You stand on the platform at Madrid Puerta de Atocha. The air is warm. The train is sleek. It is white and pointed like a needle. You are about to travel across the Iberian Peninsula at 300 kilometers per hour.
This is the 2026 Guide to Spain and Portugal Itinerary by Train Travel. You will see the golden hills, the blue coast, and the old stone cities. This guide is for you. You love a good tour. You appreciate comfort. You want to know how to plan a trip to spain and portugal without the stress of a car.
Why You Should Choose the Train
A trip by train is the best way to see Europe. It is relaxed. It is comfortable. You see more in a short time. You do not have to deal with airport security. You avoid the two-hour check-in hassle. European trains link almost every city. Some travel at speeds up to 200 miles per hour.
Cars and city centers do not mix in Europe. Parking is non-existent or very expensive. Traffic is heavy on the motorways. Therefore, you should stick to the rails. You will travel from city center to city center. You get lots of legroom. You can even bring your own bottle of wine or beer on most trains. The scenery is the experience.
How Many Days Do You Need?
You might ask, how many days in spain and portugal is enough? Two weeks is a great start. It is a good balance. You can spend about one week in each country. However, sixteen days is even better. Extra days make the trip feel less rushed. You should not spend less than two days in a major city. Three or four days is the sweet spot. This gives you time to see a day trip or two.
If you have ten days or less, you should stick to just one country. You do not want to spend all your time on a bus or train. You want to see the sights. You want to eat the food.
The Best Way to Start Your Trip
First of all, you must pick your start point. You should fly into Porto in Portugal and fly out of Barcelona in Spain. This is the best setup for international flights. Portugal is on the western edge of the peninsula. Spain is to the east. You will work your way across the land.
Understanding the Rail Passes
You have two main choices for tickets. You can buy individual tickets for each ride. Or, you can get a Eurail Pass. A Eurail Global Pass covers 33 countries, including Spain and Portugal.
If you plan many long rides, a pass is a good deal. It gives you flexibility. You can change your plans at the last minute. Plus, children under twelve travel for free with an adult on a Eurail pass. At that time, you only pay for their seat reservations.
Pass Types
- Continuous Pass: Use it every day for 15 days, 22 days, or more.
- Flexi Pass: Use it for a set number of days within a month or two. A 4-day Flexi Pass in second class costs about €283.
Additionally, you should know that Spain is a “Pass Unfriendly” country. This means every high-speed train requires a seat reservation. You must pay a fee of about €10 or more for each ride. You can book these at the station or online. In Portugal, high-speed trains also need reservations.
Your 14-Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary
Here is a plan for a perfect two-week spain and portugal itinerary.
Days 1 to 2: Porto and the Douro Valley
Porto is beautiful. It is the second biggest city in Portugal. The city sits on the hills along the Douro River. Walk through the Ribeira district. See the azulejos. These are the blue and white tiles on the churches.
On your second day, take a trip to the Douro Valley. It is the oldest wine region in the world. The vineyards grow on steep, terraced hills. You can take a boat ride on the river. It is one of the most beautiful sights in Europe.
Days 3 to 5: Lisbon and Sintra
Take the train from Porto to Lisbon. The Alfa Pendular (AP) is the fast train. It takes about three hours. Lisbon is the capital. It is a city of hills. Walk through Alfama. This is the oldest part of the city. The streets are narrow and made of stone.
Later, visit Sintra for a day. It is a short train ride away. The Pena Palace is the main draw. It sits high on a hill. It looks like a fairy tale castle. It is bright and colorful.
Day 6: Travel to Spain
You may wonder, how to travel between spain and portugal? The train connection is slow. A train from Lisbon to Madrid can take nine hours or more. Therefore, you should fly from Lisbon to Seville to save time. It takes just over an hour. This keeps your energy high for the Spain leg of your trip.
Days 7 to 8: Seville and Córdoba
Seville is the heart of Andalucía. The culture here is rich. Visit the Royal Alcázar. It is a palace with lush gardens. On top of that, you must see the Seville Cathedral. It is massive. Christopher Columbus is buried there.
