Douro Line by Train: Stations, the 2026-27 Works and How to Plan

CP's Douro line is the most direct way to see the river without driving: it links Porto to Régua and Pocinho, calling at Tua and Pinhão. Mind the calendar, though. From 3 November 2026 to 24 March 2027 CP announces that trains between Marco de Canaveses and Régua are suspended for modernisation works, with buses covering that stretch. This guide gathers what CP publishes and how to organise your trip.

Which stations are there between Régua and Pocinho?

In CP's official timetables the Douro stretch shows eleven stations. From east to west: Pocinho, Freixo de Numão - Mós do Douro, Vesúvio, Vargelas, Ferradosa, Alegria, Tua, Pinhão, Ferrão, Covelinhas and Régua. From Régua the line continues towards Porto through Caldas de Moledo, Barqueiros, Mosteirô, Marco de Canaveses, Penafiel and Ermesinde to Porto Campanhã and Porto São Bento, all named in the CP tables.

Not every train calls at every station. The timetables distinguish categories (InterRegional, Regional and Urban), and some services run only Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays. So rather than memorising one departure time, open the table for the day you travel and check that your train calls where you want to get off.

What changes from 3 November 2026?

In a notice dated 14 October 2026, CP says that from 3 November 2026 to 24 March 2027 rail traffic between Marco de Canaveses and Régua is suspended for modernisation works run by Infraestruturas de Portugal. Service is provided by direct buses between Caíde and Régua and by buses stopping at every station between Marco de Canaveses and Régua.

The CP notice does not mention a suspension between Régua and Pocinho, but check that stretch in the timetable valid from 3 November. The bus stop locations are listed in a separate document on the CP site; read it before leaving home.

What is not allowed on the replacement buses?

CP is clear: bicycles, scooters and wheelchairs cannot be carried on the replacement road service, and group tickets are not accepted. Small pets may travel if they are in a suitable container that can be carried as hand luggage. Bus journey times are indicative and vary with weather and traffic.

In practice, anyone travelling with a bicycle or wheelchair, or organising a group, should contact CP before locking in plans. Also remember that CP only guarantees connections between trains under normal operating conditions: with a bus in the middle, leave slack between arrival and your next connection.

How do I plan a trip to Pinhão or Tua at this time?

Starting from Porto, count on the bus stretch to Régua and then the train eastwards. If you are already in Régua, remember that CP's notice only refers to the Marco de Canaveses to Régua section; for Pinhão and Tua the official timetable applies. Régua is a sensible base: the site lists the Régua railway station and, for a bed, the Hotel Regua Douro.

At Pinhão, the Pinhão railway station deserves a stop: CP highlights the tile panels on its walls, with scenes of port wine production, harvests and the transport of wine on rabelo boats. If you need a place to stay in this area, see the Hotel Casa do Tua, and if you go all the way to the end of the line there is the Pocinho Dam and, for an extension of your route, our piece on the Côa Valley and Foz Côa.

What about the Douro Historic Train?

It is a separate CP product: it runs between June and October from Régua to Tua, with 5 historic carriages hauled by a diesel locomotive in its original colours, and it stops at Pinhão. The programme includes a welcome at Régua, entertainment on board and a regional produce market at Tua. Since the 2026 season ended in October, you will have to wait for 2027 dates; read our text on the Douro Historic Train 2026 to see how it works and watch the CP page for new dates.

What mistakes do people make when planning the Douro line?

The first is using an old timetable: CP publishes tables with an effective date (the August 2026 one is not the one in force in November), so always confirm the current one. The second is forgetting that during the works there are buses between Marco de Canaveses and Régua. The third is planning a tight day, with a short link between bus and train and no room for delays.

If time is short, compare alternatives in From Porto to the Douro in a day in 2026 and in Visiting the Douro without a car, which explain the options by train, cruise, tour and car.

Where do I buy a ticket and confirm information?

CP lists four main channels: the CP app, online ticketing (purchase up to 60 days before travel), station ticket offices and a phone service available 24 hours a day. Always check the Douro line notice on cp.pt the day before, because bus and train times can change and the replacement service has its own rules.

In short: the Douro line remains one of the best ways to see the valley, but this winter it needs more planning. Confirm the timetable in force, leave slack in your connections, and keep bicycles and groups for after 24 March 2027, or arrange them directly with CP.