Portugal invests 1.8 billion euros to purchase trains

Portugal invests 1.8 billion euros to purchase trains - Portugal Business News

Investment News Europe – Portugal is investing 1.8 billion euros to purchase 195 trains from both French manufacturer Alstom and Swiss manufacturer Stadler Rail, while Alstom trains will now be produced in Portugal, creating a new train manufacturing industry.

This represents Portugal’s largest investment ever in trains, namely:

1 - Alstom Adessia Stream trains

Portugal is purchasing 153 Adessia Stream trains from Alstom for a total investment of 1,064 million euros, according to a Government of Portugal announcement on March 10, 2026. The investment comprises a first purchase contract and the second purchase contained in the contract addendum that increases the investment by 318 million euros.

The new Alstom trains will be delivered to Portugal progressively between 2029 and 2031.

Portugal’s new Adessia Stream trains from Alstom include features such as step-free access, a level floor throughout the trainset, Wi-Fi, and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and bicycles, as well as digital Automatic train protection (ATP).

Portugal will also be acquiring 20 trains for High-Speed Rail for a value of 584 million euros for the future Porto–Lisbon high-speed line.  

2 - Stadler trains

Portugal’s total investment in trains also includes the 22 railcars purchased from Stadler for 158 million euros, the first train having arrived in Portugal at the end of 2025.

Stadler and Portuguese company Critical Software have launched a new joint venture, Stadler Digital Labs, focused on railway software, on February 20th, 2026. The new company includes one office in Coimbra and another in Lisbon, the latter located within Critical Software’s facilities, and will begin operations with a team of 100 people, with the goal of reaching 300 employees over the next three years.

"The collaboration between these two companies will bring together Critical Software’s and Stadler’s expertise in engineering and innovation for rail,” said Rogério Gomes, CEO of Stadler Digital Labs.

Trains made in Portugal:

Alstom will open a new manufacturing facility in Matosinhos, in the Porto region. The facility will cover more than 20,000 square metres and will be equipped with modern production technologies. Construction works will be carried out in partnership with Portuguese civil works company DST.

Alstom trains produced in Portugal will lead to the creation of around 300 direct jobs, while leading to the creation of a railway industry in Portugal.

“This partnership will also deliver long-term impact by strengthening local capabilities, creating new employment opportunities and contributing to the sustainable development of Portugal’s railway sector,” stated David Torres, Managing Director of Alstom Portugal. 

With the massive investment in the Portuguese railway system, the fleet of trains managed by CP (Comboios de Portugal) will be strengthened and modernized.