How to get to Coimbra from other Portuguese cities?
When you plan your Portugal trip itinerary, include a day or two in Coimbra.
It’s a charming old city with some unique things to do and see, such as one of the oldest universities in Europe and a local version of traditional fado music.
Coimbra sits almost halfway between Porto and Lisbon, so it’s in a great position when you travel through Portugal.
You can also reach Coimbra by public transport from other cities in Portugal , including Faro, Braga, and Aveiro.
In this practical guide I explain what you need to know on how to get to Coimbra: stations, transport modes, logistics, and other planning tips.
Table of contents
How to get to Coimbra from Lisbon
This is the most common route for visitors, since most people fly into Lisbon. Connections are excellent and frequent.
By train
The train is the best option to get to Coimbra from Lisbon. It’s faster than the bus, more comfortable, and the price difference isn’t dramatic.
There are two types of train.
The Alfa Pendular (the fast train) takes around 1 hour 40 minutes while the Intercidades (slightly slower) takes about 2 hours.
Both are comfortable modern trains with assigned seating.
Prices may change from time to time, so best check prices on the official website of CP (Comboios de Portugal) at cp.pt.
If you book more than 8 days ahead, you’ll often get substantial discounts on trains in Portugal.
Trains depart from either Santa Apolónia or Oriente station in Lisbon.
Santa Apolónia is closer to the historic centre and sits at the end of the blue metro line.
Oriente is on the red metro line, closer to the airport.
Most trains stop at both, but always check your specific departure station when you book.
All trains arrive at Coimbra B station (not “Coimbra”).
To get from Coimbra B to your Coimbra city centre hotel, the easiest way (assuming you’re carrying luggage) is to take a taxi.
By bus
The bus from Lisbon to Coimbra takes 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the route.
It’s generally cheaper than the train if you book well in advance. Check Rede Expressos and FlixBus for current prices.
Rede Expressos departs from the Sete Rios terminal, which is outside the Jardim Zoológico metro station on the blue line. FlixBus leaves from Oriente.
The bus drops you at Coimbra’s central bus station on Avenida Fernão de Magalhães . It’s a bit closer to the city centre than the train station. You can reach the centre in about 15 minutes on foot, but it’s far easier to take a taxi into the centre.
From Lisbon Airport
If you’re heading straight to Coimbra from the airport, take the metro red line to Oriente station (under 20 minutes), then catch either a train or bus from there. FlixBus also has direct services from the airport.
How to get to Coimbra from Porto
Porto is closer to Coimbra than Lisbon with many daily connections.
By train
The Alfa Pendular takes just 1 hour 10 minutes. The Intercidades takes 1 hour 15-20 minutes. Both are comfortable and reliable.
Trains depart from Campanhã station, which is outside Porto’s city centre.
This is slightly inconvenient but Campanhã station is easy to reach.
You can take a quick connecting train from São Bento to Campanhã or take the Porto metro, depending on where you’re staying.
Like the Lisbon route, all trains arrive at Coimbra B (not “Coimbra”), from which it’s best to take a quick taxi ride into the city centre.
By bus
Buses take about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Check Rede Expressos and FlixBus for current prices.
They depart from the Porto TIC Campanhã terminal in Porto, close to Campanhã train station and reachable by the Porto metro.
From Porto Airport
Take Porto’s metro Line E from the airport to Campanhã station (about 35 minutes), then catch a train to Coimbra from there.
How to get from the Algarve (Faro) to Coimbra
Getting from the Algarve to Coimbra is doable but not quite as easy. It’s a proper journey rather than a quick hop.
By train
There are only two direct trains per day from Faro to Coimbra, both taking around 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes.
These trains stop at Coimbra B station.
The advantage of the train on such a long ride is that it’s direct, you can move around, and generally be more comfortable than on a bus.
Book through cp.pt well in advance for better prices and reserve your seat.
By bus
Buses take 6-6.5 hours with at least one change in Lisbon, making this a very long day of travel, at the end of which you may not have the energy to explore Coimbra.
This is a good option if you’re on an extremely tight budget, otherwise, the train is worth the extra cost.
How to get to Coimbra from Aveiro
Aveiro is very close to Coimbra, so this is an easy trip that works as a day trip in either direction.
By train
Regional trains run hourly and take about 50 minutes. The faster Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains take only about 30 minutes.
Trains arrive at Coimbra B, so you’ll need to take a quick 5 minute taxi ride to the city centre.
By bus
FlixBus and Rede Expressos both run this route, taking about 45 minutes. Buses drop you at the central bus station, slightly closer to the city centre.
How to get to Coimbra from Braga
Braga to Coimbra is a longer journey, but it’s still manageable.
By train
Trains run every 4 hours and take 1 hour 40 minutes to around 2 hours 30 minutes. Not all trains are direct, so pay attention to changes when you book.
Trains arrive at Coimbra B station, from which you can take a short taxi ride to the city centre.
By bus
FlixBus and Rede Expressos both serve this route. Buses take 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes.
The bus is generally cheaper but takes longer. For this route, I’d probably take the train unless money is very tight, it’s just more comfortable for a journey of this length.
Tips on how to get to Coimbra
The Coimbra B station
When travelling by train to Coimbra, you will arrive at Coimbra B, not “Coimbra”.
This station isn’t in the city centre but it’s not very far.
It took me about 20 minutes to reach the station on foot from the centre, but that was without luggage; I went to see the Choupal National Forest which is just past the station.
I wouldn’t recommend walking on Portuguese pavements with wheeled luggage. Also, the way to the train station is basically a busy road, not scenic in any way.
If you carry luggage, a taxi is the easiest option. It’s a very short and affordable ride, about 5 minutes, and it’s rare to see any traffic jams in Coimbra.
Booking in advance saves money
For both trains and buses, booking 8+ days in advance often gets you a substantial discount off the standard fare.
On the Portugal train site, cp.pt, that has an English version, you can book as early as 60 days in advance.
If your dates are flexible or if you plan way in advance, you’ll save a lot of money on transport in Portugal.
Bus or train?
Coimbra B and the central bus station in Coimbra are only a few minutes from each other.
For the Lisbon, Faro, or Braga route, I prefer the train. I booked the fast (AP) train between Coimbra and Lisbon and had a very comfortable ride.
For Porto and Aveiro, buses and trains are equally good, as the rides are shorter.
I took the bus between Porto and Coimbra and found it quite convenient. Campanhã railway station and the nearby bus station are very close to each other.
Got any other tips on getting to Coimbra? Share them in the comments below.