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Sintra Bus 434 to Pena Palace

Bus stops, tickets and schedule.

The 434 bus outside the train station

P ena Palace and the Moorish Castle are located at the top of a mountain, so unless you’re a fit hiker with plenty of time, you’ll need to take a bus to visit these monuments. That bus is number 434, which departs from outside the train station in Sintra (you’ll see buses lined up outside, parallel to the train tracks).

The 434 of the local Scotturb company passes through the center of town, and the last stop is Pena Palace (it stops at the Moorish Castle just before it). Its route is the following: Sintra Estação (Sintra Station) > São Pedro de Sintra > Sintra Vila (National Palace) > Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) > Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace)

Due to the narrow roads, when the bus departs from Pena Palace it does not go back to the Moorish Castle. It goes straight down to “Sintra Vila” and terminates at the station. If you want to visit both the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, get off at the castle stop, and then walk up to the palace (it’s about a 10-minute walk).

Sintra Bus 434 Tickets

Tickets for the 434 bus to Pena Palace are €7.60, allowing you to go and return (a 1-way ticket, which isn't recommended, unless you don't mind walking back down the mountain for over one hour, is €4.10). You may also acquire the “Hop On Hop Off All Buses 24 Hours” ticket for €15.20 that allows unlimited rides on the 434 and 435 buses on the day of purchase. You may buy this ticket online, often with discounts: Hop On Hop Off All Buses 24-Hour Ticket

At the train station in Lisbon, you may also acquire a “Train & Bus” ticket at the ticket counter for €16.00. That ticket allows you to travel on the Lisbon-Sintra train line and on the yellow Carris Metropolitanana buses in Sintra and Cascais on the day of purchase. This isn’t a very popular option, however, as most tourists buy the Lisboa Card , which already allows free unlimited rides on the Lisbon-Sintra and Lisbon-Cascais trains. All tickets are purchased from the bus drivers , except for the “Train & Bus” ticket.

The only way to reach Pena Palace and the Moorish Palace besides taking bus 434 or hiking, is taking a taxi (which can be expensive) or joining a tour . You should never drive in Sintra, as there are almost no parking spots in the center or near the attractions. Navigating the narrow uphill roads can also be challenging to those not familiar with the place, and there are constant traffic jams.

Expect long queues for the 434 bus, even outside the high season. It’s recommended that you arrive in Sintra by 9am, so you can take the buses that depart within that hour and avoid the bigger crowds later in the day.

Sintra Bus 434 Schedule

The 434 departs every 15 minutes , from 8:50am to 7:50pm in the summer and from 8:50am to 7:00pm at other times of the year. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach the Moorish Castle, and if you want to go straight from the station to Pena Palace you’re there in less than 20 minutes.

Take a look at the links below for more Sintra transportation guides.

Complete Sintra Guide

Insider's guide with the latest travel tips, information and advice from local experts:

What to See & Do

Top 10 Attractions

Sightseeing Tips

Day Trip from Lisbon

Day Trips from Sintra

Pena Palace

Sintra National Palace

Quinta da Regaleira

Moorish Castle

Monserrate Palace

Seteais Palace

Capuchos Convent

Chalet Condessa d'Edla

Biester Palace

Vila Sassetti

Sintra Town Hall

Natural History Museum

News Museum

Anjos Teixeira Museum

MUSA Museum

Azenhas do Mar

Cabo da Roca

Queluz Palace

Where to Stay

Top 10 Hotels

Sintra Beaches Guide

Praia da Ursa

Praia da Adraga

Praia Grande

Praia das Maçãs

Praia de Azenhas do Mar

Praia da Aguda

Praia do Magoito

Transportation

Trains from Lisbon

Bus 434 to Pena Palace

Bus 435 to Monserrate Palace

Bus 1624 to Cabo da Roca and Cascais

Tram to Praia das Maçãs

Train to Queluz Palace

Sintra Train Station

Portela de Sintra Bus Station

From the Airport to Sintra

Portugal Travel Guides

Lisbon Beaches

Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 🏰 One Epic Day in Sintra From Lisbon: Efficient Itinerary

Sintra is a small town near Lisbon with fairytale-like palaces, historic charm, and picturesque natural surroundings.

It is one of Portugal’s most popular day trip destinations . With one day in Sintra, you have enough time to see the town’s top attractions and other nearby landmarks.

My sister and I separately visited the historic town of Sintra, and here, I share our practical tips on planning a day trip  there. This post shares:

• ⭐️ Top things to do in Sintra
• 🗓️ 2 optimized full-day itineraries
• 🚌 How to get there from Lisbon
• 📍 Sintra map with key places

Planning a trip? Here’s  what to know about Portugal .

Sintra at a Glance

• How To Visit From Lisbon
• Getting Around
• Itinerary Option #1
• Itinerary Option #2
• 1. Pena Palace
• 2. Quinta da Regaleria
• 3. Moorish Castle
• 4. Sintra's Historic Center
• 5. Cabo da Roca
• 1. National Palace of Sintra
• 3. Monserrate Palace

Portugal Trip Planner

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Here’s some general information on Sintra to help you plan your trip.

🏰 What Is Sintra Known For?

The town of Sintra is known for its historic palaces and castles , stunning views, natural landscapes, and quaint town center. It’s considered a beautiful place with a mystical ambiance.

The landscape of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved historic monuments and cultural significance.

📍 Where Is Sintra Located?

Sintra is located 21 miles west of Lisbon in the western peninsula of Portugal. See below for how to get to Sintra from Lisbon .

The town is located within the lush and scenic Sintra-Cascais Natural Park .

See great things to do in Lisbon .

🗓️ How Long To Spend in Sintra?

Sintra is most often visited as a full-day trip from Lisbon . This will give you enough time to visit three to five of Sintra’s top attractions.

You can also spend two days in Sintra to give yourself more time to visit less popular attractions and enjoy the surrounding natural park.

Here’s  how to efficiently plan a trip to Portugal .

☀️ Best Time To Visit Sintra

The best time to visit Sintra is during the spring and fall to avoid the peak season crowds in the summer and still catch good weather.

• Spring (March to May) – During the spring season, Sintra’s weather averages 50 °F to 70 °F. I visited Sintra in May and I could wear a tank top with long jeans, with the occasional light jacket.
• Fall (September to October)  – Sintra’s weather averages 57 °F to 77 °F. My sister visited Sintra in September and wore a similar outfit to mine.

💰 How Much Is a Day Trip to Sintra?

The cost of doing a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon depends largely on how you get there and the number of attractions you plan to see, as many of them have at least an $8 entrance fee .

