Day trip from Lisbon · prices checked October 2026
Sintra day trip from Lisbon
A fairy-tale palace, a Moorish castle and a garden with an underground well. How to get there by train, what each ticket costs and how to order the day.
Getting there
Train, tour or car
Train from Rossio
The CP line from Rossio station to Sintra takes about 40 minutes and is covered by the Lisboa Card. From Sintra station, walk into the old town or take the bus up to Pena.
Guided day tour
Door-to-door with a guide; most combine Pena, Regaleira and Cascais or Cabo da Roca. Easiest if you have one day and don't want to queue for the hill buses.
Rental car
Parking near the palaces is very limited; only worth it if you continue along the coast or to Óbidos.
Tickets
Official prices (October 2026)
| Sight | Official price | |
|---|---|---|
| Pena Palace & Park | Park only €12 · palace “Essential visit” €20 · full tour €45 | Tickets |
| Quinta da Regaleira | Adult €20 · ages 6–17 and 65+ €15 · under 6 free | Tickets |
| Moorish Castle | Adult €12 · youth and senior €10 | Tickets |
| National Palace of Sintra | “Essential visit” adult €13 · youth and senior €10 | Tickets |
| Monserrate Palace | See official site | Tickets |
Sources: Parques de Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira official sites. Children under 6 are free at Parques de Sintra sites. The standard Lisboa Card does not include Pena; Regaleira gives card holders a discount.
Schedule
A one-day plan that beats the crowds
08:00 · Train from Rossio
Trains run frequently; about 40 minutes to Sintra.
09:30 · Pena Palace
Take the first slot, then the park and the Chalet of the Countess (included with Pena tickets).
12:00 · Moorish Castle
Walk across to the castle walls next door.
13:30 · Lunch in the old town
Try a travesseiro pastry.
15:00 · Quinta da Regaleira
Grottoes, towers and the Initiation Well.
17:30 · Back to Lisbon
Train from Sintra station.
FAQ
Sintra FAQ
How do I get from Lisbon to Sintra?
Take the CP suburban train from Rossio station in central Lisbon to Sintra; the ride takes about 40 minutes and trains run frequently through the day. The Lisboa Card covers this train.
Can you see Sintra in one day?
Yes, if you pick two or three sights. Pena Palace plus the Moorish Castle in the morning and Quinta da Regaleira in the afternoon is the classic combination.
Do I need to book Pena Palace in advance?
In high season, yes. Online tickets require you to choose a date, and the earliest slots are the least crowded.
Is a guided tour worth it?
A tour saves you the train and the hill transport and usually includes Cascais on the way back. If you want to set your own pace, the train is cheaper.