Day Trips to Sintra from Lisbon

If you're in Lisbon, a trip to Sintra is practically a must. This fairytale town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is less than an hour away and offers colorful palaces, mysterious gardens, and incredible views. Here are the best ways to visit: from organized tours and bike routes to private excursions with tickets included to the Pena Palace and much more.

The most economical option

Sintra and Cascais Small Group Day Trip from Lisbon

Discover two of Portugal's iconic cities

An 8-hour tour led by a local guide that will allow you to explore all the beauty of both cities.

From $78 at Hellotickets

When deciding on the best way to get to Sintra from Lisbon, there are several factors to consider, such as which option is most comfortable, whether you want to take the opportunity to see more sights, or if you’d like to get the most out of your visit by learning about what you’re seeing. For those seeking all these benefits, the Sintra and Cascais excursion is the best option.

Lasting approximately 8 hours and led by a local guide, you’ll immerse yourself in the history, curiosities, and points of interest of both cities: Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Cascais, a former fishing village. Plus, you’ll discover other beautiful spots in the region, such as the cliffs of Boca do Inferno, Cabo da Roca, or Guincho Beach, and, of course, you’ll also explore the landscape of the Sintra and Estoril Natural Park.

Recommended if... you want a comprehensive overview of the region in a single day, combining nature, the coast, and two must-see cities near Lisbon.

The most comprehensive option

Sintra, Pena Palace and Quinta Regaleira Day Trip from Lisbon

Explore Sintra with access to the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira

A small-group day trip from Lisbon, featuring a guide and skip-the-line tickets to the most iconic landmarks.

From $114 at Hellotickets

If you’re looking for a comprehensive tour to Sintra from Lisbon, this is an ideal option: comfortable, well-organized, and with tickets included to two of the city’s most fascinating sites. Unlike other tours, this trip to Sintra with tickets to the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira allows you to skip the lines at these monuments, saving you time and ensuring a smoother experience.

During the day, you’ll travel in a small group, in an air-conditioned vehicle, and always accompanied by an expert guide who will explain everything you need to understand the history and symbolism of these places. You’ll visit the Pena Palace, a building straight out of a fairy tale, and explore the enigmatic gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, with its tunnels, grottoes, and architecture steeped in mystery.

You’ll also have time to stroll through the historic center of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this town steeped in romance and legends.

Recommended if... you want to visit Sintra’s most iconic landmarks without worrying about tickets or transportation.

The most original

Sintra and Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon with Bike Tour

Explore Sintra and Cascais by electric bike from Lisbon

A guided tour in a small group, perfect for exploring the region in a unique and effortless way.

From $93 at Hellotickets

If you’d like to experience Sintra from a different perspective, this electric bike tour to Sintra and Cascais is a truly unique option. Over the course of about 7 hours, you’ll explore natural landscapes, vineyards, cliffs, and charming villages on a route that combines light exercise and culture.

First, you’ll take a train to Sintra, where you’ll begin the electric bike tour, making the route accessible even if you’re not used to cycling much. You’ll pass by some of Sintra’s main palaces and gardens, such as the Monserrate Palace or the Quinta da Regaleira, and venture into the natural landscapes surrounding the area.

Afterward, the route continues to Cascais, a former fishing village with an elegant atmosphere, where you can stroll through its historic center and take in the breathtaking ocean views from the cliffs. The entire tour is conducted in a small group with an expert guide who will accompany you and share historical details and interesting facts about the surroundings.

Recommended if... you’re looking for a unique excursion, in touch with nature and with an active touch without sacrificing comfort.

The premium option

Sintra Private Day Trip from Lisbon with Pena Palace Tickets

Sintra at Your Own Pace: Private Tour with Admission to the Pena Palace

An exclusive guided tour with private transportation, tickets included, and complete flexibility to explore Sintra however you like.

From $336 at Hellotickets

If you prefer a more relaxed experience without groups, this private tour to Sintra with tickets to the Pena Palace is a perfect option. With the comfort of a private vehicle that picks you up in Lisbon, and accompanied by an exclusive guide, you’ll discover the most special corners of this city designated a World Heritage Site.

The tour includes a visit to Pena Palace, with tickets included, so you can explore this fairytale castle without waiting in line. From there, you’ll enjoy some of the best views in the region. The guide will accompany you during the visit, but you’ll also have free time to stroll through the historic center or relax with a drink.

Plus, you can take the opportunity to visit places like the National Palace of Sintra or the Castelo dos Mouros, and tailor the day’s pace to your liking.

Recommended if... you want a more personalized and comprehensive experience, without rushing or groups, with everything organized for you.

Without a doubt, if you want to go to Sintra from Lisbon, the best option is a tour, since you won’t have to worry about logistics or the journey, and if you choose an option with a tour guide, you’ll have all the details at your fingertips about the different monuments and points of interest you visit.

