Alfa Pendular: Tickets, Timetables and Facilities

Welcome Aboard Alfa Pendular Trains

Alfa Pendular, the fastest high-speed tilting train in Portugal, is owned by Comboios de Portugal. Comboios de Portugal, better known colloquially as CP, is wholly owned by the Portuguese government. CP is the country’s largest railway operator, serving almost all of Portugal. Alfa Pendular is a six-car electric train that uses unique tilting technology to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride even at speeds of up to 137 mph.

This Portuguese high-speed train provider mostly operates trains in Portugal, but you can also find some connections into Spain such as an Alfa Pendular train from Lisbon to Madrid. Alfa Pendular trains connect Portugal’s major cities and plenty of places in between. Check out Alfa Pendular timetables from Porto to Lisbon, Braga to Faro, Aveiro to Coimbra, and many other convenient and quick routes throughout the country. Alfa Pendular trains provide about 10 departures per day on almost all of its routes, including late-night journeys, so you’ll have no problem finding a cheap train ticket on Alfa Pendular that suits you.

As a bonus, on all of these journeys you will be treated to stunning views of the Portuguese countryside, vineyards, and even some ocean views. Whatever your ticket class, you can be sure that when you travel on an Alfa Pendular train, you'll experience a smooth ride like no other. However, you still have the option to choose between Comfort (first class) and Tourist (second class) ticket types.

Find Cheap Train Tickets for Alfa Pendular with Omio

You can use Omio to search for Alfa Pendular train tickets quickly and easily, no matter which route you are travelling. When you’re looking for your Portugal train ticket, you can browse and compare timetables, routes with and without connections, and check prices before booking the ticket that’s best for you. You can book your Alfa Pendular journey directly on the Omio website, saving time and money as Omio shows you the best prices and allows you to book right away.

Once you have selected your route and ticket class, you can add a seating preference and opt to receive real-time updates about your journey. This includes information about delays or platform changes so you can arrive at the departure station prepared. If your plans change, you can modify or cancel your Alfa Pendular reservation directly through the Omio website or via the mobile app.

The mobile app also makes it easy for you to show your Portuguese high-speed rail ticket on your smartphone instead of printing it out beforehand. The Omio booking platform is easy to use, allowing you to filter results for Alfa Pendular trains specifically.

Top Alfa Pendular Destinations

Alfa Pendular operates train services throughout Portugal, providing fast and efficient connections between all major cities and beyond. You can travel to many different places, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and many more. One of the most popular routes is the Alfa Pendular train from Porto to Lisbon and vice versa, as Porto and Lisbon are the two largest cities in all of Portugal. The train to Faro in southern Portugal is another popular option, as the city serves as a great beach destination for locals and tourists alike.

This train operator also offers connections into nearby Spain. You can take a train to Madrid, Spain’s capital city and a favourite destination of those headed from Portugal to Spain. Whether you’re heading to the digital nomad haven of Lisbon, or the Porto wine cellars, trains from Alfa Pendular have got you covered.

Train Ticket Types Offered by Alfa Pendular

Alfa Pendular offers two different ticket types for travellers to choose from based on their budgets and the amenities they’d like to enjoy during their train journey. The ticket types available on these Portuguese high-speed rail trains are Comfort, the company’s first-class ticket, and Tourist, the second-class ticket. Each comes with amenities specific to its class and Omio allows you to easily compare these two classes so you can decide which one you want to book. You can also choose to make your ticket either non-refundable or semi-refundable regardless of the ticket class you choose.

Non-Refundable Tickets

Non-refundable tickets are the standard for trains by Alfa Pendular. If you choose a non-refundable ticket you will not be eligible for a refund of your ticket, regardless of when you cancel or the reason for cancelling.

Semi-Refundable Tickets

This type of ticket gives travellers a little more flexibility for their trip. Semi-refundable tickets allow you to cancel your journey for a small fee of €4 (about $4.30) up to 15 minutes before the train’s departure. This type of fare can be added to any ticket type. There is a small surcharge for semi-refundable tickets, which will be determined by the route and ticket type you choose.

