Traveling without a car? These beautiful small towns in Portugal are just a train ride away.
Exploring Portugal without a car is easier than you might think.
The country’s train system is affordable, scenic, and surprisingly well-connected, especially between its major cities and smaller towns.
If you’re skipping the rental car and still want to experience medieval streets, wine regions, coastal villages, and castle towns, these are some of the best places you can reach by train—no car required.
1. Tomar
- 2 hours from Lisbon
- Explore the Convent of Christ, a Templar stronghold
- Walkable riverside town with historic cafés
2. Óbidos
- Direct buses from Lisbon
- Enchanting walled village with cobblestone charm
- Try cherry liqueur and explore the castle
3. Águeda
- 1 hour from Coimbra
- Known for its seasonal Umbrella Sky art project
- Easy walking town with riverside views
4. Guimarães
- 1 hour from Porto
- Historic old town and castle—birthplace of Portugal
- Excellent local food, tiled squares, and museums
5. Coimbra
- Between Lisbon and Porto (1.5–2 hrs)
- Old university town with fado, gardens, and riverside walks
- Good base for regional day trips
6. Aveiro
- 1 hour from Porto
- Known as the “Venice of Portugal” with canals and art nouveau buildings
- Try ovos moles, the local sweet treat
7. Évora
- 1.5 hours from Lisbon
- Roman ruins, whitewashed streets, and the Chapel of Bones
- Great day trip or overnight from Lisbon
8. Braga
- 1 hour from Porto
- Elegant churches, baroque architecture, and the Bom Jesus staircase
- Lively and historical at the same time
9. Viana do Castelo
- 1.5 hours from Porto
- Coastal town with beaches, tiled streets, and great seafood
- Ride the funicular to the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia
Bonus Tips for Train Travel in Portugal
- Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the main train provider → cp.pt
- Book intercity routes ahead for discounts
- Local/regional trains don’t require advance booking
Consider a Portugal Rail Pass if you’re taking multiple long-distance routes
Visiting Portugal for the first time?
Check out my full itinerary below: