Things to know before booking day trips to Sintra 

  • Day trips with optional entry tickets: Some day trips have optional entry tickets. For example, the Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca & Cascais gives you the option to book a tour with or without entry tickets to the Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira.
  • Day trips with entry tickets included: You’ll also find certain day trips that include entry tickets to all the attractions they cover. These include the Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Nazaré, and Fátima, the Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira, and the Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Belém Tower, Cascais & Lisbon
  • Language options: All tours also offer four different language options. These include English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, so you can choose one that you prefer most.
  • Round-trip transfers: All day trips from Lisbon to Sintra also include round-trip transfers in an AC coach from a common meeting point in Lisbon. You’ll receive the details of the meeting point in your ticket. 
  • Accessibility: All tours involve a fair bit of walking across different terrains. If you’re someone who’s bound to a wheelchair or has mobility issues, these tours won’t be the ideal choice. 
  • Changes in itineraries: In certain cases, a landmark included in your tour may be closed due to adverse weather conditions or other reasons. In such cases, the tour will include access to an alternative landmark. 
  • Food & drinks: The day trips don’t include any food & drinks, so make sure you carry enough cash to grab a meal or enjoy local delicacies along your tour. 

Why should you take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra?

Lisbon cityscape view from hop-on hop-off bus tour, featuring historic architecture and vibrant streets.

Seamless commutes

With convenient round-trip transfers from Lisbon, you don’t have to worry about deciphering train and bus schedules. A comfortable AC coach takes you from one attraction to another, making travel effortless.

A couple holding a map of the area in hands, navigating through the way
Guide explaining the history of the National Palace of Sintra to a group of tourists in Lisbon, Portugal.
Multiple ticket options
Sintra town road to Quinta da Regaleira, Portugal, surrounded by greenery and historic architecture.

Highlights of Lisbon to Sintra day trips

Sintra Town Portugal historic center with colorful buildings and lush greenery.

Sintra

Distance from Lisbon: 29km

Home to key landmarks like the Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and the Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra is a major tourist attraction, and for good reason. Nestled at the foot of the serpentine Sintra Mountains, it’s a key destination on your day trip.

Recommended tours:

  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Nazaré and Fátima
  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira 
  • Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Belem Tower, Cascais & Lisbon
Cape Roca lighthouse on rugged cliff edge, Cabo da Roca, Portugal, Europe's westernmost point.

Cabo da Roca

Distance from Lisbon: 40km

Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of continental Europe, offering some of the most jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you drive through the cape or stop to explore the iconic Cabo da Roca Lighthouse, this attraction is a treat for the senses.

Recommended tours: 

  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
Crowded Praia do Ribeiro beach with boats in bay, sunny day, Cascais, Portugal, near Lisbon.

Cascais

Distance from Lisbon: 32.5km

Located in the Portuguese Riviera, this quaint fishing town and a crucial tourist destination. It’s also home to the America’s Cup, a sailing competition which is also the oldest international competition across all sports.

Recommended tours: 

  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Belém Tower, Cascais & Lisbon
Nazare beach with crashing waves and surfers in Portugal.

Nazaré

Distance from Lisbon: 121km

Another charming town on the Portuguese coast, Nazaré is known for its gigantic waves that crash against its cliffs. These are a result of the Nazaré Canyon, the largest underwater canyon that creates the perfect conditions for them. The local population heavily relies on fishing, and the town is also big on surfing.

Recommended tours: 

  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Nazaré and Fátima
Sanctuary of Fatima with pilgrims gathered in the main square, Portugal.

Fátima

Distance from Lisbon: 128km

One of the most prominent Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, Fátima is known for its Marian apparitions in 1917. The Sanctuary of Fátima, built on the site of these apparitions, draws pilgrims from all across the world.

Recommended tours: 

  • From Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Nazaré and Fátima

How to get to Sintra from Lisbon

When traveling from Lisbon to Sintra, you’ll find plenty of options, including a train, bus, taxi, or even driving yourself. However, these can often involve multiple transfers and stops, and can be challenging to navigate for first-time visitors, making a well-organized day trip the ideal choice.

  • You can also drive from Lisbon to Sintra in your own car or a rental. The journey is roughly 28-30km, or takes roughly 28-30 minutes. 