Ticket Classes: Tourist Tickets

Those on a budget will likely want to purchase Tourist, or second class, tickets. Even though this is second class, remember you are travelling on an Alfa Pendular train, one of the most modern trains in Portugal. As a result, there are plenty of amenities and comforts that come with this ticket. In Tourist class, you’ll enjoy comfortable and spacious seats, plenty of legroom, access to a toilet, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Your seat will also have a folding table and power points. As for refreshments, you will have access to a vending machine and the option to purchase food and drinks on board.

Comfort Tickets

Comfort tickets are Alfa Pendular’s first-class tickets. If you want the utmost comfort or if you are travelling with a pet, this is what you will want to book. Pets are not allowed in Tourist class, so you must book a Comfort ticket if you’ll be bringing your furry friend. In addition to all the amenities of Tourist tickets, you will also have access to CP lounges on board, a complimentary drink, and even more legroom. You will also have access to a bar car as well as a media centre and audio/video outlets for your entertainment during the journey.

Peak/Off-Peak Tickets

The prices of Alfa Pendular tickets can vary depending on the day of the week and the time of day. Peak commuting hours and weekends tend to be the most expensive times to travel, so if you want cheap train tickets from Alfa Pendular, it’s best to avoid these times if possible. Otherwise, this Portuguese high-speed train operator does not offer specific categories of peak and off-peak tickets.

Savings, Discounts, and Offers on Alfa Pendular Trains

Omio will show you the best rates for Alfa Pendular train tickets, regardless of your desired route. Budget travellers can opt for non-refundable Tourist tickets for the lowest fares, and it’s always a good idea to book off-peak hours in advance or look for journeys with more transfers to save money. If you are under 25, travelling with children, or travelling with a large group, there may be even more discounts available. If you plan to take more than one Alfa Pendular train journey, it may also be worth buying tickets in bulk to see if you get a discount.

Information on Cancellations, Delays, and Refunds with Alfa Pendular

In the event of a cancellation or delay on the provider’s side, Omio will provide you with real-time information on any changes that may occur. You can easily access this information via the Omio website or mobile app.

If you decide to cancel your ticket for this Portuguese high-speed rail service, you may be eligible to get some money back if you chose the semi-refundable fare when you purchased it. There are some scenarios when CP will refund you the cost of your ticket, though. If your Alfa Pendular train departure is delayed for more than 30 minutes and therefore you need to cancel your trip, CP will refund the full cost of your ticket.

You may also be entitled to a full refund if the train is delayed by CP resulting in the arrival time being more than 60 minutes late. If you have questions about delays, cancellations, or refunds, you can contact the Omio help centre.

Alfa Pendular Timetables

Alfa Pendular provides fast and efficient train services across Portugal and beyond. These Portuguese high-speed rail trains typically start running early in the morning, with the exact time depending on the particular route. Connections on Alfa Pendular between Porto and Lisbon, for example, usually start around 6:30 am, with the last departure being around 10 pm. Along this route, you can usually find about 10 departures per day on weekdays, with one almost every hour.

At weekends, trains are a little less frequent, but overall, you can expect this journey to take just under 3 hours. Routes like Braga to Faro may start a little earlier, around 6 am, and the last departure is usually around 1 pm. This route, leaving around 5 times per day during the week, will typically take about 7 or 8 hours.

At weekends, these departures typically occur about 3 times per day. Of course, things like weather, construction, and other unforeseen events can affect these departures and travel times. If you download the Omio mobile app, you will receive real-time updates about the status of your Alfa Pendular train journey, so that you’re always prepared.

Take Advantage of On-Board Facilities when Travelling with Alfa Pendular

There are plenty of on-board facilities to enjoy during your Alfa Pendular train journey, regardless of which ticket class you choose. There’s a bistro car where you can purchase drinks and snacks, and you’ll also have access to a vending machine.

You can also head to the bar car, where you may purchase alcoholic beverages if you wish. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the train for all passengers. Finally, there are power points at every seat in case you need to charge your mobile phone or another small electronic device.

Alfa Pendular: FAQs