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Where to find parking in Sintra? | Best parking lots, tips and more

We wish parking in Sintra was as simple as pulling up to a palace and hopping out. It's not. With its UNESCO-protected old town, steep medieval streets, and high number of tourists, navigating Sintra by car can quickly turn into a time-consuming puzzle. If you’re planning to drive in, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect and how to plan around it.

What's the parking situation like in Sintra?

Limited parking near top sights

Don’t expect to find parking next to Pena Palace or Moorish Castle. These popular landmarks attract thousands of visitors a day, but there’s virtually no parking near their entrances. In fact, private vehicles aren’t even allowed to drive up to many of Sintra’s main hilltop attractions anymore.

Strict traffic rules in historic zones

Since 2018, Sintra has placed heavy restrictions on car traffic to protect its narrow roads and historic areas. That means rental cars, foreign vehicles, and even some taxis can’t enter key zones like the palace routes or old town. Access is limited to residents, official tour vehicles, and authorized shuttles.

Ancient streets aren’t car-friendly

Sintra’s streets were built long before cars existed. Many are cobbled, narrow, one-way, and steep, making it tough to navigate and even harder to park. It’s easy to get stuck or stressed trying to maneuver through the town center.

High demand, low supply

As one of the most visited day-trip spots from Lisbon, Sintra sees nonstop arrivals of buses, trains, and cars. The demand for parking is huge, especially on weekends and holidays, but the number of available spots is very limited and they fill up fast.

Parking lots are far and fill early

Most of Sintra’s public parking is located near the train station or along the town’s outskirts. To reach the main sights, you'll likely need to take a shuttle, tuk-tuk, or be ready for a bit of a hike uphill. Arriving early is crucial if you want a spot at all.

Where to find parking in Sintra

  • Cost: €1.50/day (flat rate)
  • Capacity: ~150 spots
  • Why park here: This is Sintra’s official Park and Ride lot. Located near the Portela de Sintra train station, it’s perfect for all-day parking with free shuttle bus access to major attractions. The 434 and 435 buses stop nearby and run every 7–10 minutes. The flat surface makes it accessible for travelers with limited mobility. Great for stress-free access to Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira.
  • Cost: ~€1–2/hour (€5–10 typical for a visit)
  • Capacity: ~50–60 spots
  • Why park here: Closest public lot to Pena Palace, located just outside the restricted driving zone. It’s a 10–15 minute uphill walk to the palace or a short tuk-tuk ride (€10). Arrive by 9am to get a spot. Do not leave valuables in the car, break-ins have been reported. It's open daily from 9am to 6pm.
  • Cost: Free
  • Capacity: ~30 spots
  • Why park here: Ideal if Monserrate Palace is your first or only stop. It’s flat, quiet, and steps from the palace entrance. Rarely full and offers beautiful surroundings. However, if you're headed back to central Sintra, expect a 20–30 minute drive due to one-way roads.
  • Cost: Free
  • Capacity: ~5–10 scattered spots
  • Why park here: Located close to Palácio Nacional de Sintra, it’s first-come, first-served with no time limit. Great if you arrive early and want to explore the historic center. Check signs carefully to avoid resident-only zones.
  • Cost: Free
  • Capacity: ~20–30 spots
  • Why park here: A budget-friendly, all-day option near the outskirts. You’ll likely need a short Uber (~€5–€7) to reach Pena Palace or other attractions, but it’s a good bet when other lots are full.
  • Cost: Unknown (ticketed)
  • Capacity: ~50–60 spots
  • Why park here: Mid-sized lot tucked away at the end of Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes. Accepts credit card payments, making it convenient for international travelers.
  • Cost: Unknown (ticket machine)
  • Capacity: Several hundred spots
  • Why park here: One of the largest parking areas in Sintra. Located near the Departamento Urbanismo. You’ll need to purchase a parking ticket and display it on your dashboard. Great for a full day in town if you plan to walk or take public transport from here.

