DISAPPOINTED! Portugal's Tilting Pendolino Train: First class review.

Try Readly, with my link you can get 2 months free, which can be cancelled at any time: gb.readly.com/everything-nov
Sadly I discover the hype about Portugal's high-speed Pendolino service isn't up to scratch. I catch the tilting train from Lisbon to Faro. I can't complain about the price, but the First Class experience was lacking. #portugueserailways
Filmed October 2023 | Lisbon, Portugal
*** PLEASE BUY ME A COFFEE TO KEEP ME UP TO CRUISING ALTITUDE: ko-fi.com/planestrainseverything
*** MY BOOK:
End-To-End, the world's longest train journey from Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal, to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
www.amazon.co.uk/End-End-Worl...
*** FOLLOW ME AT:
Web: www.planestrainseverything.com
Twitter: / planestrainsev1
Facebook: / planestrainseverything
Instagram: / planestrainseverything
*** DAILY DROP:
Be the first to learn about new and revised points/miles hacking news. I'm continually using Avios/Nectar points and other deals that come my way. This keeps me up to speed with what's out there. newsletter.dailydrop.com/subs...
*** MUSIC:
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com. If you are a KZbinr and you are considering using Epidemic Sound, please use this link... share.epidemicsound.com/togmw4
It costs you nothing more, but will help me level up to be an Epidemic Sound ambassador.
*** TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:00 Lisbon Oriente station
00:03:03 Oriente First Class Lounge
00:04:43 Lisbon Metro
00:05:13 Lisbon Entrecampos station
00:05:27 Readly
00:06:59 Back at Entrecampos
00:08:51 Pendolino arrives
00:14:15 Arrive Faro
00:14:30 Conclusion

[@GenialHarryGrout]

The first class lounge is now a first class stock room. I like the addition of a small bin in first class, somewhere you can deposit the hopes and dreams you had when you bought your first class ticket

[@katebygrave]

When you bought your first class ticket for less than 20€. 😉

[@rogink]

@@katebygrave I'd imagine it's 19 euros on top of the standard ticket. Perhaps the lack of service explains the low premium.

[@nomnooom]

@@rogink It's €19 total for an advance fare

[@andybaker2456]

What a shame you didn't have a great experience. Seven or eight years ago I travelled from Lisbon Oriente to Porto in first class, and it was wonderful! Shortly after we left Lisbon, the "man in charge" personally welcomed me on board in English, he even addressed me by name! He managed to find an English language newspaper for me, and personally served me a tasty breakfast at my seat. I felt like a celebrity! 😁

[@tinglestingles]

We travel on this train regularly as we live in Portugal, we haven't found any advantage to comfort class. The video actually is the story of life in Portugal - managing expectations and apart from the rain not a bad tale. The saving grace are the wonderful people we meet daily.

[@roadie4360]

The luggage racks onboard actually look useful unlike here in the UK where they don't expect anyone to be carrying luggage on a train.

[@steve-marsh]

I’m amazed how busy first class is considering how awful it is 😅 great video as always though, super-interesting. Ahhh 20€ now I understand 😂

[@ageoflove1980]

Yeah for a 3 hour journey. Thats actually really good.

[@JayROwen]

I guess it's quieter area with more respectful passengers?

[@roycarpenter6380]

The difference in cost after an over 60's discount of 50% is only about 5 euros and if you travel on the loco hauled intercity (which we prefer for the better ride, more space, bigger windows and less crowded) it is only 15 euros first class for a 2.5 hour journey - not bad compared to U.K. prices !!

[@zmcanais]

There must have been some promotion or something like that, because the price of 1st class is usually triple that

[@barvdw]

@@zmcanais advance fare? Quite common that those are quite a bit cheaper on many railways. Not uncommon to be able to snatch a first class ticket for less than what a standard class full-price ticket costs...

[@Clivestravelandtrains]

I loved the way the end of the toilet roll was flapping in the slipstream of the hand-dryer.

[@Scot-land]

I always look forward to you uploading as I just love your content thank you 👍

[@davidwelch6796]

As I watched your video and saw the relentless rain pouring down a flash of lightning illuminated my room followed by a clap of thunder. I don't know how you arranged this but it certainly added to my audio visual experience. An impressive first for Planes, Trains and Everything.