You can expect to spend at least $70 when visiting Sintra for a day.

I spent $88 visiting Sintra for a day . This includes transportation, tips, and the lunch I had in Quinta da Regaleira.

See all my travel expenses in this  Portugal budget breakdown .

All prices mentioned here are in USD 💵 .

How To Get To Sintra From Lisbon

From Lisbon, you can get to Sintra in four different ways. Here’s a quick overview of the different transportation options:

🚆 Option 1: Public Transportation

Taking the train to Sintra is the most budget-friendly way to get to the town, but it’s also one of the most inconvenient modes of transportation.

You’ll need to take a state-owned CP train from Lisbon’s Rossio station to the Sintra train station. The train ride takes 40 to 50 minutes and leaves every 10 to 15 minutes (see the train timetable here ). The Lisbon to Sintra train tickets cost €2.30 (a little less than $3) each way.

🚖 Option 2: Taxi or Uber

You can call an Uber from Lisbon and take it to Sintra’s town center . The drive will take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and can cost more than $100.

My sister took an Uber in the fall and paid $90 to get to Sintra and $47 to get back to Lisbon.

Due to the high cost, taking an Uber from Lisbon to Sintra is only recommended if you’re traveling in a group of three or more people.

🚐 Option 3: Sintra Guided Tour

The most convenient way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by booking an organized tour, which includes private transportation.

A Sintra full-day tour starts at $60 and is usually closer to $90 .

I booked a Sintra tour, which I found convenient. There was a road blockage to Pena Palace, Sintra’s #1 attraction, when I visited. My local guide efficiently reorganized our itinerary to make sure we still got to the palace by the end of the day when there were fewer crowds.

See below for a curated list of organized Sintra tours .

🚙 Option 4: Rental Car

You can rent a car and drive to Sintra, but this is generally not recommended for most visitors. Driving to and in Sintra can be challenging for various reasons:

• Limited Parking – Parking is not allowed in the town’s historic center. Also, if you find any, you’ll likely have to pay for it.
• Winding Roads – The roads are winding, hilly, and narrow, so you must feel comfortable driving in those conditions.
• Road Blockages – You’ll be stuck if you run into a road blockage, which happened when I visited Sintra. You’ll have to figure out how to get around the blockage.

If you plan to drive, the main advice I’ve received when driving to Sintra is to leave Lisbon early (before 9 am) to beat the crowd.

How To Get Around Sintra

Once you arrive in Sintra, you can get around in five different ways.

👟 Option 1: Walking

Once you get to Sintra, it’s possible to walk to certain attractions that are close by. However, you won’t be able to reach all of the attractions on foot, and it’s not an efficient way to get around.

For example, here’s how long it takes to walk between Sintra’s top three most famous attractions:

🚌 Option 2: Shuttle Bus

Sintra has two tourist buses , 434 and 435, that make stops at popular attractions.

The buses costs €12.50 (around $13) for a ticket that lasts 24 hours. They start operating around 9:15 or 9:30 am and stop running at 7:50 pm.

During the peak summer season , you might have to wait for a while to get on the bus. Keep in mind that you also arrive at popular attractions at the same time as everyone else.

🚕 Option 3: Uber or Taxi

You can also call an Uber or taxi to get around Sintra. Depending on how crowded the destination is on that day, you might have to wait a bit before you get a ride.

🚐 Option 4: Sintra Guided Tour

Booking a Sintra tour is the most convenient way to get around the town. There are hundreds of guided tours to choose from that will take you to different combinations of attractions.

Here’s my curated list of highly-rated Sintra tours that I would consider booking if I were to do it again:

• If you are most excited by Pena Palace, this Sintra tour focuses on Pena Palace by dedicating two hours to it. It also stops by the historic center and three coastal places.
• If you are most excited by Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira , this Sintra tour gives equal time to each. It also stops by Sintra’s historic center and two coastal places.
• If you don’t care for the Pena Palace hype , this Sintra tour skips the Pena Palace altogether and gives visitors more time in Quinta da Regaleria and the historic town, while also doing three coastal stops.
• If you want to see the Moorish Castle , this Sintra tour is one of the few that includes it and skips Cascais. Despite the high cost, this is the Sintra tour I would most likely book if I had to do it all over again because it features my ideal stops.
• If you want to visit Pena Palace at the end, this Sintra tour does that and also has several other stops. Most tour groups visit Pena Palace in the morning; my tour group visited towards the end when it was significantly less crowded.

🚙 Option 5: Electrical Car Rental

You can also rent a small electric car  for a day to get around Sintra.

The smaller size of the car makes it easier to drive around the winding roads and park in the limited spots near the attractions.

This map has all the Sintra attractions mentioned in this post.

Sintra Day Trip Itineraries

Below are two great ways to organize a Sintra day trip  from Lisbon if you’re doing it on your own and not through a guided tour .

To help you plan efficiently, I’ve included  suggested times for each activity  based on my firsthand experience.

Itinerary Option #1: Pena Palace Early

This itinerary prioritizes getting to Pena Palace early to beat the crowd and seeing many of Sintra’s top attractions on foot .

However, with this itinerary, you may not have much time to go outside of Sintra to see a coastal view or visit a beach town.

This itinerary is similar to what my sister did and is prefilled in the Portugal trip planner below.

Itinerary Option #2: Pena Palace Later

This itinerary prioritizes getting to Pena Palace later to minimize the crowd before closing time . It relies on taxis and Uber rides to get from one attraction to the next.

This itinerary also breaks up Sintra’s attractions by going to a beautiful ocean view in the middle of the day. It’s similar to what I did.

Top 5 Attractions in Sintra

Having taken separate Sintra trips and visited many of its top attractions, I share my and my sister’s recommendations on the best things to do in Sintra , listed in rough order of priority.

1. See Colorful Pena Palace, Sintra’s #1 Attraction

🤔 Why : One of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and a UNESCO Heritage Site, the National Palace of Pena is Sintra’s most famous palace and gets close to two million visitors annually. The palace is known for its colorful and photogenic exterior.

Due to the palace’s popularity, Pena Palace is almost always included as the last or first stop in Sintra tours .

🌟 Top Things To Do: At Pena Palace, you can:

• Explore the interior – Take a guided tour to learn about the palace’s history and about the monks and royal family who lived there. The palace was built by King Ferdinand II and was inhabited by the last queen of Portugal.
• Take photos – Spend significant time exploring and capturing the palace’s colorful exterior.

