How to transport your Bike on a Train in Portugal

12/1/2024

The train transport system in Portugal is great. But there are a few prticularities you should be aware of to make it work for your bicycle journey by following our guide to fuss-free bike travel on trains when you visit Portugal. Here's what you need to know how!

General Terms for Taking a Bicycle on a Train in Portugal
What are the Train Services in Portugal?
Rail Network in Portugal
Confirm Bicycle Space Before you Board the Train!

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.

General Terms for Taking a Bicycle on a Train in Portugal

In addition to the specific conditions for each train service, bicycle transport on CP must adhere to the following guidelines, so please read them carefully!:

One bicycle per customer.
CP is not liable for bicycle damage or third-party property.
Owners handle loading and unloading.
Bicycles must not block doors or passenger movement.
Riding bicycles in stations or trains is prohibited.
Allowed only on designated services and carriages.
Inspectors may refuse bicycles if they pose risks or disrupt service.
Oversized bicycles (e.g., tandems) are not allowed.
E-bikes (max 0.25 kW) allowed if standard size.
Bikes are not permitted on replacement bus services.

What are the Train Services in Portugal?

Let me help clarify your options for traveling with bikes on Portuguese trains, by explaining the specific conditions for each train service, as they are each quite different.

Alfa Pendular (AP) Trains

While the Alfa Pendular is the fastest train option, it’s not ideal for bike travelers. Bikes are only allowed on AP trains if they are folded and boxed - which isn’t convenient for most cyclists. If your bikes are packed this way, they can travel as regular luggage, but otherwise, we recommend avoiding the AP trains for bike travel.

Intercidades (IC) Trains

The Intercidades trains are a much better option for cyclists! On these trains, bikes can travel in the luggage cars without needing to be boxed. However, it’s always a good idea to check both when booking and in person at the station to ensure your chosen train has available space for your bikes. Arriving early on the day of travel is also a smart move to secure your spot.

Bicycles hanging in the luggage car 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, so bring your own!

Only one bike per passenger.
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.

Regional Trains

Once you’re in your chosen travel area, the regional trains are perfect for exploring further afield. The network is ample and serves most of the major and larger towns, as well as some surprisingly small and out of the way locations that make them perfect for starting many of the most popular bike tour routes in Portugal.

Group of friends taking their bicycles onto a regional train in Portugal

The regional train services are also inexpensive and run frequently, every day of the week and weekends.

You can normally take your bikes on board without any special arrangements, just make sure to always check when buying your tickets and boarding the train. However, note that it’s best to avoid commuter rush hours in the morning and late afternoon when space can be limited.

Rail Network in Portugal

The rail network map below shows you where the trains run in Portugal. CP offers a range of train services for convenient travel: urban trains in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra for local commutes; Alfa Pendular and Intercidades for comfortable long-distance travel across Portugal; and Regional and InterRegional trains for access to various destinations.

There’s also an international connection to Vigo, linking you to the Spanish train network, useful if you are considering cycling the Camino de Santiago.

You can see a more detailed rail network map for Portugal here.

Portugal rail network map — Rail network map or Portugal from the CP website

Confirm Bicycle Space Before you Board the Train!

When planning your rail journey with a bicycle, it’s essential to confirm space availability on your chosen service. As you have learnt, whether you’re traveling locally or across the country, each train type has specific policies and limitations for bike transport.

Bicycles stood up outside Lagos train station in Portugal

To ensure a smooth trip, always check in advance, either when booking your ticket or at the station, to avoid surprises and secure a spot for your bike. By being prepared, you’ll enjoy a stress-free journey, ready to explore Portugal’s stunning landscapes on two wheels.

I hope this artcile has helped! If you liked it please share, and if you have any questions or comments, please drop them below in the comments section.

Safe travels!

18 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!

Paul Haslam

5/21/2024 03:41:48 am

We'll be flying to Porto with my bike in a bike box then by train to Coimbra for the European Multisports in June.

