Comboios de Portugal today highlighted the advantages of train travel over the complications and annoyance of making the same journey by air in response to today’s news that Ryanair is to run a new low-cost service between Lisbon and Oporto.
CP could in theory be hit hard by the new air option but does not appear to be concerned, instead highlighting the ease of rail over air travel between Oporto and Lisbon and the Algarve.
The railway operator said today that the company is aware of the competition but said that train passengers do not waste time checking in, the train station is in the city center and there are few luggage restrictions.
CP pointed to its 40% discount on Intercity and Alfa Pendular services for those who buy tickets at least five days in advance. A Lisbon-Porto ticket therefore can cost just €24.30 compared to Ryanair’s promotional price of €19.99 which the airline is unlikely to keep for long, with an eventual price of €48 suggested, by CP.
