CP Cancels Six Intercidades Trains Friday Due to Extreme Heat

Portugal’s national rail operator, Comboios de Portugal (CP), has cancelled six Intercidades train services scheduled for Friday because of extreme heat affecting much of the country. The company described the move as “difficult but necessary” to reduce the risk of incidents during the current heatwave.

What happened

CP confirmed that six long-distance Intercidades connections would not run on Friday as temperatures soared across Portugal. The Intercidades network links major cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and Faro, making it one of the most-used services for both residents and visitors travelling between regions without a car.

The airline-style precaution reflects growing concern among infrastructure operators about how sustained high heat can affect rail equipment, particularly tracks, overhead power lines and signalling systems, which can warp or malfunction under extreme temperatures.

Why it matters for residents

For foreign residents who rely on trains rather than driving — a common choice for retirees, digital nomads and those without a Portuguese driving licence — sudden cancellations can disrupt travel plans, work commitments or medical appointments in other cities.

Portugal’s rail network is generally reliable, but heatwaves have become more frequent and intense in recent summers, and this is not the first time extreme heat has forced schedule changes. Anyone planning cross-country travel during hot spells should build in flexibility and check for updates before heading to the station.

What happens next

CP has not indicated whether further cancellations will follow if the heatwave continues into the weekend. Passengers holding tickets for the affected Friday services should expect rebooking options or refunds through CP’s usual customer service channels.

Those with upcoming travel plans are advised to monitor CP’s official website and app directly, since heat-related adjustments can be announced with little notice.