Where to find parking in Sintra? | Best parking lots, tips and more

Parking in Sintra is not as simple as pulling up to a palace and hopping out. With its UNESCO-protected old town, steep medieval streets, and high visitor numbers, navigating Sintra by car can quickly turn into a time-consuming puzzle. If you’re planning to drive in, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect and how to plan around it—because in Sintra, where you leave your car is just as important as where you’re going.

What's the parking situation like in Sintra?

Limited parking near top sights

Don’t expect to find parking next to Pena Palace or Moorish Castle. These popular landmarks attract thousands of visitors a day, but there’s virtually no parking near their entrances. In fact, private vehicles aren’t even allowed to drive up to many of Sintra’s main hilltop attractions anymore.

Strict traffic rules in historic zones

Since 2018, Sintra has placed heavy restrictions on car traffic to protect its narrow roads and historic areas. That means rental cars, foreign vehicles, and even some taxis can’t enter key zones like the palace routes or old town. Access is limited to residents, official tour vehicles, and authorized shuttles.

Ancient streets aren’t car-friendly

Sintra’s streets were built long before cars existed. Many are cobbled, narrow, one-way, and steep, making it tough to navigate and even harder to park. It’s easy to get stuck or stressed trying to maneuver through the town center.

High demand, low supply

As one of the most visited day-trip spots from Lisbon, Sintra sees nonstop arrivals of buses, trains, and cars. The demand for parking is huge, especially on weekends and holidays, but the number of available spots is very limited and they fill up fast.

Parking lots are far and fill early

Most of Sintra’s public parking is located near the train station or along the town’s outskirts. To reach the main sights, you'll likely need to take a shuttle, tuk-tuk, or be ready for a bit of a hike uphill. Arriving early is crucial if you want a spot at all.

Where to find parking in Sintra

Portela de Sintra Car Park

• Cost: €1.50/day (flat rate)
• Capacity: ~150 spots
• Why park here: This is Sintra’s official Park and Ride lot. Located near the Portela de Sintra train station, it’s perfect for all-day parking with free shuttle bus access to major attractions. The 434 and 435 buses stop nearby and run every 7–10 minutes. The flat surface makes it accessible for travelers with limited mobility. Great for stress-free access to Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira.

Parque de Estacionamento P1 Sul

• Cost: ~€1–2/hour (€5–10 typical for a visit)
• Capacity: ~50–60 spots
• Why park here: Closest public lot to Pena Palace, located just outside the restricted driving zone. It’s a 10–15 minute uphill walk to the palace or a short tuk-tuk ride (€10). Arrive by 9 AM to get a spot. Do not leave valuables in the car—break-ins have been reported. Open from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Monserrate Palace Parking Lot

• Cost: Free
• Capacity: ~30 spots
• Why park here: Ideal if Monserrate Palace is your first or only stop. It’s flat, quiet, and steps from the palace entrance. Rarely full and offers beautiful surroundings. However, if you're headed back to central Sintra, expect a 20–30 minute drive due to one-way roads.

Volta do Duche Street Parking

• Cost: Free
• Capacity: ~5–10 scattered spots
• Why park here: Located close to Palácio Nacional de Sintra, it’s first-come, first-served with no time limit. Great if you arrive early and want to explore the historic center. Check signs carefully to avoid resident-only zones.
  
  

Praça Dom Afonso Henriques

• Cost: Free
• Capacity: ~20–30 spots
• Why park here: A budget-friendly, all-day option near the outskirts. You’ll likely need a short Uber (~€5–€7) to reach Pena Palace or other attractions, but it’s a good bet when other lots are full.

Estacionamento Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes

• Cost: Unknown (ticketed)
• Capacity: ~50–60 spots
• Why park here: Mid-sized lot tucked away at the end of Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes. Accepts credit card payments, making it convenient for international travelers.

Sintra Estacionamento (Av. Dr. Álvaro de Vasconcelos)

• Cost: Unknown (ticket machine)
• Capacity: Several hundred spots
• Why park here: One of the largest parking areas in Sintra. Located near the Departamento Urbanismo. You’ll need to purchase a parking ticket and display it on your dashboard. Great for a full day in town if you plan to walk or take public transport from here.

Regulated street parking zones

Street parking in Sintra is limited, regulated, and often in high demand especially near the historic center. Most spots are metered, and spaces can be tight or already taken early in the day. It’s ideal for quick visits or if you arrive early, but don’t expect to rely on it for all-day parking near top attractions. Rates and limits vary slightly by zone.

Pay using coins (0.05–2 €) between 8am to 8pm daily in these metered zones:

• Zone 3 (Vila de Sintra): €0.80/hour (2 hrs = €2.00)
• Zone 2 (Estefânea): €0.50/hour (2 hrs = €1.10)
• Zone 1 (Portela): €0.50/hour (2 hrs = €0.95)

Useful tips for parking in Sintra

• Arrive early especially in summer. Most prime parking spots fill up by 9am.
• Use Portela de Sintra Car Park for a hassle-free day: it’s cheap, has lots of space, and connects to shuttle buses for the main sights.
• Don’t attempt to drive to Pena Palace or the Moorish Castle — private cars are restricted near these hilltop attractions.
• Wear sturdy shoes, as even from parking, you’ll likely walk on cobbled streets and up inclines.
• Check payment options — some lots accept only cash or require displaying a ticket on the dashboard.
• Try less-crowded lots like Monserrate or Praça Dom Afonso Henriques if you're okay with walking or taking a tuk-tuk.
• Avoid peak weekends and holidays when day-trippers from Lisbon flood the area.
• Consider using Sintra’s tram line or a guided tour to skip parking stress entirely and enjoy easier access to top attractions.