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trainconnections between Portugal and Spain

  • August 9, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 95 views
A

Hi. 

I' m travelling from Madrid to Lisbon on October 21st with my family on interrail. I have received good information in this group, but there are still things I do not quite understand. At the moment I can only find one connection (3 changes- 8-9 hours and with one change with only 3 minutes change time) during the day, I like to travel. Is that because the time table has not yet been put on the site? And if so- when will it normally be released? 

I'm not quite sure if there are many connections where you're not allowed to go with your interrail ticket. Do you by any chance know anything about that? 

Best wishes 

Agnethe.

Best answer by thibcabe

My comment from 2 weeks ago still applies. Nothing changed. There is only one daily train itinerary possible, otherwise you must take a bus.

The 4 min connection in Entrocamento is guaranteed and there are plenty of later trains just in case.

Please be more patient really. Both Spain and Portugal are not train-friendly (especially not Interrail).

"

Connections are pretty bad between both countries. There used to be a direct night train but no more.

The itinerary through Badajoz is the best, I took it last week (so feel free to ask any questions).

- Alvia Madrid-Atocha - Badajoz 08:51 - ~13:26

- Badajoz - Entrocamento 14:09 - 15:55

- IC Entrocamento - Lisbon 15:59 - 17:00

The Alvia isn't on sale yet and won't be for a couple of weeks. This short booking window is usual for RENFE. Keep checking every other week or so (train is unlikely to sell out).

Alternative would be a direct Flixbus or similar.

Have a look at https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/madrid-to-lisbon-by-train.htm

"

    2 replies

    T
    Full steam ahead
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    • thibcabe
    • Full steam ahead
    • Answer
    • August 9, 2025

    My comment from 2 weeks ago still applies. Nothing changed. There is only one daily train itinerary possible, otherwise you must take a bus.

    The 4 min connection in Entrocamento is guaranteed and there are plenty of later trains just in case.

    Please be more patient really. Both Spain and Portugal are not train-friendly (especially not Interrail).

    "

    Connections are pretty bad between both countries. There used to be a direct night train but no more.

    The itinerary through Badajoz is the best, I took it last week (so feel free to ask any questions).

    - Alvia Madrid-Atocha - Badajoz 08:51 - ~13:26

    - Badajoz - Entrocamento 14:09 - 15:55

    - IC Entrocamento - Lisbon 15:59 - 17:00

    The Alvia isn't on sale yet and won't be for a couple of weeks. This short booking window is usual for RENFE. Keep checking every other week or so (train is unlikely to sell out).

    Alternative would be a direct Flixbus or similar.

    Have a look at https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/madrid-to-lisbon-by-train.htm

    "

    A
    A
    • Agnethe Dahl
    • Author
    • Right on track
    • August 14, 2025

    Thank you so much

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