This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Company Logo - Home Link

How to Get From Lisbon to Sintra

Walking Tours
Bus Tours
Things To Do
Travel Savings
Updated: August 7, 2023
 By Justin

If you’re interested in visiting Sintra, this post provides information about how to get there from Lisbon, including directions by car, trains, public transport, and organized tours.

Directions From Lisbon to Sintra

If you want to visit the magical city of Sintra, lodged in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains and known for its beautiful palaces and lush gardens, here are some of the most straightforward ways to get there from Lisbon.

The ride is about 30 kilometers by hopping in your car, which can take 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the traffic. The trip is mainly done on the IC19 highway, one of the main roads linking the two cities. 

To start, you leave Lisbon, going West on the A37. Then you take the exit towards the IC19. Be ready to see some lovely views along the way. And don't worry; plenty of signs will guide you straight to Sintra.

Lisbon to Sintra by Train

The train journey to Sintra is easy and fun. Head to Lisbon's Rossio or Oriente station and find the train heading to Sintra. Trains usually run every 20 minutes, so you won't have to wait too long. 

The ride is around 40-60 minutes, and it's an excellent chance to sit back, relax, and watch the pretty sights pass by your window.

The length of your ride will depend mostly upon where you begin this journey. If you start at the Rossio station, it'll take less time to reach your destination. However, if you start at Oriente station, the trip will be a bit longer.

Best of all, the cost of admission is just €5 for round trip tickets as the service is provided by the Lisbon public transportation system!

By Bus

It isn't advised to come here by bus unless you plan to join an organized tour from Lisbon. Buses/coaches are typically less frequently offered, take longer to arrive, and actually cost more than the train.

Once you arrive in Sintra, bus lines 434 and 435 are very convenient for getting around the city. These lines will take you to the most notable places, saving you a lot of walking/hill climbing.

If you want 24 hour service, it will cost €15, but a single fare is just €4.10. We recommend the 24 hour ticket, because chances are you'll need to use this bus more than once while in Sintra.

By Private Transfer

You can always select a private transfer if you'd prefer more comfort. Consequently, a driver will pick you up from your Lisbon location and drive you directly to Sintra. This is an excellent option if you need to carry a lot of luggage or prefer to travel in style. 

This trip will be approximately 30 to 40 minutes, similar to driving. The extra comfort and convenience may make the slightly higher price tag worthwhile. 

You can expect this service to cost about €40 - €60 per person.

Schedule your private transfer today.

Organized Day Trips From Lisbon to Sintra

In addition to all the other ways to reach Sintra from Lisbon, there are also organized day trips that typically include tours, allowing you to learn about the most noteworthy sites in and around Sintra and pay for transportation at the same time.

Gray Line

Gray Line is a global leader in sightseeing tours, offering an immersive experience of local cultures in over 700 locations worldwide. When exploring Sintra from Lisbon, Gray Line presents some fantastic tour options.

Lisbon: Half-Day Tour of Sintra

For those with a tighter schedule, the half-day tour of Sintra from Lisbon is a perfect pick. This guided tour is packed with excitement and discovery. One of the key highlights of the tour’s journey is a stop at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe.

You'll visit the regal National Palace of Sintra, Guincho Beach, walk through the cobblestone streets, and savor traditional pastries. 

With a live guide available, you'll learn fascinating historical and cultural insights about each spot. Fluent in several languages, the guide ensures you get all the fun facts and essential details.

The Pena Palace in Sintra. Image source: Pixabay user Oleg Shakurov.
The Pena Palace in Sintra. Image source: Pixabay user Oleg Shakurov.

Lisbon: Full-Day Sintra Tour with Pena Palace

The Sintra tour with Pena Palace is a beautiful choice if you want to spare an entire day. This guided tour will take you beyond the usual, offering a comprehensive exploration of Sintra. The highlight of this tour is the Pena Palace, a true architectural wonder.