🚗 Getting There : The National Palace of Pena is located at the top of a steep hill. You’ll need to take a 15 to 20-minute uphill walk or pay about $4 for a bus ride to the top of the hill.

Pena Palace almost always has huge crowds. To minimize the crowds, visit the palace early (around opening time at 9:30 am) or an hour before closing time (it closes at 6:30 pm daily).

💰 Admission Fee: €20 (roughly $22) . Tickets are timed, so you’ll need to select the date and entrance time in advance.

If you want to get near the Pena Palace, you must buy tickets to the palace , not just to the park. If you only buy park tickets, you won’t be allowed to see the exterior of the palace up close.

⏰ Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: Pena Palace’s interior, even when enhanced with a guided tour, is average, in my opinion (I found the tour at Sintra National Palace more interesting). But Pena Palace’s exterior is worth the hype, and there’s a lot more to explore than I expected.

Return to itinerary ↑

2. Explore the Beautiful Quinta da Regaleria

🤔 Why : Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the best Sintra attractions, Quinta da Regaleira is a large, beautiful estate. It’s home to beautiful gardens, a Renaissance-style palace, a lake, and a famous inverted tower.

🌟 Top Things To Do: Quinta da Regaleira’s estate is the size of five and a half football fields, so you can take a stroll through its garden or head straight to some of its top attractions:

• The Initiation Well – This is Quinta da Regaleira’s most popular attraction. The “well” is an inverted tower with a spiral staircase that leads to underground tunnels built under the gardens. The well is said to have been part of a mysterious Knights Templar ritual.

During the high season, expect long lines for the Initiation Well.

• Palacio da Regaleira – This is the palace in the estate and is a five-floor structure that’s pretty to look at from the outside. Visitors can only access the main floor.
• Regaleira Chapel – The estate’s chapel is worth a quick stop.

🚗 Getting There : You can get to the estate in several ways.

• Walking – The estate is a 30-minute walk from Sintra’s historic center and a 15-minute walk from the Moorish Castle.
• Bus – Quinta da Regailra is a bus stop for the 435 tourist bus.
• Driving – If you’re driving, Quinta da Regaleira has a parking lot that gets filled up during the peak season. It’s about $4 per hour for parking.
• Uber – If you’re coming from Pena Palace, the best way is to call an Uber or taxi.

💰 Admission Fee: €12 (roughly $12) . You don’t need to buy tickets in advance.

Quinta da Regaleira also has a cafe in case you need to grab a snack or lunch. The food is not bad, but it’s also not amazing, so you should only stop here if you need a quick bite or if your visit aligns with lunchtime.

⏰ Suggested Duration : 1 to 2 hours

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: Walking through Quinta da Regaleira feels like walking through a nice, gated park. If you’d rather prioritize seeing views, consider visiting the Moorish Castle instead.

3. Check Out the Views at the Moorish Castle

🤔 Why : Castelos dos Mouros, also known as the “Moorish Castle” or “Castle of the Moors”, is a medieval castle originally built to defend the region and now offers the best views of Sintra. Like Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace, it’s considered a national monument.

🌟 Top Things To Do: The Moorish Castle has no meaningful interior places to explore. You’re primarily outside exploring the castle walls, walking on its cobblestone stairs, and looking out at some of its highest viewpoints.

🚗 Getting There : Castelo dos Mouros can be reached by walking, taking the bus, or taking an Uber/taxi. There’s no parking near the Moorish Castle, so driving is not recommended.

• Walking – The Moorish Castle is a 15-minute walk away from Sintra’s historic center and Quinta da Regaleira.
• Bus – The 434 tourist bus makes a stop here.

💰 Admission Fee: €10 (roughly $11) . You don’t need to buy tickets in advance.

⏰ Suggested Duration: 60 to 90 minutes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: The Moorish Castle is different from the other Sintra attractions in that there’s no interior to explore, making it a great place to walk around for some of the best views of Sintra.

4. Walk Around Sintra’s Historic Center

🤔 Why : Sintra’s picturesque historic center is packed with small, cute shops in narrow, winding streets. It’s a great place to walk around, window shop, or grab a meal.

🌟 Top Things To Do: Walk around the streets of Sintra’s historic center and look for views and stores that pique your interest.

One of my favorite places in the town center is Casa Piriquita , which serves the famous travesseiro , an almond pastry that translates to “pillow.” Many Sintra tours will highlight this place.

🚗 Getting There : Sintra’s Historic Center can be reached by walking, taking the bus, calling an Uber/taxi, or driving. Both the 434 and 435 tourist buses stop here.

💰 Admission Fee: Free

⏰ Suggested Duration: 30 minutes to 3 hours. I spent closer to 30 minutes, and my sister spent closer to three hours.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: Sintra’s historic center is not always called out as one of Sintra’s main attractions, so it can surprise visitors when they end up spending several hours there. I recommend budgeting one hour here because it’s a really pretty area to walk around.

5. Visit the Stunning Cabo da Roca

🤔 Why : Called the “edge of the world”, Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of Europe and features stunning, plunging cliff views of the Atlantic Ocean. Cabo da Roca is not in Sintra, but it’s often considered a must-stop in many Sintra itineraries and tours.

While Cabo da Roca is the most famous, it’s also the most touristy. There are alternatives to Cabo da Roca that will give you similar views with fewer crowds, including Praia da Água Doce , which is where I went.

🌟 Top Thing To Do: Once you’re at Cabo da Roca, spend a moment staring at the breathtaking view. The ocean waves are strong, so swimming is not safe here.

🚗 Getting There : Cabo da Roca can be reached by driving, taking a bus, or calling an Uber or taxi. Since driving is the easiest way to get here, many Sintra tours will stop here.

⏰ Suggested Duration: 15 to 30 minutes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: I went to a less crowded, but equally beautiful stop at Praia da Água Doce. If you have a car or are taking a tour, this is a beautiful must-stop area.

3 Other Notable Attractions in Sintra

Here are three other Sintra attractions that are also popular.

1. Learn History at the National Palace of Sintra

🤔 Why : Located at the center of Sintra, the National Palace of Sintra (also called “Palácio Nacional de Sintra”) is the oldest palace in Portugal that has been built over several centuries. The guided tours there are fairly interesting.

🚗 Getting There : The National Palace of Sintra is at the center of Sintra, so it’s easy to get to it. It’s about a 3-minute walk from the historic center, a 15-minute walk from the Moorish Castle, and a 35-minute walk from Pena Palace.

💰 Admission Fee: €13 (roughly $14) .