I can't really book a train in advance in case the flight is delayed. Comboios de Portugal didn't seem to think we'd have any problems. They indicated an excess luggage charge of €6-50 on Alpha Pendula or Intercidades & obviously dependant on space.

The last bit is the only concern as we can't really book a time in advance as it'll depend on the flight. Have you any thoughts or advice please?

Also do they store the bike box separate from where we will be on the train as I'd be a bit nervous about that unless the release of it is supervised? In Germany we were able to just stand or sit with the bike box in the coaches marked with a bike logo.

Cheers,

Paul

12/2/2024 03:30:10 am

Hi Paul,

Traveling with your bike in a box from Porto to Coimbra is feasible on both Alfa Pendular (AP) and Intercidades (IC) trains. CP – Comboios de Portugal allows the transport of disassembled and properly packed bicycles as hand luggage on these services.

Booking Flexibility: Given potential flight delays, booking a specific train in advance might be challenging. Fortunately, CP offers flexibility for passengers in your situation. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the station. While there's a €6.50 fee for excess luggage on AP and IC trains, this charge applies per item.

Space Availability: Space for luggage, including bike boxes, is subject to availability. To increase the likelihood of securing space, aim to arrive at the station early to catch the next available train. CP staff can assist in determining space availability for your bike box.

Bike Box Storage: On AP and IC trains, luggage storage areas are typically located at the ends of each carriage. While these areas are separate from passenger seating, you can choose seats nearby to monitor your belongings.

Unlike some German trains, AP and IC services may not have designated bike areas within passenger coaches. Therefore, it's advisable to label your bike box clearly with your contact information and ensure it's securely packed.

I hope this helps,

Safe travels!

Martins

9/24/2024 12:13:36 pm

Hello! Is it possible to take a bicycle in train route from Faro to Lagos?

Martin

12/2/2024 03:26:42 am

Hi Martins, it’s possible to take a bicycle on the train route from Faro to Lagos.

The regional trains are your option for this route as they generally allow bikes without the need for disassembly or packing.

Just check at the ticket office before you hop on, and find the designated bike spaces, typically marked with a bicycle symbol.

However, we recommend avoiding peak commuter times (morning and late afternoon) when space can be more limited.

Angela

12/1/2024 05:50:39 pm

Hello there, we are three road cyclists, arriving in Lisbon April 2025 and wish to get the fast train down to Algarve region. Our bikes are packed in Bike bags. When booking my tickets, will I have an apportunity to book the bikes on too? or do we have to just hope that there will be room on the day? From you previous comments, are you saying that we cannot take the Alfa Pendular train, but have to take the Intercidades train? Also, once we decide on our cycling base for 2 weeks in Algarve, we wish to take the regional train to extend our rides to explore further afield, west or east. using the regional train, is it OK to just jump on with our bikes with our tickets?

12/2/2024 03:23:24 am

Hi Angela,

Thanks for reaching out! We’re excited to hear about your cycling plans in Portugal—what a fantastic adventure you have ahead! Let me help clarify your options for traveling with bikes on Portuguese trains.

Alfa Pendular (AP) Trains
While the Alfa Pendular is the fastest train option, it’s not ideal for bike travelers. Bikes are only allowed on AP trains if they are folded and boxed, which isn’t convenient for most cyclists. If your bikes are packed this way, they can travel as regular luggage, but otherwise, we recommend avoiding the AP trains for bike travel.

Intercidades (IC) Trains
The Intercidades trains are a much better option for cyclists! On these trains, bikes can travel in the luggage cars without needing to be boxed. However, it’s always a good idea to check both when booking and in person at the station to ensure your chosen train has available space for your bikes. Arriving early on the day of travel is also a smart move to secure your spot.

Regional Trains in the Algarve
Once you’re in the Algarve, the regional trains are perfect for exploring further afield. You can normally take your bikes on board without any special arrangements, just make sure to always check when buying your tickets and boarding the train. However, note that it’s best to avoid commuter rush hours in the morning and late afternoon when space can be limited.

We hope this helps you plan your journey! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Have an amazing time exploring the Algarve, it’s a cycling paradise!

Safe Travels!

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