Explore the stunning Douro Valley on a train day trip from Porto

The Linha do Douro is often regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe.

This charming train route in northern Portugal meanders through a river valley adorned with vineyards.

While Pocinho is a small village with little to offer, the true allure of northern Portugal's Linha do Douro lies in the scenic journey connecting it to Porto.

The Douro River slices through the northern part of Portugal, creating a rugged divide from east to west. That port wine you savored in Porto originates from the steep vineyards that grace the river valley. Though many visitors opt for a river cruise, I chose to experience it by train.

Stretching approximately 200 km (125 miles), the line concludes at Pocinho, just before reaching the Spanish border. This means the train doesn’t take you to a specific destination, requiring you to retrace your route. However, with the right approach, the Linha do Douro can be enjoyed as a leisurely and reflective – yet occasionally thrilling – day trip, complete with opportunities for lunch and wine tasting.

Departing early from Porto's São Bento Station

To allow ample time for lunch or wine tasting, it’s essential to catch the first train of the day, leaving Porto’s iconic São Bento Station at 7:15 am. I had to transfer trains in the town of Ermesinde, located northeast of Porto, where I boarded my Linha do Douro train (for a direct ride, take the first Linha do Douro service from São Bento at 8:20 am). The train, produced in Switzerland and painted in a retro '70s orange, was nearly empty and could have easily been a scene in a Wes Anderson movie.

In the following hour, you'll navigate through Porto’s expansive urban landscape, characterized by predominantly gray, semi-industrial suburbs. Your journey begins with the first of 23 tunnels in Caíde, marking the shift to more rural scenery. The town of Ribadouro offers your initial view of the Douro River, and from this point onward, the adventure truly unfolds.

The train meanders along the river, flanked by steep, terraced vineyards and quaint villages perched on the hillsides. I made this journey in late January when mist and fog shrouded the landscape, adding a surreal, isolated charm. Quaint whistle-stop stations showcase beautiful tiles; at times, the tracks are almost at river level. For the best vistas, sit on the right side. You might be tempted to disembark in the larger city of Peso da Régua, but a more astute choice is Pinhão, where you’ll arrive around 10 am (closer to 11 am if you took the direct train from São Bento).

Get off in Pinhão for a delightful lunch and wine tasting experience

Pinhão, the endpoint for one-day boat trips from Porto, is a quirky town where seasoned winemakers meet curious tourists. It offers plenty to keep you entertained for a few hours. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo of the tile murals at the station, then take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront to start planning your lunch. The town center has several cafes and restaurants, with stunning riverfront spots like Veladoura and Cozinha da Clara just a short walk away.

Additionally, Pinhão boasts a renowned butcher, Talho Qualifer – Quinta das Barrocas, where you can enjoy smoked meats on-site or prepare a picnic lunch by the river. Being in the heart of Portugal’s premier wine region, don’t forget to schedule a tasting session. Several wineries, including Croft, Quinta do Bomfim, and Quinta do Noval, are located right in town and offer tastings of both standard and fortified wines.

After indulging and enjoying a bit of wine over four or five hours in Pinhão, it’s time to make your way to the journey's end: Pocinho. Take the 3:43 pm train, which arrives just in time for you to catch the last train back to Porto.

The final leg from Pinhão to Pocinho is the most breathtaking part of the journey

The final hour linking Pinhão and Pocinho is arguably the most stunning segment of the line – a part that day-trippers on boats from Porto miss entirely. Just outside Pinhão, the Douro narrows, revealing a more rocky, rugged, and wild landscape. At Ferradosa, the train crosses one of the 35 bridges along the route to the southern bank of the river. Move to the left side of the train to glimpse tiny stations – little shelters really – connecting to trailheads and abandoned wineries, with vineyards reaching right to the tracks.

As you near the end of the line, the scenery opens up into a broad valley dotted with olive trees, with a dam and power plant looming ominously in the distance. In Pocinho, the original wooden station remains intact, though there isn't much else to explore here.

Catch the 5:14 pm train back to Porto

Take a moment to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and board the train (most likely the same one you arrived on) heading back to Porto, which departs at 5:14 pm. If all goes well, you should arrive in Porto around 8:30 pm, just in time for dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Linha do Douro

What’s the best time to visit?

I traveled in January, which brought particularly wet and misty weather. If you're keen on clear views or photography – or simply want to make the most of the longer daylight hours – plan your trip during the summer months.

Where can you find food and drinks along the route?

Pinhão is the ideal spot for food and drink. If you're looking to save money, consider packing a lunch and a bottle of wine to enjoy a picnic by the river.

Where can you purchase tickets?

I bought my tickets ahead of time, but since the Linha do Douro sees so few passengers these days, you should be fine buying them on the day of travel at the station.

What is the ticket price?

A round-trip ticket costs just under €30; however, if you choose to break the journey into segments and buy three separate tickets as I suggest, it will be slightly more expensive.