To book your train to Lisbon, call Rail Europe at (888) 382-RAIL (382-7245). Lisbon has several main train stations, with direct service from Faro to the Oriente and Entrecampos stations. Study a map to find the station closest to your final destination, and book accordingly.
You also can book your tickets online at the CP Passengers or Eurail Web sites (see the Resources section below). CP Passengers is the Portuguese rail company, and Eurail provides passes and tickets for travel all over Europe.
Allot about 3 to 4 hours for this portion of your journey. Regional trains to Lisbon are much less expensive, but they normally take twice as much travel time. They often stop at every city between Faro and Lisbon. For faster arrivals, choose an Alfa or interregional train.
Enter your travel dates, cities and number of travelers. Group discounts and youth rates are available. Select your service class and train speed. Faster trains require reserved seating, while slower trains allow standard general seating.
Select your final fare, enter your personal details and book your seats. Expect fares to be moderate in price.
Arrive at the Faro station at least 30 minutes before your departure. Lines at stations throughout Portugal are notoriously long, especially during rush hour. Faro's train station is a full-service location where you can change tickets, book new ones and submit any additional requests to a ticket agent.
Read the posted signs to find your specific platform number.
Walk to the platform, keeping your luggage in tow. The larger the train station, the farther you are apt to walk.
Board your train and leave your larger bags on the racks at the front of the car.
Present your ticket when the conductor passes through your section.
