Gare do Oriente Lisbon
A futuristic architectural marvel and Lisbon's primary intermodal transport hub, connecting trains, metro, and buses.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier navigation
Gare do Oriente Lisbon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier navigation

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A futuristic architectural marvel and Lisbon's primary intermodal transport hub, connecting trains, metro, and buses.
"More than just a station, it's a modern architectural masterpiece and a vital gateway to Portugal."
Book Train Tickets Early
For intercity travel (e.g., to Porto), book train tickets in advance on cp.pt for better prices and guaranteed seats.
Metro to Oriente
Easily reach Gare do Oriente from Lisbon Airport via the Metro's Red Line. It's a quick and efficient transfer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Santiago Calatrava's Architecture
Entire Station
Marvel at the futuristic, Gothic-inspired design of this architectural masterpiece. Its soaring arches and intricate details are a sight to behold.

Intermodal Transport Hub
All Levels
Experience the seamless connection between intercity trains, metro, and buses, making travel across Portugal effortless.

Vasco da Gama Tower Views
Adjacent to Station
While the tower itself requires reservations, the nearby SKY Bar Oriente offers stunning city views, especially at sunset.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Gare do Oriente
Time Your Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Train Tickets Early
For intercity travel (e.g., to Porto), book train tickets in advance on cp.pt for better prices and guaranteed seats.
Metro to Oriente
Easily reach Gare do Oriente from Lisbon Airport via the Metro's Red Line. It's a quick and efficient transfer.
Explore the Waterfront
If you have time before your train, store your luggage and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront near the station.
Mall Amenities
Oriente station is connected to a mall with plenty of dining options, perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Train Tickets Early
For intercity travel (e.g., to Porto), book train tickets in advance on cp.pt for better prices and guaranteed seats.
Metro to Oriente
Easily reach Gare do Oriente from Lisbon Airport via the Metro's Red Line. It's a quick and efficient transfer.
Explore the Waterfront
If you have time before your train, store your luggage and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront near the station.
Mall Amenities
Oriente station is connected to a mall with plenty of dining options, perfect for a quick meal or snack.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gare do Oriente is widely praised for its stunning, futuristic architecture and its efficiency as a major transport hub. Visitors appreciate the seamless connections between trains, metro, and buses, as well as the convenience of the adjacent shopping mall. Some minor concerns include occasional 'weird vibes' in the surrounding area late at night, but overall, it's seen as a modern and functional gateway to Portugal.
"Been here several times when I took a bus from Porto - Lisbon - Porto. It has easy access to the shopping mall of Vasco de Gama. To go to the city center, you can simply take the metro, bus, uber, or taxi. The station smells of pee in some parts."
Rita
"This train station is a work of art. Even if you do not want to go anywhere by train, you must visit this place.
It truly is amazing from an engineers perspective and you'll be in awe at the details and scale of it."
Cristian Andreescu
"This was a superb station for arrival and departure, set in a grand structure that attracts with its unconventional design. The ticket office has staff readily available who speak English and platforms are large, where we travelled on a double-decker train notably!"
K. Peake
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the Metro's Red Line directly from Lisbon Airport to the Oriente station. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, Ubers and taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
It's generally recommended to head to Gare do Oriente. The station has a mall with dining options and is located by the waterfront, offering a more pleasant waiting experience than the airport.
While Google Maps might suggest a walk (around 30 minutes), it's not the most practical option, especially with luggage. The sidewalks can be cobblestoned and uneven. Taking the metro or a taxi is far more convenient.
Gare do Oriente is a major intermodal hub, connecting intercity and regional trains, the Lisbon Metro (Red Line), and numerous bus services, making it a central point for travel within and beyond Lisbon.
The Lisbon Metro's Red Line provides direct access to the city center and other key areas. Numerous bus routes also serve the station, connecting you to various neighborhoods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets for national trains (like the Alfa Pendular to Porto) directly on the official CP website (cp.pt) or at the ticket counters within Gare do Oriente. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular routes and times.
It's advisable to buy tickets in advance, particularly for long-distance journeys, to secure better prices and ensure availability. Avoid purchasing last minute if possible, especially around holidays.