[@harri2626]

You were lucky to have a decent window view. When we took this AP train recently (in 1st class), our seats did not line up with the window and had a restricted view because of the wide pillar. The tilt on this very twisting line made us feel nauseous, as we were unable to orient ourselves with an outside view. Because of the high backed seats and small windows, it was almost like being in a very turbulent aircraft. When I went to the buffet car (no hot drinks served from the trolley), one of the attendants had to carry the coffees for me so I could open the inter-carriage doors for her, and she spilled some because of the erratic ride. For our Lisbon to Porto leg, we opted for a traditional Inter-City train with large windows which lined up with the seats and, although slightly slower, was far more comfortable and enjoyable.

[@jonsimpson9640]

Fantastic effort!!!! A great video, I have been to Lisboa many times and the metro and railway stations are usually pretty efficient.

[@bganonimouse2754]

Its a pity that many rail companies don't make more effort for customers who pay extra, never mind the basics like wifi. You looked a bit tired towards the end there so I wasn't surprised by what you said at the end. Look forward to seeing the blow by blow account of what happened!

[@barvdw]

Depends, getting snacks in first class was never really a thing on most continental railways, it was always about a slightly more spacious seat and less rowdy travellers, because the small price increase scared them off. That said, the difference is rarely as big as it can be on British mainland trains, I mean, over £200 for Glasgow-Birmingham? First class is generally a consistent 50% more expensive for full-price tickets on the continent, with advance purchases, they can actually be cheaper in first.

[@Michael-wr1yy]

Really informative and useful info. Thanks

[@TheROLLER1953]

Top youtube travel man = nobody better , well done the paisley buddie. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@peternolan5353]

Well done Scott, and nice Haircut 👍

[@brianbrown8845]

Great video Scott. 👍

[@andyfreer8463]

Enjoyed your video as usual

[@eleanorheptinstall5354]

Just before the Pandemic in January/February 2020, I traveled from Aberdeen to Lisbon & Porto via Paris, Bordeaux & Donostia-San Sebastian by train, was very enjoyable. I arrived into Oriente station off the night train from Hendaye, the station (at platform level) is amazing with all the lights up at sunrise. Down below it looks quite grimy. But you should visit (if you didn't on this trip) Santa Apolonia station in Lisbon and Sao Bento station in Porto, two stunning rail termini.

[@ashdrive]

Great video 😊

[@richardgoeman706]

Hi Scott, first of all a nice video. The reason the Pendular doesn't call at Santa Appolonia is because this is a terminal or dead-end station. And what I could find on Google Maps there is no direct connection from Santa Appolonia to Entre Campos.

[@rogeriomonteiro760]

You use the metro line to do that.

[@plasticscouser3791]

Your train ride between Oriente & Entrecampos u could have taken the Sintra train the red & silver one which takes about 10 mins instead of the metro . If ur travelling thru Portugal in the future I highly recommend u try Flixbus 2 get around . All the best . Christy 🇮🇪/🇵🇹 👍

[@alangordon3283]

Shambles of a place

[@kevanhubbard9673]

Maybe CP could open an unclosed First Class lounge in Huddersfield as it'd be about as useful as TPE's!

[@pbsteamatspeed7683]

I've done this journey in reverse this year (in sunny weather the journey is very scenic). But I prefer the ordinary intercity loco hauled trains, which have limited first class but a groovy 1970s buffet car which you must check out some time!!

[@kazzicup]

I am enjoying your videos, Scott. I hope you travel to Peru and other south American countries soon. A lot to see there. I want to see Peruvian trains. 💛

[@robertblechle6365]

Been to Portugal , value on time for the train. It’s all part of the adventure

[@ukdavepianoman]

Not the best experience but i guess on the plus side the bigger seat is more comfortable and 19 Euros is a definite bargain. It's frustrating to find stations with very poor signage.

[@Martycycleman]

Cheers Scott

[@happysporran]

That's a really grueling schedule you've set yourself Scott... Good luck!

[@PenryMMJ]

A lot of first class travel on your channel recently Scott, that's not normally your kind of thing. But it does make a change, although from the looks of things not that big of a change. 😁

[@SpikeBlighty]

I thought you were holidaying in Portugal. i didn't realise you'd made a special trip to try the train ride. I hope your return journey wasn't as stressful. Thanks for the content

[@mickimicki]

I haven't been to Portugal in almost 20 years, but back then, trains to the Algarve used to start at some station across the river, so you had to get a ferry from Lisbon first. IIRC, Sta. Apolonia only had trains to the north and east (Spain).

[@Henri.Virallinen]

And now there is no through train at all to Spain (until if/when the highspeed line to Madrid is built). Progress!

