How to Get from Lisbon to Sintra by Train, Bus, or Tour

At only 40-minute ride from Lisbon, Sintra, one of the best places in Portugal, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the country, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and breathtaking architecture.

Whether you’re creating your Portugal itinerary for a day trip from Lisbon or looking to add Sintra to your Portugal vacation, getting there is easy and quick.

A short journey from Lisbon, Sintra is the ideal destination for those wanting to experience the magic of Portugal in just a few hours.

From exploring Sintra’s enchanting castles to immersing yourself in its magical landscapes, there are endless things to do in Sintra Portugal, making it an essential part of any Portugal travel itinerary.

Whether you’re following a one-week Portugal itinerary or a 10-day journey, a Sintra day trip will leave you with unforgettable memories and incredible photos of Portugal’s royal history and stunning scenery..

As for Lisbon itself, the city’s vibrant blend of history and modernity makes it a must-visit. Perched along the banks of the Tagus River and spreading over picturesque hills, the Portuguese capital is the perfect starting point for your Sintra adventure.

But a Lisbon trip can be quite hectic given how busy the city can be, and you might want a break after two days in Lisbon.

So, what if you want to go on a day trip from Lisbon?

Well, Sintra is one of the best options you have! It is so easy to get there and explore the town, also for a solo traveler!

How to get from Lisbon to Sintra at a glance

Getting from Lisbon to Sintra is easy, and there are several options to choose from. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

The train is the most convenient option. You can take a direct train from Rossio Station in central Lisbon to Sintra Station, which runs frequently and takes about 40 minutes. Tickets are affordable, and there’s no need to book in advance.

During my trip, I arrived in Lisbon at Oriente Station by bus from Porto and hopped on a train to Sintra. Although it was a bit crowded, the journey was quick and straightforward.

Once in Sintra, you can explore its stunning attractions, such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, on foot or by using local transport like the 434 tourist bus.

If you prefer driving, the journey from Lisbon takes about 30 minutes, but keep in mind that parking in Sintra can be tricky, especially during peak times.

Each option has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your itinerary and preferences! In this post, I will talk about each and every one of them in detail.

How to get from Lisbon to Sintra

The most popular ways to get to Sintra are by car and train. However, from my experience of driving there and back, I believe that the train is the best option. But let’s talk about the 3 best ways how to get from Lisbon to Sintra.

Getting from Lisbon to Sintra by car

When traveling, renting a car is always the most flexible option, offering plenty of freedom. And with a car in Sintra, you can get from one point of interest to another without relying on uber or local buses.

You can also take the opportunity to visit Cascais and Cabo da Roca which are very close. So, this might be the best option if you are staying overnight in Sintra or if you are on your way to another destination on your Portugal road trip.

From Lisbon, you have two options for driving to Sintra. Leaving Lisbon on the A5 you can take the 3rd exit onto the N117 towards the IC19 (Sintra ring road). Or take the A9 and then A16. Both options involve a journey time of about 35 minutes.

Pros: comfortable option, which allows you to make the trip in your own time.

Cons: more expensive than the train, in some parts of town it is not very easy to park, there can be a lot of traffic, and the Pena Castle area is restricted to private cars, so you will not be able to get there with the rental car. Also, the streets are very narrow and steep, which can make driving a little uncomfortable if you are not used to these kinds of roads.

PRO-TIP – So, if you choose to go by car, I suggest you park it by the train station and go around Sintra by public transportation to avoid any stress.

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon by public transport

One of the most popular and cheapest options is to go from Lisbon to Sintra using public transport. You should take the train at either the Oriente or Rossio stations in Lisbon. The trains are operated by CP, Portugal’s national railway network.

You can buy the round-trip tickets at the automatic ticket machines in the stations, and if you have any questions the station staff will guide you through it.

You will see how easy it is, though. Just select the option “Sintra Round Trip” and pay the 5€, in cash. This price already includes the VIVA VIAGEM card which you can use again and again when exploring Lisbon itself.

The travel time is about 40 minutes, and the train seats are very comfortable. The train station in Sintra is close to the historic center, and you can get a map of the town right there. The train runs, on average, every half hour.

• Pros: It is the cheapest option, and it lets you avoid road traffic and Limited traffic areas.
• Cons: The whole process of buying tickets and waiting for the train can waste your time. Also, in high season or on weekends, the train can be full,l and there is the possibility that you will be standing all the way.

Getting to Sintra on a day tour

If you don’t feel like going on your own, a good option is to hire a tour leaving from Lisbon, and this is the top-rated one. These package tours usually include round-trip transportation to and from Sintra on a private bus and a guided tour of all the points of interest.

If you do not want to worry about planning anything, just arrive at the meeting point and know that the whole tour will already be prepared for you, then you will surely enjoy a tour more than going on your own.

• Pros: The most comfortable option is to pick you up at your hotel. It usually includes entrance to 3 castles in a single day with a tour guide to explain everything and answer any questions you might have. This is also a great way to meet people if you are traveling alone.
• Cons: It is a more expensive and less flexible option.

Top tours from Lisbon to Sintra

There are a variety of organized tours from Lisbon to Sintra, and the majority of them also include a stop in Cascais and Cabo da Roca, which is a great option for those who have little time and want to see as many Portugal landmarks as possible.

Other tours would only include Sintra castles and a brief tour of Lisbon. Here, below I will share the top-rated tours for each option for you to decide which one is best for your needs.

Here is a selection of top-rated tours I’ve handpicked for you.

• Lisbon: Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais – Includes transportation, guide and Cascais as well- Read details
• From Lisbon: Sintra Highlights and Pena Palace Full-Day Tour – This tour only includes Sintra and a short tour in Lisbon as well – Read details.
• Lisbon: Sintra, Pena, Cabo da Roca Coast & Cascais Day Tour – This tour also include a stop in Cascais and Cabo da Roca and it’s most suitable for those who really want to pack as much as possible in one day. Read more details

Bring your camera

Sintra is a photographer’s paradise, where every corner reveals a new postcard-worthy scene. From the vibrant hues of Pena Palace to the lush gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, this charming town is filled with photogenic spots that showcase Portugal’s unique beauty. Whether you’re capturing its fairytale architecture or the natural landscapes, Sintra’s picturesque charm will leave you with stunning photos to remember.

How to get from Lisbon to Sintra: Final Thoughts

I hope this guide was helpful. The most important point is that a visit to Sintra is a must and it makes a great day trip from Lisbon. You have so many choices to get there. I would definitely avoid going by car because traffic is crazy and even locals are quite annoyed by tourists crowding the few streets.

My best choice would be going by bus or train and then moving around on foot or by bus. I took a taxi once and it was extremely expensive and slow, due to traffic. If you love walking, that’s the best way. Just keep in mind the hills. This day trip to Sintra from Lisbon article will help you organize your trip.