EXPLORE PORTO TRAIN STATIONS
EXPLORE PORTO TRAIN STATIONS
Railway Stations in Porto
Being one of the major cities of the country and one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, scenic Porto is well served by its railway stations. Although it can't boast as many as Lisbon does, the city houses two main train stations, welcoming hundreds of travelers every day. Both Porto train stations are serviced by Comboios de Portugal and high-speed Alfa Pendular trains, provide excellent facilities, great service — and one of them is home to a breathtaking art treasure that alone is worth the visit. In this section, we've gathered some basic information about the stations that you, hopefully, will find useful during your travel.
Campanha Station in Porto is one of Portugal's most important railway landmarks, combining history and functionality in a structure that serves as a vital link for transportation in the northern regions of the country. Inaugurated in 1875, the station retains a classic charm with traditional architectural elements, making it an essential point for those arriving in the city or catching a long-distance or international train. Managed by Comboios de Portugal, the station integrates perfectly with the city's metro, bus, and taxis systems, ensuring efficient transportation for residents and visitors alike. Located in a constantly developing district, the station is surrounded by modern amenities and offers easy access to Porto's historic centre, full of cultural and gastronomic life. More than just a transit point, Campanha Station is a gateway to discovering the vibrant city of Porto, the Douro valley, and its stunning landscapes.
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| Campanha Station Address: Largo da Estacao, 4300-173, Porto, Portugal. Porto Campanha is the only non-terminus railway station in Porto and the city's primary hub for long-distance and international trains. With 16 tracks and a structure inaugurated in 1875, Porto Campanha handles the full range of CP main lines — including high-speed Alfa Pendular trains to Lisbon and Intercidades services to Coimbra, Aveiro, Braga, and Vigo across the border in Spain. International trains and connections to France also depart from here, making it the most important railway station in northern Portugal.Campanha station is conveniently connected to Porto Metro, local bus routes, and taxis, so reaching downtown Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia from the station is straightforward. The metro operates from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and tickets can be purchased at machines on the platform. Both Porto railway stations also offer luggage storage facilities — a handy detail worth knowing before you head out to explore. The station building itself covers a large footprint and promises a sense of the city's deep railway history the moment you walk through the entrance doors. |
| Sao Bento Station Address: Praca Almeida Garrett, 4000-069, Porto, Portugal. READ MORE Nestled in downtown Porto, Sao Bento railway station is younger than Campanha but far more famous — and for good reason. Porto Sao Bento opened its doors in 1916 and has since become one of the most visited buildings in Portugal, drawing tourists and locals alike who come to admire its extraordinary interior. The station's entrance hall is covered in approximately 20,000 azulejo tiles created by artist Jorge Colaco between 1905 and 1916 — a project that took 11 years to complete. These intricate blue-and-white murals depict scenes from Portuguese history and everyday life, making Sao Bento station a declared national monument and one of the most iconic stops on any visit to Porto. As a railway station, Sao Bento serves as the main terminus for suburban rail lines in Porto, handling regional and commuter trains across the city and surrounding regions. It sits at the heart of Porto's historic centre, just a short walk from the Douro riverfront, the iconic bridge, and a concentration of cafes, hotels, and street life that defines the character of this city. Staying close to Sao Bento means you're within easy reach of everything Porto has to offer. Tickets are available at the station, and the CP app can also be used to book and manage your journey in advance. |
FAQ: About Porto's Train Stations
Porto has two main railway stations: Porto Campanhã and São Bento. Both are operated by Comboios de Portugal and serve different functions — Campanhã station is the primary hub for long-distance and international trains, while São Bento station is the main terminus for suburban and regional lines in the city.
Trains from Porto to Lisbon depart from Porto Campanhã railway station. High-speed Alfa Pendular services connect the two major cities in under 3 hours, covering 332 kilometers. Porto Campanhã is the correct station to catch all long-distance CP train services heading south.
Trains to Aveiro and Coimbra depart from Campanhã station. The Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services on CP's main lines stop at both cities on the way south toward Lisbon, making Porto Campanhã the starting point for travel down the coast.
Trains to Braga depart from Campanhã station. The Braga line reaches Braga in under 1.5 hours, with frequent CP services throughout the day. Porto Campanhã is connected to Porto Metro, making it easy to access from across the city.
The Douro line, which connects Porto to Pocinho in approximately 3.5 hours, departs from Porto Campanhã. It is one of the most scenic train journeys in Portugal, following the Douro river through dramatic valley landscapes. São Bento station handles suburban services on several lines within the city and surrounding regions.
São Bento station in Porto is famous for its extraordinary azulejo tile interior. Approximately 20,000 hand-painted blue-and-white tiles line the entrance hall walls, created by Jorge Colaco between 1905 and 1916. These murals depict scenes from Portuguese history set against a deep blue background — a style unique to Portuguese decorative art. The station is a declared national monument and one of the most photographed buildings in Portugal. Porto São Bento is a must-see for any visitor to the city, whether or not you are catching a train.
Tickets are available at ticket machines and staffed counters at both Porto Campanhã and São Bento station. Machines accept various payment forms including card and coins. You can also book tickets in advance via the CP app or online, which is strongly recommended for popular routes like Porto to Lisbon. Note that there are no free train services — all CP journeys require a valid ticket, and you will need to pay a seat reservation fee on Alfa Pendular trains.
Yes — entry to São Bento station is free. You do not need a ticket to walk in and admire the famous azulejo tile murals. Porto São Bento is open to the public, and visiting the entrance hall to take in the extraordinary tilework is one of the most popular free things to do in Porto. If you are catching a train from the station, standard CP ticket pricing applies.
Yes. Both Porto Campanhã and São Bento station offer luggage storage facilities, making it easy to explore the city without carrying your bags. This is particularly useful if you're arriving by train and want to discover downtown Porto or cross to Vila Nova de Gaia before checking into your hotel.
Campanhã station is connected to Porto Metro, local buses, and taxis. The metro runs from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily, and tickets can be purchased at machines on the platform. From Porto Campanhã, it takes just a few minutes by metro to reach the historic centre. Alternatively, São Bento station sits right in downtown Porto and is within walking distance of the city's main attractions — making it the more convenient arrival point if your train stops there.