The Alfa Pendular! Portugal's AMAZING Pendolinos!

[@LisaMarli]

Portugal is such a lovely country. Even the trains.

[@FranciscoCamino]

Specially the people. Lovely 🥰

[@UAF16]

Im portuguese, so I have the right to say thanks!

[@andybaker2456]

Nice! I did this exact same journey about five years ago, although I boarded at Oriente Station. The on-board service was excellent too. At one point I was approached by a member of the crew, who asked me in English if I was Mr. Baker. I said that I was, he welcomed me on board and asked me if I would be eating breakfast! A few minutes later a breakfast tray was brought to my seat, and very nice it was too. He even managed to find me an English newspaper! Now that's what I call excellent customer service. 👌

[@rodrigoalvesdepaula5262]

Lisbon has another wonderful station: Rossio. Nowadays, this station is used only for commuter services (Sintra), but Rossio was the main Intercity terminal until 1950's.

[@miguellemos4669]

Nope. You still can go up to the north through it because Linha de Sintra interconnects to the Linha do Oeste. In Alfarelos station you join the Linha do Norte (to Porto).

[@rodrigoalvesdepaula5262]

@@miguellemos4669 , yes, that's right.

[@Mainyehc]

@@miguellemos4669 physically and technically, you can (the only self-contained-ish line in Portugal, besides the odd narrow metric gauge lines, being the Cascais line, on account of its unique current and voltage standard), but are there even any northbound long-distance services that still use it? I really thought they were all moved to the SA/Oriente branch. 🤷‍♂️ I mean, how would those travelers be supposed to cross the suburban train VIVA card-operated gate lines now? By jumping over them? :P Rossio and Cais do Sodré are literally the only two CP terminals in Lisbon which are as segregated as the Fertagus stations south of the river or the Metro network, there’s no ambiguity or service mixture there.

[@Prabodh4]

What a lovely & beautiful country! I wish the vlog never ended :( . Stunning trains with interior & amazing color combinations. Seeing such country at times make you sad & think wish we could stay a bit longer here.

[@Miguel-mv5yc]

Hi Dylan. You actually got lucky with the internet there, as coverage of 4G along the track is really bad. You couldn't rely on it for an uninterrupted conference call during the journey. The bathroom soap is indeed a shame for such a train and it is actually a normal thing (not an isolated). Besides that and having done dozens of rides on this train they are usually very punctual and comfortable. It's just a shame the track doesn't allow the train to maximize its capabilities. As a final note I would advise you to send this video to cp, I'm sure they would be glad to see your review and could improve their service based on this. Keep up these wonderful content.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks for your comments 😁

[@Mainyehc]

As a frequent traveler on both halves of the North/South axis, I can confirm. The 4G connection (whether direct to a provider or through CP’s WiFi routers) is complete and utter crap on the Northern branch. I was, however, pleasantly surprised during my latest trip to the Algarve back in August: other than when going through the odd tunnel, I finally managed to get an unbroken and reasonably fast connection for most of my trip. Either there were major cell phone tower upgrades across those regions, or CP did some deal(s) and had dedicated repeaters/mini-towers installed along the tracks, Lisbon Metro-style. As for the soap, yikes! Self-cleaning as soap bars might be, they look positively gross and lazy and I can’t, for the life of me, understand why they didn’t just stick those circular soap bar grinders they have on the IC coaches in there as well. Those actually make washing hands fun, and smell great! ;)

[@schnickschnack5365]

Wow Alfa Pendular Is really underrated, what a nice interior! And estació de Oriente is wonderful too

[@juliebrooke6099]

It looks like a nice journey. When they do that peculiar lighting in toilets it’s generally to prevent them being used for drug taking (addicts can’t see a vein).

[@SeverityOne]

Portugal is on my to-visit list. It seems like a nice country. I don't particularly care about the weather; where I live is actually more south than southern Portugal. Southern Europe is just a very nice and diverse region.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Stunningly beautiful, including the train. Clean, efficient, inexpensive, what more can you ask for?

[@neilboulton9813]

For it to be on time?

