Train from Porto to Santiago

[Former member 111635]

Hello, I'm new to this group, so forgive me if I'm doing this wrong. I'm going to be flying into Porto in late Oct and then need to travel by train to Santiago (and then eventually Sarria). I've been hearing that there may be issues with train strikes/lines. What does this mean in terms of reliability? I'd rather not take the bus as I can be prone to car sickness. Would Renfe be the best option or the Portuguese interregional one (can't recall the name)? Thanks for any advice.

 

[trecile]

It's actually faster to take the bus between Porto and Santiago because the train requires a transfer that adds time. The trip on the bus is about 4 hours.

You can book through Alsa or Flixbus

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[Tincatinker]

Look for trains Porto to Vigo, though a bus might be more available. Vigo to Santiago is an easy train journey. From Santiago to Sarria a bus via Lugo is the most viable route though trains, with a change at Ourense, might also work out. My grandmother’s advice that “if I was going there I wouldn’t start from here” applies.

There is a perfectly nice Camino from Porto to Santiago. Why not just walk that one?

 

[henrythedog]

The bus is fine. You can get it either from central Porto or the airport.

 

[kenwilltravel]

Hello, I'm new to this group, so forgive me if I'm doing this wrong. I'm going to be flying into Porto in late Oct and then need to travel by train to Santiago (and then eventually Sarria). I've been hearing that there may be issues with train strikes/lines. What does this mean in terms of reliability? I'd rather not take the bus as I can be prone to car sickness. Would Renfe be the best option or the Portuguese interregional one (can't recall the name)? Thanks for any advice.

I've done this trip in reverse: Renfe train from Santiago to Vigo, and then Vigo to Porto via CP, or Comboios de Portugal. It worked our fine, although we did have to wait a few hours in the Vigo station to pick up the Portuguese train. You'd have to examine the schedules to see what kind of connection you can work out going the other direction. I agree with Trecile that bus is simpler and more direct, although you mentioned you don't do well on buses.
On the other hand, as you observed, rail strikes are a problem in Portugal right now -- everybody in public service is doing intermittent strikes: railroad personnel, doctors, nurses and teachers. One thing you can do is download the CP app and monitor the situation. The app will give you warning if a strike is going to hit when you're planning to travel.

 

[JustJack]

I'd rather not take the bus as I can be prone to car sickness.

For what it's worth, the bus ride is on major highways and isn't twisty/turny. And the buses are nice and modern (although I didn't have the promised wifi on my Alsa bus). And they have a bathroom.

 

[Former member 111635]

Thanks for all the advice and tips. I appreciate it.

 

[Former member 111635]

I've done this trip in reverse: Renfe train from Santiago to Vigo, and then Vigo to Porto via CP, or Comboios de Portugal. It worked our fine, although we did have to wait a few hours in the Vigo station to pick up the Portuguese train. You'd have to examine the schedules to see what kind of connection you can work out going the other direction. I agree with Trecile that bus is simpler and more direct, although you mentioned you don't do well on buses.
On the other hand, as you observed, rail strikes are a problem in Portugal right now -- everybody in public service is doing intermittent strikes: railroad personnel, doctors, nurses and teachers. One thing you can do is download the CP app and monitor the situation. The app will give you warning if a strike is going to hit when you're planning to travel.

Hi Kenwilltravel, Do you know if it's worth buying train/bus tickets in advance or would it make sense to just wait until I'm there and then decide? I'm guessing the prices won't vary too much? Thx

 

[kenwilltravel]

Hi Kenwilltravel, Do you know if it's worth buying train/bus tickets in advance or would it make sense to just wait until I'm there and then decide? I'm guessing the prices won't vary too much? Thx

I know that CP does offer discounts for tickets bought in advance but in a situation like this, you're better off monitoring the strike situation. If things look clear a week before you need the train tickets, go ahead and buy them (you can use the CP app to do that). If things change at the last minute, you still have time to ask CP for a refund and purchase bus tickets instead. Stay flexible.