Sintra Day Trip

Located about 18 miles outside of Lisbon, the town of Sintra is the perfect destination for a daytrip, however long your stay.

The best way to reach Sintra is by train. The narrow, winding roads make for less than ideal driving conditions and there is little public parking once you arrive. The Rossio Station in the center of Lisbon is the most convenient station. Trains run about every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes on off-peak times. Travelers can also use the Oriente Station, closer to the airport. A round-trip fare to Sintra costs about $5. The ride from Rossio takes about 40 minutes, while the ride from Oriente is closer to 50 minutes. Leave on an early bus to beat the crowds.

The town’s historic center is less than a mile from the train station. However, if you plan to tour Sintra’s castles — which you should — your best bet is buying a bus pass. There are several buses to take, depending on which castle or castles you want to tour. Each runs on a loop and costs about $6 for a round-trip pass.

There are many castles and palaces to choose from, though the most popular are Pena Palace, Palácio Nacional and Castle of the Moors. Pricing varies by time of year. Receive a discount if you purchase a pass to visit more than one castle. Check the website for more ticketing information.

Before you leave, have lunch at one of the many charming restaurants tucked away on the hilly city streets of Sintra’s town center.