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A comprehensive guide on how to get to Pena Palace

Where is Pena Palace located?

Address: Estrada da Pena 9, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal

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Perched atop a lush hill overlooking Sintra, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Pena Palace is one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks. Located just 4 km from Sintra National Palace, it’s surrounded by the enchanting forests of the Sintra Mountains and easily reachable by public transport or on foot.

About Pena Palace

The only map you need to get to Pena Palace 

Most visitors are surprised to learn that there are two separate entrances: the Pena Park Gate and the Pena Palace Gate. Buses, taxis, and tour vehicles usually drop visitors at the Pena Park entrance, located at the base of the park. From here, it’s about a 15-20 minute uphill walk (roughly 600 meters) through shaded forest paths, winding lanes, and charming viewpoints before you reach the palace itself.

If you’d rather skip the steep climb, hop on the official Pena Palace shuttle that connects the park gate with the palace entrance. The electric shuttle operates roughly between 9:30am and 6:30pm, running every 10-15 minutes. The ride takes just five minutes and costs around €3 per person one way. You can buy the shuttle ticket along with your palace entry ticket or directly at the park gate before boarding.

Pena Palace map showing routes to Cruz Alta, Chalet of Countess of Edla, and Pena Farm.

Getting to Pena Palace by public transportation

Pena Palace pathway with view of colorful castle towers in Sintra, Portugal.

Best for: A completely hassle-free experience from Lisbon

Travel time: 40-45 minutes

Day trips from Lisbon take all the planning off your plate, be it transport, tickets, timing, or logistics. Everything is fully handled for you. Many tours also include stops at nearby must-visit locations like Cabo da Roca and the coastal town of Cascais, giving you a full Sintra-and-beyond experience in one smooth itinerary. Just relax, enjoy the views, and soak in the history without any commute stress.

Recommended tours:

  • Day trip to Lisbon, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais
  • Day trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Quinta de Regaleira
  • Day trip to Sintra, Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira
  • Best for: Quick and convenient access from Sintra town
  • Travel time: Approx. 30 minutes from Sintra Train Station
  • Closest stop: Palácio da Pena

The Scotturb 434 bus is the most popular way to reach the Pena Palace. It departs every 15 minutes from Sintra Estação (Sintra Train Station) and follows a circular route past major landmarks like São Pedro de Sintra, Sintra Vila (National Palace), and the Moorish Castle, before stopping at Pena Palace. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or online, and the route operates daily.

  • Best for: Travelers coming from Lisbon
  • Travel time: Around 40 minutes from Lisbon’s Rossio Station
  • Closest station: Portela de Sintra (Sintra Station)

Take a direct CP train from Lisbon (Rossio Station) to Sintra Station, with trains running every 20-30 minutes. From Sintra Station, board bus 434 to reach Pena Palace. This is the most economical and stress-free route for visitors coming from Lisbon.

Getting to Pena Palace by car

Crowd outside Sintra National Palace entrance with parked cars, Portugal.
  • Best for: Flexible travel and scenic detours

*Note: Driving directly to Pena Palace is not recommended due to limited parking and steep, narrow roads. The best option is to drive to Sintra Historic Center, park there, and continue your journey to the palace on foot, by taxi, or on the local 434 bus.*

Travel time: 40-45 minutes

Distance: Approx. 30 km

Driving route:

  • Take the A37 (IC19) or A16 highway towards Sintra.
  • Follow the signs for Centro Histórico de Sintra and park your vehicle near the town center.
  • From there, take the Scotturb 434 bus to Pena Palace or hire a local taxi/tuk-tuk for a quicker ride up the hill.
  • The last stretch of road to the palace is restricted to authorized vehicles only, so it’s best to leave your car behind before entering the mountain zone.

Travel time: 35-40 minutes

Distance: Around 25 km

Driving route:

  • Take the N247 coastal route toward Sintra, passing through the scenic village of Colares.
  • Alternatively, use the A16 motorway for a faster drive.
  • Once in Sintra, park near the Historic Center and continue uphill via bus 434, taxi, or on foot.
  • Expect narrow, winding roads as you near the old town; drive cautiously, especially during weekends.
Lisbon taxis lined up near Rossio Square with historic buildings in the background.

From Estoril: 35 minutes via N9-1

From Mafra: 45 minutes via N9

From Ericeira: 50 minutes via A21 → A16

All routes lead to Sintra town, where parking is advised before taking the hill route. Once in Sintra, hop on bus 434, grab a tuk-tuk, or walk through the charming forest trails to reach Pena Palace.