⏰ Suggested Duration: 30 to 90 minutes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: The National Palace of Sintra is much better with a guided tour. It’s not a particularly beautiful or interesting building, so what made the visit interesting was learning about its history and amusing stories (ask your tour guide why the Magpie Room is named so).

2. Visit the Beach Town of Cascais

🤔 Why : Cascais is a seaside town that’s often a popular stop for visitors making their way back from Sintra to Lisbon. Cascais offers beach vibes, shops, art, and a lot of ice cream.

🚗 Getting There : Cascais is 30 minutes west of Lisbon and 20 minutes south of Sintra. You can get to Cascais by calling an Uber or taxi, taking a Sintra tour (many of them stop at Cascais), train, or bus.

💰 Admission Fee: Fee

⏰ Suggested Duration: Short 1-hour stop, or a full day.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: Even though many people seem to like visiting Cascais, I found it to be the most underwhelming stop during my Sintra trip. After seeing all the beautiful palaces, gardens, and ocean views, Cascais felt like an average beach town that you can easily find in other places of the world.

3. Go Further Out to Monserrate Palace

🤔 Why : The Park and Palace of Monserrate include a beautiful, fairytale-like villa on top of a hill.

🚗 Getting There : The Park and Palace of Monserrate is about a 15-minute drive west of Sintra’s historic center. The 435 tourist bus makes a stop here as well.

💰 Admission Fee: €12 (roughly $13) . You don’t need to buy tickets in advance.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: I didn’t make it to Park and Palace of Monserrate, but if I had to do my trip all over again, I would have prioritized this over Cascais.

To make your travel planning easier , download the trip planner below and use it as a starting point. The planner has country-specific travel information, an itinerary, a packing list, and a map with key places pinned.

The trip planner is built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning (I genuinely love this tool). If you don’t have Notion, creating an account is free .

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Portugal Travel Guides

• 🇵🇹 Planning A Trip to Portugal: 10 Practical Things To Know
• ☀️ 7 Amazing Days in Portugal: An Efficient Itinerary
• ⛅ Lisbon Guide: 4-Day Itinerary + 10 Great Things To Do
• 🍷 Porto Guide: 3-Day Itinerary + 11 Top Things To Do
• 💰 My 2024 Portugal Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

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Complete Guide to Sintra: How to go? What to see?

Exploring Pena Palace and the Main Attractions of the UNESCO World Heritage City

Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, the magical town of Sintra is located in the northwest hills of Serra de Sintra. It is a cultural landscape , drawing in visitors from around the world curious to see the fortress-like castles, enchanting palaces and magnificent villa s all nestled into the scenic mountains and overgrown greenery. 

Those who visit are amazed at how their expectations were far exceeded not only by the fascinating architecture but also by the unbelievable natural beauty and geography . The amount of greenery is a stark contrast to the tiled buildings of Lisbon and the jagged cliff beaches just a stone's throw away. 

Its unique and often cool microclimate attracted the royal families and wealthy elite to establish their summer residences in Sintra. But, you will have to read more below to find out how this extraordinary town came to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the wealthiest municipalities in Portugal. 

What is Sintra?

Understanding the history of Sintra, even in a brief glance, will help to navigate the city and its rich heritage. 

The history can be divided into three main eras . Beginning in the 9th century, it was the Moors who ruled Portugal. After years of constant battling with the Christian crusaders, they lost control of the Iberian region. In the 15th to 18th centuries, Sintra was overrun by the royals who controlled the area and built their palaces here. Shortly after, beginning in the 19th century, Romanticism swept through Portugal and resulted in the extravagant palaces and villas you find today. 

After spending a day in Sintra it is easy to argue that all three eras are elegantly intertwined with one another, showing themselves in the architecture which is unique to the area. 

Exploring the Old Town of Sintra (Vila Velha)

At the base of all of Sintra’s monumental and majestic palaces and castles sits its charming and quaint old town. The big attractions listed in this article normally are first on visitors' agendas, but Vila Velha should be explored between attractions or after. 

What to see in Vila Velha

Here you will discover a variety of establishments, from boutique hotels to traditional Portuguese eateries , tourist centered souvenir shops , bakeries with window displays filled with sticky sweets, floor to ceiling bottle-lined wine shops, artists selling handmade goods, the famous Queijadas da Sapa- baking cheesecakes since 1756, the tourism office and the Parque da Liberdade, the public park of the city.  

The town hall and clock are marvelous examples of revivialist architecture from the early 20th century, featuring medieval details. And perhaps, the most stunning feature found alongside the overgrown roads of Sintra's forest is the Fonte Mourisca fountain- an unbelievable work of architecture, tiling and a beautiful photo opportunity if there ever was one. 

How to go to Sintra from Lisbon?

Taking the train, catching the bus.

We suggest using a form of public transportation as Sintra was not designed to accommodate the amount of car traffic which now fills the small city. Parking is almost impossible and the roads are narrow and windy. 

Sintra Shuttle

Once in Sintra there is a shuttle bus that makes a loop of all the major sights . It is numbered as the 434 tourist bus and is named the Circuito da Pena .

It picks passengers up at the Sintra train station and then makes a round through the historic center, Castelo dos Mouros, Pena Palace, back again to the historic center and finally ends at the train station. This allows for a quicker tour and to visit most of the big sights without unnecessary time wasted. 

What to do in Sintra?

There is enough in Sintra to keep a visitor busy for days, but we have chosen to highlight the top attractions which can all be seen in a day. 

1. Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)

As Pena Palace is the main attraction in Sintra, we will be explaining it briefly here and in more detail later in the article. 

Being the most popular attraction in Sintra, it’s ideal to see the palace first thing in the morning.  Arrive shortly before the doors open and you can hopefully skip the long longs and be rewarded with the chance to take some incredible pictures without too many other tourists in the background. Pena Palace is regarded to be one of the best castles in all of Europe .

• Compare the top-rated Pena Palace Tickets HERE.

2. The Quinta da Regaleira

The Quinta da Regaleira is a  Neo-Gothic private mansion with gardens more incredible than you can imagine- complete with all the features that make them feel as if they were pulled from the pages of a fairytale. 

The estate was built in the first decade of the 1900s as a project of Carvalho Monteiro. As it grew in size and grandeur it was nicknamed “The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire.” The house became a masterpiece of architecture and the landscaping included grottos, fountains and tunnels.

The nine acres of garden are truly the most impressive feature of the property and the best way to tour them is to wander the grounds. One of the highlights is the 27 meter deep inverted tunnel which was used as an Initiation Well by the secret order of the Knights Templar. 

