More about: Day Trips to Sintra from Lisbon
If you're in Lisbon, a trip to Sintra is a must. This fairytale town, declared a 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 to the Pena Palace included and much more.

Sintra and Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon
Discover two of Portugal's iconic cities
An 8-hour excursion with a local guide that will allow you to explore all the beauty of both cities.
When deciding on the best way to get to Sintra from Lisbon, there are several things to consider, such as which is the most comfortable option, whether you want to see more, or if you want to get the most out of your trip with information about what you are seeing. For those who want all these advantages, the excursion to Sintra and Cascais is the best option.
Lasting approximately 8 hours and accompanied by a local guide, you will immerse yourself in the history, curiosities, and interesting facts of both cities: Sintra, a World Heritage Site, and Cascais, an old fishing village. You'll also discover other beautiful spots in the region, such as the cliffs of Boca do Inferno, Cabo da Roca, and Guincho Beach, and of course, you'll explore the landscape of the Sintra and Estoril Natural Park.
Recommended if... you want a complete overview of the region in a single day, combining nature, coastline, and two must-see cities near Lisbon.

Sintra, Pena Palace and Quinta Regaleira Day Trip from Lisbon
Explore Sintra with access to the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira
A day trip from Lisbon in a small group, with a guide and skip-the-line tickets to the most iconic monuments.
If you're looking for a complete excursion to Sintra from Lisbon, this is an ideal option: comfortable, well organized, and with tickets included to two of the city's most fascinating places. Unlike other tours, this excursion 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 will travel in a small group in an air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by an expert guide who will explain everything you need to know to understand the history and symbolism of these places. You will visit the Pena Palace, a building worthy of a fairy tale, and explore the enigmatic gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, with its tunnels, caves, and architecture steeped in mystery.
You will also have time to stroll through the historic center of Sintra, a World Heritage Site, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this town steeped in romance and legends.
Recommended if... you want to visit the most emblematic monuments of Sintra without worrying about tickets or transportation.

Sintra and Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon with Bike Tour
Discover Sintra and Cascais by electric bike from Lisbon
An active excursion in a small group with a guide, perfect for discovering the region in a different way and without effort.
If you want to discover Sintra from a different perspective, this electric bike tour to Sintra and Cascais is a very original option. Over the course of around 7 hours, you'll travel through natural landscapes, vineyards, cliffs, and charming villages on a route that combines gentle exercise and culture.
First, you'll take a train to Sintra, where you'll start the electric bike route, making the tour accessible even if you're not used to cycling much. You'll pass some of Sintra's main palaces and gardens, such as the Monserrate Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira, and you'll delve into the natural landscapes surrounding the area.
Afterwards, the route continues to Cascais, an old fishing village with an elegant atmosphere, where you can stroll through the historic center and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from the cliffs. The entire tour is done in a small group with an expert guide who will accompany you and tell you historical details and interesting facts about the area.
Recommended if... you are looking for a different kind of excursion, in contact with nature and with an active touch without sacrificing comfort.

Sintra Private Day Trip from Lisbon with Pena Palace Tickets
Sintra at your own pace: private tour with tickets to the Pena Palace
An exclusive guided tour with private transportation, entrance fees included, and total flexibility to explore Sintra however you like.
If you prefer a more peaceful experience without groups, this private excursion to Sintra with tickets to the Pena Palace is the perfect option. With the comfort of a private vehicle that picks you up in Lisbon and accompanied by an exclusive guide, you will discover the most special corners of this city declared a World Heritage Site.
The tour includes a visit to the Pena Palace, with tickets included, so you can explore this fairytale castle without queuing. From there, you will enjoy some of the best views in the region. The guide will accompany you during the visit, but you will also have free time to stroll through the historic center or have a leisurely drink.
In addition, you can take the opportunity to visit places such as the National Palace of Sintra or the Castelo dos Mouros, and adjust the pace of the day to your liking.
Recommended if... you want a more personalized and complete experience, without rushing or groups, with everything organized for you.
Compare the best excursions to Sintra
- Sintra and Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon
- From $94
- 8 hours
- Visit Sintra, Cascais, Cabo da Roca, and Boca do Inferno
- Transport, hotel pickup, and guide
- No entrance fees
- Reservation
- Sintra, Pena Palace and Quinta Regaleira Day Trip from Lisbon
- From $125
- 8 hours
- Includes tickets to the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira
- Small group and air-conditioned transportation
- With tickets
- Reservation
- Sintra and Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon with Bike Tour
- From $100
- 7 hours
- Electric bike tour of Sintra and Cascais
- Includes train ticket, protective gear, guide, and snacks
- No entrance fees
- Book
- Sintra Private Day Trip from Lisbon with Pena Palace Tickets
- From $349
- 8 hours
- Entrance to the Pena Palace included
- Private vehicle with pick-up at your hotel in Lisbon and private guide
- With tickets
- Reservation
Why choose an organized excursion to Sintra from Lisbon

Without a doubt, if you want to go to Sintra from Lisbon, the best option is an excursion, as 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 about the different monuments and places of interest you visit at your fingertips.
In addition, many include skip-the-line access to monuments such as the Pena Palace or the Quinta da Regaleira, which is very useful, especially in high season. And if you opt for a tour with a guide, you'll get historical context, anecdotes, and explanations that will help you understand why Sintra is such a special city.
Another big advantage is that you can enjoy the journey 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 see Sintra in a single day.
What if I go to Sintra on my own?

