[PT] Douro Line Closure for Modernisation (Nov '25 to Spring '26)

[Giugiaro]

For anyone with plans to visit Portugal, the Douro Line closed on November 3 between Marco de Canaveses and Peso da Régua for track improvement and station modernisation works.

There is a rail replacement bus between *Caíde* and Peso da Régua, to connect to the stretch between Peso da Régua and Pocinho.
There is a fast bus that goes directly between the two stations, and a slow bus that calls at all stations. The slow bus does not connect to a train at the end of the journey.

Between Peso da Régua and Pocinho, CP Class 1400 diesel locomotives are running exclusively. A mixture of Schindler and Sorefame coaches are the trailing stock avaliable.

Between Porto and (Caíde and) Marco de Canaveses a CP Class 2240 EMU is doing the InterRegional and Regional services. Commuter services are also being used as viable connections to the rail replacement buses.

 

[37201xoIM]

I understand that, in addition to the above, the upper section of the Douro from Regua to Pocinho is now also closed - I think due to storm damage or similar? Does this indeed mean that the whole line between Caide / Marco and Pocinho is out of service at present? And is there yet any estimate as to how long the blockage of the upper line will last? Naturally CP / EdeP has had a hammering lately, so their resources and staff must be extremely stretched - so I have a lot of sympathy with their staff.

Any more detailed information (on the planned blockage as well as the unplanned one!) would be really appreciated - thanks a lot!

 

[gazthomas]

You're spot on, no rail services east of Marco Canaveses.

I check CPs website regularly and it still just says the line is closed from Regua to Pochino (https://www.cp.pt/avisos) with nothing published on when the line will reopen.

The section under engineering blockade was due to reopen by April, but again nothing recent as to whether this will change.

I've seen footage from Regua and the Douro was at a very hight level there.

 

[Giugiaro]

Between the drivers there are talks of about 30 landslides between Ermida and Peso da Régua alone.
They also don't believe that the track between Régua and Pocinho will reopen anytime soon.

 

[37201xoIM]

Ouch! Thanks very much for the update, both - much appreciated.

 

[Giugiaro]

The Douro Lines remains closed all the way from Marco de Canaveses to Pocinho, due to unresolved land and rockslides from this Winter's storms.

Rail Replacement Buses between Marco de Canaveses and Peso da Régua continue as this stretch of the track remains under rail improvement works. From Régua to Pocinho there is no contingency plan in place.

In other parts of the country, as a result of the same storms, the Oeste Line and Beira Baixa Line are expected to be closed for, respectively, 9 and 6 months.

 

[37201xoIM]

I'm amazed to see a note on the (unofficial, of course) Train Status PT app saying that Regua - Pocinho is apparently reopening on 9 March. Can that be right? Superb effort if so!

 

[Baxenden Bank]

As an aside, I note the section over the border in Spain has been converted into a walkway. Track still in-situ, recommended firm boots for all the ballast walking, some repairs to walkways on the viaducts. 10.5 miles from Fregeneda to the border viaduct. link to website. You have to book in advance, pay a fee and start at a specified time in the morning. Some spectacular scenery and high viaducts visible via Google Streetview / uploaded user photographs.

 

[Giugiaro]

I'm amazed to see a note on the (unofficial, of course) Train Status PT app saying that Regua - Pocinho is apparently reopening on 9 March. Can that be right? Superb effort if so!

Exactly. Services resumed on the 9th between Régua and Pocinho.

The part between Marco and Régua is set to reopen in April.

Spoiler: Personal Opinion

Looking at the pace of the works in-situ, I don't believe that deadline will be met.

 

[30907]

Exactly. Services resumed on the 9th between Régua and Pocinho.

The part between Marco and Régua is set to reopen in April.

Spoiler: Personal Opinion

Looking at the pace of the works in-situ, I don't believe that deadline will be met.

I see that CP are advertising the service resuming on April 6.

Looking ahead, do I assume that the next closure won't be before October?

And slightly OT but are the 1400+Schindler workings likely to be in place again for summer 2027, or should I visit this year? I was hoping to avoid the RRB on Celta

(@Giugiaro our resident fount of knowledge)

TIA

 

[Giugiaro]

Our dependency on the Class 1400s is going to become even more severe as three more RENFE 592 DMUs are expected to end their career this year.

The Celta is expected to end after the line to Vigo is electrified to 25kV AC, as it will be replaced by inter-regionals extended from Valença. However, only the Arco coaches are being licensed to run in Spain, while traction remains an unanswered question.

 

[CC 72100]

Sorry to jump on this - now that the line is fully open following engineering works and other disruption earlier in the year, does anyone know the current 1400 diagrams?

 

[37201xoIM]

Sorry to jump on this - now that the line is fully open following engineering works and other disruption earlier in the year, does anyone know the current 1400 diagrams?

I don't know about formal diagrams as such, but there are lots of reports of the 1400s' workings on the ERG Groups.io group. It's pretty easy really to work out what the 1400s work, given that the service pattern is not complicated. Also there is a good app (Android, and I think also iPhone) called Train Status PT which will tell you what any train is booked for (i.e. class of loco or unit) and to which people post specifics of traction viewed.

 

[CC 72100]

Thanks for this - I discovered Train status PT this morning and it's a really good resource.

Don't be put off by the slow loading times/navigation - it does work, it just doesn't load instantly!

Have checked and both of my intended trains are booked 1400s (as expected) so all good.