[@OozoraKazuki]

@@neilboulton9813 not even us nationals complain about the Alfa Pendular service, as various independent surveys have shown; some defects related to service 'here and there', but almost always on time (talking with the 3-5min error margin in mind), clean, and pretty fast and excellent quality-price value there, in relation to the country's situation in terms of funds, management, etc, which are themselves relatively low compared to many more EU countries. In a nutshell, many things in Portugal can and should improve, but this is one of a few jewels of quality-price relation. Even I rode the local train in the mid-late 90's (the now fully retired 0600 Series, since 2012), and they were almost always on time. So don't worry, the AP is an excellent service, and with a washed face and much better than ever, they should go on another 20, maybe even 30 years speeding into the country's - hopefully - brighter future. ^^

[@nr2186]

That mad moment when you think your train is leaving but its the one opposite that's moving! Lovely scenery. I also appreciate the snippets of info regarding the stations and localities.

[@raymurphyii]

Don't know if anyone else has said this, but at your start, Santa Apolonia, there is a fairly decent sized grocery store on the opposite platform that you were on. It's part of the Pingo Doce chain of stores. They have better quality and less expensive food than is on the train. Also, the little shops on the platform you were on also sell well-priced food and beverages including wine and beer. Great video as usual. It's fun to finally have been on a route you are reviewing!

[@John_Fugazzi]

A nice-looking train with comfortable seats and an operating cafeteria car - can't beat that. I liked the part where, when checking the wi-fi, you were looking at one of your Train Reports while making a new Train Report. There's some kind of loop in time there. Portugal looked beautiful and sunny.

[@Mainyehc]

If you thought that cafeteria car was nice, you should see the ones on IC trains. They even have proper seating with tables and whatnot, good enough for a small group, instead of those standing tables (heh, more like tiny shelves) by the windows. Granted, the service itself is slower and not as comfortable (though I should also point out that the pendular motion on these FIAT trains can and will make some people a bit sick sometimes - like myself - or even always - like some people I know of), but that just makes it all the more important for that car to make up for it.

[@LynneFarr]

Another lovely train trip. Thanks for the notes on each of the calling points.

[@Teddini]

You are lucky. I live in Lisbon and I was going to Porto as well, but on a day the mentioned construction works forced me to swap to bus. And that was horrible. Originally I am from Germany, Frankfurt to be precise, so I am used to much more train services at higher speed. But for what it is, the price, the bistro car with the price and quality etc, I actually really like cp.

[@rodrigosilva7311]

I like CP too, but the suburban services in Linha de Sintra, leave a lot to desire. Otherwise I like travelling by train.

[@joaosaude9715]

Hello Dylan, very nice video! Personally I have not been on an Alfa Pendular since they have the older scheme of colours, so this video was just another reason for me to try the service after the refurbishment! Thanks a lot for doing this type of content, and keep doing it as it is really good!

[@leyla4163]

This channel reminded me of Sheldon Cooper going around reviewing trains😂. Nice video

[@michalislamprinos38]

Lisbon a beautiful city.. I've been there and I was impressed. Thanks for the lovely video my friend. I wish I could join you in one of your trips 😉

[@jonasbijlsma9943]

Regarding 02:53, there's a whole supermarket to the right side which was funnily enough the closest supermarket to our Airbnb when I went to Lisbon. It was quite interesting to walk into the train station to go shopping every time. It's small but it has a great selection of food and it's very very cheap especially compared to other railway station shops in other European countries.

[@martimpestana303]

Great video bro! Portugal is "planning" to bury 4.5 bn € to build an entirely new rail line between Lisbon and Porto which as the gov says will be finished by +/- 2030 (LOL). If this actually comes true, (new) trains could reach speeds of 250-300 km/h and the journey from Lisbon to Porto will take 1h15mins...

[@imsbvs]

it is much needed, these trains share the track with all other services and just by having their own track could offer a better service! (more trains and faster)

[@diogorodrigues747]

It will be built, because it is already on the Resilience and Recovery Plan and European funds are already promised.

