Portugal – that sounds like sunshine, the Atlantic, narrow lanes with colorful houses, fresh fish, and a relaxed way of life. And yes, it’s totally possible to get there easily and pretty comfortably – no flights needed. For those into sustainable travel and wanting to experience something along the way, the train is the way to go – via Paris, Barcelona, and depending on the route, also Madrid or Vigo. This route is packed with highlights, culture, and that exciting feeling of being on the move.
First Leg: Night Train to Paris
The journey kicks off best from Vienna, Linz, or Salzburg in Austria, or from Berlin, Halle (Saale), Erfurt, or Munich in Germany. From these cities, there are direct night trains to Paris running three times a week – always on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Departure times vary depending on the city:
Austria: 19:40 / 21:00 / 22:14 Germany: 20:18 / 22:16 / 23:34 / 00:03
The trains offer different levels of comfort: from basic seats to more relaxed couchettes (around €20 extra), and sleeper cabins (starting at about €60 extra). Booking early often means scoring a good deal. Plus, sleeping on the train saves the cost of a hotel night.
Alternatively, there are direct high-speed trains to Paris from Dortmund, Cologne, or Frankfurt – fast and easy daytime connections.
Art and Big City Vibes
Paris is more than just a transfer point. If there’s time, a short stopover is highly recommended. Changing stations – for example, from Gare de l’Est to Gare de Lyon – is easy to manage and takes about 30 to 45 minutes by metro.
Tip: Arriving early in the morning leaves plenty of time for a café au lait in Montmartre or a quick stroll along the Seine before heading further south.
Riding the TGV Through Southern France to Barcelona
Next up is the TGV direct to Barcelona. These high-speed trains run several times a day depending on the season. A popular option departs at 14:54 and arrives in Barcelona at 21:25. The trip takes about six and a half hours, passing through stunning southern French landscapes and ending right in the heart of Catalonia.
A stop in Barcelona is definitely worth it – for tapas, exploring the Gothic Quarter, or just catching some sea air.
Continuing Onward to Portugal
From Barcelona, there are two solid options for getting to Portugal – depending on whether speed or stopovers are the priority.
Option 1: Train to Madrid + Bus to Porto or Lisbon Several trains run daily from Barcelona to Madrid – the ride takes just 2.5 hours. In Madrid, there’s time for a relaxed evening with tapas or catching an overnight bus straight to Portugal.
The bus to Porto or Lisbon takes around eight hours overnight. For those who can sleep on the road, it’s an easy, laid-back arrival in Portugal the next morning. This combo of high-speed train and night bus is budget-friendly and convenient.
Option 2: Direct Train to Vigo + Train Connection to Porto For anyone who enjoys long train rides and watching the scenery roll by, the direct train from Barcelona to Vigo is a great choice. It runs every two days at 09:00 and takes around 13 hours. Alternatively, there’s a quicker route with one transfer in Madrid – about eight hours total.
A stop in Vigo is highly recommended – Galicia offers gorgeous coastal towns, a chilled-out vibe, and way fewer tourists than the major cities.
From Vigo, Intercity trains run twice daily to Porto:
Departures: 08:58 and 19:56 Travel time: about 2 hours
And from Porto, there are plenty of daily trains to Lisbon – the ride takes about 3 hours. Perfect for anyone wanting to visit both cities in one trip.
Across Western Spain
For a more offbeat and peaceful route, there's also the option to travel via Barcelona – Madrid – Badajoz – Entroncamento into Portugal. From Entroncamento, there are good connections to both Porto and Lisbon. This route passes through lesser-known regions and is ideal for those who like traveling off the beaten path.
Prices and Planning
The total round-trip cost (including booking fees) is around €470 for anyone under 28 and about €540 for those over 28. That includes all train connections and, depending on the booking class, couchettes or sleeper cabins.
Good to keep in mind: while the route is long, it’s super flexible. With a bit of planning, spontaneous detours and stopovers are no problem – whether it’s breakfast in Paris, an afternoon in Madrid, or a few chilled-out days on the Galician coast.
Experience Europe – All the Way to Portugal
Traveling from Austria or Germany to Portugal by train is more than just getting from A to B – it’s part of the adventure. From Alpine cities through French boulevards to Spanish coastal landscapes, this journey offers it all. No rushed airports or security checks – just smooth rolling through stunning scenery, unplanned café stops, and real human encounters.
This route is everything authentic, sustainable travel should be – slow, diverse, and full of European flair. For anyone who loves Portugal, the journey there is just as unforgettable.
Happy traivels! 🌿💚
03.03.2024
