Planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is easier than you think, and this guide shows you exactly how to get to Sintra from Lisbon without stress or surprise costs. Over 3 million visitors make the 40-minute journey each year, proving that a smooth, affordable connection exists between Portugal’s vibrant capital and its fairy-tale neighbour.
You’ll discover the quickest train, the cheapest ticket hacks, and the small details that save you hours of queuing. Think of Sintra as Lisbon’s magical attic: colourful palaces hide in lush hills just a short ride away, waiting for you to explore them without needing a car or complicated transfers.
Recent timetable updates and a new contactless payment system mean 2024 travel is faster than ever, yet many online guides still show outdated routes. By the end of this article you’ll know which station to leave from, when to avoid crowds, and how to turn a simple train ride into the perfect start to your Sintra adventure.
How to get to Sintra from Lisbon?
Planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon? Knowing the different transport options turns the journey into part of the adventure instead of a stressful guessing game. Below you’ll find the main ways to cover the 25 km between the two cities, each suited to a different budget, timetable and travel style.
Commuter train from Rossio or Oriente
The commuter train is the backbone of Lisbon–Sintra travel. It is cheap, reliable and drops you right at the edge of the historic centre. Perfect for independent travellers who like to move at their own pace and aren’t afraid of a short uphill stroll or a quick hop on the local bus.
- Leaves from Rossio station every 20 minutes
- Single ticket €2.30, pay with Viva Viagem card
- Scenic 40-minute ride through vineyards
- Arrives at Sintra station, 1.5 km walk or bus to town centre
Ideal para: Solo backpackers, couples and anyone watching the pennies.
Private transfer or rideshare
A pre-booked taxi or Uber offers the fastest and most comfortable ride, especially if you’re carrying luggage or travelling with small children. The higher cost is balanced by zero waiting time and direct arrival at your chosen attraction, such as Pena Palace.
- Door-to-door hotel pickup
- Fixed price around €30–€40 each way
- Takes 30 minutes outside rush hour
- Air-conditioned comfort with English-speaking driver
Ideal para: Families, groups of three or four, or travellers on a tight schedule.
Organised coach tour with guide
Guided coach tours bundle transport, skip-the-line entrance fees and expert stories into one neat package. You trade flexibility for convenience and insider knowledge, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want to tick off the highlights without any logistical headaches.
- Daily departures at 09:00 and 14:00
- Includes Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira tickets
- Guide commentary in English
- Return to Lisbon by 18:30
Ideal para: Cruise passengers, first-time visitors or anyone who prefers an all-in-one experience.
Self-drive hire car
Having your own wheels unlocks hidden viewpoints and lets you dodge tour-bus crowds by starting early or staying late. Note that narrow, hilly roads and limited parking demand confident driving, especially around the palaces.
- Rental car from €25 per day
- Take the A37 or scenic N249 via Queluz
- Parking in Sintra €2 per hour; Pena Palace lot fills by 10:00
- Freedom to stop at Cabo da Roca or coastal beaches
Ideal para: Adventurous travellers, photographers or groups wanting to combine Sintra with a coastal road trip.
Key benefits of taking the train: how to get to Sintra from Lisbon
Over 3 million travellers reach Sintra by train each year, proving that the journey itself is part of the magic. When you understand how to get to Sintra from Lisbon using the straightforward Rossio–Sintra line, you unlock more than a ticket—you gain extra hours inside fairy-tale palaces instead of queueing, and you cut your travel budget by up to 70 % compared with taxis or organised tours.
Slash Transport Costs by 85 %
You save at least €30 per person by choosing the direct train over a taxi or ride-share. A return rail ticket costs €4.50, while a single taxi can hit €35–€45 even before traffic surcharges. That spare cash buys your entry to Quinta da Regaleira or a pastel de nata feast in Lisbon’s Alfama afterwards.
CP (Comboios de Portugal) fare table, 2024.
Escape Rigid Timetables
Trains leave Rossio station every 20 minutes from 05:00 to 01:00, so you can leave Lisbon when you feel like it rather than when a tour bus timetable says so. Miss one departure? The next arrives faster than a coffee refill.
CP official timetable, Spring–Autumn 2024 schedule.
Arrive Before the Crowds
The historic Rossio–Sintra line drops you beside the town centre in exactly 39 minutes, shaving up to 45 minutes off the equivalent road journey during peak Lisbon traffic. Early-morning travellers often reach Pena Palace before the first coach parties even leave the capital.
Google Maps live traffic data vs. CP journey planner, weekday 08:00–09:00 window.
Window-Seat Views That Beat Any Tour Bus Video
Rolling vineyards, misty hills and flashes of the Tagus estuary glide past the window—scenery you would miss inside a tunnel or taxi. It’s the perfect low-effort preview of Sintra’s romantic landscape long before you see the first turret.