[@MrRicmeme]

Slight correction: There was no error on the headsign for the fertagus train. The front display was turned off, and the Fertagus brand name is on top of the front display. 'Fertagus' is a decal, not a displayed text. However, as per the video, the lateral displays next to the windows were stating the trip headsign destination "Setúbal" correctly.

[@keefykinsall]

oh Scott ' what could go wrong ' them railway stations looked hard work anyway you survived get some rest you looked shattered 🤪

[@janetmackinnon3411]

I laughed to see the end of that toilet-roll flying in the breeze of the dryer! Paisley for ever!

[@Henri.Virallinen]

There's ongoing major infrastructure project on the mainline tracks just south of Porto. Basically any train going south gets delayed... and CP does their usual "excellent" communication. Consider yourself lucky there wasn't another strike :D

[@roycarpenter6380]

Work due to the electrification of our delapidated Algarve line - our 1960 era diesels to be retired -thank goodness !

[@brendasargeant904]

I love your show am watching it from Bermuda. And later will be watching you from the Basque Country 😊❤

[@leonb2637]

In November 2019, I took the train between Lisbon - Santa Apolonia Station to Porto San Bento Station, 2nd Class and had a very nice journey. Cheap (16 Euros), on time, smooth, clean. I likely had a better experience than you did !

[@user-xl2bo8rh7j]

Scott good video as usual but youtube pay you for adverts on videos and if a premium subscriber watches you get paid for that too it annoys me when youtubers have to start including more self advertising in videos? Seems more about money 💰 than content for fans nowadays!

[@matthewodwyer3615]

At least their first class looked more value than SWR or Southern! The seats also looked more comfortable than most UK operators current offerings.

[@allancopland1768]

First Class? Oh dear Scott. Even Scotrail has WiFi in cattle class.

[@seansmith9129]

Scott, yer mad, mate!

[@imsbvs]

I've travelled on this train a few times, always late, these services share the line with other services so, whilst more comfortable they cannot offer proper express (faster) services. The services I used were all Faro to Porto via Lisbon. The seat is comfortable but I was surprised when you listed all the benefits, I immediately knew you were in for a let down, I didn't recognise any of them. One other problem is that some of the stations are out of town. Porto & Coimbra both have out of town and city centre stations. Porto city centre station is wonderful with historic tiled murals, Lisbon Oriente station has a shopping centre attached and is next to the industrial park that hosted the 1998 Expo. I believe there are plans for new faster tracks, to offer services linked in with some Spanish high speed services too.

[@tinglestingles]

I saw the possibilitly of a new high-speed train route but the spokesperson from CP said the Spanish train company had not contacted them as yet??? So, the likelihood of the 2025 grand opening seems very uncertain, especially when the rail gauges are different in the two countries.

[@nf5416]

there should be NO adds when you run paid in video adds - sponsored vids

[@joaopaulochavespinto9685]

The train doesn't start at Santa Apolonia because it departed from Porto, and to stop at Santa Apolonia (a terminus station) it would have to reverse to then go south towards Faro. Otherwise, all other Alfa Pendular services terminate or start at Santa Apolonia

[@themediumfromage]

another belter. what a journey. well played sir

[@AndrewG1989]

Lovely trains and the railway station is also beautiful and massive. So futuristic.

[@magpie1862]

Seems like you always bring the Scottish weather with you on your trips.

[@DavidWood2]

I was in Portugal in the second half of October - the weather was foul almost every day. Sure enough, Scott's description says this was filmed in October.

[@liamtahaney713]

I've never in my life been as motion sick as I was in a CP AP service (in the other direction north from Lisbon to Coimbra). It was a special kind of torture, especially when the child next to me puked all over her family. I'll stick to slow Portugese trains from now on. I really enjoyed the lime green dining car that was Delightfully put of date on the regular train we took back to Lisbon

[@horsenuts1831]

Compared to the time when I rocked up in Lisbon while Interrailling (and went up to Porto and across to Barca d'Alva), this is pure luxury. The difference from 1983 to 2023 is night and day.

[@realhawaii5o]

Yes, in the 80s, Portugal had a more extensive rail network and international trains, night trains, etc. Nowadays, it doesn't.

[@gabrielboisvert7306]

In fairness, that train looks quite a bit nicer than the InterCity train I took from Lisbon to Tunes last year!

