Only seven in ten Portuguese trains arrived on time in the first half of 2026
Rail punctuality fell to 70%, and Infraestruturas de Portugal says the effects of works and speed restrictions mean a quick improvement is unlikely.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026Passengers planning an appointment, airport connection or last train should build in more time and check the individual service rather than relying on the timetable alone.
- Overall punctuality was 70% in the first half of 2026, 7.4 percentage points lower than a year earlier.
- The network target is 85%, with long- and medium-distance services showing the weakest result.
- Infrastructure works and temporary speed restrictions are among the stated causes.
- A national average does not predict a specific train; check the live service before travelling.
What the figures show
Infraestruturas de Portugal recorded an overall punctuality rate of 70% between January and June. That is below the 85% network target and 7.4 percentage points lower than in the same period of 2025.
Long- and medium-distance trains performed worst. The infrastructure manager says works, speed restrictions and other network constraints will continue to affect results in the near term.
Plan around the journey that matters
Allow a realistic margin where a missed connection has consequences. For an airport journey, hospital appointment or the final service of the day, compare an earlier train with the cost and risk of having no workable alternative.
Check the operator's live information on the day and keep delay evidence if you may need to make a passenger-rights request. The national percentage is useful context, not a live departure board.
What you can do now.
- 01
Check the individual service before leaving.
- 02
Allow extra time for important connections.
- 03
Keep the ticket and delay record if the journey is disrupted.
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