The Douro line is a railway line that connects Porto to Barca d’Alva and follows the Douro River for a length of 200 kilometres. Along the way, you can admire the beautiful landscapes of the Douro, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage.

The construction of the Douro line took place between 1873 and 1887. The connection between Ermesinde and Régua was completed in 1879, and reached Pinhão a year later in 1880. In 1883 the construction of the section to Barca d’Alva began and was inaugurated on 9 December 1887. On the same day, the connection to the international section that links  La Fregeneda and Salamanca was inaugurated, allowing connection to the Spanish railway network.

The Douro line was a work of great importance to the region as it created an alternative to the Douro river, the only means of communication, which allowed the regular transport of people and agricultural produce, especially wine, connecting the Upper Douro to the coast.

The international connection was however closed in 1985 and in 1988 the connection between Pocinho and Barca d’Alva was closed. So today the Douro line is open only as far as Pocinho.

The Douro Line and Tourism

Travelling along the Douro line by train is one of the best ways to get to know the region.

The route follows the Douro River along its length, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscape classified by UNESCO as World Heritage. The slopes full of vineyards and terraces that are reflected in the river, the farms on the banks, constitute a unique landscape and with this framework the train continues, describing the curves of the river, passing through tunnels and bridges. It is a very beautiful trip and one that you should not miss.

Historic Steam Train

Travelling along the Douro line in CP’s historic train is like taking a trip back in time. A riverside route, marked by the beauty of the landscape. The steam locomotive 0186, built in 1925 by Henschel & Son, and the 5 historic carriages, travel the distance from Régua station to Tua station in a unique journey into the past.

More information about the Historic Steam Train.

Douro Cruises

Douro Cruises regularly combine the boat trip with the return by train. This is the best way to return from your cruise, by the river, enjoying the beautiful landscapes that the Douro provides.