[@lucatrifan2797]

I travelled on one of these back in 2017 and the on-board entertainment system was playing some tech show from 2008, and I could hear the distinctive sound of the CRT screens.

[@michaelformaini7053]

What a pleasant surprise you have put on for this week. This 6 car Pendolino looks like something "to die for" that would do well here if we had electrification on a couple of our regional rail lines. I think my bones will bleach before that happens though. I experienced your UK version from Carlisle to Glasgow three years ago and was very impressed with that. The lean into the corners reminded me of happier times on my motorcycle. I know very little about Portugal other than the location of both Lisbon and Oporto (the latter because Melbourne had one of their trams for a while several years ago) and the Douro River valley which features as a major tourist destination. I look forward to seeing your coverage of the valley. Cheers from Michael in locked down Melbourne.

[@imsbvs]

shame you didn't include the Porto city centre railway station with it's tiled mosaics walls and ceilings... rather stunning. As for the cheaper prices, most things are cheaper in Portugal, this includes salaries too

[@tomcarr1358]

Be patient and hope that the Pocinho train leaves from Sao Bento station.

[@truedarklander]

You can't get to São Bento in the Alfa service

[@amberley20]

I’ve enjoyed several of Dylan’s travel reports and they’ve all been enjoyable, like having a holiday in your armchair! I would like them even more with additional voice overs. Keep up the flood work Dylan.

[@FoodWithConnor]

What an amazing looking train, and once again another fantastic trip report Dylan.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@andrewh6123]

For anyone aged 65 and over, you may be interested to know that tickets are half price on Portuguese trains, provided you can show ID which proves your age. I recently travelled from Coimbra to Faro (around 4hr 30mins) on the AP for 44 euros return. A very comfortable and friendly service

[@gauravsen3040]

Absolutely amazing video! Your videos make me and my family very happy. And the Alfa Pendular is simply fantastic. The livery may not be super flashy or a work of art, but it is simply elegant and classy and goes with the train's beautifully crafted interior. I love the interior colour scheme, and like you said the dimming of the interior lights is something all trains should do especially on such long commutes (GWR class 800 and LNER Azuma shoudl really take the lesson here, they are way too bright). A simply fantastic train! I would like to say on behalf of .y family and me, thank you so much Dylan for this video, it was beautiful!

[@interstat2222]

The Azumas (bet you can blame DfT and not Hitachi as DfT specced the interior I think) are the wrong colour temperature (Kelvin) for a relaxing environment. I can't believe they went for a daylight white when domestic warm white lighting has always been 2700-3000k and is scientifically proven to help you relax and not mess with your circadian rhythm. Especially for a train that is often used super early in morning/evening and for leisure travel. GWR even have it on the sleeper train. It's just bad design. The lime green accents aren't exactly very friendly either.

[@gauravsen3040]

@@interstat2222 Absolutely agreed. GWR and Azuma should probably fix that. And definitely agree on the lime green as well. Doesn't really go.

[@interstat2222]

@@gauravsen3040 I think they look like they just specced the lowest cost. Which is false economy and the opposite of BR thinking with the Intercity (which worked so well). They should take the Night Riviera as a design starting point and the XC Voyager lighting as the example.

[@OozoraKazuki]

As a Portuguese myself, I can tell you prices in the train's cafeteria are still relatively low, and elsewhere you can have a cup of espresso for 60. 70 cents, some places even drop it below 50 cents. I am yet to try it myself, because I reside in Switzerland.

[@TheBSODer]

9:10 In this scene, a Regional service (probably to Lisboa Santa Apolónia) appears.

[@johnstephens649]

Stayed in Porto a couple of years ago and took a trip down to Aviero. One way was on a Pendelino and remember it was good .Pinhao line is fun too!

[@RS-bb4mp]

Great video as always. Some of those Alfa Pendular trains had a food trolley service before this pandemic but am not sure if that service still exists. Also CP owns 10 pendolinos instead of 9 despide one of them has suffered serious damage after the Soure train crash and now is being used for spare parts.

