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A vintage train ride that travels 28 miles through stunning landscapes feels like stepping back in time. The Vouga Historical Train, also known as Vouguinha, is one of Portugal's last narrow-gauge railways and offers a delightful, old-fashioned ride through the central-north region.

The train travels along a winding 46-kilometre route (about 28.5 miles) from Aveiro to Macinhata do Vouga and then back again. During the six-hour journey, passengers also get to visit Águeda, a colourful and creative city known for its street art, umbrella installations, and vibrant festivals.

Built between 1907 and 1914, the Vouga line once had three branches, stretching 96 km north to Espinho and 140 km east to Viseu, with Sernada do Vouga serving as its central hub.

The train uses old-fashioned wooden carriages that were built in the early 1900s, giving passengers a true vintage experience. These carriages are pulled by either a steam locomotive (for that classic puffing train vibe) or a diesel locomotive, depending on which one is available for the trip.

Starting in 2009, parts of the old Vouga railway were transformed into ecotrails for cycling, running, and hiking. This effort led to the opening of the Ecopista do Val do Vouga in 2023, an 80 km trail between Sernada and Viseu that passes through oak and pine forests, historic train stations, scenic tunnels, and charming bridges.

Meanwhile, the Vouga Historical Train launched in summer 2017 and quickly became popular, running at full capacity during its first season. The tourism project originally planned to start with a steam train, but a deadly wildfire near Pedrógão Grande just two weeks before the launch changed those plans. The fire, sparked by electrical discharges and worsened by extreme heat, raised safety concerns. To avoid further risk, Comboios Portugal used a diesel train for the summer trips and introduced the steam locomotive later in November for the festive season, reports BBC.

Between July 5 and August 30, there will be nine trips on the Vouga Historical Train, organided through a partnership between CP - Comboios de Portugal, the Municipality of Águeda, and the Parish Council of Macinhata do Vouga.

The journey starts at 1.45 pm. from Aveiro Station, with onboard entertainment. When passengers arrive in Macinhata do Vouga, they will be greeted with a free Águeda pastry, can explore a local products fair, and enjoy a guided tour of the Railway Museum. At 4.40 pm, the train heads to Águeda, where visitors can stroll through its colourful streets. The train returns to Aveiro at 7.20 pm, arriving at 8.07pm. Tickets cost €41 for adults and €25 for children aged 4 to 12, with special rates available for groups. The train can carry up to 206 passengers.

Travellers who have been on the train journey have shared their experiences on the social media forums. One person wrote on TripAdvisor forum: "The best trip I've taken in my 15 years of life was one I did alone, and I have to say it was really cool to see the decorated train-the whole experience was excellent! I recommend it to anyone who loves trains or beautiful outings."

Another traveller said: "Very interesting trip. I liked it pretty much. How mogo and chariots to remember the story. I also liked the "small" museum of old."