Are you thinking of going from Porto to Douro Valley by Train? I’ve got just the ticket!

Have you ever dreamed of exploring a place so beautiful it feels like a postcard come to life? Well, get ready, because the train journey from Porto to the Douro Valley is just that! The Douro Valley train line is considered by many the most beautiful train ride in Europe.

I’ve driven from Lisbon to Douro many times to stock up my wine collection, but taking the train from Porto is a whole different kind of wonderful. It’s not only easy but also one of the most scenic routes you can experience in Portugal—and you can do it all in one day!

Imagine leaving the bustling city of Porto and slipping into the serene beauty of rolling vineyards and riverside views. This train ride isn’t just a trip; it’s your easy ticket to a day filled with stunning sights, tasty wines, and unforgettable memories. Read on to find out what makes this train journey a perfect day trip!

Douro Valley Daytrip from Porto

Taking the Douro Valley train from Porto is an easy way to get to the valley if you haven’t rented a car. You can choose to make your own day trip and follow the suggestions bellow, or you can book an organized group tour that picks you up in Pinhao, or Peso da Regua. This would mean you’d still get to see it all without too much hassle.

✅ Check out the best rated Douro wine tour from Pinhao here

✅ Or try this Douro Valley tour from Peso da Regua

A train travels over an arched bridge against the backdrop of the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards and blue sky, symbolizing a scenic journey through one of Portugal's most beautiful wine regions.

How to Get from Porto to Douro Valley by Train

You can drive from Porto or even take an organized wine tour, but taking the train is so easy that it’s definitely worth your while unless you have mobility problems.

Douro valley Train Timetable

You have plenty of options to choose from with 10-12 trains leaving daily from Porto to Régua, and about 5 or 6 of these continue all the way to Pinhão. For the best experience, hop on one of the early trains from Porto to Pinhão. Try to catch a train around 8 AM or 9 AM to make the most of your day. Check out the Portuguese train schedule at cp.pt.

Where to Catch Your Train

You can catch these trains from Porto’s main Campanhã station. However, for a more scenic start, board at Porto São Bento train station. São Bento is not just a station; it’s a historic site famed for its beautiful azulejo (tile) panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history.

Train Ticket Prices

Prices vary depending on the time and class of service, but generally, you can expect to pay around €10 to €20 for one-way train tickets. You can buy return before you board, or from the ticket collector on board. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, especially during tourist season, to secure your spot, but you can just show up at the station and buy before getting on the train.

A steel bridge carrying a train track over a blue river, surrounded by lush green hills on a sunny day. This spot is part of the picturesque Porto to Douro Valley by Train experience.

Train Travel Tips

Train Types: There are three types of trains: Urban (U), Regional (R), and Inter-Regional (IR). The U and T trains will only take you to Peso da Regua. For a full journey into the Douro Valley, choose the IR trains—they travel all the way to Pocinho, stopping at major stations like Régua and Pinhão.

Best Side for Views: On your way to the Douro Valley, try to sit on the right side of the train. That’s where you’ll be seated forward, and get the best views of the river and the landscapes sweeping by.

Food and Drinks: These trains don’t have catering services, so pack some snacks and water. Maybe even bring a little picnic to enjoy as you watch the world go by!

Planning Ahead: Check the schedule in advance on the Portuguese Railways website (www.cp.pt) to plan your trip perfectly.

How long is the Porto to douro Valley train time?

It takes just a little over 2 hours to get to the heart of the Douro Valley. Plan to get there in the morning and try to return to Porto for a late dinner so you get to spend a full day.

Map of Douro Valley Portugal

Where to Stop Along the Train Line

While the Linha do Douro train line has 35 stops from Sao Bento train station, four stand out as the most interesting parts of the valley: Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Tua, and Pocinho.

The Peso da Regua scenic train station platform with colorful tile murals, nestled against a backdrop of lush green hills and terraced vineyards, illustrating the route from Porto to Douro Valley by Train.

Peso da Régua (Régua)

Just called Régua, this town is the most important hub in the Douro Valley. Known for its scenic riverfront and the Museu do Douro, Régua will give you a great introduction to the wine culture of the region. The town is packed with wine tasting opportunities and river activities, making it an excellent stop for visitors exploring the Douro.

