The Celta international train is one of the main direct links between the cities of Porto and Vigo (in Galicia). However, last August, changes were announced to the service, which now requires transhipment in Viana do Castelo.
Recently, there seems to be news about when the regular service will be re-established. According to a note from the Eixo Atlântico do Noroeste Peninsular, quoted by “Jornal Económico”, the forecast is for mid-December 2025.
Return to normality expected in December
According to the aforementioned sources, the issue is a WhatsApp message sent by the president of CP – Comboios de Portugal, Pedro Moreira, to the president of the Eixo Atlântico and the Viana do Castelo City Council, Luís Nobre, assuring that the change to the Celta service “is temporary”.
In the same message, shared in a statement by the Eixo Atlântico (which brings together 38 municipalities in the north of Portugal and Galicia), it is stated that the service – without transhipment in Viana do Castelo – should be normalized :
By mid-December, when the catenary on the Algarve line is expected to be activated, it will be possible to free up diesel cars, which will be transferred to the north”, allowing the service to be carried out without transhipment”, reads the message, quoted by “Jornal Económico”.
Celta: two countries united by the same service
While the direct connection between Porto and Vigo is not resumed, i.e. without a transfer in Viana do Castelo, we’d like to remind you of the current timetables. After all, it’s a useful service, linking not only several cities in the north of Portugal, but also two countries.
In this context, the Celta international train departs from Porto (Campanhã station) every day at 8.13am and 7.10pm in the direction of Vigo-Guixar. In all, the journey takes around 2h22 and tickets can be purchased online on the Renfewebsite, with prices starting at €10.55.
However, we always recommend that you check the official pages to keep a close eye on any changes, both in timetables and services and in prices.
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