Train

Travel by train within central Portugal isn't for people in a hurry. Service to many of the more remote destinations is infrequent—and in some cases nonexistent. Even major attractions such as Nazaré and Mafra have no direct rail links. Nevertheless, trains will take you to most of the strategic bases for touring the towns in this chapter.

The main line between Lisbon (Santa Apolónia and Oriente stations) and Porto provides reasonably frequent service to Vila Franca de Xira, Santarém, Tomar, and Fátima. Towns in the western part of the region, such as Torres Vedras, Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos, and Leiria, are served on another line to Figueira da Foz from Lisbon's Santa Apolónia station, via Entrecampos and Agualva-Cacém (which is also a stop on the Sintra line that runs from Lisbon's Rossio station).

Train Contacts

CP. 707 201 220; www.cp.pt.