From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Richard Ludlow

Richard

May 2025
4/5
review-image
review-image
The tour came as advertised. It was well organized, people assembled at the location and were divided into groups by language. The tour guide gave out information at both sites ( could have added more while we were driving to the site). We had 90 minutes on our own at lunch time, which was good.
markus scharfbillig
LU

Markus

Luxembourg
Jul 2025
4/5
Unfortunately, we couldn't visit the palaces as planned. There was a fire hazard on the mountain due to the drought. We visited other palaces. It was also beautiful but also a bit disappointing.
Jana Stranska
CZ

Jana

Czech Republic
Jun 2025
5/5
Nelson was awesome guide. He managed to get us through all the places, gave us free time and recommendations of local specialities. Thanks a lot!
Monica C Roldan G
US

Monica

United States
Jul 2025
5/5
We had an excellent day trip! Everything was very well organized, and the experience exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide was truly outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate. Unfortunately, I don’t remember his name, but he had blue eyes and short, darkish hair. He made the day not only informative but also really enjoyable. The places we visited were absolutely incredible, and thanks to his recommendations, we were able to discover some hidden gems we wouldn’t have found on our own. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching experience.
Mr Frederick George Campbell Draper
GB

Mr

United Kingdom
Jun 2025
5/5
Our guided tour with Headout to Sintra, Cascais, and other stunning spots was fantastic. Mario, our guide, was incredibly informative, had a great sense of humor, and drove expertly. His knowledge and personality made the experience memorable. Highly recommend this tour for a fun and insightful day trip from Lisbon!

How to get to Pena Palace from Lisbon

DIY day-trips

Best for: adventurous travelers who love flexibility, budget savings, and the thrill of piecing the journey together.

Getting there:

  • Train from Lisbon Rossio (40 min) or Oriente (47 min) to Sintra.
  • Connect to Bus 434 (17 min uphill to Pena Palace).
  • Driving is possible (40–45 min), but parking near the palace is scarce and stressful.

Navigation and access: You’ll juggle train tickets, bus queues, and palace entry yourself. Arrive before 9am to beat the crush, especially for Bus 434. A downloadable Sintra map helps keep you on track.

Tour experience: Absolute freedom. Linger in the palace gardens, take pastry breaks in Sintra, or detour to the Moorish Castle. Perfect if you like to wander at your own pace, with no clock-watching.

Curated day-trips

Best for: travelers who want comfort, expert insights, and a day where all the planning is done for them.

Getting there:

  • AC coach or minivan pickup and drop-off from central Lisbon (40–50 min).
  • Many tours bundle Pena Palace with extras like Cabo da Roca (Europe’s edge), Cascais, or even Nazaré for surf vibes.

Navigation and access: Everything’s handled from transport, tickets to timing, and even food stops on some tours. Guaranteed entry is common to the Pena Palace or Pena Palace Gardens (based on the ticket you choose), and a guide smooths over every logistical wrinkle.

Tour experience: A storyteller-guide unlocks Pena Palace’s playful architecture, Sintra’s legends, and those hidden garden corners you might miss alone. You’ll soak up the highlights without stressing about logistics. Just sit back, explore, and enjoy.

Things to know before booking your Pena Palace day tour

  • Pena Palace tickets sell out quickly. Entry is capped daily, and walk-up tickets are almost never available. Always book a tour that includes entry tickets if you want guaranteed access inside.
  • Not all tours cover entry. Some offer exterior-only views if you don’t select the “with tickets” option. Double-check inclusions before you book.
  • Tour group size varies. Shared tours may have 20–30 people, while premium minivan options limit groups to 8 for a more personal experience.
  • Accessibility is limited. Pena Palace is not wheelchair accessible, and expect a fair amount of uphill walking. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for uneven paths.
  • Lunch is not included. Instead, you’ll usually get free time in Sintra or Belém to enjoy local specialties like Travesseiros (pillow-shaped pastries) or fresh seafood.
  • Weather can shape your day. The palace and gardens are exposed, so bring layers, sunblock, or rain gear depending on the season.
  • Best booking window: 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season (spring–summer, holidays). For shoulder season, 1 week is often enough. Same-week bookings risk missing out on palace entry.
  • If you’re traveling independently, avoid the 8–9 am commuter rush on trains from Lisbon. Opt for mid-morning departures for a calmer ride and fewer crowds at Sintra station.