• Check out the most popular Quinta da Regaleira Ticket Options HERE.

3. Castelo dos Mouros

While Pena Palace occupies the top of one Sintra mountain, the Moorish castle with its fort walls holds its own on the neighboring hill and has earned the nickname, the Great Wall of Portugal.

It is believed to have been built in about the 9th century and was occupied by the Moors from North Africa until being pushed out by the crusaders . Over the years it slowly crumbled until, in the 19th century, King Ferdinand II had it restored.

A visit inside is well worth your time, and if you’re not afraid of heights and the narrow pathways at the top, we suggest climbing the Castelo dos Mouros walls. 

→ Interested in seeing more castles during your visit to Portugal. Be sure to read about São Jorge Castle in Lisbon and what there is to see and do there!

4. The National Palace of Sintra

Located in the center of the historic old town, the medieval National Palace of Sintra, with its giant cone chimneys is impossible to miss. Don’t be fooled by them; despite appearing to be for decorative purposes, they are actually placed above the massive kitchens within the palace. 

The National Palace was constructed in the early 15th century and was used continuously until the 19th century, making it the most used royal residence in Portugal’s history . 

Like many of the structures in Lisbon and her vicinity, the palace was severely destroyed during the earthquake of 1755, but the tiling, ceiling art and luxurious decorative themes of the rooms were almost perfectly restored. 

5. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is a lesser visited attraction in Sintra, as it isn't directly located in the center of the old town. However, if you can manage transportation to the palace, which is only a short drive away, you will be wowed once again.

Built in 1863, it is an intricately designed palace with arabian features . It was built on the site of a former chapel and home.

→. Sintra isn't the only place you can discover Lisbon's fascinating architecture . Download the easy to use audio guide Tour of Belém from YourMobileGuide and visit some of the top sights in the country!

A Guide to Pena Palace

Pena Palace is truly the jewel of Sintra. Eye catching with its vibrant colors, seated above all the other attractions, it’s easy to understand why this castle has been attracting visitors for centuries. A spectacular example of 19th century romantic architecture and taste which became widely popular at the time it was built.

The History Behind Pena Palace

Construction began in the 19th century and was completed in 1854. A young and somewhat inexperienced German architect, Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege,  was commissioned for the job, and it was his exposure to different architectural styles and castles around from Europe and Africa  which resulted in the designs you will find at Pena today. 

Despite being overwhelmingly Romantic, there are varying details which draw from Gothic influence as well as Moorish styles . It includes mythological statues, gargoyles who stand guard, terraces which look out in every direction offering panoramic views of the region and exterior tiling that will make your draw drop. And all of this is just on the outside of the palace. A tour inside will open up a world of lavish extremities and a glimpse into what money can purchase when there is no limit. 

Pena Palace was home to Portuguese royalty until 1910 when the revolution began . They immediately fled the country, in search of safety in Brazil. Leaving the palace to fall into the hands of the public. But before the palace found its home here, a monastery was located on the site,  built in the 1500s. There was also a chapel, established in the middle ages, dedicated to Our Lady of Pena. Both were destroyed from the earthquake of 1755 and left in shambles until King Ferdinard II had the palace built as his summer getaway.

Experiencing the Palace Gardens

The park gardens which surround the palace are not to be missed. They are so fantastic that they have been included in the Portuguese National forest service since 1910 . The landscaping includes imported trees and plants, ornamental statues and viewpoints that are just as impressive as those from the terraces. Get lost in the whimsical gardens which feature lakes, ponds, waterfalls and fountains.  It's debatable whether Pena Palace has inspired the castles of fairy tales or whether the fairy tales have inspired Pena,  but rumor has it that it's the muse of the castle in Cinderella. 

We hope this full day guide to Sintra’s top attractions and Pena Palace was helpful. If you have more time to explore Lisbon and her nearby districts, we have created a Three Day Guide to Lisbon , an Ultimate One Day Guide to Lisbon and a Guide to the Historic Alfama . 

In the comments section below let us know what you enjoyed from the article and found helpful. 

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• Getting Around Sintra: 10 Great Options

Are you trying to figure out how to get around Sintra for your next trip?

We know the challenge! Sintra’s winding streets and scarce parking can be daunting for visitors.

We spent over a month exploring Portugal, with a special focus on Sintra, and have gathered all the essential insights to streamline your travel.

We will discuss getting around Sintra by car, train, bus, tuk-tuk, uber, talking car, e-bike, 4×4 Jeep, guided tour , and walking.

Rest assured, we will help you effortlessly plan your Sintra journey, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience.

Let’s dive into the best ways to get around Sintra and explore the enchanting landscapes and awesome sites!

Getting Around Sintra – Our Friendly Advice

In general, we recommend either taking a tour (either by car , tuk-tuk , or jeep ) or using a combination of walking and the bus to get around Sintra efficiently.

Sintra is hilly and the main sites are spread out – planning is key for a successful, stress-free experience.

Admittedly, we didn’t do enough planning for how we were going to get around Sintra. It almost ended in us missing our Pena Palace timeslot and then having to walk down the hilltop at the end of the day from Pena Palace.

So use this guide so that you are well prepared and your day goes smoothly.

Getting Around Sintra by Train

Getting to Sintra by train is efficient and budget-friendly. But as for getting around Sintra, the train is not very helpful.

The Sintra station , located conveniently near the town center , offers easy access to buses, taxis, and tuk-tuks for further exploration of Sintra’s attractions.

Outside of the main train station, there are no other train stops in Sintra. So to access all that Sintra has to offer, you will need to utilize one of Sintra’s other options!

Getting to Sintra by Train

The Sintra train station connects directly to Lisbon’s Rossio or Oriente stations.

Trains run approximately every 30 minutes, with the journey between Sintra and Lisbon taking around 40 minutes.

A one-way ticket costs about €2.25, while a round trip is roughly €4.50.

The navigator occasional card , a reusable ticket, is a convenient option for those planning extensive travel around the Lisbon area.

Getting Around Sintra by Bus

Traveling around Sintra by bus is a practical and cost-effective option, especially for those looking to explore its many attractions.

The main bus service in Sintra is operated by Scotturb . The most popular routes for tourists are the 434 and 435 lines.

The 434 bus, often called the Sintra Tourist Bus, follows a loop from the Sintra train station to the Pena Palace, stopping at the Moorish Castle and the historic town center.

The 435 bus takes you from the train station to Quinta da Regaleira, the Monserrate Palace, and the Seteais Palace.

