Last Updated on January 5, 2025 by Soumya
Are you planning to travel from Lisbon to Sintra by train? You’re at the right place.
Here’s the best Lisbon to Sintra train guide that gives you every tiny detail that you need to know. Here’s what you will learn.
- Which Sintra trains to take, schedules, and departing stations?
- Which buses to take to commute within the city of Sintra?
- How to maximize your day trip to Sintra and see the best of Sintra’s castles?
- A small freebie on planning an extended day out at Cabo da Roca – the best place to watch a sunset in Portugal.
Driving to Sintra and within the city can be tricky. Narrow roads, single lanes, and many tourists everywhere make driving a pain. Therefore, many travelers take the train to Sintra and walk within the city or take the bus.
We highly recommend doing the Lisbon to Sintra train ride because it is enjoyable and less stressful. The distance between Lisbon and Sintra is barely 20 miles. So, you can get here in a jiffy and enjoy the rest of the day.
Try this highly-rated guided tour of Sintra from Lisbon if you want something more convenient. Else, follow along.
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!
How to Get from Lisbon to Sintra by train?
It is not difficult to travel by train in Portugal. We found public transport in Portugal pretty convenient. A tad late sometimes. But easy and comfortable on the whole. That is why we decided to do our day trip from Lisbon to Sintra by train.
Our day trip to Sintra included watching the sunset at Cabo da Roca, followed by dinner at Cascais. So, I will include those here too.
If you wish, you can easily spend the entire day at Sintra going through all of Sintra’s castles and palaces, exploring the city center, and ending it with dinner.
In this post, you will find all the public transport (train and bus) options that we used to get to Sintra from Lisbon and within. And, of course, we did some walking within the city.
✦ Pro Tip: Not a fan of trip planning? Book this highly rated Lisbon to Sintra full-day tour instead.
Lisbon to Sintra Distance
Sintra is a mere 19 miles (30km) away from Lisbon. That makes it one of the closest and easiest day trips from Lisbon.
Friends have told me that you can even see the Pena Palace all the way from Lisbon on a clear day. I have never had luck, but let me know if you see it.
📖 Read Next: Best One-Day Itinerary for Sintra
Lisbon to Sintra Trains – Prices and Journey Time
There are plenty of trains from Lisbon to Sintra. And plenty of Lisbon train stations where you can get on these trains.
The train station at Lisbon’s city center, Rossio, is often the most preferred one to get to Sintra. There are trains here every 30 minutes.
But remember, Rossio is also the most crowded. You may have to wait in long queues to get to the ticket counter unless you have a pass that covers your travel.
There are many other train stations in Lisbon where you can board trains bound for Sintra. You can choose depending on where you stay in Lisbon.
- Lisboa Rossio (Google Maps) – 40 minutes – €2.45 (Trains every 20 – 30 mins from early in the morning, around 5:40 am to late in the night at 1 am)
- Lisboa Oriente (Google Maps) – 47 minutes – €2.45 (Closer to Lisbon Airport, trains every 20-30 mins)
- Lisboa Santa Apolónia (Google Maps) – 55 – 60 minutes – varies between €2.45 – €4.05
- Entrecampos (Google Maps) – 38 minutes – €2.45
- Sete Rios (Google Maps) – 35 minutes – €2.45
- Benfica (Google Maps) – 31-32 minutes – €2.45
You can check out the latest train times on the Official Website of Comboios de Portugal, Portugal’s passenger train operator.
Entrecampos, Sete Rios, and Benfica are all on the outskirts of Lisbon. You can get faster to Sintra from these Lisbon stations. However, remember that it might be difficult to get a seat on the train if you are boarding at these stations.
Since we were staying at Ibis Alfragide, we chose to take the train from Benfica, which was nearly empty at 8 am in the morning.
If you are on a budget trip like us, you can stay at the extremely neat and friendly Hotel Ibis Alfragide. It is cheaper because it is a little further away from the city center. But there is a bus stop a minute away, and you can get to the city in under 15 minutes. The biggest plus point was that we saves on travel time to both Belem and Sintra.
📖 Pro Tip: Visiting Lisbon and Sintra? Do not forget to check out our 5-day Itinerary for Southern Portugal.
How to Get to Sintra Castles from the Train Station?
Once you arrive at the Sintra train station, look out for Bus #434 (also known as the Feather Circuit or Pena Circuit), which will take you to the Sintra city center, Moorish Castle, and Pena Palace and back to the station. It goes in a loop.
Remember, Bus 434 does not take you to Quinta Regaleira. But if you want to visit this mysterious Sintra mansion, you can quickly get there from the city center by walking. It is a 10-minute walk and a little steep.
If this is your second time in Sintra and you have already done the best Sintra highlights, you’ll want to take Bus #435 instead of 434. 435 takes you to Quinta Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, and Seteais Palace. Sintra is full of stunning castles and palaces – read more about all of them here.
There’s usually a queue for the buses, even in the morning. So, make sure you get to your spot as soon as you can.
Buses run every 5-10 mins.
Tips and Tickets for Sintra Bus 434 & 435
- Get your tickets online here. These tickets allow multiple trips and are valid for 24 hours from the time when you first use them. You can use them on both 434 and 435.
