HIGH-SPEED ALFA PENDULAR TRAINS
HIGH-SPEED ALFA PENDULAR TRAINS
Operator:
CP
Top Speed:
220 km/h (137 mph)
Number of Routes:
25
Capacity:
301 seats
The History of High-Speed Trains in Portugal
The story of bullet trains in Portugal pretty much repeats the story of any other country in the world. Around the 2000s, it became clear that the Portuguese railway system starts to struggle due to the increasing popularity of train travel, and some renovations have to be made in order to be able to keep up with continually growing ridership.
Among other improvements, the CP state rail company introduced the idea of launching high-speed tilting trains connecting all the major cities of the country.
What is the tilting train? Great question. When a regular train goes through a bend at high speed, everything and everyone inside experiences the g-force, making those who stand to lose their balance and those who sit to smash into the armrests.
Among other improvements, the CP state rail company introduced the idea of launching high-speed tilting trains connecting all the major cities of the country.
What is the tilting train? Great question. When a regular train goes through a bend at high speed, everything and everyone inside experiences the g-force, making those who stand to lose their balance and those who sit to smash into the armrests.
| As the passengers' comfort always comes first, the regular trains have to lower their speed significantly to round the curve. The tilting trains can change the lean of the train cars, tilting them towards the curve to cheat the physics a bit and compensate for the centrifugal force. It allows them to go through the bends much faster than the regular trains do, without any discomfort for the travelers. It took some time to set everything up, but in 1999, the brand new red-blue-and-white Alfa Pendular high-speed trains entered the service. Although used and assembled in Portugal, Alfa Pendular trains are very much Italian. They are part of the Pendolino family of tilting trains, created by the rail division of the world-famous car manufacturer, Fiat, and currently used all over the world. |
| Alfa Pendular Trains Now Sometimes abbreviated as AP, Alfa Pendular trains are still among the smartest ways to get around Portugal. Fast and stylish, the amazing trains were refurbished and modernized in 2017, and now Alfa Pendular trains bring comfort to a whole new level. They offer 2 travel classes to choose from, great onboard amenities (including the complimentary Wi-Fi, power sockets, bar & cafe, and multimedia systems), an extensive schedule, and a top speed of 220 km/h (140 mph). The alpha train of Portugal, Alfa Pendular, is a safe choice for those who appreciate great service and value their time. You can find everything you need to know about the CP's high-speed train and find out the best way to book your Alfa Pendular train tickets on our website. |