A single ticket on either bus costs around €3.90, but if you plan on hopping on and off throughout the day, consider the 24-hour pass , priced at about €12.50. This pass offers unlimited travel on both lines, making it a great value for a full day of sightseeing.

Buses run approximately every 15 minutes during peak tourist season , from around 9:15 AM to 8:00 PM.

However, schedules can vary, especially in the off-season, so it’s advisable to check the latest timetable online or at the Sintra train station upon arrival.

We used the bus and found it very helpful in getting around!

Getting Around Sintra by Walking

Exploring Sintra on foot is a delightful experience for those who enjoy walking, offering a closer look at the town’s charming streets.

However, it’s essential to know that the distances between major attractions can be quite significant , especially when considering the hilly terrain.

The walk from Sintra’s historical center to Quinta da Regaleira is relatively short and manageable, spanning about 1 kilometers (less than a mile).

This route, taking approximately 15 minutes, is mostly flat and offers a pleasant stroll through Sintra’s picturesque streets.

However, the journey from the town center to Pena Palace is more challenging. The distance is about 2 kilometers (1.25 miles), but it involves a very steep uphill climb.

On average, it takes about an hour to walk this route. The path is scenic, winding through lush forests and past historical sites, but it requires a good level of fitness.

For those up for the challenge, our favorite way to walk to Pena Palace is the hike to the Moorish Castle , with panoramic views and opportunities to spot local flora and fauna. Then, it is an easy walk from the Moorish Castle to the Pena Palace grounds.

It’s advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water, especially during warmer months when walking around Sintra.

Getting Around Sintra by Car

If you have your own car, it will help with getting to Sintra but it comes with some challenges due to narrow roads, limited access, and minimal parking.

The historic center of Sintra is largely pedestrianized, with vehicle access restricted to those with permits near the Sintra National Palace.

We recommend parking outside the city and then walking to the city center to avoid traffic and restricted areas.

Parking in Sintra

Parking near major attractions like the Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira is not allowed for tourists. Only taxis, buses, and guides can access these sites.

However, there are designated parking areas in and around Sintra.

The most convenient parking lot is the parking lot next to the Museu Anjos Teixeira . It costs around €1.5 an hour.

The best free parking lot is at São Pedro , a 25-minute walk from the town center. Spots are scarce and can get crowded quickly, especially during peak tourist season, so try to get there early.

If São Pedro is full, there is another parking lot closer to the train station. However, often there are locals there charging you to park, even though it is a free lot.

Driving in Sintra requires patience and careful navigation. While it offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, planning ahead for parking and being prepared for busy roads is essential.

Getting Around Sintra by Tuk-Tuk

Getting around Sintra by tuk-tuk offers a unique and flexible way to see the sights.

Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled motorized vehicles, often open-air, driven by knowledgeable local drivers who sometimes share insights about the area. They’re ideal for navigating Sintra’s narrow, winding streets.

You can book a tour of Sintra by tuk-tuk before you get there, or you can hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you between sites. Do not rely on them to stay and wait while you visit Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira.

Costs vary, but a typical ride between two major sites like Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace can range from €5 to €10 per person. The price will depend on the number of passengers and the distance.

It’s a more personalized experience compared to buses, but it’s advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid surprise costs.

Getting Around Sintra by Uber

Getting around Sintra by Uber offers a convenient, albeit sometimes less reliable, alternative to public transport. Sintra, with its hilly terrain and sprawling palaces, can make for a challenging drive.

For instance, a trip from Sintra National Palace to the Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira usually ranges from €5 to €15, depending on traffic and time of day. However, prices can surge during peak tourist hours or in bad weather.

A notable issue with using Uber in Sintra, particularly for trips to the Pena Palace, is the reliability. Due to the steep and narrow one-way roads leading up to the palace, many Uber drivers are hesitant to make the trip up the hill to pick you up.

We experienced this firsthand during a visit. After exploring the stunning Pena Palace, we attempted to book an Uber for the return journey.

Despite several tries, the drivers kept canceling because they did not want to drive up to Pena Palace.

Eventually, we took the bus down to the train station, where the Uber drivers prefer to pick up from and got one easily.

This experience is not uncommon, so while Uber can be a convenient option for shorter trips within Sintra, it’s wise to have a backup plan, especially for locations like the Pena Palace.

Getting Around Sintra by Tour

Guided tours make getting around Sintra a breeze since the guides’ vehicles can access areas that a rental or personal vehicle can’t.

Getting around Sintra by Private Tour

Say goodbye to crowded buses and embrace the personalized experience of this 8-hour private tour.

With a private vehicle, Wi-Fi onboard, and Pena Palace admission included, you’ll be getting around Sintra seamlessly.

This tour ensures you see the highlights , including Quinta da Regaleira, and even includes time for a leisurely lunch in the heart of Sintra.

Getting around Sintra by Small Group Tour

This 8-hour small group tour is a fantastic way to efficiently explore Sintra’s UNESCO-listed gems.

With a limited group of eight , you can effortlessly navigate top attractions like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, all at a more affordable price than a private tour.

Plus, it takes you to the Cabo da Roca where you can stand at the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

Getting Around Sintra by Talking E-Car

The Talking E-Car Tour offers a unique and innovative way to explore Sintra’s magical landscapes and historical sites.

This tour provides electric cars equipped with GPS and an audio guide that delivers engaging commentary and suggests stops, enriching your understanding of Sintra’s rich history and culture.

It is an ideal choice for those wanting the freedom of a self-guided tour with the informative benefits of a traditional guided experience.

Getting Around Sintra by E-Bike

Choosing the E-Bike Rental tour in Sintra offers a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the area’s hilly terrain.

It’s perfect for those seeking a more active and intimate experience with Sintra’s breathtaking landscapes.

E-bikes provide the ease of electric assistance, making uphill climbs more manageable.

This option is ideal for adventurers who want to cover more ground at their own pace, while enjoying the freedom and thrill of cycling through one of Portugal’s most picturesque regions.

Getting Around Sintra by Jeep

This small-group experience offers an enjoyable and effortless way to explore Sintra’s historical highlights, bypassing the hassles of trains, buses, or self-driving.

Enjoy the thrill of an open-top UMM Jeep, chauffeured by a knowledgeable guide to iconic sites like Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira.

The tour extends beyond the usual, offering scenic views at Cabo da Roca, wine tasting, and delightful pastries in Sintra Old Town.

With insightful commentary from your guide, this tour brings a richer, more informed perspective to Sintra’s wonders.

13 BEST Tours in Sintra: 2024 Travel Guide

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon is straightforward, with the train being the most budget-friendly option.

