Portugal’s national passenger rail operator Comboios de Portugal (CP) has launched a major international tender for the supply of high-speed trains for the country’s future Porto-Lisbon railway line.
The contract marks a significant step forward in Portugal’s first high-speed rail project, which is expected to transform travel between the country’s two largest cities.
Portugal Launches €504 Million High-Speed Rail Tender
The tender covers the purchase of 12 high-speed trains with an initial maximum contract value of €504 million.
The agreement also includes an option for eight additional trains, technical maintenance support for two years after delivery of the first train and staff training for future in-house maintenance operations.
According to the tender conditions, CP may also request technical modifications under the optional phase, increasing costs by up to three percent.
Trains Must Operate At Speeds Above 300 Km/h
CP is seeking train models already operating commercially in Europe and capable of running at speeds of at least 300 km/h.
Each train must accommodate more than 500 passengers and include modern passenger amenities such as bicycle storage areas, onboard Wi-Fi, USB-C charging ports, passenger information systems and video surveillance.
The trains will initially operate on Iberian gauge tracks measuring 1668 mm.
However, the supplier must also ensure the trains can later be adapted for European standard gauge tracks through wheelset replacement technology.
Integration Into European Rail Network Planned
The future gauge conversion capability is considered essential for integrating Portugal’s high-speed network into the wider European TEN-T transport system.
The Porto-Lisbon line is expected to improve both domestic rail travel and future international connectivity with the rest of Europe.
Contract Expected In 2027
CP will accept bids until 2 July 2026 and plans to complete the evaluation process by mid-August.
The final contract is expected to be signed during the first quarter of 2027 following a two-stage selection process.
Train deliveries are currently scheduled to begin in early 2031 and conclude by the third quarter of 2032.
Portugal’s High-Speed Rail Network Moves Forward
In February, the Portuguese government approved up to €584 million in funding for the acquisition of 20 high-speed trains for the Porto-Lisbon route.
Part of the funding will also support the construction and equipment of a dedicated maintenance depot.
The 290-kilometre high-speed railway is expected to enter service in stages between 2030 and 2032 with a maximum operating speed of 300 km/h.
The project forms part of Portugal’s broader strategy to modernise national rail infrastructure and strengthen sustainable transportation links across the Iberian Peninsula and Europe.
