Trying to figure out how to get from Lisbon to Sintra?
Let me put your mind at ease: it’s not difficult at all!
The best way to get from Lisbon to Sintra is by train. Taking the train is easy, affordable and very quick (only a 40-minute journey). You can catch the train at Rossio Station which is in the very heart of the city. Simply hop on and soon enough, you’ll arrive in the magical town of Sintra.
Sintra is a hilltop town that will transport you back in time. This area is famous for its beautiful palaces with intricate architecture. As it’s located in the mountains, the weather is also much cooler up there. It’s a great break from the city if you want to be surrounded by greenery, nature and (literal) castles!
If you’re worried about figuring out how to get from Lisbon to Sintra – don’t! It’s very easy. Matthew and I, along with some of our friends, took the train for a day trip and we are here to share our experience with you!
Overview: Best Way To Get From Lisbon To Sintra
The best way to get from Lisbon to Sintra is by train which is the most convenient, most affordable and fastest option. It only costs €2.30 ($2.45 USD) for a one-way ticket. You can catch the train from Rossio Station which is in the heart of Lisbon, and will arrive in Sintra within 40 minutes.
Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon because it’s fairly easy to get to, the castles are out of this world and it’s a great option if you want to see different landscapes in Portugal. Here’s the key takeaways of how to get from Lisbon to Sintra:
- Taking the train is the best way to get from Lisbon to Sintra.
- The price for a train ticket to Sintra from Lisbon is €2.30 ($2.45 USD) one-way or €4.60 ($4.90 USD) return trip. There’s no discount when buying a return journey. You can simply load and use your Viva Viagem card with enough money (rather than buying a new card).
- The train ride from Lisbon to Sintra takes around 40 minutes, making this hilltop town a great day trip destination.
- Other transport options are taking the bus, a tour group or a Bolt/Uber ride.
If you have the time, Sintra is worth visiting! You can visit 5 castles, step back in time and enter a magical world in the hills where the royals of Portugal used to visit.
Lisbon To Sintra by Train: How To Get There In 2023
Unsure how to get from Lisbon to Sintra?
We’ve got you covered!
Matthew and I took the train from Lisbon to Sintra ourselves. We found it very easy, affordable and convenient! The train schedule is quite regular, with trains running to Sintra approximately every 20 minutes.
Sintra is definitely worth visiting! With the train being so quick, it’s a great day trip option where you can leave early in the morning and be back in Lisbon by dinner time.
We weren’t too sure if we wanted to go at first because we heard there were some pretty big crowds but honestly, it didn’t matter. You are strolling through castles where Kings and Queens used to walk the halls – that’s a one-of-a-kind experience and worth the journey!
Here’s the complete guide on how to get from Lisbon to Sintra:
Lisbon To Sintra Train Schedule
What’s the train schedule like to get to Sintra? It’s pretty frequent – a train runs from Lisbon to Sintra approximately every 20-40 minutes.
There are 2 stations where you can catch the train, Rossio or Oriente. We recommend boarding at Rossio Station, especially if you are staying in the city center because you can probably walk to it. Oriente is a little further out, might require you to take a tram/train to get to and it takes an extra 7 minutes on the train.
Sintra is a very popular day trip that most tourists have on their bucket list. We highly recommend getting there as early as you can, especially if you visit on a weekend. Sometimes, the train gets very crowded and you might not be able to board the train at the time you were expecting! Thankfully, it’s only a 20-minute wait for the next train if you do miss it for whatever reason.
On weekdays, the earliest the train departs is 5:41am, while the last train from Sintra to Lisbon departs at 1:01am. If you take the train on the weekend, the earliest train will depart at 6:01am and the last train to Lisbon is also at 1:01am.
The trains are operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP). You will be catching the urban trains because Sintra is not classified as a Metro station. The station is much bigger and the trains will look a little different than what you’re probably used to riding around Lisbon!
If you want the most up-to-date train schedule, visit the CP website and use their train time search feature.
How To Buy Lisbon To Sintra Train Tickets
Buying train tickets from Lisbon to Sintra is easy! If you’re traveling to Sintra on a weekday, there’s really no need to buy train tickets in advance. There’s actually no need to buy tickets in advance at all unless you are time-pressured or you want to avoid big crowds. Here’s your options to buy train tickets:
Use Your Viva Viagem Card
Yes, you can use your normal metro card for the urban train network. Matthew and I didn’t go to the counter to buy tickets like our friends – we had enough money already loaded onto our Viva Viagem card and simply tapped through. This is probably the easiest and fastest option for tickets because you will not need to visit a counter to buy them.