- Buses run every 5-10 minutes. If you are not at the front of the queue, I suggest waiting for the next one to get your choice of seats.
- Try to sit on the right side of the bus (in the direction of motion) for gorgeous views.
- If you’re taking 434, I suggest going all the way up to Pena Palace first and then walking down to the Moorish Castle. That way, you can spend more time at the highlight of Sintra – Palácio da Pena.
- Once done with both Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, board Bus 434 again and get to the Historical Center of Sintra, where the Sintra National Palace is located. From the center, you can also walk to Quinta Regaleira (10 mins walk).
📖 Read Next: 7 Magical Castles of Sintra That You Cannot Miss!
Other Ways of Getting to Sintra Castles from the Train Station
Cab or Drive
You can also hire a cab from the station, which is expensive. Or drive to the palaces on your own.
However, remember that the narrow roads of Sintra include steep turns and, hence, are not very driver-friendly. This is also a reason why Sintra buses run only in one direction. You do not want to get caught in traffic here.
Hike up
If you have the willpower and stamina, you can hike up to the Pena Palace. The hike can take anywhere between 1-2 hours.
E-Bike
E-bikes are also available for you to explore the hills and enjoy the fantastic views of Sintra’s hilly terrain.
Sintra Guided Tour from Lisbon
Guided tours from Lisbon are one the most popular and also my favorite ways to get to Sintra.
Most Lisbon-Sintra tours include pick-up from Lisbon. So, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of buying train tickets and getting good seats on the train. That saves you a good amount of energy, allowing you to explore the attractions in peace.
Here’s my favorite (also one of the highest-rated tours on Viator) Sintra full-day tour from Lisbon. The best part is this tour is a small-group tour (only about 8 participants) and includes a guided visit of the Pena Palace interiors, which not many tours offer. This tour also includes stops at Cabo da Roca (an unmissable thing in Portugal) and Cascais.
Here are some more Lisbon-Sintra guided tours that you’ll love.
Tips for Visiting Sintra from Lisbon
Here are some tips for your trip to Sintra from Lisbon. Whether you’re visiting by train or car, here are some quick things to remember. For details, refer to my complete Sintra day trip guide from Lisbon.
- Be sure to buy your palace tickets online in advance. Queues at the box offices are really long, and you do not want to spend your day waiting outside in line.
I always buy my entrance tickets on Get Your Guide because that’s my favorite ticketing app in Europe. Here are the links to Sintra castles on Get Your Guide.
Pena Palace Online Ticket
Moorish Castle Online Ticket
Quinta Regaleira Online Ticket
Monserrate Palace Online Ticket
- Pena Palace gardens may be closed during the summer for fear of forest fires. Yeah, Portugal gets that hot! The gardens were closed when we went in September.
Check for latest updates and opening hours on the Official Website of Parques de Sintra before visiting.
- Do not miss trying the soft, pillowy Travesseiros of Casa Piriquita in Sintra – one of my favorite Portuguese desserts.
- From Sintra, head to Cabo da Roca to enjoy a stunning sunset at the westernmost tip of mainland Europe.
How to get to Cabo da Roca and Cascais from Sintra?
If you are not staying in Sintra, then you can choose between having dinner at Sintra and going back to Lisbon the same way you came or going further west to Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe) and ending the day in Cascais.
I recommend you to head to Cabo da Roca for just the sunset, at least. Get a light jacket just in case in gets chilly in the evening.
Cabo da Roca, in itself, is a wonderful day trip destination from Lisbon. With its close proximity to the stunning surfing town of Ericeira, it makes for the perfect adventurous getaway.
Bus 1253 from Sintra train station takes you to Cabo da Roca in about 45 mins. Bus 1624 gets you to Cabo da Roca in 35 mins.
From Cabo da Roca, you can ride Bus 1624 to get to Cascais where you can have dinner.
How to get back to Lisbon from Sintra/Cascais by train?
You can easily get back to Lisbon from the Sintra train station. Trains to Lisbon are quite frequent (leaving every 30 minutes). And I believe the last train leaves a little after midnight. Check here for train schedules.
If you plan to get back to Lisbon from Cascais, there are a number of trains running from Cascais Terminal to Lisboa Cais do Sodre. The ride usually takes 70 minutes and costs €2.45. You can check train schedules and charges here. There are a few other stops in Lisbon like at Alges, Belem, and Santos. You can get off at the station closest to your hotel.
| Experience more of Sintra, Lisbon and Nearby Read our posts on Best of Sintra | Check out the best things to do in Sintra in one day including the most beautiful castles to visit. Best of Lisbon | From the most popular attractions in Lisbon and the best hidden gems to stunning viewpoints and the charming alleys of Alfama, explore Lisbon with our perfect bucket lists. Lisbon Food | Wondering what to eat in Lisbon? Check out our epic Lisbon food guide, or try the best Portuguese desserts. Perfect Lisbon Itineraries | Explore Portugal’s capital with our perfect 2-day in Lisbon itinerary. If you’re visiting for a short time, then our 24-hour Lisbon itinerary is sure to help you. Lisbon Day Trips | Spend some more time around Lisbon with these epic Lisbon day trips. |
Loved our Lisbon to Sintra Train Guide? Pin it for later!