Departing from Lisbon’s Rossio or Oriente stations, trains to Sintra run frequently, about every 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around €2.25 one way.

For those preferring a more direct route, Uber or private taxis are available, costing approximately €30-€50, depending on the starting point and traffic.

Alternatively, various tour operators in Lisbon offer day trips to Sintra . These tours, including transportation and sometimes guided visits to key attractions, can be a convenient but pricier choice.

There are no direct buses from Lisbon to Sintra since the train system works so well.

8 Hours in Sintra Itinerary

Here’s an exciting 8-hour itinerary for exploring Sintra, perfect for travelers eager to dive into its enchanting history and landscapes:

Morning Walking Tour in Sintra City (2 hours)

Start your day around 9:00 AM with a leisurely walking tour of Sintra’s charming city center .

Don’t miss the Sintra National Palace, known for its distinct conical chimneys.

When you stroll through the charming streets of Sintra, you simply cannot miss indulging in their famous pastries.

Two delights that will make your taste buds dance are the Travesseiros and the Queijadas de Sintra – we loved them!

Quinta da Regaleira (2-3 hours, includes lunch)

By 11:00 AM, head to Quinta da Regaleira. Spend a couple of hours exploring its lush gardens, hidden tunnels, and the iconic Initiation Well.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at the Quinta’s café, offering a variety of local delicacies in a serene setting. We ate here during our visit and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food!

Don’t forget to visit the enchanting Quinta Palace, showcasing exquisite architecture.

Pena Palace and Its Grounds (2 hours)

Around 2:00 PM, make your way to the vibrant Pena Palace. Be sure to give yourself enough time as it takes about 30 minutes to get to the Palace entrance and then another 10-minute bus ride to get to the palace itself.

Set atop a hill, it offers breathtaking views and a riot of colors. Spend time wandering through its whimsical interiors and picturesque terraces.

Don’t miss walking the grounds and visiting the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla.

💡 Expert Tip : You will need to purchase your ticket online ahead of time and select a timeslot. They are very strict about the timeslots so choose wisely. Be sure to add-on the bus ride to the palace from the entrance!

Moorish Castle (1 hour)

Finally, around 4:00 PM, visit the Moorish Castle. Its ancient ruins and walls provide panoramic views of the surrounding area, a perfect way to end your day.

• Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking.
• Check opening times and book tickets online in advance to save time.
• Use local transport or a hop-on-hop-off bus to move between attractions efficiently.

Enjoy your magical day in Sintra!

Portugal 8 Day Itinerary

Sintra is a part of our recommended 8-day itinerary in Portugal. We have all the transportation, accommodation, restaurant, and activity tips here!

FAQs for Getting Around Sintra

Is it easy to get around sintra without a car.

Navigating Sintra without a car is quite manageable thanks to various transportation options like tuk-tuks, Uber, and buses.

While these services provide convenient access to Sintra’s scattered attractions, walking between them is not as easy due to the hilly terrain and distances involved.

Is Sintra walkable?

Yes, the city of Sintra is quite walkable, with its charming streets and historical sites. However, reaching attractions like Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle on foot can be challenging due to the steep and distant paths.

Can you go to Sintra without a tour?

Yes, you can visit Sintra without a guided tour. While you’ll need tickets for attractions, exploring on foot or by bus allows for a flexible, self-paced experience.

Is Uber available in Sintra?

Yes, Uber is available in Sintra. However, getting an Uber to pick you up from Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace, and the Moorish Castle can be challenging due to their locations and high demand.

In Conclusion: Getting Around Sintra

We hope this guide helps you which way works best for you for getting around Sintra for your next visit!

Now that you have the hardest part of traveling to Sintra solved, it’s time to enjoy all the incredible sights it has to offer!

Have a great time exploring!

We wish you the best travels and don’t forget to set your “ Out of Office !” 

🌟 Loving our content? Support the journey — buy us a coffee! ☕️

Read More About Portugal

• Portugal 8 Day Itinerary – 3 EXCELLENT Options
• Lisbon and Algarve Itinerary: GREAT 5 to 10 Day Options

Central Portugal

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Portugal Travel Planning Guide

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in Portugal?

Yes  —  Renting a car  is a necessity in most of Portugal if traveling between cities!

If you want to go on day trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you can use public transportation, but we recommend renting a car. Discover Cars is our go-to choice for car rentals in Portugal.

📲  Will my phone work in Portugal?

Maybe, but it will be expensive — Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe.

To use your phone in Portugal and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo . Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel.

There is not a lot of free WIFI in Portugal, so you’ll need your phone for navigating.

🌐 Do I need a VPN when on the internet in Portugal?

While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime.

NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Portugal accommodations?

Our go-to for Portuguese hotels is  Booking.com . They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.

✈️  What’s the best site to buy f lights to Portugal?

For finding cheap flights to Portugal, we recommend  Kayak . Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive.

TAP Air Portugal is usually our airline of choice while in Portugal.

🚐 Should I book tours in Portugal? Do the guides speak English?

We LOVE taking tours in Portugal.

We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English.

For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk .

🚑  Should I buy Portugal travel insurance?

100% YES!  — Portugal has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which provides universal healthcare coverage to all Portuguese citizens and legal residents!

Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend  Safety Wing  – they provide general travel coverage as well as medical !

💧 Can you drink the water in Portugal?

Sometimes  — In many areas of Portugal, the water is safe to drink. However, there can be variations in water quality from one location to another.

In some rural or remote areas, or in older buildings with outdated plumbing systems, water quality might not be as high.

For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a  LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.

🎫  Do I need a visa for Portugal?

Likely Not  — US passport holders don’t need Portuguese visas for travel less than 3 months . If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you will be considered a resident and must have an entrance visa .

Meet Kelsea and Nicholas, the dynamic team behind Out of Office Mindset. They're on a thrilling quest to visit all 7 continents in 5 years, traveling non-stop. So far, they've had an epic year-long US road trip and visited 20 countries (and counting!). They're all about diving into different cultures and learning from their experiences. As avid explorers, they know how a well-planned trip can change you. Their mission? Helping every visitor to Out of Office Mindset plan their next awesome adventure with ease.

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How about a trip through Sintra? We'll get you the perfect ride! With Scotturb's Daily Tour you can travel in 2 bus lines and visit the Historical Park of Sintra, without missing a single tourist attraction.

24 h ticket - Hop-on Hop-off

Sintra Station (Avenida Miguel Bombarda nº 59)

Every day Line 434 - Pena circuit 9:00 – 18:30 (each 15 min.)

