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

[@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.

[@JessicaRainbow]

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...

[@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! 😁

[@martinahardaker8739]

I blame Johnson..

[@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.

[@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.

[@ruimonteiro7037]

A porta por onde entraste ainda está lá

[@tinglestingles]

@@ruimonteiro7037 Por que é que não fez o meu comentário antes de pensar que era um mau comentário contra Portugal? Basta ter mais senso comum do que aquele com que nasceste.

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheROLLER1953]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@kevanhubbard9673]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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. 😁

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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. 💛

[@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 🇮🇪/🇵🇹 👍

[@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

[@allancopland1768]

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

[@sn4tx]

You were correct on the post edit text. The Alfas that travel between Porto - Faro stop at Oriente and Entrecampos. And that’s the reason they don’t stop at Santa Apolonia because it’s out of the way. But if you leave to Porto from Lisbon you can get in Santa Apolonia since it’s their depart station. And final station on the ones from Porto to Lisbon (Lisbon being the final stop).

[@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.

[@peternolan5353]

Well done Scott, and nice Haircut 👍

[@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 !

[@Michael-wr1yy]

Really informative and useful info. Thanks

[@jonsimpson9640]

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

[@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.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

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

[@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.

[@robertblechle6365]

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

[@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.

[@alangordon3283]

Shambles of a place

[@PaddyGilroy]

Pity about your experience on the pendular I used to travel 2 or 3 times a year when I lived there. Albufeira to Oriente to Coimbra and the tilting train was always the best. Your fare was really cheap I don't think I ever paid less than around €45 so maybe CP have just gone to the dogs hahahaha. Great vidz Scott.

[@exfa7094]

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

[@andyfreer8463]

Enjoyed your video as usual

[@brianbrown8845]

Great video Scott. 👍

[@Martycycleman]

Cheers Scott

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@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

[@Andrewjg_89]

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

[@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

[@hanshartfiel6394]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@happysporran]

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

[@LynnB_Ky]

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

[@ashdrive]

Great video 😊

[@themediumfromage]

another belter. what a journey. well played sir

[@brendasargeant904]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@gabrielboisvert7306]

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

[@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...

[@tamphex]

12:36 Bwahahaha ohh fantastic - this really made my day!

[@grahamstewart615]

Respect I watched the background video to this one. ❤

[@rogersexton7857]

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

[@ianfox6106]

From Parramatta to Paekakariki places I have been.

[@DrErikEvrard]

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

[@WBTravels]

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

[@keefykinsall]

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

[@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

[@yyyfffff33333]

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

[@alanyearsley9731]

You might have done better to drink your coffee in the bar car if there is anywhere to sit or stand to drink it in there. A lot of people tend to do that on the Eurostar and TGVs, and in days gone by that was the norm on British Rail as well rather than taking it back to your seat.

[@seansmith9129]

Scott, yer mad, mate!

[@ludwig327]

The saga......continues

[@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.

[@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 🇮🇪/🇵🇹 👍

[@alanyearsley9731]

Indeed, Rossio is the station for trains to places like Sintra.

[@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

[@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".

[@dannycrossland4341]

At 1.40 was that Carlos Carvahal behind you?

[@steve7179]

I'm sure it was Carvahal.

[@jotadani1992]

It is!

[@davidhaslam1056]

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

[@daniel69]

GOAT

[@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... 🫣)

[@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!

[@johnmull59]

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

[@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.

[@christinehodge3608]

Good video

[@NMF1969]

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

[@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.

[@Kieran-m7f]

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!

[@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.

[@Oldladysgin]

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

[@stevecooksley]

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

[@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.

[@davidk7805]

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

[@amcluesent]

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

[@6yjjk]

Beat the hell out of the Voyagers though!

[@richardbutler4488]

Avienti all is forgiven??? 😮😊

[@mickconners9377]

It only works with a two euro coin

[@GarrettReynolds-nt4df]

😮

[@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!😀

[@john07973]

A €19 shambles

[@nf5416]

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

[@chrisstretton3837]

Just like in britain 😢

[@ejc636]

Obviously never been on a train in sri Lanka 😅

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

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