Next, take a 45-minute train to Córdoba. The high-speed train is quick. See the Mezquita. It is a cathedral built inside a huge mosque. The arches are red and white. They go on forever.
Days 9 to 11: Madrid and Toledo
Head north to Madrid on the AVE train. It takes about three hours from Seville. Madrid is the capital of Spain. It is full of life. Visit the Prado Museum. It is the crown jewel of art in Madrid. You will see masterpieces by Spanish artists.
Similarly, you should visit Toledo. It was the old capital. It is a walled city on a hill. The history here is deep. You can see how three religions lived together for a long time.
Days 12 to 14: Barcelona
Finally, take the high-speed train to Barcelona. The ride from Madrid takes about two and a half hours. Barcelona is on the coast. It is famous for the work of Antoni Gaudí. The Sagrada Familia is a must-see. It is a giant basilica. It is still being built today. On top of that, walk through the Gothic Quarter. The energy is great. The food is even better.
Knowing Your Spanish Trains
In Spain, you have many choices for high-speed travel. The network is the longest in Europe. It covers 3,973 kilometers.
- AVE: This is the premium high-speed service. It is run by Renfe. It connects all major cities.
- Iryo: A private high-speed company. It is very comfortable. It offers four travel classes.
- Avlo: A low-cost high-speed train. It is great if you are on a budget.
- Ouigo: Another low-cost option from France. It uses double-decker trains.
Plus, you should use the Renfe Spain Pass if you only visit Spain. It gives you a set number of rides. Seat reservations are included for free. This can save you money.
Practical Tips for Your Tour
- Luggage: Trains have racks for bags. Hotels will usually look after your bags for free before you check in.
- Wi-Fi: Most high-speed trains like AVE and Iryo have free Wi-Fi and power sockets.
- Food: High-speed trains have a café car. You can buy snacks and drinks there.
- Shoes: Wear good walking shoes. You will be on your feet a lot in these old cities.
- App: Use the Rail Planner app for your Eurail pass. It works offline. It shows you all the train times.
Crossing the Border by Rail
Many people ask, can you take a train from portugal to spain? Yes, you can. However, direct lines are limited. In the north, you can take a train from Vigo to Porto. It takes about two hours and twenty-two minutes. In the center, you can go from Madrid to Lisbon. This trip takes about nine hours and requires two changes. You must transfer in Badajoz and Entroncamento.
Gradually, rail travel between the two countries is getting better. There are plans to bring back night trains by 2026. At that time, travel between the capitals will be much easier.
Statistical Data to Remember
- 14 days: The ideal length for a two-country trip.
- 3 hours: The average time for a high-speed train between major Spanish cities.
- €283: Starting price for a 4-day Eurail Global Pass.
- 33: Number of countries covered by a Eurail pass.
- 300 km/h: The top speed of most Spanish high-speed lines.
- 2026: The year the Sagrada Familia is scheduled to be finished.
Frequently Asked Question
Can you go to Portugal by train from Spain?
Yes, you can travel between the two countries by train. You can take a train from Vigo in the north to Porto. You can also travel from Madrid to Lisbon, though this takes about nine hours and requires changes in Badajoz and Entroncamento.
What is the most beautiful train ride in Spain?
The ride from Madrid to Valencia is very scenic as it climbs from sea level through the Hoces del Cabriel Nature Reserve. Additionally, many travelers love the high-speed route through the Sierra Morena mountains on the way to Seville.
How many days are enough for Spain and Portugal?
Fourteen to sixteen days is the best amount of time to see the highlights of both countries. This allows for roughly one week in each country, giving you enough time to visit three major cities in each without feeling too rushed.
Are there any trains between Portugal and Spain?
Yes, there are active rail links. The Celta train runs between Porto and Vigo twice a day. There are also regional connections between Badajoz and various Portuguese cities that allow you to reach Lisbon from Madrid.
Concluding Words
This portugal and spain by train journey is a dream. You see the past and the future at once. You enjoy the speed of the AVE. You feel the history of the Douro Valley. You taste the tapas in Madrid. Everything is connected by the rails.
Plan your trip well. Book your reservations early. Wear your best shoes. The Iberian Peninsula is waiting for you. The train is ready to depart. All you have to do is step on board.
