Portugal, Spring 2024.

[Hoofhearted]

Hi there. My son and I are considering visiting Portugal around about Easter next year. We were wondering if anyone on this forum could give us tips on the scenic routes in Portugal. We understand that the Doura Valley is a must visit, and they sometimes run loco hauled services on this route. Where else do they run loco hauled trains in Portugal, diesel or electric, and are Portugese railways reliable. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Robert Murawski.

 

[yorkie]

Where else do they run loco hauled trains in Portugal, diesel or electric,

• Lisbon - Porto
• Lisbon - Faro
• Porto - Figuera de Foz
• Porto - Valença

and probably more

and are Portugese railways reliable.

Not the most reliable, but not bad either!

I've been to Portugal a few times and not experienced any major problems.

Good idea to go in Spring and not Summer.

 

[30907]

You could add Lisbon to Guarda by both routes.

The Douro line is predominantly L/H all year BTW.

 

[dutchflyer]

As noted above-the main IC-lines are run to old SNCF example: Loco+ Corail type cars. They must be REServed.
Was there myself spring ´23, with InterRail (from the 50% discount sale) and did the Douro valley line- a part in the middle was suddenly overflown with tourgroups for maybe 20-30 mins till they left again.
The long IC-lines are of course not scenic all the way, but in some parts.
Mildly interesting; the western line going north from Lisboa/Sintra along coast till Figuera?-then Coimbra.
Agree with yorkie: not the utmost reliable but certainly also not the worst. Every now and then strikes are the major disturbance for a few days.
(hint: found some very good deals on aprrmts/houses via booking then-if you not aim for hotels specific)

 

[yorkie]

The trains on the Pocinho line have opening windows, and it's not uncommon for doors to be open while the train is moving; it is a very relaxed atmosphere over there.

... a part in the middle was suddenly overflown with tourgroups for maybe 20-30 mins till they left again...

Yes this is very common. I think they go to Régua, if I remember correctly.

It's possible that every seat can be taken, with people standing, but as you say it's not for very long, so no-one should be put off by it.

 

[nwales58]

You could add Lisbon to Guarda by both routes

Beware the Beira Alta route, Coimbra-Guarda(-Vilar Formoso) is bus replacement for modernisation at present.

 

[Hoofhearted]

Thanks for the information everyone. Much appreciated.