Day trips
6 Best Day Trips from Porto by Train
The Douro line out of Campanhã is one of Europe's most beautiful railways, and it costs less than a museum ticket.
-
Douro Valley (Pinhão)
The last hour clings to the river between terraced vineyards. Sit on the right leaving Porto.
-
Guimarães
Where Portugal was founded: castle, ducal palace, and a beautifully preserved medieval core.
-
Braga
Baroque churches and the zigzag stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte, reached by a water-powered funicular.
-
Aveiro
Canals, moliceiro boats and art nouveau facades — plus ovos moles from any bakery on the square.
-
Coimbra
University city on the Mondego; the Joanina Library alone justifies the trip.
-
Viana do Castelo
Costa Verde beaches below a hilltop basilica with a funicular to the top.
Common questions
What is the best day trip from Porto by train?
Douro Valley (Pinhão) — The last hour clings to the river between terraced vineyards. Sit on the right leaving Porto.
Do I need to book these trains in advance?
For high-speed and intercity services, yes: fares rise and popular departures sell out. Suburban and regional lines have fixed fares, so you can simply turn up.
Are these trips possible without a car?
Every destination on this page was chosen because public transport does the whole job — train, and occasionally a short bus or funicular at the far end.