National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum (Museu Nacional Ferroviário) in Entroncamento is Portugal's main museum devoted to railway history. Its collections cover more than 160 years of Portuguese rails and trains, and the exhibits are spread across a former railway junction complex.

What is the Museu Nacional Ferroviário?

It is a national museum headquartered in Entroncamento, in central Portugal, with several branches scattered around the country. The commission charged with creating it was set up in May 1991 on the initiative of the Portuguese parliament. The site beside Entroncamento station opened on 18 May 2015.

The collection holds around 36,000 objects and ranks among the finest railway heritage collections in Europe.

What can you see there?

The permanent exhibition presents steam, diesel and electric locomotives, along with representative models of famous trains. Alongside the engines you will find carriages of various types, plus equipment, tools and railwaymen's clothing that show what everyday railway life once looked like. Temporary exhibitions are also held.

The stars of the museum are two historic trains: the Royal Train and the Presidential Train. The royal set consists of the D. Luiz locomotive and its tender, the D. Maria Pia saloon and the Prince's Saloon. The royal family used it on journeys to Vila Viçosa.

Where is the museum located?

The museum occupies the Entroncamento railway complex, an area of 4.5 hectares with 19 tracks used for display. Visitors explore historic buildings, including the food warehouse, the distinctive locomotive rotunda and the old steam workshops. The site lies close to Entroncamento railway station, so it is easy to reach by train.

Frequently asked questions

When is the museum open? Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 17:30, with last entry at 16:30. Check the museum foundation's website (fmnf.pt) for current details before you go.

How long should I plan for a visit? The grounds cover 4.5 hectares and the collection is large, so set aside several hours to see the locomotives, carriages and buildings at an easy pace.

Can I go inside the Royal Train? The museum has offered visits to the interior of the Royal Train. Confirm current access with the museum before you travel.

Is it a good stop for children? Yes. Full-size locomotives and carriages standing on the tracks impress younger visitors, and a mini-train ride option is also on offer.

Who is it for? Railway and technology enthusiasts, families with children, and anyone interested in Portuguese history, where the railway played an important part.

How do I get there? The simplest way is by train to Entroncamento station, next to one of the museum's sites.