Lisbon by train sounds so divine and scenic. I love train rides.
I bet there are some interesting views on that train ride to the Sinatra Castles. I’d love to see this one day.
Great details and planning. Traveling by train is always fun.
Oh yeah, I love it! Very detailed and easy to store away. I can never get stranded in Lisbon or Sintra, with this.
Haha. Glad you found it helpful.
I want to go to Sintra Portugal! It looks like a great place. Great tips for the train ride.
I wish I could pack my bags and visit places like you do but unfortunately my pocket doesn’t permits so. I’m adding to my to-do list for this year’s New Year celebration. Isn’t it great, right?
Cool, that sounds like a great idea.
It’s so convenient when places you travel to has good public transportation system!
Totally agree with that. No hassles.
Awesome ideas. I’d love to go.
You do so many great trips, I would love to see Lisabon 🙂
I hope you get to see it soon. Maybe have it in your bucket list for 2021?
I’ve gotta make it out to Lisbon one day! Portugal all together is on my bucket list.
I would love to travel to Portugal some day. That train trip would be awesome! I need more train rides in my life. haha
I love to travel by train! It’s so much fun. You’re free to enjoy the countryside and sights while you just relax. No driving worries.
That’s very true. One of the many reasons why we love traveling by public transport. Especially the ones as smooth as the one from Lisbon to Sintra.
I would love to make this trip someday. Sounds like it’s scenic and very relaxing.
Really awesome post! Part of the reason I get nervous to visit new places is because I’m TERRIBLE at navigating my way around. I’m planning another trip to Lisbon soon, and I’ve been looking into visiting Sintra from there. I’m so glad I have this post to guide me!
Same here Stephanie. Which is exactly why I wrote this post. Glad you found it helpful.
Great post!! I have been to Lisbon many years ago but I would want you travel again if I have the chance. But I have never travel from or to Lisbon with a train and this post came to me handy as I love taking train rides, saves money, and makes the travel more intimate.
That’s true. I actually enjoy the place more without having to focus on the road. Plus all the people you meet on trains and buses.
Thanks for making me relive my day trip to Sintra from Lisbon. We had taken a conducted day trip to Pena palace and some more sightseeing of prominent attractions.
How nice. How did you like your conducted tour? Did you get sufficient time at each of the attractions in Sintra?
I’ve heard so many great things about Portugal, especially Lisbon. These are great tips. I hope I get the chance to visit there someday. I love your photos
Sintra is a good day trip option from Lisbon. So, yeah hopefully you will make this trip when you get to Lisbon,
Sintra is always in my bucket list due to that most photogenic yellow colored palace. But the day trip to Sintra from Lisbon which includes the watching the sunset at Cabo da Roca would be the best way to end the day. Thanks for sharing all detailed information of many trains running from Lisbon to Sintra and they are very affordable too. And after that bus ride too looks worth and cost effective one. It is good to know that the bus ride from Sintra train station to Cabo da Roca takes around 40 minutes and therefore watching sunset can also be included in this itinerary. Hopefully I would get something vegetarian for dinner at Cascais. Thanks for sharing detailed information as before reading your post, planning this day trip was very confusing for me.
It’s pretty easy to get vegetarian food in Cascais. In fact, if I remember correctly even we had vegetarian there. At an Indian restaurant called Masala. You will like it.
Happy to know that Portugal has excellent public transport. We haven’t been there yet but it’s part of our travel bucketlist.
Thank you for sharing these tips as well as a pricing. Will keep this in mind should we have an upcoming trip. Noted as well to look for a hotel a little further away from the center.
I am glad you found this guide helpful. Portugal is an amazing place that you will surely love.
I have never been to Portugal before but I am following your blogs on them lately, and they are really interesting. I have always wanted to take the train in Europe. However, I haven’t got the chance yet. I guess when in Portugal, I will surely take this train from Lisbon to Sintra mainly because of the convenience that you have mentioned as the roads seem to be narrow for public transport and hence that could take longer than a train. Thanks for the information of train ticket pricing and also detailed information on how to visit Sintra castles from the train station.
You are right Shreya. It’s super smooth to travel by train to Sintra. Hope you will have a good time in Portugal.
We were so sorry we missed Sintra when we were in Lisbon. We took the train to Estoril. But did not make it to Sintra. It is good to know there is a bus to get you up to the castles. And that it goes in a loop. Good tip about sitting on the right side for the views. This is a great guide that I will save for when we go back to Lisbon. We might take a tour from Lisbon. But good to know that we can manage this on our own.
A tour is a great choice. But yeah, if you want to do some wandering around in Sintra in your own, then the trains and buses are good.
I have done Sintra from Lisboa before and this is great advice. I got here by train and I used the Lisboa card which I brought and saved a heck of a lot of money on transport and attractions in the city. Really would love to go back here as I had rubbish weather when I went and your photos in the sunshine looks amazing.
True that. Sunshine makes Sintra glitter and glimmer.