Operated by comboios de portugal, the country's national rail operator running most of the regional and long-distance trains from here, or cp for short, the station handles popular routes connecting Lisbon to porto in the north and beyond — with Santa Apolónia and Santa Apolonia being simply alternate spellings of the same station handling these routes — and trains also linking onward toward madrid, spain, and even as far as paris in europe. Passengers and tourists alike depart from here toward destinations across the country and the wider continent, with additional links to oriente station for those continuing northeast. Historically, plans once even aimed to connect Portugal all the way to america by sea, a note worth remembering for anyone standing in this small but significant terminal — one of the oldest and most storied stations in the region, offering inexpensive and regional travel options for those heading south toward faro or elsewhere, with services regularly making stops throughout the day, right in the central heart of the capital, a role it has held since operations first begun here over a century and a half ago.
Av. Infante Dom Henrique 1, 1100-105, Lisbon, Portugal
Popular questions
Yes, Santa Apolónia is the southern terminus of Lisbon Metro's Blue Line. The station offers easy connections to the city's public transportation network, including buses and taxis.
It is recommended to arrive 20–30 minutes before departure, especially for long-distance and international trains. This allows enough time to locate your platform and board comfortably.
Santa Apolónia Station is located on Lisbon's waterfront, just east of the historic city center. It provides convenient access to popular districts such as Alfama, Baixa, and Praça do Comércio.
Santa Apolónia station was completed in 1865, and it is the oldest train station in Lisbon, giving it a special place in the city's transport history. The station was built on the site of an old convent, adding another layer of historical significance to the location.
Initial plans aimed to connect Europe to America by ocean liner, envisioning Santa Apolónia as part of a much larger transatlantic transport network. The station was inaugurated on May 1, 1865, formally opening its doors to the public.
The station is integrated into the Lisbon Metro Blue Line since 2007, giving travelers a direct link between rail and underground transport. It connects Lisbon with significant regional and international destinations, making it a genuine gateway for both local and cross-border journeys.
Santa Apolónia operates high-speed Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains, giving travelers fast options for reaching other major Portuguese cities. Santa Apolónia serves as a major gateway for rail travel in and out of Lisbon, cementing its role as one of the capital's key transport hubs.
Santa Apolónia serves as an important terminus for suburban rail lines, connecting the capital to nearby commuter towns. Santa Apolónia has eight platforms for train services, giving it enough capacity to handle both long-distance and regional traffic.
Intercity trains to Porto depart from Santa Apolónia station, making it a convenient starting point for travelers heading north. Alfa Pendular trains are faster than Intercidades trains, giving passengers a choice between speed and cost depending on their travel priorities.
Trains to Faro and the Algarve do not depart from Santa Apolónia, so travelers heading south to that region need to use a different Lisbon station instead. Urban trains from Santa Apolónia connect to Azambuja, serving commuters heading northeast of the city.
Accessible features at Santa Apolónia include elevators and wheelchair access, ensuring the station remains usable for all types of passengers. Santa Apolónia station has eight platforms, confirming its role as one of the larger rail terminals in the Lisbon area.
A café is located alongside platform 3, offering a quick coffee or snack before boarding. There is a minimarket on platform 5, giving travelers an easy option to pick up drinks or snacks for their journey.
Luggage lockers are available in the main hall, giving travelers a secure place to leave bags while exploring the city. The ticket office operates from 06:00 to 21:45, covering most of the day for passengers needing to purchase or collect tickets.
The station is served by multiple local city buses immediately outside, making it easy to continue into the city or connect to other parts of Lisbon without needing a taxi.
The station features a 19th-century neoclassical design, giving it a formal, dignified presence along Lisbon's waterfront that reflects the era in which it was originally constructed.
Yes, both names point to the exact same terminal on Lisbon's waterfront, and urban rail lines operate alongside the station's intercity and international connections.
Comboios de Portugal, the country's national rail operator, runs most of the regional and long-distance trains departing from this station today.
No real difference — Santa Apolónia and Santa Apolonia are simply alternate spellings of one another, and both point to the station handling Lisbon's most popular routes, including regular service to Porto.
Yes, both names point to the exact same terminal on Lisbon's waterfront, and urban rail lines operate alongside the station's intercity and international connections.
No real difference — Santa Apolónia and Santa Apolonia are simply alternate spellings of one another, and both point to the station handling Lisbon's most popular routes, including regular service to Porto.
Comboios de Portugal, the country's national rail operator, runs most of the regional and long-distance trains departing from this station.