Planning a trip to Coimbra

Arriving

By Train -- Coimbra has two train stations: Estação Coimbra-A, Largo das Ameias, and Estação Coimbra-B, 5km (3 miles) west of central Coimbra. For information, call (tel. 808/208-208). Coimbra-B station is mainly for trains coming from cities outside the region, but regional trains serve both stations. Frequent shuttles connect the two. The train ride takes 5 minutes and costs 1.50€. At least 16 trains per day make the 3-hour run north from Lisbon. It costs 15€ one-way. From Figueira da Foz, there's one train per hour. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 2.10€ one-way.

By Bus -- The bus station is on Avenida Fernão de Magalhães (tel. 23/982-70-81). Fourteen buses a day arrive from Lisbon, after a 3-hour trip that costs 13€ one-way. Thirteen buses per day make the 6-hour trip from Porto. The one-way fare is 11€.

By Car -- From Lisbon, take the express highway A1 north. The journey takes less than 2 hours, if there isn't too much traffic.

Visitor Information

The Coimbra Tourist Office is on Largo da Portagem (tel. 23/948-81-20; www.turismo-centro.pt). During the summer, the office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 1pm and 2:30 to 5:30pm. Winter hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2 to 5:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 1pm and 2:30 to 3pm.