the douro train line from porto to spain
The Douro Line (“Linha do Douro”) starts at the beautiful station of São Bento station in the old center of Porto, and winds along the Douro River all the way to Spain (well…nearly!)
In total the train runs over 99 miles / 160 kms from Porto to Pocinho. The line runs on the north side of the Douro River for most of its route, changing to the South closer to the end. The scenic views are worth the 3 hours 20 minutes.
Up to 1984 the trains used to travel a further 17 miles / 28 kms to the Spanish border, and then it connected to the Spanish train service which continued to Salamanca. Sadly the Spanish service ended, and the Portuguese ride was reduced.
The Linha de Douro is very popular with day visitors from Porto to Pinhão, who will disembark at the popular port to take boat ride on one of the many tourist “rabelo” boats.
