Getting to the Douro Valley

Getting to the Douro Valley from Porto or Lisbon is actually quite simple. Besides being the main producer of Portugal’s famous Port Wine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley is home to an exquisite landscape created by years of traditional viticulture practices.

Our guests travel from all corners of the planet to sample the region’s Port wines and for good reason; they’re delicious, unique and diverse in flavor.

If you’re staying in Porto, the Douro Valley is near, allowing you ample opportunity to explore this wine region on your own or with our Douro Valley Wine Tours.

The benefit of booking a day trip to the Douro Valley is that you’re able to relax and enjoy the experience while we handle the organizational details.

Day trips to Douro Valley from Porto

We are here to help you plan the perfect Douro Valley day trip, including valuable information on how to get there from Porto, the best Douro Valley wineries, unforgettable places in Douro Valley to visit, and stunning locations to stop and enjoy the view.

Whether you come alone, with your family, or with close friends, there’s plenty to do in the Douro Valley. You can savor homemade regional cuisine, taste premium wine, trek through wild nature, take a leisurely boat ride, picnic in the vineyards or relax under the starry skies. In short, there’s a little something for everyone!

Douro Valley by car

A road trip from Porto to the Douro Valley not only permits you to visit several architectural and cultural sites along the way, but you can also swing by different Douro Valley wineries.

From Porto, take the A4 Highway and follow it for 70 miles. Take Exit 11 towards Peso da Régua. Take note that Portugal operates many toll roads and not all accept cash. Take your credit card.

The drive along the Douro River is impressive, with beautiful landscapes, so we suggest private wine tours to allow you to enjoy all views instead of driving. Also, remember, don´t drink and drive, especially on those curvy and narrow roads.

Douro Valley by train

One of the best ways to get to Douro Valley from Porto is by train. The train route follows the Douro River and the view is incredible. This enchanting trip brings you through Portugal’s northern region to the magnificent vineyards of Douro Valley, what many call Europe’s most spectacular wine-growing region.

Take the Douro Direct Line Inter-Regional train (IR) from São Bento or Campanha stations to Pocinho. It also stops at Peso da Régua and Pinhão. The trains leave every two hours and the trip from Porto to Pinhão takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Douro Valley by bus

The whole point of touring Douro Valley is enjoying the scenery and tasting the wine. If you take the bus from Porto to Douro Valley, it will not stop at viewpoints and you will miss the best part. The bus ride is not as beautiful as the train ride because it doesn´t go alongside the river. 

The best choices are taking the train or a tour of the Douro Valley, a trip in which an expert guide will share important information about the trajectory and relevant historical facts so that you can immerse yourself in the beauty of this route.

If you want to know more about the buses that connect Porto with the Douro Valley, check the Rodonorte and Rede Expressos websites.

Douro Valley guided tours

Wondering how to plan the perfect Porto to Douro Valley trip without any annoyances? If you’re seeking the ultimate luxurious day in the Douro Valley, there is no better way to experience it than with a Douro Valley Full Day Tour.

You will just sit back, relax and allow your personal local guide show you firsthand all there is to know about the Douro local wines and the stunning vineyards. Choose between a more personal and flexible premium tour with private transportation or a cruise adventure, both great ways to see the Douro wine region.

A Douro Valley day tour is an excellent option if you want all the excitement without the hassle of making it all work perfectly.

Douro Valley from Lisbon

If you are in Lisbon and are planning a visit to Douro Valley, we recommend you use Porto as your base. Most of the best wine tours to Douro Valley start there.

Take into account that the distance between Lisbon and the Douro Valley is 240 miles. It is such a long ride! Instead, as Porto is closer to Douro Valley, you will have more time to enjoy your trip.

Besides, Porto offers a great variety of exciting activities like this introduction to Portuguese Wines or this Port Wine Tasting Tour.

But if you decide to drive, take the A1/E1 Highway for 125 miles. Once you’re near Coimbra, turn onto E801/IP3 Highway. Stay on IP3 for 100 miles to get to the Douro Valley.

Map of Douro Valley

If you are travelling around Portugal, it´s very helpful to have some knowledge of the area. This way you can better understand and differentiate each picturesque village while sightseeing all the scenic routes (this Remote Luxury Tour through Portugal may interest you).

The journey starts on the Portugal West Coast, at the Atlantic Ocean, going towards the East Coast, in the direction of the Spain border. On this route into the Douro Wine Region, you will discover magnificent natural landscapes and antique villages, gorgeous wineries, picturesque gardens, and beautiful old towns.

So if you want to enjoy it to the fullest, we are sure that with the Catavino tour itinerary planning service, you will have a tour that will best meet your needs.

If you are wondering whether to stay in Porto or the Douro Valley to visit the Douro wine region or which are the best Hotels in the Douro Valley, our guide will help you.