I am looking for information regarding train travel from Porto to Pinhao and back. It seems that part of the trip has to be taken by bus? Is this a trip where I should buy tickets ahead of time?
There is construction on that train line this winter. For travel later in the year, see https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/train-times.
Normally, there are a few train departures per day from Porto Sao Bento station to Pinhao, with a connection at Peso da Regua. Usually no need to buy either train or bus tickets much in advance, but you might buy them upon arrival in Porto.
I am also planning to take this train (from Porto Campanha to Pinhao and back) next weekend. I have noticed when I look at the train schedule website, the .pdf version of the timetable shows a train departing from Porto at 8 am, however, if I use the search feature, it does not show that as an option. Also, when I look at the timetable for returning to Porto, I see the departure from Pinhao, but if I use the search feature, it shows no results. Is there any explanation for this? Can I just rely on the timetable even though the search is showing no train? (Also, I am not using the search feature to try to purchase tickets, just to search for times - and getting no results, though this contradicts the timetable.) Thank you to anyone who has information on this!
I found this on CP.pt
Pinhao > Porto - Campanha 02 de Março de 2019
Serviço Partida Chegada Duração Preço 1ª/2ª
R 08h08 11h35 3h27 €10,00
and, this
Porto - Campanha > Pinhao 02 de Março de 2019
Serviço Partida Chegada Duração Preço 1ª/2ª
U|R 07h45 11h36 3h51 €10,20