Portugal’s High-Speed Rail Begins: What Buyers Need to Know

Portugal begins construction of the Porto-Lisbon high speed rail on 12 October 2026. This project includes 19 km of viaducts and bridges, 8 km of tunnels, and a new bridge over the Douro River for both road traffic and trains.

For property buyers, the completed rail line would reduce travel time between the major cities from 2 hours and 50 minutes (with 3 stops) to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It would be one of the most efficient modes of transportation.

Keep reading to find out how the new high-speed rail in Portugal can influence property demand and which areas to watch for.

Portugal's High-Speed Rail (LAV): Quick Facts

Source: European Commission

Portugal's High-Speed Rail Construction Begins in Aveiro

Construction for the high-speed rail line (LAV), connecting Lisbon and Porto, started in Portugal on Monday 12 October. The first phase of the project began between Porto-Campanhã and Oiã, in the Aveiro District.

The Porto-Oirã section is a 71 km long high-speed railway line that comes with a new station at Vila Nova de Gaia-Santo Ovídio, a larger and remodeled Porto-Campanhã Intermodal Station, and a new road-rail bridge on top of the Douro River.

According to the European Commission, The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed €875 million for the Porto-Oiã section. This is the very first tranche of the total €3 billion funding package approved in 2024 for Portugal’s new high-speed rail line linking Lisbon and Porto.

There are additional investments as well, such as the €480 million European Grant Support, €900 million in extra funding from international and national institutions, alongside the €150 million in co-financing.

Together with the new Lisbon airport, the high-speed rail line (LAV) is the country’s biggest infrastructure project for this century, according to Portugal’s Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz.

What can the new high-speed rail in Portugal offer?

The new high-speed rail in Portugal is designed for trains to travel at up to 300 km/h, which means passengers can expect to travel more efficiently between Lisbon and Porto in around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

As part of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the LAV project aims to:

• Double the number of rail passengers
• Complement existing railway lines
• Create sustainable transport
• Reduce emissions
• Improve quality of life in Portugal

When Will the Lisbon-Porto High-Speed Rail Open

The Porto-Oiã section is a 30-year public and private partnership. It comes with 5 years of approvals, design, certification, and approvals followed by 25 years of infrastructure and maintenance, according to Infraestruturas de Portugal.

The Porto-Oiã concession was signed on 29 July 2025. While construction began in Q3 2026, the scheduled completion date for Porto-Oiã section is 2030.

The second phase starts with about 128 km line between Soure and Carregado, which experts currently estimate it would be built by 2033. Then comes the third phase, connecting Carregado and Lisbon (East) with roughly 37 km rail line to be built later.

Furthermore, the government projects that Portugal’s new high-speed rail to create an approximate 3-hour journey between Madrid and Lisbon by 2034. This makes it one of the most important infrastructure investments for international travel to Spain.

How the New Rail Line Could Affect Property Demand

Portugal’s high-speed rail line, from Lisbon to Porto, would most likely increase the demand for properties in short transit catchments or within walkable distance of stations.

“We often see properties that are about 800 meters to 1.5 km of a station to experience stronger demand, price, and rental uplift” – explains Gonçalo Peixoto, Head of Operations at Goldcrest. “This is typical market response, which is something buyers can expect for a railway project of this scale.”

Which Portuguese Property Markets Could Benefit

Portugal’s real estate market can greatly benefit from the new high speed rail services. If you prefer to snap up a property near the upcoming high-speed rail line in Portugal, here are some top locations you may want to consider.

Campanhã

Campanhã in Porto may attract property buyers because the Porto-Campanhã station is going to be redesigned and expanded. This station is already widely used as it connects to the Porto Metropolitan Area.

Santo Ovídio

Santo Ovídio in Vila Nova de Gaia might be an interesting area to watch as a buyer as there is a proposal for a new underground station. The goal is to build it 60 meters below ground. However, the Major of Gaia, Luís Filipe Menezes has opposed this proposal and suggested for a different location in Mafamude and Vilar do Paraíso.

Canelas

Canelas in Vila Nova de Gaia could be a wise choice for buyers as it already has a railway station. The new 8.3 km connection would only add to its appeal, considering it would link it to the existing Northern Line.

Oiã

Oiã in Oliveira do Bairro can be a good location for buyers looking to live closer to Aveiro city. As the endpoint of the first section of Portugal’s new high-speed rail line, we see it as an actively emerging property market.

What Buyers Should Know Before Investing Near the Rail Line

Before building or buying property in Portugal next to a railway line, we suggest you do a thorough due diligence. Request a Planta de Condicionantes (Constraints Plan) from your local council. It can help you spot potential dangers, like building near high-voltage overhead cables or electrified train tracks.

On that note, consult with the Plano Diretor Municipal (PDM) to see what you can use the land for. A real estate lawyer in Portugal filters out any legal issues or hidden debts, which can make the process run smoother.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process. 

Unlike traditional real estate agents in Portugal who represent the seller, we are dedicated exclusively to protecting the buyer’s interests. 

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice. 

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time. We can also help you buy property remotely.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.