How to transport your Bike on a Train in Portugal

3/28/2023

The train transport system in Portugal is great. Here's what you need to know how to make it work for your bicycle journey by following our guide to fuss-free bike travel on trains when you visit Portugal.

If you are going to start or finish a route in Lisbon, Faro or Porto in Portugal you will most likely use the national train operator, CP (Comboios de Portugal) Intercidades trains.

The CP train routes go to the following destinations in Portugal: Lisbon – Oporto / Guimarães / Braga / Viana do Castelo, Beira Alta, Beira Baixa, Alentejo (Lisbon Oriente / Évora) and Algarve.

Below is the CP list of conditions for taking your bicycle on a train in Portugal:

The 2nd class carriages on Intercidades trains have dedicated supports for traditional bikes, allowing 2 bikes to be taken in each carriage. The supports in the carriages do not have padlocks.

Only one bike per passenger.
The bike must weigh 15kg or less (may restrict E-Bikes use).
The carriage of bicycles is limited to the space available
Places 15 and 17 in the 2nd class carriages on the Northern line Intercidades: Lisbon-Oporto / Guimarães / Braga / Viana do Castelo
Places 12 and 18 in the 2nd class carriages on the Beira Alta, Alentejo Lisbon Oriente / Évora and Sul line trains.
If these places are not available, only bikes than can be folded or disassembled and stored as hand luggage can be carried in the luggage compartments.
Transport is free.

The fast trains, Alfa Pendular, require that you fold, disassemble and / or box your bike, so we recommend you avoid travel on their service. There are other trains to choose from depending on your requirements and the bike you are traveling with.

More information can be found in English here:
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/passenger-information/Useful-information/bike-transport

Confirm space on the train at the ticket office well before you want to board the train!

The Regional, InterRegional and Coimbra urban trains allow you to take your bike. These trains are used more for shorter distances, to cross the Algarve or the Douro, for example.

On the platform before boarding, go to the ticket inspector, who must issue the ticket (the passenger's) and say whether the bike can go on board as the space is limited depending on the type of train.

There are a few temporary restrictions on bikes on the Regional and InterRegional trains.

It is advisable to use the carriages and spaces indicated by a bike symbol on outside of the regional trains.

More information about traveling by public transport in Portugal can be found here:
https://euroveloportugal.com/en/public-transport-connections

By Vanya Maplestone & Enrique Díaz

We are both cycling tour guides and travel all year round in Portugal, sometimes by train or motorhome but mostly on two wheels. After 5 years traveling in this amazing country together we have many useful things to share with you!
Follow our adventures @Wonderland_Locations & @Wonderland_Food

12 Comments

Senior Mentor

8/17/2019 07:21:20 am

Hi,
I took a rental bike on a short train trip from Faro, Portugal in March of 2017. It was easy and worked well.
I think that it is a great way to take day trips along the south coast of Portugal.
Sincerely yours,
Senior Mentor

PAUL WAELTI

3/28/2023 06:08:09 am

My eBike is around 22 kg (without battery) ... could there be a problem or is the 15kg-limit to be taken quite strictly ?
Many thanks
Paul, Switzerland

Martin Thompson

3/28/2023 06:53:48 am

Hi Paul, the weight should not be an issue, but you do need to make sure that there is room for your bike on your chosen train - only Intercidades and Regional lines.

It is HIGHLY recommended that you check in with the ticket office well before your departure time.

Have a wonderful ride!

Best wishes, Martin

Tim Alder

9/6/2023 08:38:19 am

Hi
We are gravel biking south from Lisbon and are then booking a train from Lagos to Lisbon for a Friday in 3 weeks time. We will use regional train and the intercidades. Can we reserve or book a space for the bikes in advance?
Would you know how full of bikes the trains become?
Thanks
Tim

Martin link

2/12/2024 03:30:45 am

Hey Tim,

That sounds like an amazing trip you've got planned! Gravel biking from Lisbon down to Lagos is sure to be an epic journey with some beautiful scenery along the way.

Regarding your question about booking a space for your bikes on the train from Lagos to Lisbon: for both regional trains and the Intercidades, you can indeed reserve a space for your bike. It's highly recommended to do this in advance to ensure you have a spot secured for your bikes, as these can fill up, especially during busy times or on popular routes.

The availability for bike spaces can vary; some trains have limited bike carriage capacity. It's hard to predict exactly how full of bikes the trains become without knowing the specific day or time you plan to travel. However, booking early is your best bet to avoid any last-minute surprises.

I would suggest visiting the official website of Comboios de Portugal (CP), the Portuguese train operator, or contacting their customer service for the most accurate and up-to-date information on bike reservations and the expected occupancy for bikes on your travel date. They can provide specific details on the process for reserving bike space on both the regional trains and the Intercidades.

Safe travels, and I hope you have a fantastic time both on your bike journey and on your train ride back to Lisbon. If you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to drop a message!

Ian

10/11/2023 12:25:59 pm

I want to take my bicycle from Lagos to Vigo, to then ride to the ferry port in Santander. Accepting I’ll have to detach my panniers is this journey feasible?
Obrigado

2/12/2024 03:32:03 am

Absolutely, taking your bicycle from Lagos to Vigo and then riding to the ferry port in Santander is feasible.

You'll likely need to switch trains, especially when navigating through Portugal and Spain, but it's a well-trodden path by adventurers.

Detaching your panniers for the train journey is a good plan for ease of travel.

Just make sure to check the specific train services you'll be using for their bicycle policies, as some may require a reservation for your bike or have specific bicycle carriages.

It's a beautiful route with plenty to see, and taking the ferry from Santander will be a fantastic leg of your journey.

Obrigado for reaching out, and if you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to ask. Safe travels and enjoy every bit of your adventure!

RICHARD SEABORN

11/6/2023 02:29:23 pm

I am considering taking our tandem to Portugal for an N2 tour and wondered if it were packed in a suitable bike bag we could take it on the train from Faro to Lisbon when we complete the tour. Thank you.

2/12/2024 03:35:24 am

Hi Richard, taking your tandem on the train from Faro to Lisbon in a suitable bike bag should be doable.

It's a smart move to pack it well for the journey. Just do check with Comboios de Portugal (CP) for any specific requirements or to reserve space if needed.

Safe travels on your N2 tour – it will be an incredible adventure!

FYI: We've just written up a full article to help cyclists like you who want to cycle that route https://www.cycling-rentals.com/blog/cycling-the-n2-in-portugal-an-epic-bike-journey-from-chaves-to-faro

Aviva Goldstein

12/28/2023 01:01:44 am

I know you can’t take bikes on trains in Spain. Can you go from Lisbon to Paris with intact bikes? Thanks.

Maggie Darroch

1/14/2024 01:13:14 am

Can I transport a bagged bike easily on trains?

2/12/2024 03:38:29 am

Hi Maggie, you can transport a bagged bike on trains in Portugal quite easily. You will need to take the INTERCIDADES or REGIONAL trains.

Make sure the bike is properly packed in a bike bag that complies with the train operator's size specifications.

DO ensure that you ask if there will be space on your train for your bike when you buy your tickets!

It's a always a good idea to check with Comboios de Portugal (CP) for any specific guidelines or requirements, as depending on the capacity of the train you may not have space to store your bike.

Safe travels!

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