Gare do Oriente is a public transport station, so there are no entrance fees to enter or explore the main concourse. You only pay for the transport services you use.
For the fastest and most comfortable journey to Porto, book the Alfa Pendular (AP) train. Second class is generally comfortable and more affordable than first class. Book via cp.pt.
It's best to book flexible tickets if you're concerned about flight delays. Otherwise, contact CP customer service as soon as possible to inquire about options for changing your ticket, though this may incur fees.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Gare do Oriente is connected to a large shopping mall (Vasco da Gama Shopping) with numerous shops and restaurants. The waterfront area offers pleasant walking paths and views.
Yes, the adjacent Vasco da Gama Shopping mall offers a wide variety of dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants. There are also cafes within the station itself.
Yes, luggage storage facilities are typically available at major train stations like Gare do Oriente, allowing you to explore the area unencumbered.
While generally safe during operating hours, like any large transport hub, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Some Reddit users have noted a 'weird vibe' or presence of homeless individuals in the vicinity.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the station is renowned for its futuristic, bird-like canopy structure and its integration of natural light. It's considered a significant piece of modern architecture.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the soaring canopy from the main concourse, the intricate steelwork, and the interplay of light and shadow. The exterior architecture is also very photogenic.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside Gare do Oriente. However, always be mindful of other travelers and avoid obstructing pathways.
Daytime offers the best natural light to showcase the station's architecture. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide interesting lighting conditions and fewer crowds.
Focus on the expansive, wing-like roof structure, the supporting columns that resemble trees, and the way light filters through the translucent panels.
While the tower itself might have restrictions, the surrounding area offers good vantage points for capturing the station's exterior and the nearby waterfront.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a unique experience, the Teleférico (cable car) offers panoramic views of the Parque das Nações area, which is adjacent to the station. This provides a fun and engaging way for families to see the modern district. The station's open spaces and modern design can also be less intimidating for younger travelers compared to older, more complex stations.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Layover Travelers
From Gare do Oriente, you can easily catch a train to nearby towns like Cascais for a coastal escape, or explore other parts of Lisbon via the metro. The station's efficiency and amenities make it a convenient hub for maximizing your time in the city, even on a short visit.
🚆 Long-Distance Train Travelers
When planning your journey, allow ample time for transfers, particularly if arriving from Lisbon Airport. The metro connection is efficient, but unexpected delays can happen. The station itself offers comfortable waiting areas and amenities, making the transit experience smooth.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel by Santiago Calatrava
Calatrava's signature style is evident in the organic forms and the dynamic interplay of structural elements. The station's design not only provides shelter but also creates a visually stunning environment for travelers. The use of light is particularly noteworthy, with translucent panels allowing natural light to flood the concourse, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This thoughtful integration of design and sustainability contributes to its iconic status.
Visitors often express awe at the sheer scale and beauty of the architecture. It's a popular spot for photography, with many travelers sharing stunning images of its unique structure online. The station's design has been praised for its ability to transform a utilitarian space into an engaging and memorable experience.
A Gateway to Portugal: Transport Connections
For intercity travel, the station is a primary departure point for the Alfa Pendular (AP) and Intercidades (IC) trains, offering high-speed and comfortable journeys to major cities like Porto and Faro. The Lisbon Metro's Red Line provides direct and rapid access to the city center, including connections to other metro lines, making it easy to reach attractions like Baixa, Alfama, and the airport.
Beyond trains and metro, Gare do Oriente also serves as a major bus terminal, with numerous national and regional bus companies operating from its facilities. This extensive network ensures that virtually any corner of Portugal is accessible from this single, modern station. Travelers often highlight the convenience of having all these transport options under one roof.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit