If traveling from outside the Iberian Peninsula, you will probably fly to Lisbon or Oporto, from where there are good train and bus connections to Coimbra.  For a listing of flights servicing Lisbon and Oporto, check the Portuguese airports authority (www.ana-aeroportos.pt) for arrival and departure timetables, or alternatively you can search an online travel booking service.

Railway travel from both Lisbon and Oporto is regular and fast, especially if you take the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades services. Portuguese railways website (www.cp.pt) gives timetables and fare information for the Lisboa – Porto line on which Coimbra is located.

For Train timetables and prices click on “Horários e Preços” (Timetables and Prices).

Bus network is also a good option. Connections between Lisbon and Oporto to Coimbra are very regular.  Bus travel is usually cheaper than train, but always depends on traffic. For further information, please visit the National Bus Service at http://www.rede-expressos.pt. For Bus http://www.rede-expressos.pt/0040.asp) – timetables click on “Horários” (Timetables). You can also buy your bus ticket online …

From Lisbon

By train…Take a taxi from the arrivals area to the Oriente railway station (about 10 minutes and should cost around 10 €). Both the airport and Oriente station lie to the north east of the town centre.Go to the upper ticketing level at the station and find the ticket kiosk for the Lisboa-Porto line.Buy a ticket, preferably for an Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train (these require reservations) from Lisboa to Porto or Braga. The cost is between 28 € and 36 € for a return journey. Trains depart Lisbon Oriente station for Coimbra approximately every hour, with journey duration of around two hours. (Check timetables at Portuguese railways).

Get off the train when you arrive at Coimbra B (the main railway station). You can take another train for Coimbra A station on the same ticket from where many hotels are within walking distance. However, if you are staying at the Meliá/ TRIP Hotel or the Residencial Botânico or Pensão Alentejana, then it is best to get off at Coimbra B station and take a taxi to the hotel (approximately 6 €). Please note that InterCity trains do not stop at Coimbra A station, so you must get off at Coimbra B.

By bus…If you arrive at Lisbon airport and you want come by bus, you must take a taxi to the “bus station” (around 17 €). Price from Lisbon to Coimbra is 12 €, single fare.

From Oporto

By train…From the airport which lies to the north of the town, you can take a taxi to the main railway station of Porto Campanha (this should cost 20-25 €) or you can go from the airport to the station by underground (http://www.metrodoporto.pt/). This will take approximately 35 minutes and cost 1,35 €. Underground station is at the airport which means you don’t have to leave the airport to get to it. Trains depart station hourly with a journey time of one and quarter hours for Alfa Pendular and InterCity trains, and approximately two hours for regional trains. Rail fares cost between 17 and 25 €. Get off at Coimbra B. You can take another train for Coimbra A station on the same ticket from where many hotels are within walking distance. Please note that Intercidades trains do not stop at Coimbra A station, so you must get off at Coimbra B.

By bus…

If you arrive at Oporto airport and you want to come by bus, you must take a taxi to the “bus station” (around 17€). Price from Oporto to Coimbra is 10.20€, single fare.

Note.

If the visiting professors/lecturers need any help upon arrival to the city, he/she should inform in advance about expected schedules for the arrival to the train/bus station. One of the ESEC students will be pleased to provide any help concerning transportation to the hotel.