You will visit the Pena Palace, amble through the lovely streets of Sintra Village, brimming with retro shops and delicious local treats, and explore the vibrant winemaking region of Colares. Here, you can admire the striking colors and unique blend of architectural styles.

A live guide is also available on this tour, ensuring you get the whole experience of the history, culture, and enchanting tales of Sintra. With Full-Day Sintra Tour with Pena Palace, prepare for a day filled with splendid views, deep history, and enchanting architecture.

Amazing Discovery Tours

Amazing Discovery Tours offers exciting adventures for travelers who wish to explore deep into the soul of their chosen destination. With a focus on artistic exploration and shared experiences, their tours promise a memorable adventure.

From Lisbon: Sintra and Pena Palace Tour

Tackling on the Sintra and Pena Palace tour from Lisbon with Amazing Discovery Tours is like stepping into a living fairytale. This guided tour takes you on a thrilling exploration of Sintra's highlights, beginning with the spectacular Pena Palace. 

This architectural gem on top of a hill gives you panoramic sceneries of the surrounding forests and the Atlantic Ocean. Your guide will narratively color your journey through the palace and its beautifully manicured gardens. 

Following this, you'll also experience the charming city of Sintra itself, with its picturesque streets and enticing local cuisine. This tour offers a complete, well-rounded Sintra experience.

Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra. Image source: Pixabay user Stefanie Konstanta.
Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra. Image source: Pixabay user Stefanie Konstanta.

From Lisbon: Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira Tour

The Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira tour is a brilliant choice for those who wish to uncover the more mystic side of Sintra. Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is well-known for its unique style of architecture and mysterious tunnels. 

As part of a guided tour, you'll navigate through the enchanting gardens and underground paths while learning about the symbolism and history of the estate from your knowledgeable guide. 

But that's not all. The tour also takes you through the heart of Sintra, where you can indulge in traditional pastries and explore artisanal shops. This journey with Amazing Discovery Tours combines cultural exploration and exciting adventure.

Lisbon Native

Lisbon Native offers authentic and unique local experiences, blending culture, history, and natural beauty into unforgettable tours.

From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais Full-Day Tour

You can arrange a complete day of fun and adventure with the Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais tour from Lisbon. This tour gives a detailed experience, starting with the incredible attractiveness of Sintra, a site known for its romantic architecture and dramatic streets. 

The Cabo da Roca lighthouse. Image source: Pixabay user Gianni Crestani.
The Cabo da Roca lighthouse. Image source: Pixabay user Gianni Crestani.

The tour also carries you to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where you can admire the awe-inspiring sights of the Atlantic Ocean. Lastly, you'll visit Cascais, a magnetic coastal town well-known for its yellow beaches and bustling marina. 

Throughout your trip, you will be attended by a guide who will ensure you take advantage of all the fun, history, and cultural nuances of the places you visit.

Extremo Ambiente Tours

Extremo Ambiente Tours mixes the thrill of off-road exploration, providing unique adventurous tours for those seeking more than the typical sightseeing experience.

Sintra Full-Day Jeep Safari from Lisbon

Join an exhilarating Full-Day Jeep Safari from Lisbon Tour, where adventure and breathtaking views come standard. This tour invites you to experience Portugal's gorgeous landscapes uniquely and excitingly. 

Kick off the journey with a thrilling off-road ride, taking you through the rugged and picturesque terrains that most other tours miss. You'll venture through the beautiful forests of Sintra, discover hidden treasures, and stop at awe-inspiring lookout points. 

It also includes visits to symbolic locations like the Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca. A delicious local lunch is also part of the package. It’s a guided tour, an expert-led adventure blends adrenaline and natural beauty for an unforgettable day in and around Lisbon.

About The Author

Justin

Justin is a travel content writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the field. He graduated from Portland State University in 2012. He has lived in the Pacific Northwest his whole life and knows the American West Coast very well. Read More...
Updated: August 7th, 2023
Back to Top
cross