Lisbon to Coimbra: Route Map & Travel Guide

Getting from Lisbon to Coimbra

Lisbon and Coimbra are about 200 km apart. Coimbra lies on the main Lisbon–Porto railway, so frequent fast trains make the train the easiest option.

By Train

Alfa Pendular trains take about 1 hour 45 minutes and Intercidades trains a little over 2 hours from Lisboa Santa Apolónia or Oriente. Long-distance trains stop at Coimbra-B, about 2 km north of the centre; from there, take a local connection, a bus or a short taxi ride into town.

By Bus

Express buses run from Lisbon (Sete Rios and Oriente) to Coimbra in about 2 hours 20 minutes and are often cheaper than the train. The Coimbra bus station is a short walk from the centre.

By Car

The A1 motorway links Lisbon and Coimbra in about 2 hours, with tolls. A detour via Fátima or Tomar adds a UNESCO-listed convent or a major pilgrimage site to the trip. See our Portugal road map.

Continuing North

Coimbra is a natural stop on the way to Porto: most Alfa Pendular trains continue north, reaching Aveiro in about 40 minutes and Porto in about 1 hour. See Porto to Coimbra and Lisbon to Porto.

Plan your trip

🚆 Trains & buses

• Lisbon → Coimbra
• Lisbon → Porto

🎟️ Tours & tickets

Skip-the-line tickets, day trips and guided tours.

See tours ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the train from Lisbon to Coimbra?

About 1 hour 45 minutes on the Alfa Pendular and a little over 2 hours on Intercidades trains.

Which station in Coimbra does the train from Lisbon arrive at?

Long-distance trains stop at Coimbra-B, about 2 km north of the city centre. Local connections, buses and taxis link it to the centre.

Can you do a day trip from Lisbon to Coimbra?

Yes. With the fast train taking under 2 hours each way, a day trip is practical, though staying a night lets you see the university and old town at a relaxed pace.