Sandeman Port, “Portugal, the country where black is colour”...everyone has seen the splendid images promoting this beautiful country, on the furthermost western seaboard in Europe.
Comboios de Portugal, the Portuguese Railways, run a network which links throughout the country with fast, inter-city and regional train services, suitable for tourism and business travelling.
• Alfa Pendular trains link the country from north to south, from Braga and Oporto in the northern wineyards, through to Lisbon, the capital, and down to Faro, the holiday destination. Alfa pendular has a “conforto” class for travellers who wish to work or relax on their journey, with the usual sockets for lap-tops and mobile phones. On-board meals are served as well as a selection of newspapers to peruse as one enjoys the food and view. Access for disabled travellers is facilitated by a specially designated area for them, access lifts for wheel-chairs and toilets designed to take wheel-chairs.
• Intercidades (Inter-city trains) have a wide range of time-tables and destinations, ideal for leisure travelling or for business. The on-board services include buffet bar and aircon – most appreciated during the high summer temperatures in Portugal.
• Regional trains provide a modern and efficient means of transport between Portugal’s towns and cities.
• TGV international connections can be made to France using the Sud-Expresso with departures every day from Lisbon, arriving in Hendaye in France the following day and connecting with the French TGV-Atlantique directly to Paris. Services on the Sud-Expresso include reclining seats and sleepers ranging from individual compartments to doubles, triples and six people sharing a compartment. There is also a restaurant car with snacks, breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is included in the price of single, double and triple compartments.
• Lusitania Comboio Hotel is the night service which connects Lisbon directly to Madrid.
• Journey times:
Lisbon to Faro 1h40
Lisbon to Oporto 4h15
Lisbon to Madrid 9h20