Portugal Introduces €20 Monthly Rail Pass

Portugal is launching a new €20 monthly train ticket dubbed the Green Rail Pass.

Portugal is set to introduce a new €20 monthly train ticket, known as the Green Rail Pass, offering an affordable and eco-friendly way to travel across the country. Announced by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in August 2024, this initiative aims to encourage sustainable transport while making train travel more accessible to the public

Key Features of the Green Rail Pass

Feature	Details
Cost	€20 per month
Coverage	Nearly all urban, regional, inter-regional, and inter-city services operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP)
Exclusions	Not valid on Alfa Pendular high-speed trains, metros, or light rail systems
Launch Date	Expected before the end of 2024
Seat Reservations	Required for intercity services, with two free seat reservations per day

The Green Rail Pass is significantly cheaper than the €49 unlimited monthly rail pass introduced in 2023 and offers a more affordable alternative to similar European rail passes.

Mixed Reactions to the Green Rail Pass

While the initiative has been praised as an investment in the environment and sustainable transport, CP Workers' Commission has voiced concerns about its financial impact on the state-owned railway operator.

"To give you an idea of the financial impact of this National Pass, €20 is less than a 2nd class ticket on an Intercidades train from Lisbon to Coimbra (€21.30 in 2nd class; €26.85 in 1st class)," the Workers’ Commission stated.

Additionally, the pass will not be valid on urban trains in Lisbon and Porto, meaning commuters in these metropolitan areas may face additional costs.

Comparing Portugal’s Green Rail Pass with Other European Schemes

Country	Pass Name	Cost	Coverage
Germany	Deutschlandticket	€49 (€58 from 2025)	Unlimited regional rail travel
France	France Pass	Limited availability	Only for residents aged 27 and under
Austria	Klimaticket	€1,095/year	Nationwide public transport
Hungary	National Travel Card	€49/month	Bus and train services (excluding municipal transport)

Germany’s Deutschlandticket, introduced in April 2023, saw a significant rise in passenger numbers, proving the potential success of such initiatives.

What’s Next for the Green Rail Pass?

While the exact details of the implementation are still pending, the Portuguese government has assured that the pass will be introduced before the end of 2024. This initiative is part of Portugal’s broader green mobility plan, aiming to reduce carbon footprints and promote public transport over private car use.

For more details, visit the official Comboios de Portugal website or follow the Portuguese Ministry of Infrastructure updates.

Final Thoughts

Portugal's Green Rail Pass represents a bold step towards affordable and sustainable travel. However, its financial sustainability and practical implementation will be key factors in determining its long-term success.

Would you consider switching to train travel with a €20 monthly pass? Let us know in the comments below!