lars' transport worldOct 6, 2025
🇵🇹 Porto Campanhã, terminus of the Tren Celta. I'm happy to arrive in Portugal for the first time, but I am also a little sad. This is my last 'first time' arriving in a European country west of my home by train. Welcome to the last chapter of #BlankSpots!
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 8, 2025
#Porto is now a very popular tourist destination. I'm sure you've seen lots of pictures of it already, so we'll focus on public transport. 👀 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 8, 2025
Well, what is this strange train? Let's find out the next day #BlankSpots!
Show threadlars' transport world
The next morning, I find a train made up of four old CP wagons waiting for me on the platform at Porto Campanhã. Many others and I were looking forward to a picturesque ride on the Linha da Douro. Judging by the conversations ("What country's national railways are called Renfe? Wasn't it Portugal?"), I assume that not only rail enthusiasts are present. (1/5) #BlankSpots
Oct 8, 2025 at 10:44pmMastodon for Android
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 8, 2025
Did I say 'train'? Well, that's not the case yet. First, let's couple the coaches to this diesel locomotive. Then we can set off on the picturesque Linha de Douro. (2/5) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 8, 2025
One hour after leaving Porto Campanha, our train finally arrives at the River Douro. The landscape gradually changes from green to... less green. (3/5) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 8, 2025
These days, the Linha do Douro ends at Pocinho. The section to Spain closed in 1988. So, it's time to head back. At the intermediate stations, additional assengers board, carrying wine boxes. (4/5) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 9, 2025
Life is better with #FensterAuf, at least sometimes! (5/5) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 9, 2025
After arriving back at Porto Campanhã station, my first ever ride on the Alfa Pendular train is about to begin. It is a modern, fast train with many passengers waiting for the weekend, and unfortunately I couldn't take a picture. Something reminds me of Stockholm, but what? I'm heading south through the mist along the coast. 🔊: "Nästa: Coimbra-B" #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 9, 2025
Impressions of Coimbra #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 9, 2025
Unfortunately, Coimbra-A station, the terminus, closed in January 2025. Coimbra-B, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is therefore the only remaining station. However, it seems that the closed railway line will be used for a future BRT system connecting the city to Coimbra-B. This seems like a very good idea, given the congestion on the streets. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
The Linha do Vouga is Portugal's last metre-gauge railway line. I head back north to Aveiro, but luck is not on my side today. For some reason, all day long, trains are being replaced by buses. With my plans having fallen through, I head back to Coimbra. At least I get the chance to take my first Intercidades ride. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
The next day is #Intercidades day! Starting in Coimbra-B, the Linha da Beira Alta is the first of two lines on today's programme. The upper section, which begins at Santa Comba Dão, offers particularly picturesque views of the rolling hills. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
Three #CP #Intercidades trains run daily on the Linha de Beira Alta, from Lisbon to Guarda and back. These comprise three modernised Sorefame carriages, one of which is a café and first-class carriage.
As with all Intercidades trains, it is mandatory to reserve a seat, which costs €5 for an #Interrail pass and can only be purchased at Portuguese ticket desks. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
Guarda is the terminus for both the Intercidades services on the Linha da Beira Alta and the Linha da Beira Baixa. There are two Regional trains a day that run further to Vilar Formoso on the border, but there are no connecting trains to Spain. In any case, it's time to disembark and bridge the transfer time. If I had enough time, I could visit the old town of Guarda, which is located 150 metres higher than the station. I wonder if there's a bus from Guarda staziun to Guarda cumün. 🤭 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
The second #CP #Intercidades train today is the Guarda–Lisbon service, which runs via the Linha de Beira Baixa. This is the first chance to take a photo of a complete Intercidades train. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
Ah, the joys of compulsory seat reservation! #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
The views along the Linha de Beira Baixa are charming. It runs along the eastern edge of the Serra da Estrela. However, the train journey could be better. The air conditioning doesn't work, so hot October air is blown into the train. A passenger closed one of the four emergency windows, so there is no fresh air flow. The locomotive made five full stops in the middle of nowhere. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
For some reason, our #Intercidades Guarda-Lisbon stops at Barca da Amieira - Envendos for about thirty minutes. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
With a delay of about 50 minutes, I arrive at Lisboa Oriente. I finally want to check in at my hotel and skip the station review. However, the departure of my connecting Urbano is delayed by another 15 minutes. Consequently, it gets very crowded. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 11
A tourist in #Lisbon doing Lisbon tourist things... #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 12
Two days later, at Entrecampos station again. The displays and announcements aren't working and one Urbano train after another serves or passes the station. After about 35 minutes of waiting, my #Intercidades train to Faro finally arrives and the screens start working again. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 12
In the end, the #Intercidades train from Lisbon to Faro is delayed by around 45 minutes. There are lots of international tourists on the train, all seeking the sun in southern Portugal. The beautiful scenery is passing by, but the journey still feels rather slow. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 12
The connecting regional train from Faro to Vila Real de Santo António has been delayed by more than 45 minutes waiting for the Intercidades train from Lisbon. I get off at an intermediate stop and spent a couple of days doing normal tourist things. 🏖 #BlankSpots
Show threadPatrycja 🔜 V43Oct 9, 2025

@larstransportworld

Something reminds me of Stockholm, but what?

probably the t-bana announcement jingle? :p

https://social.treehouse.systems/@ptrc/115023362053785695

Patrycja (X31K) (@[email protected])

ohmygod i know where i've heard it before. the stockholm metro uses the exact same jingle hhhhh

Treehouse Mastodon
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 9, 2025
@ptrc Indeed 🤭