Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Soumya
Planning a day trip from Lisbon to Obidos? Looking for the best public transport options to do it? You have come to the right place.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning the best Obidos day trip by bus. Buses are the best public transport option between Lisbon and Obidos. Trains – not so much.
When I first visited Obidos from Lisbon, I went by bus. It was super convenient and cheap.
Through this travel guide, I want to help you plan that fantastic Lisbon to Obidos day trip, which will allow you to see the best of Obidos and be affordable at the same time.
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How to get to Obidos from Lisbon by public transport?
Day Trip from Lisbon to Obidos by Bus or Train
When evaluating public transport options between Lisbon and Obidos, we realized we had two choices – bus or train.
However, as you read through, you will realize that the train is not really the most efficient way to get from Lisbon to Obidos.
Taking a bus is the best way to do your Lisbon to Obidos day trip.
Lisbon to Obidos by Train
The train is the most inefficient way to travel to Obidos from Lisbon.
I don’t recommend it for a day trip to Obidos, but it is great if you want to make stops and see more of the Portuguese countryside on your journey.
The train journey takes 2.5-3 hours and involves a couple of transfers.
Trains are very infrequent on this route and not scheduled at convenient times. Check out the train schedules on the OMIO website here.
✦ What is OMIO? OMIO is my favorite app for booking train tickets in Europe. Its English interface saves me the hassle of dealing with Google-translated sites. Plus, I have all my tickets in one place.
Board the train at the Santa Apolonia (Google Maps) or Entrecampos (Google Maps) stations in Lisbon and switch trains at Mira Sintra-Melecas and Torres Vedras.
Lisbon to Obidos by Bus
The bus is the cheapest and best way to get to Obidos from Lisbon.
Rodoviaria do Oeste is the bus company that services the route between Lisbon Campo Grande (Google Maps) and Obidos.
Buses are frequent – every hour on weekdays and less frequent on weekends.
The bus journey from Lisbon to Obidos takes only an hour – much shorter than the train.
Tickets cost €8 – you can only buy tickets from the driver. So keep some cash ready.
We took the bus the first time we visited Obidos from Lisbon, and it was pretty comfortable. If you can leave as early as 7:00 am, you will get to Obidos before the majority of other day trippers.
Obidos Day Trip by Guided Tour
I did my second Obidos day trip on this guided tour, which was fab.
I did this tour mainly because I wanted to see a couple of other places, including Batalha and Nazare, during the day trip, and this tour provided just the right combination of places.
This tour saved me the hassle of figuring out the logistics on my own.
We had a small group of travelers on this tour. So, that added to the fun.
Like me, you can also visit Obidos on a full-day tour from Lisbon. These tours usually include other beautiful places in Portugal with Obidos. So, it is a great way to tick some of the most coveted destinations off your Portugal bucket list.
Here are a few other excellent Lisbon Obidos day tour options.
Drive to Obidos from Lisbon
Sure, you can rent a car and drive from Lisbon to Obidos. Take the A8 highway (there’s a toll on this route) and get to Obidos in less than an hour.
Driving a car or getting a taxi is the most convenient way to get to Obidos from Lisbon.
But if you’re not driving or looking for a more budget-friendly option, the bus from Lisbon to Obidos is the best option.
Remember to park your car outside the city walls in front of the medieval aqueduct.
Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Obidos
Stroll through the quaint streets of Obidos
Begin your Obidos day trip by strolling through the charming streets of the medieval European town.
The streets of Obidos are among the prettiest I have seen in Europe. They are lined with white houses with blue and yellow borders draped with hot pink bougainvillea and colorful geraniums.
Take a look at my wanderlust-inspiring Obidos photographs to pack your bags now.
The main street, Rua Direita, is where all the action takes place. It is full of cafes, restaurants, and pretty boutique shops.
But feel free to venture into the narrow alleys for a calmer experience.
When beginning your walk, be sure to admire the beautiful 18th-century azulejo tiles at Porta da Vila, the main entrance to Obidos.
✦ Pro Tip: If you want your walk to be more insightful, join this Medieval Tales and Secret Spots Walking Tour of Obidos. This tour gives you a holistic idea of all things Obidos, and the best part is that they operate at three different times: 11:00 am, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. So you can choose the one that fits your schedule.
Explore the Medieval Castle of Obidos
One of the most iconic landmarks of Obidos is its well-preserved medieval castle.
Walk along the castle’s ramparts and towers, enjoying panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.
Unfortunately, the castle is not open to visitors. But it has been converted into a luxurious pousada (hotel).
If you’re looking for a unique hotel experience in Portugal, stay at Pousada Castelo de Obidos for a night.
Step into a beautiful Obidos church
Obidos has many beautiful churches. The Church of Santa Maria, Misericordia Church, and the Church of Sao Pedro are some of the most popular.
The Church of Santa Maria is known for its beautiful azulejo-covered walls and frescoed ceiling. The altar is also beautifully adorned.
Be sure to notice the cute water spout attached to a stunning blue tile wall.
Sample the Local Ginja
Obidos is famous for its cherry liqueur, Ginja, which dates back to the 17th century.
Sample this sweet and sour drink, traditionally served in a chocolate cup that can be eaten afterward. You can also buy some of it as a gift from Portugal.
You will find many spots on Rua Direita serving Ginja.
See the original paintings of Josefa de Obidos
Josefa de Obidos was a renowned Portuguese female artist from the 17th century who painted excellent Baroque pieces.
Many of Josefa’s works were religious and depicted female religious figures. She is still one of Obidos’ most coveted artists, and some of her art can be seen at the Municipal Museum of Obidos.
The museum also houses paintings by Andre Reinoso, another famous painter from the 17th century.
Browse the Local Bookshops
Obidos has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature and is home to several charming bookshops, some located within historic buildings.
Whether you’re a book lover or not, exploring these bookshops is an absolute delight on every Obidos day trip.
One of Obidos’ most unique bookshops is the Church of St. James, which was once a private chapel but is now a bookstore.
Unique Things to Do on an Obidos Day Tour
Attend the Obidos Medieval Fair
If you’re visiting in July, attend the Medieval Fair, where Obidos transforms into a lively medieval marketplace, hosting jousting tournaments, medieval music, and traditional food and drinks.
Visit the Obidos Chocolate Festival
If you love chocolate, you’ll enjoy the annual Obidos Chocolate Festival in spring. You can taste delectable chocolate creations there, learn new chocolate recipes, and participate in chocolate workshops and competitions.
Is an Obidos day trip from Lisbon worth it?
Yes, a day trip to Obidos from Lisbon is totally worth it. This charming medieval town offers a beautiful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. You can walk through Obidos’ cobblestone streets, marvel at its historic architecture, and savor local food and drinks.
Further, Obidos is just an hour away from Lisbon, which makes it an easy day trip, unlike a day trip to Porto, which I strongly advise against.
Travel Tips for a Day Trip to Obidos
- The streets of Obidos are cobbled and slippery. Remember to put on your best walking shoes for the Obidos day trip.
- If you prefer public transport, the best way to get to Obidos from Lisbon is by bus, not train. Otherwise, rent a car or hire a taxi.
- Guided tours are a great way to visit Obidos from Lisbon. But they usually include a couple more stops like Fatima and Batalha. If you prefer to spend a whole day in Obidos, go on your own.
- Be sure to try the local cherry liqueur, Ginja, and see the paintings by famous artist Josefa de Obidos. Both are local to Obidos.
- Obidos is a UNESCO City of Literature with many interesting bookshops. Remember to step into one.
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