Flooding Halts Entroncamento–Castelo Branco Trains; Commutes Lengthen

The Portugal rail operator CP has halted all train services on the Beira Baixa line between Entroncamento and Castelo Branco, a shutdown that immediately disrupts daily commuting and regional freight flows across the Centre of the country.

Why This Matters

• No trains until further notice – tickets for the affected stretch are frozen and automatic refunds have started.

• Storm damage, not construction – depressions Kristin and Leonardo soaked the track; the ongoing underpass project is unrelated.

• Extra cost for travellers – bus trips on the parallel A23 can add €8-€15 to a typical Lisbon–Covilhã journey.

• Freight diversions – industrial cargo is being rerouted via Linha do Norte, lengthening delivery times by up to 48 hours.

What Happened

Days of persistent rain and strong winds left by the winter storms Kristin and Leonardo swamped several kilometres of track, knocked trees onto the catenary and short-circuited the overhead power system. Emergency teams from Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) removed debris overnight, but fresh flooding on the Tagus floodplain forced the operator to suspend traffic early Friday. CP published an alert at 06:10, recommending would-be passengers “verify circulation before heading to the station.”

Knock-On Effects for Commuters and Freight

Regular users of the Intercidades link from Lisbon to Castelo Branco – roughly 3,200 passengers a day – must now rely on regional coaches. Morning services quickly sold out, pushing travellers toward ride-sharing apps or private cars. Businesses that export ceramics, timber and paper through Entroncamento’s freight yard report logistics costs jumping 12 % after cargo was detoured north via Vilar Formoso.

What This Means for Residents

• Longer commute windows: A 2-hour rail ride from the capital to the interior is now a 3- to 3.5-hour road trip, depending on weather and A1-A23 traffic.• Refund and rebooking rights: CP is waiving change fees and offering full refunds on unused tickets; claim them online within 10 days.• Energy grid stress: With 700,000 homes still facing intermittent outages, travellers should expect patchy mobile coverage around Sardoal and Vila Velha de Ródão.• Property and rental market: Weekend house-hunters from Lisbon eyeing affordable interiors may postpone viewings, easing pressure on short-term demand.

Outlook: When Could the Trains Return?

IP engineers must first pump water away, inspect ballast stability and replace at least 500 m of damaged cable. Officials privately hope for a mid-February reopening, but the latest forecast shows another Atlantic front due next week. The agency will publish a revised timetable 48 hours before service resumes.

Practical Tips Until Service Restarts

Check CP’s real-time map every morning; alerts also appear in the myCP app.

Consider Rede Expressos coaches from Lisbon Sete Rios to Castelo Branco – seven daily departures, fares from €12.50.

If driving, keep an eye on IPMA weather warnings; water can pool quickly on the N3 and N18.

Employers with telework policies might allow home-office days; ask HR before booking accommodation in Lisbon.

For now, the Beira Baixa corridor rests under floodwater. Until the track is clear, residents will have to juggle buses, carpools or remote work to keep life – and business – moving.