If you prefer to go on your own, you also have the option of purchasing the Lisbon Card, which includes free travel to Sintra. However, in this case, I recommend that you book your tickets to the monuments you want to see as soon as possible, namely:
- Tickets for the Pena Palace in Sintra, from $27
- Tickets for Pena Park, from $14
- Tickets for the Castle of the Moors in Sintra, from $17
How to get to Sintra by train

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 couldn't be more 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 that departs from this station is the most convenient for almost all visitors to Lisbon, as it is relatively close to neighborhoods such as Baixa and Chiado. It is also within walking distance of one of the areas with the most to see: Alfama.
- Oriente Station: travelers who are in areas further from the center can take a train to Sintra from this station. However, the journey is longer and at some times you have to change trains.
How to get from Sintra station to the historic center
The train journey between Lisbon and Sintra does not end when you arrive at the station, as you have to travel about 3 kilometers to the old town. The most convenient way is to take bus 434, which connects the station with the old part of the city.
Joaquín's Traveler Tip:
In summer and on weekends, there are usually long queues at Lisbon's train stations with departures to Sintra. To avoid problems, try to arrive at least 20 minutes in advance.
How to get to Sintra by bus

Despite the proximity between Lisbon and Sintra, the bus service between the two towns is quite poor, which means that it is not the best option. Firstly, there is only a service between April and September. If you still decide to take this option, you will have to go to Marqués del Pombal square and look for bus number 35, known as the Sintra Express.
The advantage is that it is fast, as the journey only takes half an hour. The stop in Sintra is next to the train station, which means you will have to take bus 434 to the historic center or walk 3 kilometers uphill.
As for the price, the Sintra Express costs around €10 for a one-way ticket, while a round-trip ticket costs around €15. You can find the updated timetables on the Vimeca website, along with any possible changes to the service.
How to get to Sintra by car

Given its proximity, it is not surprising that many people choose to drive to Lisbon and use their car for day trips. Another increasingly popular and economical option is to rent a car. Getting to Sintra this way is very easy, but it is not necessarily the best option:
- Advantage: the road is easy to navigate and you can get there 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 will start to see cars parked everywhere, which gives you an idea of how difficult it is to find parking, although you will have a better chance during the week in the low season. Sintra has several car parks, but with so few spaces, they fill up very quickly every day.
To avoid these inconveniences, some people prefer to hire a taxi to get to Sintra. Obviously, this eliminates the parking problem, but the round trip will easily exceed €75.
Summary of the different options for getting from Lisbon to Sintra
- Excursions
- From €73 + tickets
- Advantages: guided tour, transportation included, and visits to several places
- Disadvantages: some excursions do not include admission
- Train
- Around €4.50 round trip + tickets
- Advantages: cheapest option and fast
- Disadvantages: long queues at Lisbon station and the distance between Sintra station and the monuments
- Bus
- Around €15 return + tickets
- Advantages: you can enjoy the scenery
- Disadvantages: only runs for a few months and arrives at the Sintra train station
- Car
- Fuel + tickets (car rental: around €15 per day
- Advantages: flexibility to stop anywhere
- Disadvantages: it is almost impossible to park in Sintra
A brief overview of Sintra

Whether you go on your own or with a tour, your visit to Sintra will focus on its historic center and some nearby places that stand out for their landscapes. Here is a brief summary of the places you cannot miss.
- Pena Palace: this is the best known and most visited monument in Sintra. This palace is considered one of the most beautiful in Portugal, thanks in part to its fantastic location on a hill. Book an excursion to Sintra or tickets to the 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 have many interesting features and are sure to delight all visitors. Before you go, I recommend checking the opening hours, as they change depending on the season. The price is around $10.
- Quinta da Regaleira: if you have an image of a fairytale castle in mind, with its towers and sculptures, you'll be close to imagining Quinta da Regaleira. Entrance fees range from €8 to €16, depending on whether you want a guide or not. Opening hours vary depending on the season. You can also opt for the full experience and book a tour to Sintra, Cascais, the Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Regaleira from Lisbon, or book a tour to Sintra, the Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira from Lisbon.
- Castle of the Moors: also known as the Castle of Sintra, this building is located on top of a mountain. To get there, you have to look for some stone steps, but the climb is not difficult. From the top, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Atlantic, weather permitting. I recommend booking tickets for the Castle of the Moors in Sintra in advance.