Douro Historical Train: everything you need to know before you go

If you're seeking a truly unique experience in Portugal, few journeys match the charm and cultural depth of the Douro Historical Train. Known locally as the Comboio Histórico do Douro, this vintage locomotive transports you through one of Europe's most spectacular wine regions, where steep terraced vineyards cling to the hills above the Douro River, and centuries-old villages dot the valleys.

The ride isn’t just about nostalgia, it's a living, breathing encounter with Portuguese heritage, set against a backdrop of natural beauty so iconic that the Douro Valley is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you're a train enthusiast, history lover, wine aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Douro Historical Train offers an unforgettable glimpse into a timeless Portugal. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Douro Historical Train is a seasonal steam train experience that runs along a preserved section of the Douro railway line, between the towns of Régua and Tua. It is powered by a 1915 Henschel steam locomotive, pulling five historic wooden carriages, and includes onboard performances and traditional regional experiences.

This isn't just a scenic train ride, it's a cultural immersion designed to evoke the golden age of rail travel in Portugal, all while taking you through the heart of Douro wine country.

Fast facts:

• Route: Peso da Régua to Tua and back;
• Duration: 3 hours round-trip;
• Season: operates typically from June to October on weekends;
• Train type: vintage steam locomotive and 5 restored carriages;
• Stops: brief stops at historical stations and viewpoints.

The journey begins in Peso da Régua, the Douro Valley’s main railway hub and a traditional port wine shipping town. As the train chugs eastward along the riverbanks, passengers are treated to views of:

• Terraced vineyards that rise steeply from the river;
• Olive groves and almond trees;
• Centuries-old wine estates (quintas);
• The shimmering Douro River, always in sight to the right.

At the halfway point, the train stops in Tua, a quiet riverside village where you can stretch your legs, snap photos of the scenic gorge, and enjoy local treats before returning to Régua.

This isn’t a commuter train, it’s an immersive cultural journey. During the ride, passengers are entertained with:

• Live traditional music, such as cantares ao desafio or folk accordionists;
• Complimentary samples of local sweets (like cavacas) and regional port wine;
• Commentary (in Portuguese) highlighting the Douro’s history and landscape.

The open windows and vintage interior details (wooden benches, brass fittings, creaking floors) add to the charm. It’s like traveling through a movie set of 19th-century Portugal.

Built in the late 19th century, the Douro railway line was once the lifeline of this mountainous region. Before modern roads, the train connected remote villages and enabled the transport of port wine barrels from the interior to the coastal city of Porto.

Timeline of significance:

• 1887: completion of the full Douro rail line to the Spanish border;
• 20th century: decline of steam trains with modernization;
• 1990s: discontinuation of regular service beyond Pocinho;
• 1998: revival of the steam train for tourism.

Today, the Douro Historical Train keeps this legacy alive, allowing travelers to experience what it was like to cross Portugal by steam rail.

Operating Season:

• Late June to October, typically on Saturdays and Sundays.

Departures in the afternoon (around 3:30 PM) from Peso da Régua station.

Booking tips:

• Buy in advance: seats are limited and weekends fill up quickly;
• Tickets are sold via Comboios de Portugal (CP);
• Price includes round-trip fare, live music and refreshments.

If you're planning a multi-day stay in the Douro, combine the train ride with winery visits, boat cruises or self-guided hikes and bike tours.

This unique experience is perfect for:

• Train lovers and vintage travel enthusiasts;
• Wine travelers looking to deepen their connection to the Douro region;
• Families with children who enjoy experiential and scenic adventures;
• Photographers and nature lovers;
• History and culture seekers exploring Portugal’s inland heritage.

It’s also an excellent add-on for travelers already visiting Porto and looking for an authentic day trip or slow travel experience.

While the Douro Historical Train is unforgettable, it’s only one piece of what the region offers. To fully experience the culture, landscape and rhythm of the Douro Valley, consider extending your journey with a multi-day rail and hike tour.

Recommended experience from Authentic Trails:
🚂 Porto and the Douro Valley Rail and Hike Tour

This immersive tour includes:

• Train rides along the most scenic stretches of the Douro line;
• Guided or self-guided hikes through vineyard trails and hillside villages;
• Winery visits, cultural encounters and local gastronomy;
• Accommodation and luggage transfer included.

Perfect for slow travel lovers, this tour lets you step off the train and into the landscape, making the most of your journey.


The Douro Historical Train is more than a tourist attraction, it’s a moving tribute to Portugal’s heritage and a celebration of one of Europe’s most beautiful wine regions. It connects you to a past era while giving you a new appreciation for the timeless rhythms of the Douro Valley.

Whether you’re watching vineyard-covered hills roll by, listening to a folk tune echo in the carriage, or sipping a local port wine while the river sparkles beside you, this is a journey you’ll never forget.

For those who want to go deeper, walking through the terraced hillsides or discovering hidden villages by rail, Authentic Trails’ Douro Valley tour is the perfect next step.