You can easily buy Viva Viagem cards at any metro station. You will have to pay for the card itself which costs €0.60 ($0.65 USD). Simply load it with enough money to get to Sintra from Lisbon (at least €5) and you should be good!
Buy Tickets At Station Counters/Machines
The Lisbon to Sintra route is part of the urban train network which means you cannot pre-book tickets or buy them online.
If you don’t have a Viva Viagem card, the next best thing to do is buy tickets at the ticket counters once you get to the station. Choosing this option means you might have to go earlier to buy your ticket as the lines can get pretty long, especially on the weekend!
They have counters and ticket machines all around the station. If you have any questions, opt for the counters – otherwise, the ticket machines are a great choice!
You can buy a one-way ticket, but we suggest buying your return trip ticket too. This means you don’t have to worry about where or how to buy a ticket on your way back from Sintra to Lisbon.
How Much Does The Lisbon To Sintra Train Cost?
Is it expensive to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra? Not at all! It’s very cost-effective and reliable which is why it’s the best way to travel to Sintra. Here’s how much a train ticket costs:
- one-way ticket: €2.30 ($2.45 USD)
- return-trip ticket: €4.60 ($4.90 USD)
You don’t get a discount by buying both ways. However, we recommend buying a return ticket because then you don’t have to figure out how to buy a ticket in Sintra. Simply tap through with your ticket and hop on the train.
As it’s part of the urban train network, it is slightly higher than your regular metro ticket which costs €1.65 each way. You can still use the Viva Viagem card to take the train to Sintra, it will just charge you the urban network rates!
Lisbon To Sintra Distance – How Far Is It?
Sintra is located around 17.4 miles (28 km) from Lisbon, further northwest of the city in the mountainous region.
If you drive to Sintra with a rental car, there are a few highways you can take. It will take about 40 minutes to reach Sintra, depending on traffic. If you take the train, you won’t have to worry about the traffic or parking!
Where To Catch The Train From Lisbon To Sintra?
The best places to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra are:
- Rossio Station (best one)
- Oriente Station (further away)
Rossio Station is located in the heart of the city center and is the best place to depart if you are staying in Lisbon. Oriente station is located northeast of the city and you might have to get an Uber/Bolt/Metro to get to this station, especially if you are staying in Alfama, Chiado, Barrio Alto or any of the central neighborhoods in Lisbon.
Oriente Station is usually where people catch the train from Lisbon to Porto. It’s a big station with lots of trains but it’s much further from the city center. We don’t recommend using the Oriente station to get to Sintra. Rossio station is way more convenient and also 7 minutes faster than Oriente station!
Whether you board at Rossio Station or Oriente Station – you don’t have to transfer at any point. Both stations have direct trains to Sintra, you can simply hop on and enjoy the ride!
2x More Ways To Get From Lisbon To Sintra
Don’t feel like taking the train? Fair enough!
There are other ways to get from Lisbon to Sintra, like the bus, a group tour or a rideshare app like Uber/Bolt. Let’s take a look at each alternative transport option:
There are 2 rideshare apps you can use in Lisbon: Bolt or Uber. We highly recommend Bolt. It’s user-friendly like Uber but we found it was just a little cheaper for each ride.
Looking for a more private alternative? Or maybe you are a bigger group? Splitting a rideshare can be very cost-effective. It won’t be as cheap as the train from Lisbon to Sintra but it’s very convenient!
What does rideshare from Lisbon to Sintra cost? Only around €20 ($21.50 USD)! For a 45-minute drive, we think this is very affordable!
You can book a car from your hotel directly and get them to drop you off at the Pena Palace (where people usually start their Sintra tour). You get the flexibility and comfort of a car and the door-to-door service is certainly attractive!
The only thing you have to watch out for is traffic. If you travel during peak hours, it can take longer than 45 minutes to get to Sintra (and you might wish you took that train instead).
2. Booking A Tour Group Package
If you book a tour, the transport from Lisbon to Sintra is usually included in the price. It’s likely that you’ll be on a big tour bus with other travelers.
This is a good option if you don’t want to bother with public transport and you want everything in one price. A tour package also usually includes a guide who will tell you more about the history and culture of the palaces you visit.
Side note: You also don’t have to worry about how to get from one castle to another. They aren’t too close together and the logistics can be a pain to figure out!
You’re In Sintra, Which Transport Next?
Once you’ve arrived at Sintra Station, you still have to get from the station to the palaces.
Take The 434 Bus To The Palace
The best option is to take the 434 Bus! It usually waits right out the front of the train station and you will have to pay before hopping on. The 434 Bus goes around the major attractions like the Pena Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra’s historic center.