Parking at Pena

Pena Palace parking facilities:

  • Lower Parking Lot (Parque da Pena): Located at the base of the park; around 30 minutes uphill walk to the palace.
  • Upper Lot (near entrance): Limited spaces for private vehicles; usually full by 10am during peak season.

Recommended:

  • Park in Sintra Historic Center and continue uphill using public transport or a taxi. It’s safer, less stressful, and prevents congestion on narrow mountain roads.
  • Paid parking in Sintra costs around €1.50–2 per hour, and spaces fill up early, especially between 10am to 3pm.

Alternative parking in Sintra:

  • Estacionamento Largo São Pedro Penaferrim: ~16 minutes away
  • P1 N - Parque Portela 1 Norte: ~22 minutes away

​Pena Palace parking

Cycling or walking to Pena Palace

  • Best for: Active travelers who love scenic hikes and immersive experiences
  • Tip: Pena Palace sits atop one of Sintra’s highest hills, so all walking routes are uphill and moderately strenuous. Whichever path you choose, wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and start early to beat the heat, especially in summer.*

From Sintra Historic Center

  • Travel time: Around 40 minutes
  • Distance: Approx. 1.5 km
  • Starting point: Sintra Historic Center

If you're up for a challenge, walking to Pena Palace can be a rewarding experience. The route winds through the lush greenery of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, with stone paths, shaded trails, and periodic viewpoints offering views of the Moorish Castle and the colorful towers of Pena Palace above. However, be prepared, it's a steep uphill climb and can be physically demanding.

While you can cycle part of the way, most visitors prefer walking because of the steep inclines and narrow roads.

Via the Santa Maria Trail

  • Travel time: About 60 minutes
  • Distance: 1.7km
  • Starting point: Igreja de Santa Maria (church of St. Mary), near Sintra Historic Center

The Santa Maria Trail is the most popular and direct hiking route to Pena Palace. It begins near the Church of Santa Maria and winds through dense woodland filled with ferns, moss-covered rocks, and occasional viewpoints overlooking Sintra. The trail is well-marked and merges with the main palace road near the Moorish Castle entrance, before continuing upward to Pena’s gates.

Tip: This trail is steep in parts but shaded throughout, making it ideal on warmer days.

Via the Seteais Trail

  • Travel time: 60-90 minutes (one way)
  • Distance: ~2.4 km
  • Starting point: Palácio de Seteais estate, west of Sintra town

A gentler, more relaxed path that meanders through shaded woods and cobbled lanes. It offers sweeping viewpoints of the valley and coast, perfect for photo stops. Less steep than the Santa Maria Trail, this one suits travelers looking for a scenic stroll rather than a strenuous hike.

Via the Villa Sassetti Trail

  • Travel time: 40–50 minutes (one way)
  • Distance: 1.8 km approx.
  • Starting point: Villa Sassetti Gardens (Fonte da Pipa area), near Sintra Old Town

A tranquil garden-to-forest trail connecting the historic town with the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. The path passes landscaped terraces, stone staircases, and forest tracks. It’s less crowded and beautifully maintained—ideal if you want a quieter climb with a blend of natural and architectural charm.

Cycling notes: Cycling to Pena Palace is possible but challenging due to steep gradients and narrow, winding roads shared with buses and taxis. Electric bikes are a good alternative, available for rent in Sintra town. Cyclists can follow the same general route as cars or use the Villa Sassetti Trail’s lower sections for a scenic ascent before switching to the main road.

What is the best way to get to Pena Palace?

  • Budget-friendly: Take the train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station and connect with bus 434 from Sintra Station. It’s the most economical option and runs frequently.
  • Fastest route: Drive from Lisbon to Sintra via the A37 (IC19), then use local transport or shuttles to the palace.
  • For sightseeing: Walk from Sintra town through lush trails toward Pena Palace to soak in the region’s natural beauty and charm.

​Plan your visit to Pena Palace like a pro

Travel smart with the Lisbon Card Combo

Hop on any train, tram, or bus with the Lisbon Card, then glide straight to the Pena Palace gates with your included entry ticket and shuttle ride. This pass unlocks 50+ Lisbon attractions like Jerónimos Monastery and Pilar7 Bridge Experience, plus public transportation and discounts.

Frequently asked questions about how to get to Pena Palace

The palace is in Sintra, a UNESCO-listed town about 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It’s one of Portugal’s most popular day-trip destinations from the capital.

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Pena Park

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