[@sergiofreitas9368]

I'm pretty sure it has been suspended during the pandemic, but the system is still in place to order meals prior to your trip (breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on the time), and it will probably be resumed after the pandemic, at least I hope so 🤞 Shame about the 2 lives lost as a result of the Soure crash, and the written-off Pendolino, which put this already short and hard-working fleet of 9 units "into overdrive" to fill in the service gaps.

[@nelsonkaiowa4347]

As far as I can tell the soap is actually quite famous desinfecting blue and white (or pink and white) soap that they used in operating theaters before they had other desinfectants... It´s called Offenbach soap in other countries. I don´t remember going to the toilet in the AP, so I am not sure.

[@Mpl3564]

Nice review, as always. You can get even better fares in the second class (as low as €11,5) if you book in advance. Of course, it will depend on the day and schedule.

[@shirleynitka5030]

not a place I'll ever get to see, but I enjoyed seeing it thru your eyes. You are very well travelled.

[@shaunpierce4174]

I'm going to Portugal for the first time soon so this was a very insightful video.

[@gaminghub8108]

7:11, 13:28, 14:08, 15:20, 17:08 The train sounds amazing when it's braking into a station. Also sounds like the ICE3..

[@Backwardlooking]

You were lucky. When we were there in your opening area of Lisboa there were several cruise ships. I’ve never experienced such a crowded area. Totally detracted from the possibility of enjoying the ‘sights’!. Unfortunately mass tourism spoils the purpose of such visits and the experience. Enjoy your’solo’ experiences while you can!. Much better weather there than here!. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍🏻

[@andyrob3259]

Sounds like a nimby

[@heathertruskinger6214]

That's such a quiet train ! Beautiful scenery too. Thankyou

[@wiltaylor]

Lovely. I planned a trip to porto just before the pandemic hit hopefully I will be there soon.

[@robyoungquist5803]

Lovely ride really. 😉. Perhaps the only thing that might enhance the experience is to add a trolley service

[@trainlagged]

I've never ridden the Alfa, only the Intercidades from Lisbon to Porto and to be honest I'd remain with that option, since it's cheaper for a journey which isn't that much longer, and the IC trains are really nice too (can't resist a good loco hauled train!). Great video :)

[@DW-Belgium]

tnx for the video , really cool .I am taking the alfa pendular nexth month from Porto to Faro !

[@miangel02]

I wanna visit Portugal someday it's really pretty

[@jetfowl]

I just rode this train from Lisboa-Oriente up to Braga today. It was very nice, but I'd say I enjoy first-class Intercidades trains more. The seats and bathrooms are a little bigger in the Intercidades... although the Intercidades trains aren't as new as the Alfa Pendular ones. And the difference in travel time isn't all that much between the two.

[@br3menPT]

intercidades is cold during the summer and to much warm during winter also they are very noisy

[@louislegrand2865]

Thanks, Dylan! Another wonderful video. We have fun with you.

[@Andrewjg_89]

Very stylish seats & interiors. Even the green background is beautiful as well.

[@jamesschock4296]

Nice Video. Interesting country. Miss your narrative.

[@ProfessorGTravel]

On my way to Lisbon next summer, this video is super helpful. Thanks!

[@judithcatlett8518]

The interior of the train was pretty. Liked the green and white. Nice change.

[@richardblackwell1230]

Another great video Dylan. It makes want to spend a moth touring Portugal 👍👍👍

[@davidwilliams8405]

Nice! The exterior of the train has a sleek, airline look; and the interior also is reminiscent of an airline. Have you ever thought about doing another cross-country journey across the U.S.? May I suggest taking the Texas Eagle instead of the Southwest Chief for the Chicago-to-L.A. leg? It's longer in miles and time, but runs through some pretty cool areas; Chicago, Saint Louis, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, El Paso and just running parallel to HWY 8 near the U.S/Mexico border, San Diego and L.A.

[@abus3562]

Thanks for the video. I took this trip many years ago and the train I rode on was slow and old, sort of like me. Porto was a great city to visit. Thanks for the memory and for the ride.

