Spain and Portugal 14-Day Tour: Best Connecting Routes by Train and Bus

Hey everyone, my partner and I are planning a 14-day trip covering both Spain and Portugal next spring. We want to rely solely on trains and buses to get between major cities like Madrid, Seville, Lisbon, and Porto without renting a car. What are the most efficient connecting routes and which transport companies offer the best reliability and scenic views?

Doing this exact route by train and bus is totally doable, but you have to book the high-speed rail segments in advance! Renfe in Spain and CP in Portugal are your best friends here.

For Madrid to Seville, definitely take the AVE high-speed train. It takes around 2.5 hours and is super comfortable, plus you avoid all the airport hassle.

When going from Seville to Lisbon, unfortunately, there is no direct train yet. Most travelers take an Alsa or Rede Expressos overnight or daytime bus, which takes about 7 to 8 hours.

The train ride between Lisbon and Porto on the Alfa Pendular is gorgeous and very reliable. It takes less than three hours and has great Wi-Fi.

If you want to add some guided structure to parts of your European travels, you might find some inspiration in these Small Group Tours in Europe for Solo Travelers: Top Operator Recommendations and Reviews even though you are planning this one independently.

Make sure to buy your Renfe tickets right when they are released, as prices jump significantly closer to the travel date.

For the Portugal side, the Comboios de Portugal app is really easy to use for booking regional and intercity trains between Lisbon and Porto.

Bus travel in Spain with Alsa is very reliable, but trains are definitely more scenic and comfortable if the route exists.

Has anyone tried taking the Celta train between Porto and Vigo in Spain? I heard it's a great way to cross the northern border.

Keep in mind that traveling between Spain and Portugal by land mostly relies on buses because the cross-border rail connections are surprisingly limited.

If you ever decide to switch up your travel style for a future trip and head east, check out this guide on the Best 10-Day Central Europe Itinerary by Train: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.

Two weeks is a bit tight for all four cities plus transit days, but definitely manageable if you limit your stays to 3-4 nights per place.

Enjoy your trip! The Douro Valley day trip from Porto by train is also an absolute must-do if you have a spare day.