Vouga historical train sets off along Portugal's only narrow guage line again

Passengers travel back in time through a unique railway experience that combines history and traditions.

The Vouga Historical Train is back for another summer season, running on Saturdays in July and August, promising lots of fun for the whole family. Passengers can travel on the last narrow-gauge railway still in commercial service in the country, the Vouga Line, between Aveiro and Macinhata do Vouga. The train is composed of historical wooden carriages from the early 20th century and offers a true immersion in the history of transport and the traditions of the central-northern region.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Macinhata do Vouga Railway Museum, discover the city of Águeda and the various urban art exhibitions that make up AgitÁgueda, and sample local products.

There will be nine trips between 5 July and 30 August, in a partnership between CP – Comboios de Portugal, Águeda Municipal Council, and Macinhata do Vouga Parish Council.

The Vouga Historical Train departs from Aveiro Station at 1:45 p.m., with entertainment on board during the trip. Upon arrival in Macinhata do Vouga, hosts welcome passengers with a free Águeda pastry, and passengers can visit a regional product fair and purchase typical products. This is also the time for a guided tour of the Macinhata do Vouga Railway Museum.

At 4.40 p.m., the train departs for Águeda, where the passengers can see and enjoy the colourful streets of the city, transformed into authentic open-air galleries: the famous Umbrella Sky. During AgitÁgueda (5 July to 27 July), the vibrant urban art festival, you can enjoy countless activities and initiatives throughout the city, in an atmosphere full of colour, creativity and entertainment. At 7.20 p.m., the Vouga Historical Train begins its return journey to Aveiro, and it is expected to arrive there at 8.07 p.m.

This product reinforces CP’s commitment to promoting the region through partnerships with local authorities, producers and other local entities. The Vouga Historical Train boosts tourism and culture in the region, offering a unique railway experience that combines railway heritage, culture, and natural landscape.

Vouga Historic Train 2025 at a glance

Dates: 5, 12, 19, and 26 July, 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 August (Saturdays).

Timetable: Outward journey – Departure from Aveiro at 1:45 p.m.; stop in Macinhata do Vouga to visit the local Railway Museum; arrival in Águeda at 5:02 p.m.; Return journey – Departure from Águeda at 7:20 p.m. with arrival in Aveiro scheduled for 8:07 p.m.

Capacity: 206 seats.

Prices: €41 per adult and €25 per child (aged 4-12); special group rates are available.

On sale from: CP ticket offices or online at www.cp.pt.

Composition: The Vouga Historical Train consists of a historical diesel locomotive, which is a milestone of the technological transition of the Portuguese railway, maintaining the authenticity and charm of the journeys of the past, and five carriages that are true gems of railway history: three carriages with tail varandas (a Belgian one from 1908, a German one from 1925 and another built by the Caminhos de Ferro do Estado, in the workshops of Porto, in 1913); a Portuguese carriage, built in Barreiro in 1908, which ran on the Corgo Line between Régua and Chaves; and a mixed carriage built in Italy.