In the past Portugal had several hundred kilometres of narrow-gauge railways. Almost all metre gauges line were closed in 2009 – for short time Metro de Mirandela, suburban rail service in Mirandela was operated until was closed on 14 December 2018.
There are two active narrow-gauge railways in Portugal. There are plans to rehabilitate some of the lines and reinstate tourist trains to Tua in the future.
The tram system in Lisbon, operated by Carris, has 900 mm gauge.
Narrow-gauge railways in Portugal
Linha do Vouga – the last surviving metre gauge railway line opened in 1908. Passenger trains run daily from Aveiro to Sernada da Vouga (37,7 km) and from Espinho Vouga to Oliveira de Azeméis 32,7 km). Trains are operated by Comboios de Portugal. Occasionally the company runs heritage trains on the route. These trains are comprised of steam locomotive and vintage passenger carriages. Rehabilitation works are ongoing – maybe in the future the two sections of the route will be interconnected.
Tourist train to Praia do Barril – a narrow-gauge railway built to 600 mm gauge near Tavira. Train operates during summer season. The narrow-gauge railway connects the pier in front of Pedras d’el Rei to Praia do Barril (on the Island of Tavira). The line was built in 1920s to provide railway connection to the old tuna fishing trap located at Praia do Barril. Total length of the route is about 1,1 km. Journey time is 8 minutes. Tickets are cheap. Trains are operated by the administration of the Pedras d’el Rei resort.
Closed narrow-gauge railways in Portugal
Very interesting is a narrow-gauge railway in Costa da Caparica beach – Transpraia. The 9 km long line was put into operation on 29 June 1960. Seasonal trains ran from Costa da Caparica to Fonte da Telha every half hour from 9am until 7.30pm on the hour and at half past. The service was ceased in 2020 due to pandemic.
The Dao Line between Santa Comba Dão and Viseu was closed for passenger transport in 1988.
The last active sections of the Tamega line between Livração and Amarante were closed in 2009.
Guimaraes line was initially built to a metre gauge. Oporto – Guimaraes section was regauged to 1,668 mm Iberian gauge. Guimaraes – Fafe Section was closed in 1986. The trackbed was converted into a cycle way.
The Sabor line from Pocinho to Duas Igrejas was closed in 1988.
The line from Regua to Vila Real was closed in 2009.
Related articles:
Train travel in Portugal
Tourist train to Praia do Barril
Funicular railways in Portugal
Narrow-gauge railways in Spain
