The Discover Portugal blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See the Disclaimer for more information.
How to get from Lisbon Sintra by train + the palaces
As a Lisbon local, I travel to Sintra pretty often. Sometimes for photography work, and sometimes for fun! I usually take the train as it’s the most affordable option, but it’s also extremely convenient. I’m often asked how to get from Lisbon to Sintra by train, so I decided to write a guide about it.
I will explain a bit about the train stations, including the direct lines you can take and how to purchase tickets. The current prices are €2.55 for a single journey and €5.10 for a return ticket, with a journey time of only 40 minutes. There are also kids’ tickets available, and I will explain how and where to purchase them. Perfect for budget-conscious visitors!
Then I will explain how to get from Sintra station to the famous palaces and advise you on which ones require advance tickets. I’ve also included some restaurant and hotel recommendations in case you’d like to stay longer.
There is a lot to see in Sintra, and it’s a highlight for most travellers! Families, couples and solo travellers, I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m sure you’ll have a great day! With all these tips, I hope you can create a fun DIY itinerary for a day in Sintra!
Planning your Sintra train day trip from Lisbon
Would you like to see the highlights of Sintra? That’s an excellent decision! Part of the fun is in reaching your destination, and the Sintra Train services are pretty straightforward.
Taking the time beforehand to plan your train journey from Lisbon can help you be better prepared on the day of travelling. A day trip to Sintra is worth it, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
The first step in preparing for this adventure is selecting the right train station in Lisbon that will take you directly to Sintra. Next, we would need to obtain tickets at their designated location and determine the cost per person.
To complete the planning process, choosing what best suits you (and your travel companions) can also add value and enhance your travel experience. Let’s dive into these details a little further.
Choosing the right train station in Lisbon
There are two main train stations in Lisbon that serve Sintra: Rossio Station and Oriente Station. The best station depends on your starting point, but both have benefits.
Lisbon Rossio Station is a popular choice due to its central location, as it is close to downtown Lisbon. Also, the building in the Portuguese Manueline style is a REAL eyecatcher!
If you’re closer to the airport or the Parque das Nações district, Oriente Station would be more convenient for Lisbon to Sintra by train. You can easily reach this modern train station by taking the red Lisbon metro line.
Whether you choose Rossio Train Station or Oriente Station, you can easily enjoy day trips to Sintra by travelling on a direct train from either of these stations. There are many stations on both lines, so check Google Maps to see which one is closer.
Train tickets and prices
After selecting your desired station in the city centre, the next step is purchasing train tickets. These can be bought at Rossio Station and Oriente Station, and the trains are operated by Comboios de Portugal, the national train company. There is no option to purchase Lisbon to Sintra train tickets online.
At the station, you can purchase a Navegante Ocasional card for only €0.50. Each person will need their own card. It’s reusable, and you can add money to it and use it for “zapping”.
Each time you go through the gate, you “zap” it at the scanner, and the amount of your journey will be deducted. Perfect for when you make more trips in Lisbon with public transport!
A single ticket costs €2.55, making it an affordable option for your journey. All stations have ticket counters and ticket machines. A return ticket costs €5.10.
Children under three years old travel free of charge, and children aged 4 to 12 years old pay half price. People over 65 can also get tickets at half price.
Best time and days to travel to Sintra
Portugal gets busy in summer, which applies especially to your day excursion to Sintra. While the city is stunning year-round, the best months for visiting Sintra are from October to May.
The weather is still lovely, but there are fewer people around. That means fewer queues at the most famous attractions and less busy trains.
When travelling to Sintra Train Station in the height of summer, try avoiding the weekend, which may help you avoid large crowds. If you’re in Sintra in the winter, there will be no crowds, and these tips don’t apply. The Lisbon-Sintra train schedule remains the same throughout all seasons.
If you travel during the high season, I suggest taking the direct train from Lisbon to Sintra Train Station at 8:00 AM sharp to arrive before 9:00 AM. By arriving just before other visitors pour in, you’ll get a head start on exploring everything in Sintra.
Always bring a jumper or jacket to Sintra! Even in summer, it can be colder in the mountains. A breeze of fresh air would be nice during the summer heat, but bringing something just in case you get cold will be even more comfortable!