[@truedarklander]

You probably took an IC rather than an Alfa Pendular 😅

[@abus3562]

@@truedarklander Yes, it was certainly before the Alfa Pendular trains were running.

[@HMGarth]

Looking forward to seeing your Douro Valley trip, thanks Dylan! 👋🇦🇺

[@milesi1469]

This trip was very cool, especially when you saw the ocean from the train ☺

[@russellrobinson9502]

Great video Dylan, greetings from Bangkok

[@transitcaptain]

I find the seats the most interesting part of these reports

[@foxxo_exe966]

16:26 it's estação not estación; great video

[@stevecooksley]

What a great service. Thank you.

[@HumbertoMesa]

Thanks Dylan for another report ride.

[@dsdonovan]

Double bonus points for use of the word "manky"!

[@gars1074]

WOW!! Another amazing video. One of my simple pleasures in life during covid is watching your great channel That view at the end of the video on the bridge over the river was so nice. Love to hear any short comments on your overnight stays in your departure/arrival cities- expensive, enjoyable, safe etc. I also notice the stations in Portugal seem uncrowded and safe. Is it easy to travel in Portugal only speaking English? Thanks again.

[@milomhoek]

Almost everybody speaks english so very easy to travel

[@ballyhigh11]

As MMH says English is very widely spoken. Much, much more so than in neighbouring Spain I found. People are generally very friendly and willing to help you with directions too.

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Porto is on my bucket list and I really want to try and get from Porto to Germany by rail without many train changes, going to have to do a bit of research, say hi to the Portuguese people Dylan the ones I’ve met are amongst the friendliest people out there

[@sergiofreitas9368]

Prior to the Pandemic you could take a semi-direct service from Paris to Lisbon with just 2 trains: TGV from Paris-Montparnasse to Hendaye Renfe/CP Trenhotel sleeper from Hendaye to Lisbon Nowadays it's a bit more complicated, and only two day-time international services run to/from Portugal, meaning you have to switch trains at least 4 times

[@sodorflubbs5000]

I just realised that journey is quicker than it takes me to get from Aberdeen to Edinburgh!

[@henryfordflex]

12:09 Same for Intercidade s When i get my grandparents on Castelo Branco and i go back via train theres no soap, only a blue soap

[@richardburgess8159]

Excellent video good photography even better with no comments

[@jeromebano1125]

Good video nice trains they seem very modern as well.

[@onnihietala4349]

great video! Btw, if you liked that Pendolino, I recommend you to come and test our Finnish Pendolino fleet regards from Finland

[@davidaarthur]

The need to connect for central Porto/Coimbra is annoying, but otherwise Portuguese trains are great! And so cheap - even the AP is a good deal, but with regional trains you can make trips like Porto-Braga or Lisbon-Cascais for pocket change.

[@sergiofreitas9368]

Well it's annoying indeed, but fairly "painless for the wallet" as any Alfa Pendular or Intercity service includes a free transfer to the central stations of São Bento, Coimbra-A, and Santa Apolónia, on the urban commuter network, which in most cases run every few minutes, giving you a nearly direct link to the center.

[@jonhartley]

Great report - thank you Dylan.

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip. Feels like on High Speed Train but not really high speed.

[@GamerLeo4543]

You should check out the sm3 pendolino in finland!

[@cerberus6654]

The Portuguese/Spanish/Italian word the name Pendular is derived from means 'to lean' as in to 'lean over'. In English I can't help but think of 'pendulous'. Heavy, gross, hanging, overripe. Which is a shame as that is one sleek, beautiful train. The closest English word for that kind of sway-in-place kind of function would be 'gimballed' - which honestly, sounds WAY worse.

[@samtrak1204]

Love those stainless steel Budd cars. I'd like to feel how they ride.