Your Lisbon to Pena Palace tours explained

Experience nameDurationReturn transferMode of transferFood & drinksUpgradesRecommended tickets

From Lisbon: Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Full-Day Trip

8 to 9.5 hours

Yes

Air-conditioned coach

No (free time for lunch in Sintra)

Pena Palace & Gardens and Quinta de Regaleria entry tickets

Book now

From Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Full-Day Trip

8 hours

Yes

Air-conditioned bus

No (free time for lunch in Cascais)

Pena Palace & Gardens tickets

Book now

From Lisbon: Sintra, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace Gardens & Quinta da Regaleira Full-Day Trip

9 hours

Yes

Air-conditioned private bus

No (free time for lunch in Sintra)

Pena Palace Gardens, Moorish Castle & Quinta da Regaleira tickets

Book now

From Lisbon: Sintra, Nazaré, Fátima & Pena Palace Gardens Full-Day Trip

9 hours

Yes

Air-conditioned minivan

No (free time for lunch in Fátima or Nazaré)

No upgrades (Pena Palace Gardens tickets included)

Book now

From Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira Full-Day Trip

8 hours

Yes

Air-conditioned coach

No (free time for lunch in Sintra)

Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira tickets

Book now

From Lisbon: Sintra, Belém, Pena Palace & Cascais Small Group Full-Day Trip

9 hours

Yes

Air-conditioned minivan

No (free time for lunch in Sintra)

No upgrades (Pena Palace & Gardens tickets included)

Book now

Add-ons & nearby stops

Moorish Castle

Rugged 10th-century ramparts straddling the Sintra hills, with views that make Pena Palace look like a toy castle in the distance.

Don’t miss: Visit right after Pena Palace, morning mist often lingers, making the ruined walls look like something from Game of Thrones.

Approximately 10 to 15 minutes from Pena Palace.

Quinta da Regaleira

A whimsical estate filled with symbolic gardens, mossy towers, and a spiral initiation well that feels straight out of a Dan Brown novel.

Don’t miss: Duck into the hidden tunnel that links the bottom of the well to a grotto by the lake; most visitors walk past it.

Approximately 10 to 20 minutes from Pena Palace.

Belém Tower

Lisbon’s postcard star, a 16th-century fortress rising from the Tagus River, once the ceremonial gateway for ships sailing to the New World. Its Manueline architecture is all carved ropes, watchtowers, and sea motifs.

Don’t miss: Climb to the rooftop terrace just before sunset, the Tagus glows gold, and you’ll catch sailboats drifting by with the 25 de Abril Bridge in the backdrop.

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes from Pena Palace.

Visitor tips

  • Go early morning or late afternoon to dodge tour-bus crowds. On clear days, the palace terraces reward you with sweeping views across Sintra to the Atlantic.
  • A refillable bottle is a must; water is pricey at the palace café. Layer clothing, as Sintra is up to 5°C cooler than Lisbon, and fog can roll in suddenly. 
  • Be prepared for steep inclines and cobbled paths; the shuttle inside the grounds (extra €3) saves energy on the climb from the park entrance to the palace. 
  • Tripods and drones are prohibited, and indoor rooms are monitored to prevent flash photography.
  • A DIY trip by Lisbon to Pena Palace train costs about €5 return plus €4–7 for the 434 bus up the hill. A taxi or tuk-tuk from Sintra station runs €10–15.
  • If you’re wondering how to get to Pena Palace from Lisbon, book train tickets in advance to avoid weekend queues at Rossio Station. 
  • Allow at least 3 hours inside, as the palace interior takes 1 hour, and the surrounding park can take another 1–2 hours if you include lakes, tunnels, and the Chalet.
  • Pena Palace from Lisbon tours with entry tickets included should be booked 2–4 weeks ahead in summer, as daily entry caps are enforced and tickets sell out fast.

Frequently asked questions about day trips to Pena Palace from Lisbon

How long is the day trip from Lisbon to Pena Palace?

Most tours last 8–10 hours, including transport. Travel takes about 40 minutes by train, plus 30 minutes for the local bus or transfer.

What is included in the Lisbon to Pena Palace day trip package?

Packages usually cover round-trip transfers, a guide, and entry tickets. Some also include nearby stops like Cabo da Roca or Cascais, depending on the option booked.

Do I need to book my Lisbon to Pena Palace day trip in advance?

Yes. Entry is capped daily and tickets sell out quickly, especially in summer. Book 2–4 weeks ahead to guarantee your spot.

Can I visit other attractions near Pena Palace on this day trip?

Absolutely. Popular add-ons include the Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, and coastal gems like Cascais or Cabo da Roca. Many guided tours include them.

Can I do a Lisbon to Pena Palace day trip on my own?

Yes. Take the Lisbon to Sintra train (40 minutes) and bus 434 up the hill. DIY is cheaper but requires more planning than tours.

Are there any restrictions or rules at Pena Palace?

Yes. Timed entry is strictly enforced, drones and tripods are banned, and only the palace gardens allow picnics. Indoor flash photography isn’t permitted.

What’s the best time of year to visit Pena Palace?

Spring and autumn offer clearer skies and fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest, while winter can be foggy and chilly in Sintra.

Is it safe to travel from Lisbon to Pena Palace for a day trip?

Yes, it’s very safe. Trains, buses, and tours are reliable. Just watch for pickpockets in busy areas like Rossio Station or Sintra’s historic center.

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