Parking information

Parking lot

Cost

Spots

Distance to main attractions

Getting there / notes

Portela de Sintra Car Park

€1.50/day

~150

1.5 km to town center

Open 24/7, free shuttle buses (434/435) run every 7–10 minutes. Flat access—great if you have mobility needs.

P1 Sul (Estrada da Pena)

€1–2/hr

~50–60

~10–15 min uphill to Pena Palace

Closest to Pena; fills early (by 9 AM) . Strongly consider a tuk-tuk ride (€10) unless you're eager for the hike.

Monserrate Palace Lot

Free

~30

Right across the road

Ideal for visiting Monserrate; shaded, flat, lightly used .

Volta do Duche Street Parking

Free

~5–10

5–10 min walk to old town

Cobblestone route—bring good shoes. Get there early .

Praça Dom Afonso Henriques

Free

~20–30

~10 min Uber to Pena

Quiet and budget-friendly with less foot traffic .

Rua Guilherme Gomes F. Lot

Unknown

~50–60

Near town center

Pay-with-card before exit .

Departamento Urbanismo Lot

Unknown

~200+

Close to historic core

Dashboard ticket required .

Regulated street parking zones 

Street parking in Sintra is limited, regulated, and often in high demand especially near the historic center. Most spots are metered, and spaces can be tight or already taken early in the day. It’s ideal for quick visits or if you arrive early, but don’t expect to rely on it for all-day parking near top attractions. Rates and limits vary slightly by zone.

Pay using coins (0.05–2 €) between 8am to 8pm daily in these metered zones:

  • Zone 3 (Vila de Sintra): €0.80/hour (2 hrs = €2.00)
  • Zone 2 (Estefânea): €0.50/hour (2 hrs = €1.10)
  • Zone 1 (Portela): €0.50/hour (2 hrs = €0.95)

Useful tips for parking in Sintra

  • Arrive early especially in summer. Most prime parking spots fill up by 9am.
  • Use Portela de Sintra Car Park for a hassle-free day: it’s cheap, has lots of space, and connects to shuttle buses for the main sights.
  • Don’t attempt to drive to Pena Palace or the Moorish Castle. Private cars are restricted near these hilltop attractions.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, as even from parking, you’ll likely walk on cobbled streets and up inclines.
  • Check payment options. Some lots accept only cash or require displaying a ticket on the dashboard.
  • Try less-crowded lots like Monserrate or Praça Dom Afonso Henriques if you're okay with walking or taking a tuk-tuk.
  • Avoid peak weekends and holidays when day-trippers from Lisbon flood the area.
  • Consider using Sintra’s tram line or a guided tour to skip parking stress entirely and enjoy easier access to top attractions.
























































Frequently asked questions about Parking in Sintra

Can I drive up to Pena Palace or Moorish Castle?

No. Since 2018, private vehicles (including rentals) are not allowed to drive or park near hilltop attractions like Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. You’ll need to park elsewhere and take a shuttle, tuk-tuk, or walk.

What’s the best place to park for a full day in Sintra?

The Portela de Sintra Car Park is your best bet. It’s inexpensive (€1.50/day), open 24/7, and includes free shuttle access to main attractions via buses 434 and 435.

Are there any free parking options in Sintra?

Yes. Monserrate Palace, Praça Dom Afonso Henriques, and Volta do Duche offer free parking, but spots are limited and may require extra walking or transport.

Is street parking allowed in Sintra?

Yes, but it’s regulated. You’ll need to pay via meters from 8am to 8pm daily. Rates range from €0.50 to €0.80 per hour depending on the zone.

Can I use a credit card to pay for parking?

Some parking lots accept credit cards, but many require coins or cash, especially for street meters. It’s a good idea to carry small change.

Is it safe to leave my car in Sintra?

Generally, yes but thefts have been reported, especially in isolated lots like P1 Sul. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle and always lock up.

What if I’m visiting Sintra just for a few hours?

Volta do Duche and the Train Station parking lots are good for short visits. They’re closer to the historic center and ideal if you're on foot.

Can I avoid parking altogether?

Yes! Take the train from Lisbon and use local transport, or join a guided tour that includes transport. It's the easiest way to avoid parking stress.

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