From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
Maria Van Elderen
US

Maria

United States
Sep 2025
5/5

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+2 more

The excursion from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais was the best day of our vacation in Portugal! Our tour guide Catarina Palma knows so much about the history of Portugal and she had great recommendations for restaurants in Sintra and Cascais. She was also funny and made our day extra special! Sintra and Cascais are both gorgeous. Not to be missed when you go to Lisbon.
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.
Caroline Roussel
CA

Caroline

Canada
Oct 2025
5/5
Wow what can I say about our guide Nelson who was very interesting and friendly. His French was impeccable and he passed on his subject (history) in a thoughtful way. He's passionate about what he does and it shows.
Denis Levasseur
CA

Denis

Canada
Sep 2025
4/5
Back to the Pena bus via the forest. Restaurant suggestion was a buffet formula which was a very good idea and we were well received. The stop at the westernmost point Cabo da roca was a good one. The stop at Cascais was less relevant. We would have preferred more time at other points.
Inna Kirsipuu
FI

Inna

Finland
Oct 2025
5/5
We got a good overview of the history of Portugal, Lisbon, Sintra. Despite the rainy weather we saw a lot. Nuno Gomes was a very professional and friendly tour guide. Go and enjoy Portugal.

What to expect on a Lisbon to Pena Palace day-trip?

Passengers seated inside an AC bus on a one-day guided tour.
Colorful buildings and street in Sintra, Portugal, with lush hills in the background.
Sintra Town Portugal historic center with colorful buildings and lush greenery.
Pena Palace pathway with view of colorful castle towers in Sintra, Portugal.
Queijadas de Sintra, sweet cheese tarts with cinnamon, on a wooden tray.
Moorish Castle in Lisbon with stone walls and lush greenery on a hilltop.
Quinta da Regaleira palace and gardens in Sintra, Portugal, surrounded by lush greenery.
Cabo da Roca lighthouse on a cliff with ocean view and green landscape.
Aerial view of Cascais bay with sandy beach and town buildings, Portugal.
Seixas Palace in Cascais with boats on the water in the foreground.
Nazaré beach crowded with people and colorful umbrellas on a summer day, Portugal.
Sanctuary of Fatima with central basilica and visitors in the courtyard, Portugal.
Passengers enjoying a bus ride, some standing and waving, with sunlight streaming through windows.
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Overview

  • Distance from Lisbon to Sintra: 30 km
  • Travel time: 40–50 minutes by air-conditioned coach
  • Trip duration: 8–9.5 hours (depending on itinerary)
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Lisbon city center (Rossio Square, Restauradores, or Parque Eduardo VII)
More about Lisbon day trips

Departure

Arrive a little early at your designated meeting point in Lisbon’s bustling center. Your guide will greet you, and once aboard the comfortable coach, you’ll glide out of the city toward the misty hills of Sintra, palaces on the horizon, and stories waiting to unfold.

Winding into Sintra

The ride itself is half the fun. Vine-clad slopes, turreted mansions peeking through the trees, and your guide sprinkling in legends of jealous kings and poetic exiles. By the time you arrive, Sintra already feels like another world.

Pena Palace & Gardens

Suddenly—bam—a riot of colors on a hilltop. Red towers, lemon-yellow arches, and tiles that look like they were painted by a very whimsical architect (which, in fact, they were). Inside (if included with your ticket), it’s a royal time capsule, and outside, the gardens are pure magic. Lakes, grottoes, and secret lookouts waiting to be stumbled upon.

Snack attack in Sintra

Free time to wander cobbled lanes and do what every local insists. Eat a pastry. Will you choose the flaky almond pillow called Travesseiro, or the creamy Queijada tart? Here’s a tip. Choose both. Diets don’t count on holiday.

Moorish Castle (if included)

For those who don’t mind a little uphill challenge, the payoff is cinematic. Clamber along thousand-year-old stone walls with panoramic views of the palace you just left behind, and the ocean winking at you in the distance.

Quinta da Regaleira (if included)

Indiana Jones meets a Portuguese fairy tale. Descend into the spiraling Initiation Well, pop out in underground tunnels, and lose yourself in mossy gardens where every corner feels like a secret society initiation is about to happen.

Cabo da Roca (if included)

Europe ends here, literally. You’re standing on a windswept cliff at the continent’s westernmost point, hair whipping, waves crashing, and your inner poet composing Instagram captions without even trying.

Cascais (if included)

From royal retreat to modern beach town, Cascais is equal parts elegance and saltwater charm. Stroll the promenade, watch surfers ride mellow waves, or just sit with gelato and pretend you own a yacht.

Estoril

James Bond fans, this one’s for you. Estoril’s casino is said to have inspired Casino Royale, and during WWII the town was crawling with spies. Glamour and gossip come built into the stop.

Nazaré (if included)

Home of the world’s tallest surfable wave. On calm days, it’s all fishing boats and seaside cafés; on stormy days, it’s monster surf and adrenaline. Either way, you get free time to soak it in, preferably with grilled sardines.

Fátima (if included)

Shift gears into serenity at one of Catholicism’s holiest sites. Pilgrims light candles, bells toll gently, and the grand sanctuary seems to hum with quiet reverence. Even non-religious visitors find the calm contagious.

The ride home

After a day of castles, cliffs, beaches, and pastries (lots of pastries), sink into your seat and let Lisbon pull you back in. You’ll return to the city center with tired feet, a full camera roll, and a grin that says: worth it.

How to get to Pena Palace from Lisbon

Girl with hat and backpack sitting on a train, looking out the window.

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.

Tourists walking along the path near the lighthouse at Cabo da Roca, Portugal.

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

Must-see things in Pena Palace

Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, with colorful architecture and tourists exploring.

Palace painted like a dream

Crimson towers, sunflower-yellow walls, and candy-pink arches clash in the most photogenic way possible.

Queen's terrace at Pena Palace with colorful walls and scenic views in Sintra, Portugal.
Ornate sitting room in Pena Palace with carved wooden furniture and blue upholstery.
Luxurious interior of Quinta da Regaleira with ornate chandeliers and red leather seating, Sintra, Portugal.
Pena Palace chapel interior with ornate ceiling, stained glass window, and altar in Sintra, Portugal.

Add-ons & nearby stops

Moorish Castle walls with view of colorful Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal.

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 palace and gardens in Sintra, Portugal, showcasing Gothic architecture.

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 in Lisbon, Portugal, viewed from a wooden walkway over the Tagus River.

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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