Project Profile: Porto-Lisbon High-Speed Rail (LAV) Line

The Porto-Lisbon high-speed rail (LAV) project is a strategic infrastructure initiative to construct a dedicated 290 km line, drastically reducing travel time between Portugal’s two primary economic centers to just 1 hour and 15 minutes. This multi-phase development, backed by significant European Union investment, aims to modernize the national rail network, enhance passenger and freight capacity, and align Portugal with Europe’s sustainable transport objectives.

Technical Specifications

The project is structured into three distinct phases to manage financial outlay and accelerate initial benefits. Phase 1, a 143 km section from Porto-Campanhã to Soure, is under construction with a 2028 completion target. This phase includes a new dedicated rail bridge over the Douro River and five single-track connections totaling 47 km to integrate with the conventional network. Phase 2 will extend the line 90 km from Soure to Carregado, with construction slated to begin in 2026 for a 2030 opening. The final phase, connecting Carregado to Lisbon-Oriente, is scheduled for post-2030 and features a new combined road and rail bridge.

Major station works are integral to the project. The Porto-Campanhã station is undergoing significant renovation to become a primary HSR hub. A new station is being constructed in Vila Nova de Gaia (Santo Ovídio), while existing stations in Aveiro, Coimbra, and Leiria will be upgraded to accommodate high-speed services. The project’s financing model combines public funds, strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and substantial EU-backed investment, including a €3 billion loan from the European Investment Bank for the first phase.

Key Takeaways

• Transformative Time Savings: The project’s primary benefit is the reduction of Porto-Lisbon rail journey times from 2 hours 49 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, significantly boosting economic competitiveness and connectivity between the cities.
• National Network Capacity Enhancement: By shifting high-speed services to a dedicated line, the existing Northern Line will be freed up for increased regional, suburban, and freight traffic, relieving a major bottleneck in Portugal’s rail system.
• Strategic European Integration: The line is a cornerstone of Portugal’s commitment to the EU’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, promoting a modal shift from road and air to rail, reducing GHG emissions, and better integrating the Iberian Peninsula into the trans-European high-speed network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the new high-speed train between Porto and Lisbon open?

The Porto-Lisbon high-speed line will open in stages. The first section, connecting Porto and Soure, is scheduled to become operational by 2028. The full line connecting Porto directly to Lisbon is expected to be completed and operational after 2030, following the conclusion of all three construction phases.

Who is building the Porto-Lisbon high-speed line?

The project is being developed by Infraestruturas de Portugal, the national rail and road infrastructure manager. It is financed through a combination of Portuguese state funds, a major €3 billion loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), and private sector investment through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contracts for construction and maintenance.