Lisbon Sintra by train: the journey
When you have your tickets, it’s time for the journey itself. Travelling from Lisbon to Sintra by train is easy, and the service is usually efficient. The average travel time is 40 minutes, and when starting at Rossio Station or Oriente Station, there is no need to switch trains.
The train will stop at locations such as Benfica, Queluz, Amadora, and Portela de Sintra. No toilets or food and drink services are on board the Lisbon to Sintra trains. In less than an hour, you’ll arrive at the charming town of Sintra!
The train services between Lisbon and Sintra Station run frequently, usually departing every 20 minutes. When travelling in the evenings or on weekends, it’s best to check the timetable for the next train.
There are trains back to Lisbon until around midnight, so you can also enjoy a nice dinner in the historic centre.
Travelling from the station to the Sintra sights
When you arrive at Sintra Train Station, you might wonder how to continue your journey. The historical town and several palaces are within walking distance of the station, making them easily accessible.
Others are easier to reach by bus, taxi or tuk-tuk. I’ve created an overview to help you get to the most famous sights:
The Moorish Castle (taxi, tuk-tuk, or Scotturb bus)
Pena Palace (taxi, tuk-tuk, or Scotturb bus)
Sintra town centre (walking distance)
Quinta da Regaleira (walking distance)
Biester Palace (walking distance)
Sintra National Palace (walking distance)
Park and Palace of Monserrate (taxi, tuk-tuk, rental car or Scotturb bus)
Convent of the Capuchos (taxi, tuk-tuk, or rental car)
When arriving at Sintra station, you’ll see tuk-tuks and buses waiting. The bus station is conveniently located just outside the station, and this is where the Sintra bus departs. The bus station is easily accessible.
The bus is run by a company named Scotturb. It’s the cheapest way to explore places like Pena Palace (located on a steep hill, accessible by line 434) and Monserrate Palace (further out of town, accessible by bus line 435).
The Sintra hop-on hop-off tourist bus ticket is valid for 24 hours and costs €13.50 when you buy this ticket in advance online. Single tickets cost €4.70 and return tickets cost €8.85 (2026 prices).
You can also take a taxi or tuk-tuk to places further away in the Sintra Mountains. You’ll know the price upfront when you grab an Uber or Bolt taxi.
A tuk-tuk is most likely the most expensive option, but you can combine it with a guided tour! The historic centre is easily reached on foot and is relatively flat.
Other ways to get to Sintra
You can travel from Lisbon to Sintra by bus, but it is not straightforward and not advisable, as the train is much easier and more affordable.
Private options, such as taxis, Bolt, or Uber, are also available from Lisbon. Renting a car is another option, but it is NOT advised when visiting places like Castelo dos Mouros and Palácio da Pena. Sintra does not have enough car parking spaces, and vehicles are often not allowed in the area.
You can rent a car if you plan to visit the Convent of the Capuchos and Monseratte Palace. There is limited parking at both sites, but there is usually space available, especially at the convent.
You can also book an organised tour to avoid public transport and train times. Private tours are also readily available. As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy a day trip to Sintra!
Must-visit attractions in Sintra
On your day trip to Sintra, there are many fantastic palaces, gardens and castles to discover. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Pena Palace should be on your wish list if this is your first visit to the area.
Pena National Palace has a royal history, and Pena Park is just as beautiful! Many people visit the palace, walk around the courtyard, and then leave. But the park is impressive, so don’t skip it!
There are fabulous viewpoints and a pond! Pena Palace is also known as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. Expect long lines as this is the most visited palace of all!
Castelo dos Mouros gives a glimpse into Portugal’s Moorish heritage and offers breathtaking views. The Moorish Castle is within walking distance of Pena Palace.
The line for the famous well at Quinta da Regaleira can also be long, but with the timed tickets, it should not take too much time!
Sintra Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) can get busy, as it is easily accessible for everyone. But it’s usually less busy than the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. For all main attractions, I advise arriving early or later in the day!
While other tourists visit famous sights, you could discover hidden gems instead. Biester Palace, Monserrate Palace, Queluz National Palace, and the Convent of the Capuchos are great for avoiding the crowds!
A day trip from Lisbon to Sintra can include a few highlights. It’s advisable to visit two or, at most, three sights in one day.
Which Sintra attractions need pre-booked tickets
Most palaces and sights don’t require an online reservation in winter, but it’s still advisable.
Places like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira operate on a timed ticket system, so it’s best to arrive with tickets in hand, as they may not be available at the door. This list will provide some more insights.