[@nx181cc2]

I got really confused when I read you were going to be on a Pendolino in Portugal yesterday and pictured in my head an avanti

[@joaofidalgo6947]

Usually you cam find some Alfas at 13 euros in turística if you buy the ticket 10 ou plus days in advance

[@ace-paidinfull5240]

I might be a on a pendelino myself before the years out as i plan to go Scotland from Euston 👍🏽 Lovely vid tho bro👌🏽

[@MrMatavelhas]

The "manky bar of soap" is probably one of the most hygienic things you willfind on any CP bathroom. Even when the soap dispensers are not empty they will be present there. Conventional? not by a mile as it is not that pretty and posh Functional? certainly is as ensures that you have a way to properly wash your hands at all times

[@manmeetsinghmahajan6183]

Excellent narration.

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Did you manage to get any tickets in the Northern Rail Sale? Managed to get Day returns from Leeds to, York, Lancaster, Morecambe, Chester, Blackpool. £2 return each journey. Sadly gone up from 20p return 😀🚅

[@miguelbarreira5005]

Santa Apolónia Station is now coloured wine red, as it was when it was built

[@robbicu]

This was a great trip! I can't wait to see the 1940s rolling stock!

[@edgar-mmxxiii]

They should implement airport style security checks before boarding the train.

[@nickhunt3292]

great video as always

[@theobrattinga500]

Great video !!

[@SirKenchalot]

I prefer your videos with audio commentary rather than subtitles.

[@miguelbarreira5005]

Also, there are actually 10 Alfa Pendular at CP. But one had an accident in 2020 (I think) and it is still at Entroncamento waiting for repairs

[@DylansTravelReports]

I'm lead to believe it was written off.

[@miguelbarreira5005]

@@DylansTravelReports in a train nerds' internet forum, they say it's parked at Entroncamento waiting funding for repairs

[@jamesthompson3099]

That is a very nice looking train. it seems quite comfortable. The food is, indeed, quite reasonable. On Amtrak it would have cost north of $10! 😁

[@ballyhigh11]

Good luck getting a coffee and a sandwich anywhere in the UK for that price, let alone on a train! I'm willing to bet the coffee would have been of pretty decent quality too.

[@foto21]

Nice video. Do you have any idea what a monthly pass costs for this train, or for all rail in POrtugal?

[@interstat2222]

UK's Alstom pendolinos are better but I love the dimming the lights and nightclub style toilet. Sounds like regenerative breaking.

[@callumclifton11]

Hey Dylan! Stumbled across your channel a few weeks ago and I love it!. How do you go about starting up a travel channel like/similar to yours? Would love to do something like this! 😀 Keep up the good work! 🤝

[@LJAllen1000]

Amazing... everything is amazing. AMAZING!

[@kieran4550ify]

Brilliant video

[@tjejojyj]

Do you think the Iberian gauge (1668mm) makes any difference to the stability of the ride? At those speeds it’s probably just a question of how well the track is maintained. It’s always interesting that the extra width between the rails doesn’t mean the carriages are significantly wider. Good video.

[@ruigoncalves2]

I think the carriages are the same width as Euro gauge, just the bogies are wider.

[@henryfordflex]

in EMEF (Empresa de Manutenção de Equipamento Ferroviário) Portugal maintenace company

[@deepthigangadharaiah6822]

Hi Dylan did you buy tickets for the train ahead of time? Was it at the counter or did you book online?

[@dandagames6030]

I find the train quite nice but even after the refurbishment it somehow looks a bit dated, to be honest i prefer the one from Czech Railways, but the one fromCP looks like quite nice also

[@Jesuscger]

CP will have TGV from Lisbon-Porto-Vigo (Spain) and Lisbon-Madrid in a few years.This pendolino will serve probably the new connection between Lisbon-Évora-Sevilla(Spain) which is in study.

[@louisthetravelspotter]

Amazing video Dylan mate

[@AlexScafes]

Are they similar with the Pendolinos from Czeck Republic(CD)?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yes, very similar.

[@stefanokasuga4384]

I think they're the same model as the old ones that Spanish Renfe had in the past: the Alaris. Alaris (unfortunately decommissioned and left to rot) has only three carriage. Even the top speed (220 km/h, 137 mph) is the same.

[@Oleg-is5cm]

Good old Pendolino👍

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Lindo trem Dylans gostei lugar top demais boa viagem ai

[@VanVasTravel]

Interesting train station