Planning a trip to Sintra and wondering how to get to Sintra from Lisbon? There are several options and we will present them all now – car, train, bus and a visit to Sintra as part of a tour.
The article also includes a map and tips on how to get around in Sintra, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest and without any worries.
The easiest way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by car or train. There are buses to choose from too, but they are not convenient – financially or time-wise.
How to get to Sintra from Lisbon: TRAIN
The train is the most popular way for tourists to get to Sintra from Lisbon. It costs just a few pennies and you’re there in 45 minutes. Plus they are comfortable, clean and run at regular intervals.
From Lisbon, you can take the train to Sintra from several train stations.
The most popular and easily accessible for most people will be Rossio Station in central Lisbon. The station building is beautiful and definitely worth seeing in itself.
The second popular option is Oriente Station in the modern Parque das Nações development in north-east Lisbon. It is easily accessible from the airport too (3 metro stops).
The connection from Oriente Station then passes through other stations in Lisbon . For up-to-date information, please visit train operator in Portugal .
How long is the train journey to Sintra from Lisbon?
The train will take 40-47 minutes from Lisbon, depending on the station you are departing from. You will get off at the last stop, Sintra (there is also a map of each stop on the train to help you find your way around).
What time does the train from Lisbon to Sintra leave?
Trains run from Rossio Station to Sintra between 5:41 and 1:00, and from Sintra to Lisbon between 5:20 and 00:20 (until 1:00 am on weekends). The same applies to Oriente Station with a difference of a few minutes.
That’s enough time to visit 2-3 palaces in Sintra and have dinner or take a trip to the Atlantic Ocean in Cabo da Roca.
Train services are frequent – every 15-20 minutes during the week and every 30 minutes at the weekend.
You can also find more departure times on the website of the train operator in Portugal Comboios de Portugal .
How much does the train from Lisbon to Sintra cost?
To travel by train in and around Lisbon, you need a card Viva Viagem . This can be bought at the train station or airport for a fee of 0,50 €.
The card is pre-loaded in the machine or at the ticket office and then attached to the turnstile. You get on the train and when you arrive in Sintra, you swipe your card again to get the exact amount deducted. The train from Lisbon to Sintra costs 2,30 € (no matter where you get on in Lisbon).
TIP: If you have a Lisbon card, the train to Sintra is free. Just put your card at the turnstile when you leave and then when you arrive in Sintra. You don’t need to buy a Viva Viagem card. The Lisbon card is also valid for the train to Cascais, which is another popular trip from Lisbon. Read more about the Lisbon Card in our detailed review.
How to get to Sintra: BY CAR
From Lisbon you are in Sintra in half an hour. However, you cannot park in the city centre. There are reserved parking spaces here for residents only. Moreover, Sintra is not adapted for many cars. Especially near the Pena Palace, where there are only narrow one-way streets.
There are several paid car parks around the station where you can leave your car and continue on foot or by bus (see below How to get around Sintra). For more information about parking lots, see the city’s official information, which includes parking areas are marked .
TIP: You can rent a car through Discovercars.com, voted the best car rental company in the world. They have a huge selection of vehicles, but also places where you can pick up your car (right at the airport). Cancellation is free on most cars and cars are insured. Book your car in advance to ensure you get the best price and choice.
Trip to Sintra and surroundings with transport
Or take a guided day trip. A simple and fun way to enjoy the Lisbon area. An air-conditioned car will pick you up directly at the hotel and bring you back in the evening.
During the trip visit the Pena Palace, the city of Sintra, the magnificent cliffs of Cabo da Roca and the seaside resort of Cascais.
You will be guided through the day by a friendly and experienced guide, who will also ensure that you avoid the queues for the Pena Palace.
Best day trips to Sintra:
How to get around in Sintra?
Sintra may be a small town, but it is spread across the peaks of the Sierra da Sintra and is not easily accessible on foot. Especially for people with limited mobility or if you have limited time and plan to visit Sintra for 1 day.
There are four bus routes for Sintra and the surrounding area starting with number 4:
- 434 – circular route through the city centre to the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace
- 435 – circular route through the city centre to the Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace
- 417 – to the coastal town of Cascais
- 403 – to Cabo da Roca to the Atlantic coast
All connections are operated by carrier Scotturb .
Bus line 434
The most popular and busiest bus service is the 434 bus line to Pena Palace. The bus stops to the right of the station.
The first bus leaves after 9am and runs every 15-20 minutes until 7:50pm in summer. In winter, the intervals are longer and buses run until 18:20. Buses have a timetable, but it is impossible to follow it exactly.
Once you arrive at the station, don’t delay and go straight to the bus stop to let it get to you. You can buy tickets at the Scotturb shop opposite the station, at the ticket machine at the bus stop or from the driver.
A ticket for the whole route costs 7,60 €. You can get off at Pena Palace and then get back on with the same ticket and be taken back to the city. A separate ticket to the Pena Palace alone (without a ride back to town) costs 4,10 €.
TIP: You can also walk to the Pena Palace, but the walk is long and steep (over 1 hour). The 434 bus takes you to the top in 20 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to explore the park.
How to skip the lines for the 434 bus: Head to Sintra early in the morning and get on the 434 bus no later than 10am. The first bus leaves at 9:15 and the next at 9:30 – these are the two best times to avoid queues.
Bus line 435
Bus line 435 is the second most popular bus service in Sintra. Buses leave from the station and then stop in the centre, at the Quinta da Regaleira Palace and at the Monserrate Palace, which is the furthest from the centre and less accessible on foot.
The first bus leaves at 9:20 and runs at regular 20-minute intervals in summer and less frequently in winter. The last connection is at 19:50 in summer and 18:10 in winter.
A ticket for bus 435 costs 5,50 € and is valid for the entire tour. For example, you can get off at the Quinta da Regaleira Palace and then get back on and be driven to Monserrate Palace. After you’ve seen the Monserrate Palace, you’ll be given a ride back into town.
So don’t forget to keep your ticket with you at all times. Tickets are purchased from the driver.
TIP: If you plan to use both bus 434 and 435, you can buy a day ticket for 15 €, which is valid for unlimited use on all Scotturb services.
In addition to the buses, you can also use taxis, Uber or tuk tuks that stop right outside the station. The price is slightly higher, but you get more comfort and you don’t have to queue for the bus.
Where to stay in Sintra?
The area near the station is ideal for exploring Sintra and connecting to Lisbon and the surrounding area (Cascais, Cabo da Roca). Quiet neighbourhood 5 minutes from the bus to Pena Palace or Monserrate Palace and within walking distance to the historic centre of Sintra. There are also plenty of restaurants and grocery stores nearby.
Chalet Saudade Housed in a historic building, this hotel has a beautiful garden with ponds and a fountain. Just a short walk from Chalet Saudade lies B&B Lanui Guest House. Cheap but cosy accommodation with garden and excellent breakfast included.
How to get to Sintra from Lisbon: MAP
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of Sintra. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places mentioned in the Sintra guide. If you want to save the map, star it. It will then be saved to your Google Maps and can be retrieved at any time on your mobile phone or computer. For a larger version of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.
Learn more about Portugal
LISBON: Check out our tips for the best places to visit in Lisbon. Find out how to save with the Lisbon Card in this detailed review.
SINTRA: If you’re planning a day trip to Sintra, get our tips on what to see in Sintra and recommendations for visiting Pena Palace.
If you have a question about the trip to Sintra, let us know in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