The Moorish Castle (popular, online booking advised)
Pena Palace (THE most popular; online booking is a must)
Quinta da Regaleira (very popular; online booking is strongly recommended)
Biester Palace (never too busy, but you can buy tickets online)
Palácio Nacional de Sintra (popular; online booking advised)
Park and Palace of Monserrate (never too busy, but you can purchase tickets online)
Convent of the Capuchos (the least visited, but you can get online tickets)
There are also some combination tickets to save you money:
Additional activities and nearby destinations
If you have time during your Portugal vacation, there are many other activities and nearby destinations worth exploring. Consider taking a day trip to Cascais, a lovely coastal town near Sintra. Or go to Azenhas do Mar, where you have breathtaking sea and village views.
Do you like hiking? Then go see the natural beauty of Sintra Cascais Natural Park! You can discover stunning coastal hikes around Cabo da Roca and Praia da Ursa.
Where to eat in Sintra
A trip to Sintra is only complete with enjoying some local treats. There are some typical dishes in Sintra, such as the Travesseiros and Queijadas. If you have a sweet tooth, take advantage of these.
Casa Piriquita is a lovely pastry shop where you can enjoy a coffee accompanied by something sweet. For lunch and dinner, there are also plenty of options. Some personal favourites are Villa Craft Beer & Bread, Café Saudade and Bacalhau na Vila.
Hotels in Sintra
As you can see, there is much to do and see in Sintra! If time allows, staying one or more nights is a great opportunity. This way, you can visit Sintra not only on a day trip but also get to experience the stunning nature around you.
Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais and Pestana Sintra Golf Resort & Spa Hotel are excellent choices for a luxury stay. Budget-friendly options include MouraLua (also close to Portela de Sintra train station) and Casa do Albuquerque. Please refer to the map below for current availability and pricing information.
FAQ
How do I get from Lisbon to Sintra by train?
For a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, depart from either Lisbon Rossio Station or Lisbon Oriente Station. Trains depart approximately every 20 minutes (with less frequent services on weekends, early mornings, and late evenings), and the trip takes just 40 minutes.
Which Lisbon train station goes to Sintra?
You can catch the train to Sintra from Rossio Train Station, located in central Lisbon, or from Oriente, which is closer to Lisbon Airport. Trains depart roughly every 20 to 30 minutes, taking just 40 minutes.
How much does the train cost from Lisbon to Sintra?
The train fare from Lisbon to Sintra is €2.55 for a single trip ticket and €5.10 for a return journey (2026 prices).
How often do Lisbon to Sintra trains run?
The frequency of trains from Lisbon to Sintra varies depending on the time of day, with intervals ranging from 20 to 30 minutes. On weekends, the train runs less frequently.
What are the must-visit attractions in Sintra?
Pena Palace, including Pena Park, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira, are some of the most popular sights. If you are travelling to Sintra for the first time, be sure to add these to your itinerary!
Are you ready to travel from Lisbon to Sintra by train?
A day excursion from Lisbon to Sintra is simply a must, and thankfully, the Sintra train service is an easy way to reach the enchanted town. By planning your trip to Sintra, you can save money and ensure you have all the necessary tickets for the palaces and sights in advance.
You can depart from Lisbon from Rossio Station or Oriente, and both trains directly connect with Sintra Station. So grab your bags, catch a Lisbon to Sintra train ride and prepare to be captivated by the magic of this town!
More things to do in Sintra
- How to get to Palácio da Pena in Sintra
- Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, a guide to visit this magical UNESCO site
- Complete Guide to Park and Palace of Monserrate Sintra
- Sintra day trips from Lisbon; discover the best excursions
- The hidden gem in Sintra; Discover the ancient Convent of the Capuchos
- Beautiful Cabo da Roca Portugal; most westernmost point of Europe
- Biester Palace, a beautiful hidden gem in Sintra
- Sintra National Palace: Discover the beautiful palace close to Lisbon
- Lisbon Sintra by train Travel Guide + 8 top sights to visit
- Discover the picturesque coastal town Azenhas do Mar near Sintra
- Visit the beautiful Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) in Sintra
- 8 irresistible beaches in Sintra to visit during your holiday
- How to get to stunning Praia da Ursa
- Beautiful Queluz National Palace, a hidden gem in Sintra
Pin to read later!
