Sintra's primary transportation hub is the Sintra railway station, which serves as the terminus for train services from Lisbon. It is conveniently located approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the historic town center. Local buses, including routes to major attractions, depart directly from the station.
Traveling by train is the most recommended option. Direct trains frequently depart from Lisbon's Rossio Station (approximately a 40-minute journey) and Oriente Station (approximately a 47-minute journey). Services run every 15-30 minutes throughout the day. A single adult ticket costs €2.40, charged to a reusable 'Navegante' card, which costs an initial €0.50. A return trip will cost €4.80. Tickets can be purchased at the station on the day of travel.
Buses from Lisbon typically depart from Sete Rios bus station. This journey usually takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions, and a single ticket costs around €1.80-€2.25. While an option, the train is generally preferred due to potentially longer travel times and traffic congestion on bus routes.
Driving to Sintra is generally not advisable due to significant traffic and very limited parking, especially near the historic center and main attractions. While car rental services are available in Sintra, it is often more practical to arrive by public transport and then consider local transport options for sightseeing.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available for direct travel, for example, from Lisbon Airport to Sintra. A taxi from the airport may cost around €70, with higher rates at night, plus a luggage charge. Within Sintra, taxis or tuk-tuks are options for getting between sites, but it is advisable to agree on the price beforehand; a tuk-tuk might cost around €5 per person for a ride, and a taxi approximately €15-€20 for a trip.
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