Pinhão

Pinhão is highly recommended as the quintessential stop on your journey. It’s a charming village right at the heart of the Douro’s wine-making territory. The town itself is picturesque, with the Pinhão train station famously decorated with ceramic tiles depicting local scenes.

Since it’s close to many renowned vineyards and the start of many boat cruises along the Douro, Pinhão is ideal if you want to experience the essence of the valley within walking distance of the train station. If it’s your first and only visit to the Douro Valley, this is where you’ll want to get off.

Aerial view of the Douro Valley with its expansive vineyards, winding river, and multiple bridges connecting the region. This picturesque landscape is part of the scenic Porto to Douro Valley by Train journey.

Tua

This smaller village provides a quieter experience. Tua is a gateway to explore nearby nature and the stunning vistas of the valley. However, there isn’t as much to do here in terms of activities compared to Pinhão and Régua. There are no central attractions or boat tours, which make it a peaceful stop if that’s what you’re after.

Pocinho

This is the last stop at the end of the line. Pocinho offers a tranquil, old-world setting with dramatic views over the Douro. It’s more remote and less developed in terms of tourism compared to the other stops, and its charm lies in its simplicity and the untouched nature of the surroundings. If you want to have some great wine and read a book with a view, Pocinho is worth the journey.

The rural train station named "Pinhão" with railway tracks stretching into the distance, surrounded by hills and vineyards under a bright blue sky. This is the place to stop on your trip from Porto to Douro Valley by train.

Daytrip to the Douro Valley Recommended Stop: Pinhão

For a day trip, I recommend you stop in Pinhão. The accessibility to key attractions and the charm of the quaint village surrounded by vineyards make it a perfect spot. Here, you can easily walk to several top vineyards, have a great meal with beautiful views, or take a boat tour on the Douro. You can see a lot of what the Douro has to offer without going any further!

What Should I Visit?

After arriving in Pinhão by train, you’ll be in the perfect spot to explore some of the Douro Valley’s top attractions. Here’s what you can do to make the most of your visit:

Quinta das Carvalhas: This vineyard is one of the oldest and most spectacular in the region, with panoramic views at 450 meters above the river. They offer tours that include a jeep ride through the vineyards and tastings of both wine and port in their tasting room with a view.

Quinta do Bomfim: Located just a short walk from the Pinhão station, this winery offers guided tours and tastings. You can explore their cellars and learn about the wine-making process. If you prefer to relax, their terrace overlooking the Douro River is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of port.

Vinicola Wine & Soul: This boutique winery is celebrated for its intimate setting and personalized wine tasting sessions. Here you’ll get to taste wines from several different producers and buy to your hearts content, just as long as you can carry it home! It’s a bit smaller than the others but offers a unique and memorable experience which focuses on quality wines.

Pinhão Railway Station: The station itself is worth a visit! Decorated with 24 beautiful azulejo panels that illustrate the region’s history of wine production, it’s both a historical and artistic landmark. There’s also a small wine shop and a museum inside the station if you’d like to learn more or take a souvenir home.

Boat Tours on the Douro: You can take a boat tour from Pinhão, which is a fantastic way to see the vine-covered hillsides from a different perspective. These tours typically last one to two hours and offer what I think is the best way to experience the valley’s beauty. Not to be missed!

✅ Prefer something organized? Check out the best rated Douro tour from Pinhao here

The sun sets over the Douro River, casting a warm glow over the landscape with a boat in the foreground and a distant bridge, illustrating a tranquil moment in the valley. This is the scene you get to see on your return from your trip from Porto to Douro Valley by train.

Can I do a Boat Tour?

A river cruise is an excellent complement to your Douro train journey! It will give you a fresh perspective of the Douro Valley’s breathtaking landscapes from the water. This is a short, jam-packed experience which fits beautifully into a day trip to the Douro.

Taking a boat tour on the Douro River is one of the best ways to soak it all in and is one of my favorite Portuguese experiences! Here’s how you can enjoy a quick but memorable boat trip during your day in Pinhão:

Tour Options:

One-Hour River Cruise: This short trip is perfect if you’re tight on time. You’ll get to see the stunning terraced vineyards along the riverbanks with a bit of commentary and enjoy a beautiful ride on a traditional rabelo boat.

✅ Check out the best small group 1 hour Douro cruise

Two-Hour River Cruise: A bit longer, this tour allows for additional sights and includes extensive guided commentary about the history of the region and its wine-making. This is a popular choice for visitors and includes a tasting of different wines. It’s a great way to dive into the beauty and culture of the Douro without spending half the day.

