Train Santiago to Porto

[robindysard]

Hi, we had booked a camino for last September and had to reschedule for this early June. I previously had booked a train from Santiago to Porto to start travel back for our flight home from Lisbon. It included all the transfers.

Now I can't find a trip back on any of the train websites that includes the transfers. It looks like I have to book them individually. So for example, first leg Santiago to Vigo. Has anyone else had this issue? I'm concerned if I book it that way, there may be nothing available for the next leg.

I can book a bus which is actually shorter, but my husband and I prefer trains whenever possible.

 

[trecile]

I also prefer trains, but the trip on the bus is shorter, so I've taken the bus from Santiago to Porto twice. The buses are very comfortable, and the ride is not that long.

 

[henrythedog]

I prefer trains, but as they were on strike last year I resorted to the bus from Santiago back to Porto. It was fine. There’s a lavatory on board; have some 50 cent coins just in case you’re on the rare bus where the coin operated lock is operating.

 

[Evan White]

It might be too early to book the train, that usually seems to be a reason when people get stuck on booking. I’ve never taken the train but I think you need to change trains in Vigo, maybe even change stations although I think it’s a few blocks away. Someone else might know for certain. I’ve always taken the bus to Porto, you can arrive at the airport or in the city, Campanha.

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

It might be too early to book the train, that usually seems to be a reason when people get stuck on booking. I’ve never taken the train but I think you need to change trains in Vigo, maybe even change stations although I think it’s a few blocks away. Someone else might know for certain. I’ve always taken the bus to Porto, you can arrive at the airport or in the city, Campanha.

You might not be able to book the Vigo>Porto part of the trip. It's a weird little train. Collaboratively run by Renfe, the Spanish operator, and CP, the Portuguese one. I know last year we did have to change stations; the Vigo>Porto train was the only one left running through the small railway station down on the waterfront, which had been used temporarily as the main Vigo station while the new one was being built (now operative).

We easily bought tickets in Vigo for the run; my recollection is that we either couldn't, or didn't, buy them in advance, but just before the train ran, first thing in the morning. I believe there's a later train as well.

My sense was that this run was not really considered part of the Spanish rail system, but a bit of an orphan. I think the crew was Portuguese.

If you see a schedule for the run and it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, don't forget that Portugal is an hour earlier, time zone-wise. Same time zone as UK and Ireland.

Here's the CP (Rail Portugal) version of that run's schedule. Note that it says buy the tickets through Renfe.

Train times result

Timetables and prices search

www.cp.pt

Bom caminho!

[Edit: I've just tried to book this train through the Renfe website, and the route is not included in their database. Not surprising. As I said, it's not really part of either system. It is due to be replaced with a new highspeed run, now being constructed as part of the first phase of the Portuguese high-speed system.]

 

[robindysard]

I also prefer trains, but the trip on the bus is shorter, so I've taken the bus from Santiago to Porto twice. The buses are very comfortable, and the ride is not that long.

Ok, thank you; that is good to know! I did notice it's shorter.

 

[robindysard]

It might be too early to book the train, that usually seems to be a reason when people get stuck on booking. I’ve never taken the train but I think you need to change trains in Vigo, maybe even change stations although I think it’s a few blocks away. Someone else might know for certain. I’ve always taken the bus to Porto, you can arrive at the airport or in the city, Campanha.

Yeah, I wondered if it might be too early. That makes sense. After doing all this research, I think I'm going to stick with the bus; shorter and more direct.

 

[robindysard]

You might not be able to book the Vigo>Porto part of the trip. It's a weird little train. Collaboratively run by Renfe, the Spanish operator, and CP, the Portuguese one. I know last year we did have to change stations; the Vigo>Porto train was the only one left running through the small railway station down on the waterfront, which had been used temporarily as the main Vigo station while the new one was being built (now operative).

We easily bought tickets in Vigo for the run; my recollection is that we either couldn't, or didn't, buy them in advance, but just before the train ran, first thing in the morning. I believe there's a later train as well.

My sense was that this run was not really considered part of the Spanish rail system, but a bit of an orphan. I think the crew was Portuguese.

If you see a schedule for the run and it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, don't forget that Portugal is an hour earlier, time zone-wise. Same time zone as UK and Ireland.

Here's the CP (Rail Portugal) version of that run's schedule. Note that it says buy the tickets through Renfe.

Train times result

Timetables and prices search

www.cp.pt

Bom caminho!

[Edit: I've just tried to book this train through the Renfe website, and the route is not included in their database. Not surprising. As I said, it's not really part of either system. It is due to be replaced with a new highspeed run, now being constructed as part of the first phase of the Portuguese high-speed system.]

Ok, thank you; that all makes sense. That perhaps this run is being replaced with a new highspeed run. And I forgot about the time change! Yikes! I ended up booking a bus. I never thought about booking in person though. I think because we are on a schedule to fly out from Lisbon, the idea of booking ahead is probably best. I appreciate your help!

 

[Bisnick]

There are 19 trains a day from Santiago to Vigo and only two from Vigo to Porto.
Break your journey in Vigo and catch the convenient timed train to Porto the next day. They depart at 08.58 and 19.56. Journey time is 2hrs 22m. Its a very early start in SDC To catch the 08.58.

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

There are 19 trains a day from Santiago to Vigo and only two from Vigo to Porto.
Break your journey in Vigo and catch the convenient timed train to Porto the next day. They depart at 08.58 and 19.56. Journey time is 2hrs 22m. Its a very early start in SDC To catch the 08.58.

Having taken the train, just from Vigo, I'd say...take the bus the whole way. The Porto long-distance bus station is right next to Porto-Campagna railway station, so you end up in just the same place with way less hassle...and as railway trips go, Vigo>Porto is one of the less interesting ones, I'd say, and an old and tired train.

 

[robindysard]

There are 19 trains a day from Santiago to Vigo and only two from Vigo to Porto.
Break your journey in Vigo and catch the convenient timed train to Porto the next day. They depart at 08.58 and 19.56. Journey time is 2hrs 22m. Its a very early start in SDC To catch the 08.58.

Interesting! That is good to know, thank you!

 

[robindysard]

Having taken the train, just from Vigo, I'd say...take the bus the whole way. The Porto long-distance bus station is right next to Porto-Campagna railway station, so you end up in just the same place with way less hassle...and as railway trips go, Vigo>Porto is one of the less interesting ones, I'd say, and an old and tired train.

This is excellent advise, thank you!