[@hanshartfiel6394]

A good thing that you didn't have to change nappies

[@gvfc]

Portuguese here. Oriente station makes for a great postcard, but is an absolute disaster for the average commuter. Too much style over function. I believe it will be refurbished as part of the new high speed line between Lisbon and Porto. Hopefully it will be usable some time this decade. A personal recommendation for the next time you're in Portugal is the MiraDouro train along the Douro line. There's also a heritage train running on this line throughout the Summer. It's definitely more memorable than any Alfa Pendular journey I ever made!

[@grahamstewart615]

Respect I watched the background video to this one. ❤

[@aleksandarbrzic8351]

I sat at Oriente yesterday in the afternoon waiting for a bus down to Tavira and I just could not get away from the awful feeling of how grey and depressing the inside of Oriente looks like, although it was actually a beautiful Autumn day outside. I used to take the Pendolino quite a lot and indeed, first class had all the amenities and stuff you read about on the site but post-Covid it all disappeared and seemingly isn´t going to return any time soon... It is just so sad and awful to see such a degradation of a wonderful service it used to be...

[@daniel69]

GOAT

[@DrErikEvrard]

I also checked out the lounge in Oriente last week, and it was still closed.

[@andrewlong6438]

Fascinating video. I am surprised you didn’t rate the journey using same criteria as your recent first class Scottish trips because the Portugese pendolino would not of got a high rating ! Two questions - can you do same trip on a non pendolino and is this the same type of train as us used on west coast mainline in UK ?

[@ianfox6106]

From Parramatta to Paekakariki places I have been.

[@downtothewood1950]

Good to know that first class in other countries is just as poor as it can be here. I’ve traveled that same journey on a regular fare and it was good and cheap. Would do it again.

[@foreignofficeclub5815]

I live in Portugal, never had any extras but €20 odd euros and a guaranteed seat is night and day compared to the UK

[@lynnb_and_ky_springer_spaniel]

Great video Scott (as always - we love watching your films), but as for First Class here it's an "uh oh" 👎 Not a bad price though and at least you made it to your destination. Such a shame about the lack of sleep, however

[@mikeymutual5489]

I would have liked to see how the second class seats were to know if they were tolerable.

[@jimmenycricket4598]

I travelled on the Alfa Pendular in standard accommodation last year and wasn't over impressed with the ride quality. Much preferred riding on the French Corail based train

[@rogersexton7857]

European Rail Timetable table 697 shows ALL Lisbon to Faro trains running from Oriente station.

[@dazlebluefrogify]

19 euros for 3hour train OMG so cheap i'd pay that any day great vidéo by the way now i'll watch the other one "behind the scenes " loved the italian one already

[@plasticscouser3791]

You mentioned the Rossio station when travelling 2 Restaudores on the metro blue line Where as Rossio is the suburban overhead rail station. Not sure whether u had worked that out ? Good 🚶 urself ! Christy 🇮🇪/🇵🇹 👍

[@ludwig327]

The saga......continues

[@WBTravels]

@planes trains everything: try the Greek pendilino... it's way way way way way better. It's fantastic.

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

What you have to remember Scott, is the political situation in Portugal over the last century with revolutions, dictatorships etc. - worse, even, than Magaret Thatcher so things haven't gone well and you are seeing the consequences of that.

[@yyyfffff33333]

Lisbon has about three stations going to different parts of the country . Very confusing .

[@exfa7094]

Did you clean the mess you have done with the coffee or in the next video you gonna complain about the carpet ?

[@realhawaii5o]

Speaking as someone from Portugal - our trains are terrible. The governments make the service worse snd then close the lines when passanger nunhers predictively fall... The lines are really congested... The prices are expensive without discounts... There are no international trains (yes, I know portuguese trains run to Vigo and Badajoz...) There are no more sleeper train services to the french border. There's no high speed line, nor is the one they intend to build going to be in standard gauge, which brings me to: There's no standard gauge, meaning direct connections are only even possivle with Spain.

[@DavidNewmanDr]

You couldn't find the ticket office in the station when you were showing a sign with Caixa on it!

[@Henri.Virallinen]

That appears to be the caixa for the car park. The ticket office is normally signed "bilheteira".

[@tomslick8148]

Not great journey.......new sunscriber here front Durham. Any chance you could venture up and around Glenshee at some point. Thanks for your videos

[@johnmull59]

First class lounges all seem to be a IKEA ish..... When they are open that is!

[@dannycrossland4341]

At 1.40 was that Carlos Carvahal behind you?

[@steve7179]

I'm sure it was Carvahal.

[@jotadani1992]

It is!

