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The Lisboeta

Long-distance trains between Porto and Lisbon suspended

Friday, 13 February 2026AI summary
🚇 Infrastructure
Long-distance trains between Porto and Lisbon suspended
Photo: Observador

Long-distance trains on the Northern railway line between Porto and Lisbon have been suspended due to safety concerns stemming from worsening weather conditions. The railway company, CP, has not provided a timeline for when services might resume.

Update: CP suspends Porto–Lisbon long‑distance services

Observador reports that CP has halted long-distance services on the Northern railway line (Northern railway line (Linha do Norte)) between Porto and Lisbon for safety reasons; the operator has not announced replacement services or a resumption date.

Update: Alentejo Line service resumes between Pegões and Bombel

CP reported rail traffic on the Alentejo Line has resumed between Pegões and Bombel at 15:00, while disruptions on the Northern line continue. Passengers on long-distance routes should check CP (Comboios de Portugal) status pages for updates and alternative connections.

Update: Intercidades cancellations worsen Alentejo travel

Público reports Intercidades services in the Alentejo are not running as scheduled, leaving passengers facing long waits and overcrowded alternative trains; some travellers describe chaotic conditions at stations. Those planning long-distance trips should monitor CP updates and consider alternative routes.

Context & Explainers

CP (Comboios de Portugal) is Portugal's state-owned railway company, operating passenger services across the country including urban commuter lines in Lisbon and Porto, regional services, inter-city routes, and the high-speed Alfa Pendular connecting Braga, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Faro.

CP has faced persistent challenges including aging rolling stock, service delays, and infrastructure limitations. The company is undergoing a fleet modernization program, with new trains being delivered to replace decades-old carriages on suburban and regional lines.

Key commuter lines include the Cascais, Sintra, Azambuja, and Sado lines in the Lisbon metropolitan area, and the Aveiro, Braga, Guimarães, and Caíde lines serving Porto. Ticket prices are heavily subsidized, and monthly passes integrated with other public transport are available through the Navegante and Andante systems.

The Alentejo Line (Linha do Alentejo) is a regional rail route serving the Alentejo area in southern/central Portugal, operated by CP - Comboios de Portugal. Today CP reported services between Pegões and Bombel were suspended and then resumed in a 15:00 status update, so commuters should check CP for any remaining delays or cancellations.

The Linha do Norte (North Line) is Portugal's main north–south rail corridor, linking Lisbon and Porto and carrying the country's busiest intercity and commuter trains. Disruptions on the North Line can affect long-distance schedules and regional services, so passengers should follow CP - Comboios de Portugal updates for alternative routes and timing.

CP (Comboios de Portugal) is Portugal's state-owned railway company, operating passenger services across the country including urban commuter lines in Lisbon and Porto, regional services, inter-city routes, and the high-speed Alfa Pendular connecting Braga, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Faro.

CP has faced persistent challenges including aging rolling stock, service delays, and infrastructure limitations. The company is undergoing a fleet modernization program, with new trains being delivered to replace decades-old carriages on suburban and regional lines.

Key commuter lines include the Cascais, Sintra, Azambuja, and Sado lines in the Lisbon metropolitan area, and the Aveiro, Braga, Guimarães, and Caíde lines serving Porto. Ticket prices are heavily subsidized, and monthly passes integrated with other public transport are available through the Navegante and Andante systems.

Alentejo is a large region in southern Portugal that covers roughly one-third of the country and is known for agriculture, vineyards, historic towns like Évora, and rural tourism. Bad weather that damages structures and tourist units in Alentejo can disrupt local services and bookings, so visitors and business owners in the region should expect possible closures and repair costs.

An Intercidades (intercity train service) is CP's conventional long-distance service that runs on main routes such as the Norte, Beira Alta and Beira Baixa lines. It is slower than Alfa Pendular (typically up to around 160 km/h) and is more likely to be affected by regional disruptions, so travellers should follow CP updates during severe weather.

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