NOTE: Driving within Sintra will be challenging as the town isn’t designed with cars in mind. You’ll also encounter a lot of traffic, especially during the peak season. We’d recommend checking into a hotel that offers parking and commuting from one attraction to another by train or bus.

  • You can take the Line 18200 train from Sete Rios station in Lisbon to Sintra. Other start points you can consider are the Rossio Station or the Oriente Station.
  • The best option is to choose a direct train, which will get you to Lisbon in 35 minutes.
  • The trains commute between the two cities every 20-30 minutes.
Shuttle bus parked at Lisbon.
  • Booking a day trip is the best and most convenient way to travel to Sintra from Lisbon.
  • The day trips include round-trip transfers from Lisbon in an AC coach, ensuring you don’t have to worry about traffic, finding parking, and so on.

The best time to visit Sintra 

Seasonal considerations 

The best time to visit Sintra is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). This is when the weather is pleasant and the crowds aren’t as heavy as in the summer. However, since the days are shorter during the summer, it’s best to get an early start to cover as much as you can.

Weekdays vs. weekends 

The various attractions in Sintra, such as the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle, among others, are the busiest over the weekends. We’d recommend planning your trip to Sintra on a weekday, as you get more time to explore these attractions with shorter ticket queues and better photo-ops.

Tips to make the most of your day trips from Lisbon to Sintra 

  • Sintra is typically cooler and mistier than Lisbon, especially in the mornings. Carrying layers is the best way to protect yourself from changes in the weather along your journey. 
  • With most of Sintra’s attractions located atop its hills, the terrain can be rather challenging for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues. We highly recommend you wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes on your day trip. 
  • Even though you can choose a tour in four languages, we’d recommend downloading a translation app just to ensure you don’t miss out on any details your guide shares. 
  • The AC coaches don’t provide child seats, so we’d recommend carrying one if you’re traveling with a small child. 
  • The day trips don’t include any food & drinks, so make sure you carry enough cash to grab a meal or enjoy local delicacies along your tour. The Romairio de Baco in Sintra is a must-try, and offers some of the most delicious tapas-style food on the menu, along with plenty of vino to choose from. 
  • You’ll also need to carry cash if you plan on taking a bus within Sintra or when dealing with vendors if you plan on shopping. This is much easier than using your credit card. 
  • Avoid carrying a large backpack on your Lisbon to Sintra day trip. Once you enter the palaces, you’ll be asked to carry your backpack on your front, and doing so with a large one can be uncomfortable. 

Frequently asked questions about Lisbon to Sintra day trips

Can you do Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon?

Exploring Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon is a great way to explore some of its key attractions, including the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle. With round-trip transfers, you’ll be picked up from and dropped off at Lisbon at the end of your tour.

Is Sintra or Cascais better?

Both Sintra and Cascais are unique in their own ways. While both are steeped in history, Sintra is known for its architecture and landmarks such as the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. On the other hand, Cascais is known for its beaches, fishing culture, and stunning Atlantic views.

Do day trips to Sintra include transportation?

Absolutely! All day trips to Sintra include round-trip transfers from Lisbon in a comfortable AC coach. This way, you can relax as you’re driven from one attraction to another without worrying about transportation.

Are the day trips accessible to those in wheelchairs?

Most day trips involve a lot of walking, often over uneven terrains and cobblestoned paths in places like Sintra. This makes them less than ideal for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.

Does each day trip come with entry tickets to the attractions?

While some day trips give you the option to purchase entry tickets, others cover entry to all attractions. You can choose an option that suits you best when you decide which tour to book.

Do the day trips include food and drinks?

No, the day trips don’t include food and drinks, but you can purchase local delicacies wherever you are. Make sure to carry enough cash to account for this, and for any other souvenirs you might want to buy.

What happens if one of the attractions is closed?

In the event that an attraction is closed due to adverse weather or fires during the summer, you’ll be taken to an alternative attraction to ensure your money’s worth.

How long do the day trips last?

All the day trips from Lisbon to Sintra will last anywhere between 8-10 hours, depending on the itineraries and the distances between the various attractions they cover.

Can children come along on these day trips?

Absolutely! These day trips are open to children and adults alike. However, keep in mind that the AC coaches don’t come with child seats, so make sure to carry one if you’re traveling with small children.

What happens in case of bad weather?

The tour will continue even if the weather turns. If a certain attraction or landmark is inaccessible due to inclement weather, the tour will include a suitable alternative.

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