Plus, many tours include skip-the-line access to landmarks like the Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira—a huge plus, especially during peak season. And if you choose a guided tour, you’ll get historical context, fun facts, and explanations that’ll help you understand why Sintra is such a special place.

Another major advantage is that you can enjoy the trip without having to drive yourself, which is important in a mountainous area with traffic and limited access by private car. In short, it’s the most comfortable, comprehensive, and efficient way to explore Sintra in a single day.

If you prefer to go on your own, you also have the option of purchasing the Lisboa Card, which includes free travel to Sintra. That said, in this case, I recommend that you book tickets as soon as possible for the monuments you’ll visit, namely:

• Tickets for Pena Palace in Sintra, starting at $24
• Tickets for Pena Park, starting at $12
• Tickets for the Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra, starting at $15

If you prefer to travel to Sintra on your own, the best option is undoubtedly the train. Comboios, Portugal’s railway network, offers service between Lisbon and Sintra from before 6 a.m. until approximately 1 a.m. The price is also incredibly competitive, as a round-trip ticket costs only about €5. There are two lines connecting the two towns, with departures from different stations in Lisbon:

• Rossio Station: the line departing from this station is the most convenient for almost all visitors to Lisbon, as it is relatively close to neighborhoods like Baixa or Chiado. You can also walk there from one of the areas with the most sights to see: Alfama.
• Oriente Station: Travelers staying in areas farther from the city center can take a train to Sintra from this station. However, the journey is longer, and at certain times, a transfer is required.

How to get from Sintra Station to the historic center

The train journey between Lisbon and Sintra doesn’t end when you arrive at the station, as you’ll need to travel about 3 kilometers to reach the old town. The most convenient option is to take bus 434, which connects the station to the old part of the city.

Joaquín’s Traveller Tip:

In the summer and on weekends, there are often long lines at Lisbon’s train stations for departures to Sintra. To avoid problems, try to arrive at least 20 minutes early.

Despite the proximity between Lisbon and Sintra, the bus service between the two towns is quite limited, making it not the best option. First of all, there are only connections between April and September. If you still choose this option, you’ll need to go to Marquês do Pombal Square and look for bus line number 35, known as the Sintra Express.

Where it does come out on top is in speed, as the trip takes only half an hour. The stop in Sintra is located next to the train station, which means you’ll have to take bus 434, which connects the station to the historic center, or walk 3 kilometers uphill.

As for the price, the Sintra Express costs about €10 for a one-way ticket, while a round-trip ticket costs about €15. You can find the updated schedules on the Vimeca website, as well as any possible changes to the service.

Given the geographical proximity, it’s not surprising that many choose to drive to Lisbon and use a car for day trips. Another increasingly popular and economical option is to rent a car. Getting to Sintra this way is very simple, but despite that, it can’t be said to be the best option:

• Advantage: The route is straightforward, and you can reach Sintra in just 30 minutes via the A37 or IC15 highways, without having to pay any tolls.
• Disadvantage: The problem arises when you enter Sintra. Unless you arrive very early, you’ll start seeing cars parked everywhere, which gives you an idea of how difficult it is to find parking, although during the week in the off-season you might have a chance. Sintra has several parking lots, though with so few spaces that they fill up very quickly every day.

To avoid these hassles, some people prefer to hire a taxi to get to Sintra. Obviously, this eliminates the parking problem, but the round-trip fare will easily exceed €75.

Whether you go on your own or take a tour, a visit to Sintra will focus on its historic center and a few nearby spots known for their scenery. Here’s a quick rundown of the must-see highlights.

• Pena Palace: This is Sintra’s most famous and most-visited landmark. The palace is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Portugal, thanks in part to its fantastic hilltop location. Book a tour to Sintra or tickets for Pena Palace in Sintra if you prefer to go on your own.
• Sintra National Palace: Although less famous than the previous one, the Sintra National Palace is also worth a leisurely visit. Both its interior and exterior feature many points of interest and are sure to delight all visitors. Before you go, I recommend checking the opening hours, as they vary by season. Admission is around 10 euros.
• Quinta da Regaleira: if you have the image of a fairytale castle in mind, with its turrets and sculptures, you’ll be close to imagining this Quinta da Regaleira. Admission prices range from €8 to €16, depending on whether you want a guide or not. Hours vary by season. You can also opt for the full experience and book a tour to Sintra, Cascais, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Regaleira from Lisbon, or book a tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira from Lisbon.
• Castelo dos Mouros: also known as Sintra Castle, this building is located at the top of a mountain. To get there, you’ll need to find some stone stairs, but the climb isn’t difficult. From the top, you’ll be able to enjoy fantastic views of the Atlantic if the weather permits. I recommend booking tickets for Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra in advance.