Portuguese · Travel & Getting Around
"Train" in Portuguese: trem
o trem
Note: PT-PT: o comboio
Train in Brazilian Portuguese is o trem. In Portugal the everyday word is o comboio. Say de trem for by train in Brazil, and check platforms with Qual é a plataforma do trem?
Buying tickets
Dois bilhetes para o trem das nove, por favor.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce trem
Say it
trayñ
/ˈtɾẽ/
trayñ — short, nasal feel on the end for many speakers. Spelled trem.
"Train" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| o trem | train (Brazil) Default Brazilian word. | Default Brazilian word. |
| o comboio | train (Portugal) Default European Portuguese word. | Default European Portuguese word. |
| de trem | by train Travel method in Brazil. | Travel method in Brazil. |
| estação de trem | train station Where you catch it. | Where you catch it. |
| metrô | subway / metro City rail, related but not the same. | City rail, related but not the same. |
How to use trem in real life
- 1Buying tickets
Dois bilhetes para o trem das nove, por favor.
Two tickets for the nine o'clock train, please.
Trem das nove names the departure.
- 2On the platform
Este trem para em Campinas?
Does this train stop in Campinas?
Parar em means to stop in a city.
- 3Travel tip for Portugal
Em Lisboa o povo diz comboio, não trem.
In Lisbon people say comboio, not trem.
Useful PT-PT swap for travelers.
Mistakes English speakers make with trem
Incorrect: Vou de train.
Correct: Vou de trem.
Use trem in Brazilian Portuguese.
Incorrect: O trem (said in Lisbon as the only option)
Correct: O comboio (in Portugal)
Locals in Portugal usually say comboio; trem sounds Brazilian.
Good to know
Brazil's long-distance passenger rail is limited compared with Europe, so trem often means local or tourist lines, while ônibus covers many intercity trips. In Portugal, comboio is the normal word on signs and tickets.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Catching a morning train to another city
ChatPal
Nosso trem sai da plataforma três.
Our train leaves from platform three.
You
Ótimo. Eu nunca peguei este trem antes.
Great. I've never taken this train before.
ChatPal
É confortável. O trem tem tomada em quase toda poltrona.
It's comfortable. The train has an outlet at almost every seat.
You
Perfeito. Vou trabalhar um pouco no trem.
Perfect. I'll work a bit on the train.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Train" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Train" in Portuguese
Do Brazilians say trem or comboio?
Trem. Comboio is the usual word in Portugal.
How do I say by train?
De trem in Brazil; de comboio in Portugal.
How do I say train station?
Estação de trem in Brazil; estação de comboio in Portugal.
Is metrô the same as trem?
No. Metrô is city metro/subway. Trem is usually overground train service.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