It’s a one-way loop which means the bus only goes one direction, so it’s important you plan your stops accordingly. This was a little strange for us and it meant we had to wait quite a while before the next bus came! Make sure to check the latest timetable and get a brochure if they offer one.
How Much Is The Bus Ticket In Sintra?
The price of the 434 bus depends on the time of year you visit. If it’s peak season, the bus ticket will cost a little more. If it’s low season, you could save a little more. Here’s the 434 bus ticket prices:
- Hop on, hop off all buses for 24 hours: €12.50 ($13.40 USD)
- Pena Circuit one-way: €4.10 ($4.40 USD)
- Pena Circuit roundtrip: €7.60 ($8.10 USD)
You can buy the 434 bus tickets online, in advance. We recommend this because then you don’t have to line up to buy a ticket. You can simply jump on the bus right away and show your ticket to the bus driver. You can also buy tickets right then and there at the station. You will see a person holding a brochure and they usually have a card machine. You can pay in cash or by card!
If you want to visit multiple attractions, the hop-on hop-off bus is your best option. You won’t have to worry about each bus trip to the next castle.
Note: The train ticket does NOT include the 434 bus around Sintra. You will need to buy it separately.
Returning to Lisbon From Sintra
All done exploring the enchanting town of Sintra?
It’s time to head back to Lisbon – the journey is pretty much the same! If you took the train, simply board the train back to Lisbon and that’s it! Don’t forget to buy a return ticket at the start of the day so you don’t have to figure out how to buy one on your way back (because you will be tired after a day of walking around palaces). Remember, you can also use your Viva Viagem card on the train back to Lisbon if you’ve got it!
The train will take around 40 minutes and it’s important to remember – the last train is at 1:01am. If you miss this train, you might be stuck in Sintra for the night!
Enjoy the ride, don’t fall asleep and get home safely!
5x Cool Things To Do In Sintra
What’s there to do in Sintra?
The main attractions are visiting the castles and the palaces. They are big, beautiful and each one is very unique! Take some photos, learn about the history of each place and make some memories in Sintra.
Here are the 5x best things to do in Sintra:
- Sintra Palace (aka Pena Palace)
- Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
- Monserrate Palace
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Cabo da Roca
If you go on your own, you can choose which castles or palaces you think are worth visiting. You don’t have to see them all! It does take time to go through them but you can also see them all in one day – it’s up to you!
Conclusion: Best Way To Get From Lisbon To Sintra In 2023
What’s the best way to get from Lisbon to Sintra?
You can’t beat the reliable, affordable and convenient train. The journey only costs €2.30 ($2.45 USD) each way and it only takes 40 minutes to reach Sintra. You can board at Rossio Station which is in the heart of the city center. It’s easy to get to if you’re staying at a hotel in any of the main tourist areas like Chiado, Alfama or Barrio Alto.
Once you reach Sintra, you will need to board the 434 bus to get around to each palace. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk (yes, a tuk-tuk!) but this costs much more than the bus which is around €4.10 ($4.40 USD) each ride, or €12.50 ($13.40 USD) for a day pass.
If you don’t want to handle the logistics, you can also book a guided tour that will take you to the major attractions and teach you about the history of the place.
You see? It’s easy to get from Lisbon to Sintra – no matter which option you choose. This is one of the best things to do in Lisbon because in under an hour, you will be surrounded by magical castles and royal palaces!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Do A Day Trip From Lisbon To Sintra?
Yes! You can see most attractions within a day as Sintra is only a 40-minute journey from Lisbon. It’s a great place to get into nature and explore a different part of Portugal!
2. Should You Join A Sintra Group Day Tour?
If you don’t want to bother with the logistics and planning, a Sintra day tour would be perfect for you! This allows you to sit back, relax and let the guide tell you about the history and culture of the places you’re seeing. Usually, transport is included and a bus will take you from Lisbon to each major attraction.
3. Is Sintra In Lisbon?
No, Sintra is a separate town, located 28 km northwest of Lisbon in a more mountainous region.
4. What Are The Must-Visit Attractions In Sintra?
The most popular attractions in Sintra are Pena Palace, the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, the rustic Moorish Castle and the beautiful Monserrate Palace. Tourists also visit Cabo da Roca which is a famous cliffside.
5. How Long Does It Take To Travel From Rossio Station To Sintra?
The train from Rossio station takes about 40 minutes to reach Sintra station. If you depart from Oriente station, it’s closer to 47 minutes.
6. Can I Buy Sintra Train Tickets Online Before My Trip?
No, you can’t. You can use the Viva Viagem card or you can buy tickets at the train station at the counters or ticket machines available. You can buy one on the day you travel to Sintra or visit the station beforehand to buy one in advance.
