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How to get from Lisbon to Sintra
Suburban trains from Lisbon's Rossio station reach Sintra in about 40 minutes, running every 20 minutes or so for a couple of euros. Driving takes about 30 to 45 minutes but parking in Sintra is difficult, especially in summer.
Best option: Train. Frequent, cheap and direct, and it avoids Sintra's narrow streets and scarce parking.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train CP Sintra line suburban trains from Lisboa Rossio (some also from Oriente) to Sintra | about 40 minutes | roughly every 20 minutes, less often late evening | about €2–3 single | Pay with a rechargeable Navegante / Viva Viagem card. Sintra station is a short walk from the historic centre. |
| car IC19 or A16 west from Lisbon | about 30 to 45 minutes (about 30 km), longer in traffic | fuel; small tolls on the A16 | Car access near the palaces is restricted and parking is scarce; arrive early or park lower down and use the local bus. | |
| taxi Taxi or ride-hailing from central Lisbon | about 30 to 45 minutes | on demand | about €25–40 | Convenient for groups; drop-off near the palaces may be limited. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book timed entry for Pena Palace online in advance in high season.
- From Sintra station, local buses and tuk-tuks go up to Pena and the Moorish Castle; the uphill walk is steep.
- Go early on weekdays; mid-morning trains and the palaces are busiest at weekends.
- Wear good shoes: paths between sights are steep and cobbled.
Common questions
Can I do Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon?
Yes, it is the most popular day trip from Lisbon. Trains from Rossio take about 40 minutes and run frequently from early morning until late evening. A day allows two or three main sights, such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira. Trying to see everything in one day is rushed, so choose your priorities in advance.
Where does the Sintra train leave from in Lisbon?
Most trains leave from Rossio station in the Baixa, right in the city centre, on the CP Sintra line. Some services also run from Oriente station in the east of the city. The trip takes about 40 minutes and ends at Sintra station, a short walk from the historic centre. Use a Navegante or Viva Viagem card for the fare.
Should I drive to Sintra?
Usually not. Sintra's historic area has narrow, one-way roads, restricted access near the palaces and very limited parking, which fills early in summer and at weekends. The train is cheaper and simpler. A car only makes sense if you are combining Sintra with Cabo da Roca and Cascais and arrive very early in the day.
How do I get from Sintra station to Pena Palace?
Pena sits high on the hill above town. Most visitors take the local tourist bus loop or a tuk-tuk from near the station, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Walking is possible but takes about an hour uphill on steep paths. Taxis and ride-hailing cars also serve the route, though drop-off points near the palace can change.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.