issues turning up to the train station and getting onto a train. However, if you have to make a particular train I recommend booking in advance.

Unique Train Experiences

The Class Divide

First-class often provides more legroom, complimentary meals, and sometimes even in-seat entertainment.

Standard-class is nothing to sniff at either, offering a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel.

The Night Owl’s Dream

Night trains like the Lusitania Trenhotel offer sleeping compartments and dining services, turning your journey into a mini-hotel experience on the rails.

Special Features

Some trains offer scenic viewpoints or dedicated dining cars, elevating your travel experience to another level.

Practical Tips and Insider Tricks

Be App-Savvy

Using local apps can provide real-time updates on train schedules and platform changes, making your journey smoother.

Pack Smart

Bring a small carry-on with essentials, but leave the kitchen sink at home. Most trains offer limited storage space for luggage.

Don’t Forget Self-Care

Pack snacks, a good book, or download some podcasts. Earplugs and a sleep mask can be lifesavers on longer or night journeys.

🚊 Check Prices and Availability!

FAQs: Paris to Portugal Train

🚊 Check Prices and Availability!

Final Thoughts: Paris to Lisbon Train Trip

So, there you have it—a comprehensive guide to making your way from the City of Light to the sun-soaked streets of Lisbon by train.

From ticket costs and booking platforms to train amenities and schedules, we’ve covered all the bases to ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey.

No more overwhelm or decision fatigue; you’re well-equipped to make informed choices.

Now, all that’s left to do is take that first step (or track, in this case).

So, why wait? Click here to book your train ticket from Paris to Lisbon and embark on an unforgettable European adventure. Happy travels!

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