Alfa Pendular
Published 30 October 2026, 20:39
Alfa Pendular (Portugal's fastest train)
An express train run by the state railway company CP: it runs from Braga and Porto via Lisbon to Faro and tilts on bends, hence “pendular”. It makes few stops, all seats are reserved and numbered, and tickets cost more than on the Intercidades. Until the country has a high-speed line it remains the fastest train, and it is the benchmark whenever shorter journey times are promised.
Where you come across it. Buying a ticket for an intercity train; news about the railway.
Seats on this train are sold only with a reservation: you cannot board without one, and before public holidays tickets sell out several days in advance.
Official website: cp.pt/passageiros/pt/como-viajar/Alfa-Pendular