✅ Check out this great 2 hour Douro cruise with porto wine

A steel bridge carrying a train track over a blue river, surrounded by lush green hills. This spot is part of the picturesque Porto to Douro Valley by Train experience.

Booking Your Tour:

On-the-Spot: You can book these tours right at the Pinhão marina. This gives you flexibility depending on how your day is unfolding. Tours are generally scheduled hourly, but if you haven’t booked online I suggest you check out the schedule first thing so you can time it with anything else you’d like to do and your train back to Porto.

Advance Booking: If you are planning on visiting between July and August, make sure to book online before arriving.

What to Expect:

Relax and enjoy the serene views as the boat glides along the river.

Many boat tours offer a wine tastings on board and commentary on the surrounding vineyards and their history.

A group of people walks through a vineyard at sunset, carrying buckets filled with grapes. Long shadows stretch behind them, adding to the tranquil ambiance of the vineyard landscape.

A close-up of freshly harvested grapes being poured from a black bucket into a large metal container, capturing the vibrant, deep purple hues of the grapes against the backdrop of the vineyard.

Where should I go for Lunch?

Don’t miss the chance to taste local cuisine at nearby restaurants. And just a tip: This part of Portugal is not known for fish or seafood, so don’t expect miracles! Choose pork or beef from the menu for the best of the local fare. Try these spots in Pinhao:

Cozinha da Clara – Known for its Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine, this restaurant has delicious Wild Boar Croquettes and Porco Preto (black pork). It offers a sophisticated dining experience with stunning views of the valley.

Veladouro – A favorite for its Mediterranean and Portuguese offerings, Veladouro provides a cozy atmosphere. Try the fresh tuna!

LBV 79 – This spot is celebrated for its blend of Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes, set in a picturesque location with great service and ambiance.

Michelle stands in a vineyard, smiling while holding a large bucket filled with freshly picked purple grapes. The bright sunlight casts shadows on the vines, highlighting the lush green leaves around her. Grape harvesting is so much fun!

A lush vineyard filled with rows of grapevines heavy with ripe, dark grapes. The scene is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and distant buildings under a cloudy sky. A daytrip from Porto to the Douro Valley by train is an incredible way to see Portugal's wine country.

What should I do first in Pinhao?

It really depends on what time you arrive, but I would suggest you do things in the following order

• 1 hour Boat Tour

• Lunch

• Quinta das Carvalhas vineyard tour

• Quinta do Bomfim tasting room or a wine boutique tasting

• Depart back to Porto

Rows of oak barrels lined up in a wine cellar, used for aging wine in the Douro Valley. The dim lighting creates a warm, rustic atmosphere typical of traditional winemaking regions in Portugal.

An underground wine cellar with rustic brick shelving filled with numerous bottles of wine. The darkness and shadows emphasize the cool, controlled environment for wine preservation.

Porto to Douro Valley by Train FAQ

Is Douro Valley worth it?

Absolutely! The Douro Valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, world-class wines, and rich cultural heritage. You’re missing out big time if you don’t at least spend a day here.

Is Douro Valley walkable?

While some areas in the Douro Valley are walkable, such as the small towns and vineyards near train stations, you’ll need some form of transportation because of how hilly the region is and spread-out attractions are along the river.

What is the nicest town in Douro Valley?

Pinhão is often considered the nicest town in the Douro Valley due to its picturesque setting, accessibility to vineyards, and charming riverfront.

What is the most scenic part of the Douro river?

The stretch of the Douro River between Peso da Régua and Pinhão is considered the most scenic, with its dramatic terraced vineyards that are iconic to the region.

The Douro River snakes through terraced vineyards under a clear blue sky. This is what we see on the train from Porto to the Douro Valley. The scene captures the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley, famed for its wine production

Train from Porto to Douro Valley: The Wrap-Up

Embarking on a train journey from Porto to the Douro Valley offers more than just a scenic escape: it’s a gateway to exploring one of Portugal’s most enchanting regions. This trip promises a blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty in on e of Portugal’s most iconic regions. The Douro Valley is a destination that truly rewards the senses, making every moment of this day trip memorable.

How to Get from Porto to Douro Valley by Train 2024

Are you thinking of going from Porto to Douro Valley by Train? I’ve got just the ticket!