Bus from Lisbon to Sintra | Is it worth taking the bus from Lisbon?

Planning a visit to the charming town of Sintra? If you’re already in Lisbon, you’re just about an hour away. While driving might seem convenient, Sintra’s limited and regulated parking can quickly become a headache. That’s why many travelers opt for the bus—it’s slightly slower than the train, but still a smooth and scenic ride, especially if your itinerary is sorted in advance. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taking the bus from Lisbon to Sintra.

Why take the bus from Lisbon to Sintra?

1. Convenient if you’re staying near Sete Rios or Campo Grande

Many travelers overlook buses simply because they focus on trains. But if your accommodation is closer to Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Campo Grande districts, hopping on a direct bus to Sintra might save you time and transfers.

• Sete Rios is particularly useful for those using Rede Expressos coaches.
• Campo Grande is served by Carris Metropolitana’s 35B bus line, which heads straight to Sintra Train Station.

Two intercity terminals to choose from

Lisbon has two major long-distance bus terminals: Sete Rios and Oriente. 

• Sete Rios Bus Station: This is the main hub for Rede Expressos, Portugal’s top intercity coach service. From here, you can either take a direct coach to Sintra (on select departures) or walk to the adjacent Sete Rios train station and continue by rail.
• Oriente Bus Station: This is Lisbon’s largest and busiest transport hub. While not directly connected to Sintra by bus, you can easily switch to the Oriente–Sintra commuter train line. The stations are connected, so the transfer is quick and well-signed.
  
  

Seamless connections to Sintra

If your direct bus to Sintra is not available or convenient, don’t worry—both Sete Rios and Oriente stations are part of Lisbon’s suburban rail network, with frequent trains heading straight to Sintra. This means your journey is still easy to complete without a car or taxi.

Travel tips for taking the bus from Lisbon to Sintra

• Book tickets in advance: Purchase your Rede Expressos tickets online or via their app to secure your seat, especially during peak season, and potentially benefit from lower prices.
• Check the departure location: Ensure you know the correct Lisbon bus station (Gare Oriente or Sete Rios) and Sintra bus stop (Portela de Sintra - Estação Norte) to avoid confusion, as the bus stations are not in the city centers.
• Validate luggage allowance: Check Rede Expressos's luggage allowance policy beforehand to ensure your bags comply with the size and weight restrictions, as exceeding the limit may incur extra fees.
• Plan transportation from bus stops: Since Lisbon’s Gare Oriente and Sintra’s Portela de Sintra bus stops are outside the city centers, the best way to reach downtown Lisbon from Gare Oriente is by metro (fast, frequent, and affordable), while taxis or ride-hailing apps offer convenient door-to-door service if you have luggage or prefer comfort. In Sintra, the quickest and most practical option from Portela de Sintra to the historic center is by Uber or Bus 434. 
• Be aware of limited direct services: Note that there are only a few direct bus connections between Lisbon and Sintra per day, so check the schedule carefully and have a backup plan in case the bus times don't align with your travel itinerary.