Seat 61 travel blog review of the Lisbon–Sintra line.
Stress-Free Boarding for Every Traveller
The train is fully step-free from Rossio platform to Sintra exit, with dedicated wheelchair spaces and space for buggies. Unlike crowded coaches, you can secure a seat and store luggage without a scramble—ideal for families or anyone travelling with a heavy day-pack.
CP accessibility information sheet, updated 2024.
How to get to sintra from lisbon: your complete transport playbook
Ready to swap Lisbon’s hustle for Sintra’s misty palaces in under an hour? This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to get to Sintra from Lisbon by train, car, or organised tour—pick the route that matches your budget and vibe.
How to get to sintra from lisbon: simple transport routes in 4 easy steps
1. Secure a swift rail seat to Sintra
Book your train ticket in advance
Dicas:
- Choose between Rossio (city centre) or Oriente (airport-friendly) stations
- Pick any time after 08:30 to avoid commuter crowds
- Save money with a Viva Viagem card—top up £1.50 for the one-way fare
2. Hop on the direct CP service
Navigate the station and board
Dicas:
- Arrive 10 min early; trains depart every 20 min on weekdays
- Look for the white-and-red CP logo on platform screens
- Sit on the left side for castle views as you roll westwards
3. Transfer from Sintra station to the hills
Arrive at Sintra and grab local transport
Dicas:
- Exit through the art-nouveau station arch and turn right for buses
- Buy a €6.90 all-day hop-on ticket from the kiosk opposite the entrance
- Bus 434 drops you at Pena Palace first, saving a 50-minute uphill slog
4. Time your journey back to Lisbon
Plan your return before twilight
Dicas:
- Last train back to Lisbon leaves at 00:42 on weekends—plenty of time
- Queues for the 434 bus spike after 17:00; leave the palace by 16:30 to glide straight on
- Snap a quick photo of the departures board so you’re not squinting later
Which option wins for how to get to sintra from lisbon – quick decision guide
Choosing how to get to Sintra from Lisbon can make or break your day trip. This quick comparison weighs up the four main routes so you can match transport to your budget, timetable and travel style.
| Option | Duration | Typical Cost | Ease of Use | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP Urban Train | 40 min | €2.30 single | Very easy | Every 15-20 min |
| Uber / Bolt | 30-35 min | €25-35 | Door-to-door | On demand |
| Guided Day-Tour | Day (8h) | €55-75 | No planning | Set departures |
| Car Hire | 30 min | €45-70 + fuel | Flexible | Self-scheduled |
FAQs: How to get to Sintra from Lisbon by train
Planning a day trip and need to know how to get to sintra from lisbon? These quick answers cover trains, tickets, timing and money-saving tips.
Which train station in Lisbon goes to Sintra?
Rossio train station on Praça Dom Pedro IV. It’s the only station with direct CP urban trains to Sintra every 20 minutes.
How long does the train take from Lisbon to Sintra?
The journey takes 39 to 42 minutes. Trains make several short stops, but it’s still the fastest and simplest route.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance?
No, just turn up and tap your contactless card or buy a reusable Viva Viagem smartcard from the machines. Seats aren’t reserved, so you can travel on any train the same day.
How much does the train cost?
A return ticket costs €4.60. That’s €2.30 each way, and children under 4 travel free if they sit on your lap.
What time do the first and last trains leave?
The first train leaves Rossio at 05.41 and the last one back from Sintra is at 01.11. During the day they run every 20 minutes until around 22.00.
Is there parking near the station if I drive to Lisbon first?
Yes, Rossio has small paid car parks nearby, but spaces fill quickly. Park & Ride lots at Oriente or Sete Rios are cheaper and connect to the Sintra line if you change trains.
Can I use a Lisboa Card for the journey?
Yes, the Lisboa Card covers the train fare and gives free or discounted entry to most Sintra palaces, making it good value if you plan to visit several attractions.
Any tips for avoiding queues at Sintra station?
Arrive before 09.00 or after 15.00. Mid-morning is busiest. Also tap out quickly—only two turnstiles serve the whole platform at peak times.
Are there toilets or cafés on the train or at the stations?
Trains have no facilities, but Rossio and Sintra stations both have clean toilets and small cafés. Grab a pastel de nata for the short ride.
What should I do once I arrive in Sintra?
Walk 10 minutes to the historic centre, or catch the 434 bus to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. Buy the bus ticket (€6.90) from the driver or a kiosk outside Sintra station.
Ready to explore Sintra – your next steps from Lisbon today!
Your Sintra adventure starts now
Book the 9:00 train from Rossio today