[@Frpar123]

1) you were not in the station but you were looking for the lounge 2) There is no way you could not known that you could get ANY train from Oriente to Lisbon or Sintra and stop at Entrecampos instead of taking the tube. You guys are always particularly interested in talking for the camera instead of thinking.

[@davidhaslam1056]

Probably a silly question, but why is this channel not Planes, Trains, *and* Everything? 😊

[@michaelbruchas6663]

You need to NOT trust so many operators on even offering food//beverages any more. When in doubt - “brown bag” something to nosh on and carry a drink!

[@GarrettReynolds-nt4df]

😮

[@robinjones6999]

It all sounds completely shambolic - reminds me of good ol British Rail- you are a trooper

[@Oldladysgin]

Pendolino trains have a rough ride, the things are known for it.

[@stuartball4639]

You can't moan at 19 Euros 🤣 The weather has taken a turn for the worst 😮 we was in Olhão mid October & got 26 in the day 20 degrees overnight 👍 Portuguese 🇵🇹 railways you pay for what you get 😂 Travelled to Faro & Tavira by train & it was excellent 👍 Not a single electronic information board but that adds to the charm of the beautiful stations.

[@stevecooksley]

Of course the train suffered from turbulence - look at the weather it had to contend with!

[@grapesodatravels]

Lisbon seems a very odd station but strangely beautiful. Where is your favourite station in the beauty stakes?

[@RovexHD]

St Pancras has to be up there.

[@grapesodatravels]

@RovexHD oh we agree! We have video exploring Regent's Canal that starts there. Do check it out! (It's an early one and we were very much beginners do be kind... 🫣)

[@richardbutler4488]

Avienti all is forgiven??? 😮😊

[@jamesetchingham594]

Great video as always Scott! I think first class is way overrated on all trains this day and age. But great for people that don’t have the luxary abilities like other KZbinrs. To see great deals can still be found.

[@wewillrockyou1986]

I think a reasonably cheap upgrade for a better seat is fine and I've always preferred the extra choice and lower price of food offerings at the stations than on board. Unless I was going 4+ hours I don't think I'm really too fussed about onboard service, just have a vending machine or a free drinking water dispenser.

[@Bobrogers99]

Not a great trip. The experience at the station(s) was, as you said, stressful. The train ride was only disappointing. It sounds like something to be avoided if you have alternatives.

[@franciscocasegas5875]

Is that coach Carlos Carvalhal at 01:42?? 😂

[@D_B_Cooper]

Well spotted

[@john07973]

A €19 shambles

[@NMF1969]

Please stop putting spoilers on screen. Loved the video though.

[@mickconners9377]

It only works with a two euro coin

[@davidk7805]

The shared tracks suck. Took over 5 hours on night to get back from Porto to Lisbon. Most of the time slow.

[@joannharrington2279]

Why us the first class so bad on all these trips? Are the trains not regulated? It's annoying to pay for something and not receive it or compensation for all services advertised and not received.

[@amcluesent]

The Pendolinos weren't that great on West Coast mainline either!

[@6yjjk]

Beat the hell out of the Voyagers though!

[@katebygrave]

Welcome to Portugal. It’s a relatively poor country; hence the low cost but also not the same standard as elsewhere in Europe. I invite you to do the trip again in Spring or late Summer when the weather is likely to be better.

[@tinglestingles]

Understood, but why advertise extras if they are not ever provided? The signage at Oriente is bad, the lower levels are depressing - Like a lot in Portugal, difficult to find any information like where certain trains/buses stop at Oriente, lack of information for the traveller makes the hub an unfriendly destination or starting point. It is very odd to see the unfrienfliness of their transport infrastructure and the high level of friendliness I see on a daily basis from the Portuguese people. Seems a complete mismatch.

[@katebygrave]

@@tinglestingles unfortunately that’s the way here. You see companies with websites that do nothing and the service industry does not have the same standards as you might expect in the UK, France or Germany. But, on the other hand, living here is relaxing and relatively cheap. The signage at public transport places is not good, but usually there is a friendly local around who is more than happy to help. Like Marmite, you either love it or hate it! But, don’t expect it to change anytime soon.

[@harriscouwenberg139]

loads of legroom

[@chrisstretton3837]

Just like in britain 😢

[@professorchris3515]

Poor service and Portuguese graffiti in the rain in November. Would it not have been better if you had just stayed in Glasgow?

[@zuuks9519]

Boa!😀

[@joshuajeffrey1843]

Hi

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Try Readly, with my link you can get 2 months free, which can be cancelled at any time: gb.readly.com/everything-nov