A daytime train journey between Lisbon and Madrid is once again possible thanks to the limited re-opening to passenger trains of the line across the Portugal/Spain border between Elvas and Badajoz. It is VERY SLOW, probably for diehards and enthusiasts only. There is only one train each way each day.
Here's the timetables. Note that the journey from Lisbon is not possible on Sundays and most public holidays.
Lisbon Sta Apolonia leave 07.30*
Lisbon Gare Oriente leave 07.39*
Intercity train*, reservation required, does not run Sundays and some Holidays. Also does not run on 20 December, 2 January. Please check at www.cp.pt before committing yourself.
Entroncamento arrive 08.32
CHANGE TRAINS
Entroncamento leave 08.45 Regional train, no reservations
Badajoz arrive 13.37 (Spanish time, one hour ahead of Portugal)
CHANGE TRAINS
Badajoz leave 14.20 Regional train
Madrid Atocha arrive 19.56
Madrid Atocha leave 09.53 Regional train
Badajoz arrive 15.40
CHANGE TRAINS
Badajoz leave 18.30 (Spanish time) Regional train
Entroncamento arrive 21.20(Portuguese time)
CHANGE TRAINS
Entroncamento leave 2129 Intercity train#, reservation required
Lisbon Gare Oriente arrive 2221
Lisbon Sta Apolonia arrive 2230
* There is a regional train (no reservations and cheaper) from Lisbon to Entroncamento at 06.48 arriving 08.22 except on Sundays and holidays.
# there is no regional train to Lisbon for over an hour.
Double check times on the Spanish side at www.renfe.es
I do not know whether you can buy a ticket for the whole journey. I doubt it. Certainly the Portuguese on-line system will not even sell you a ticket to Elvas, the last station in Portugal.
The Regional trains in Portugal do not carry on-board refreshment facilities. I don't think the Spanish ones do either, at least the timetable doesn't say they do.
As I am sure regular readers know, the only other train between Lisbon and Madrid is the overnight Lusitania 'Tren-Hotel' service.
It would be interesting to hear from anyone mad enough to attempt this journey!
