Sintra is a UNESCO-listed town in forested hills 25 km from Lisbon, full of romantic palaces, castles and gardens. It’s the most popular day trip from Lisbon — and gets very crowded — so the order of visits matters. Prices and times are 2026 figures from Lisbon Tourism (updated October 2026).
Sintra day trip at a glance
| Item | Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train Rossio–Sintra | €2.05 each way (€4.10 return) | About 40 min; from Oriente about 50 min |
| Bus 434 (loop to Pena and the castle) | €13.50 for 24 hours | Also valid on bus 435 (Regaleira, Monserrate) |
| Pena Palace + park | €20 (park only €12) | Timed palace entry; 9:30–18:30 |
| Moorish Castle | €12 (15% off if booked 3+ days ahead) | 9:30–18:00 |
| Quinta da Regaleira | €20 (ages 6–17 and 65+ €15) | Initiation Well; last entry 17:30 |
Getting there from Lisbon
- Go to Rossio station (or Oriente) and load your Navegante card with “Zapping” credit.
- Take the train to Sintra — about 40 minutes. The first useful trains leave around 6:00; check the CP timetable for your day.
- From Sintra station, walk 10 minutes to the historic centre or catch bus 434 to Pena Palace.
Don’t drive: private cars can’t reach Pena or the Moorish Castle, and parking in the centre is very limited.
The best order for one day
- Pena Palace (9:30 slot) — the colourful hilltop palace. Book the first timed entry online at parquesdesintra.pt; crowds peak 11:00–15:00.
- Pena Park — walk to the High Cross viewpoint for the best photo of the palace.
- Moorish Castle — a short walk downhill; walls with views to the ocean.
- Lunch in the historic centre — try travesseiros and queijadas, Sintra’s pastries.
- Quinta da Regaleira — gardens, grottoes and the spiral Initiation Well (one-way, top to bottom).
- Return by 17:30 to avoid the evening crowds on the train.
With more time, add the National Palace of Sintra in the town centre, Monserrate Palace (bus 435) or Cabo da Roca, mainland Europe’s westernmost point.
Guided tour or on your own?
Doing it yourself is cheap and easy by train. A guided tour saves you the queues and the bus, and often adds Cabo da Roca and Cascais. Compare Sintra tours from Lisbon.
Tips
- Go Tuesday to Thursday; avoid summer weekends.
- Book Pena Palace online in advance — it’s timed and sells out.
- Bring a layer: Sintra is cooler and mistier than Lisbon.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the paths are steep.
- Pena Palace is closed on 25 December and 1 January; check the official site for other closures.
More Lisbon guides
- Lisbon itinerary
- Best things to do in Lisbon
- Where to stay in Lisbon
- Tram 28 guide
- Lisbon airport to city centre
- Best time to visit Lisbon
- Lisbon tourist tax
- Lisbon travel guide
FAQ: Sintra day trip
How do I get from Lisbon to Sintra?
Take the train from Rossio station: about 40 minutes and €2.05 each way with a Navegante card.
How much is Pena Palace?
€20 for the palace and park, or €12 for the park only (2026).
Can you see Sintra in one day?
Yes: Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira fit in one well-planned day.
Which is better, Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira?
Both are worth it: Pena for the colourful palace and views, Regaleira for the mysterious gardens and well.
Should I drive to Sintra?
No. Cars can’t reach the main palaces and parking is very limited; use the train and bus 434.
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