Line 435 - Palaces circuit 9:00 – 18:30 (each 20 min.)

Scotturb lines

Line 434 - Pena circuit The Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, National Palace of Sintra and Liberty Park

Line 435 - Palaces circuit National Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace and Park and Palace of Monserrate

Validate your voucher at our Scotturb Customer Service - Sintra Train Station - or directly with the driver, where you’ll be given a ticket in exchange.

After validating your voucher, you have 24 hours to travel freely by bus in Sintra (Lines: 434 / 435). You just need to present your ticket when boarding each Scotturb bus. For better guidance, we recommend you to collect the map before beginning your experience – please ask to Scotturb staff

Tours operated by Scotturb Bus. For more information, please contact: Scotturb Customer Service: (+ 351) 21 469 91 25 - National landline call (Portugal) Scotturb Service Station: Av. Dr. Miguel Bombarda 59, 2710-523 Sintra

Travel as many times as you want, during 24 hours, at your own pace. This way you avoid the physical exhaustion of the steep climbs and save time to make the most of it. There are 2 bus lines available, running regularly through Sintra.

Enjoy every landscape of these unique villages, and of course, don't forget to delight yourself with the traditional local sweets, the famous "travesseiro" and the mythical "queijadas". Come and discover some of the most beautiful places in Portugal! Sintra is a must-see! It is not for less that it was classified World Heritage Cultural Landscape by UNESCO, and every corner has a different mystery to reveal.

With your tourist ticket you can travel on all these lines and visit the following places:

- Pena Palace

- The Moorish Castle

- Park and Palace of Monserrate

- Quinta da Regaleira

- Seteais Palace

- News Museum

- National Palace of Sintra

- Liberty Park

Line 434 - Pena circuit  - The Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, National Palace of Sintra and Liberty Park

+351 21 850 3225 [email protected]

Yellow Bus Tours - Lisboa, Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal

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Sintra Tourist Bus 434

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• Jun 13, 2023

Sintra Tourist Bus 434 Complete Timetable Update of 2024

Updated: Jan 2

The 434 route is - no doubt - one of the most used transports for tourists that want to visit the famous Pena Palace ! One of frequent questions is: At what time does the 434 Bus leave to Pena Palace?

Bus 434 Route Timetable - Summer Schedule 2024

First Bus in the morning leaving from Sintra train station towards Pena: 8:50 AM Last Bus in the evening leaving from Sintra train station towards Pena: 19:00 (7 PM)

The 434 Bus will take approximately 17 Minutes to reach Pena Palace. There is a Stop at the Castel of the Moors. Leaving from Pena Palace towards Sintra train station will take approximately 10 Minutes .

Important Note: these travel times are the scheduled times. The Bus company has no control over the actual travel times, since this depends on traffic conditions! It can take considerably longer during peak season (June, July, August, Easter Week) due to the popularity of the Pena Palace.

Complete Tourist Bus 434 - Sintra to Pena Timetable 2024

Leaving from Sintra

Skip the long waiting lines in Sintra: Buy the Bus 434 Ticket Online!

Since this is one of the most direct and economic ways to visit the Pena Palace in Sintra, it can become very crowded. You don't want to wait in a long line in the heat of the summer and lose precious time that you could use instead to visit the beautiful monuments in Sintra. We therefore highly recommend to buy the Bus 434 ticket online. You can buy it HERE:

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How to plan the perfect lisbon to sintra day trip.

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Whenever I travel somewhere for a few days, I try to squeeze in one day to venture out of the main destination. It wasn’t any different during my time in Lisbon. As much as I was loving every minute there, I wanted to get out of the city to explore. I was looking for a place not too far and with a little different vibe than Portugal’s capital. I wasn’t too original with my choice, when I decided on a Lisbon to Sintra day trip.

It comes as no surprise that the charming town of Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon. Even though it’s just a short train ride away, it offers a completely different experience. Sitting at the foot of Sintra Mountains, the town charms with fairy tale like castles and palaces in the lushest surroundings. The entire area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Since Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, you can find plenty or tours that will take you there for the day. But it’s also extremely easy to visit Sintra on your own, which will give you complete freedom and you can go at your own pace. Here’s all you need to know about how to plan a perfect Sintra day trip from Lisbon on your own.

Table of Contents

How to get from Lisbon to Sintra

Sintra is located 30 km from Lisbon and it’s very easy to visit on your own. Because of lots of traffic and non existing parking in Sintra, I do not recommend driving there, but taking a train instead.

Trains from Lisbon to Sintra leave from Rossio train station frequently (several times per hour in high season) and it takes only 40 minutes to get there (one way ticket costs €2,40). Your stop will be the very last one. The train will stop at Portela Sintra (second to last stop), which is another train station in Sintra, but that’s not the one you want. Stay on and go all the way until the very last station.

Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon and gets really busy, basically year-round at this point. Try to take an early train, so you can get ahead of the biggest crowds. Ideally, you want to get to Sintra before the buses start running right before 9 am so you can hop on the very first one and get the most out of your one day in Sintra.

How to get around Sintra

Once you arrive at the main Sintra train station, take a right and head straight for the bus stop. That’s where you will find the Tourist bus 434, which is one of the ways to get to all the main Sintra attractions. The bus does the loop starting at the train station, making the following stops:

• Sintra Vila ( Sintra’s town center )
• São Pedro de Sintra
• Castelo dos Mouros ( Moorish Castle )
• Palacio National da Pena ( Pena Palace )
• Sintra train station

At the time of my visit (in 2019), there was a one way €7 ticket strictly for the 434 bus, but later it got phased out and replaced by a 24 hour Hop on Hop off bus. In order to ride the Tourist 434 bus, you need to pay €13.50 for a hop-on, hop off ticket, which is valid for 24 hours and allows you to use all the buses in the Sintra area.

You could also get a Train and Bus combo ticket for €16 at the train station in Lisbon, which as the name suggests, covers the train to Sintra and all the buses there.

Recently, a new ticket was introduced “ Pena Circuit “, with an option of buying a one-way (€4.55) or round-trip (€8.40) ticket. The round-trip ticket covers the trip from the train station to Pena Palace and back through the center of town. If you decide to use the bus just from the train station to Pena Palace, and walk to other attractions afterwards, you can buy the one-way ticket only. These are both great options, especially if you don’t want to spend the €13.50 for a ticket you won’t utilize.

Having said that, there have been many reports, that they are heavily promoting and pushing the All-day tickets and denying other options exist. Drivers claim, the hop on hop off ticket is your only choice, despite the bus company’s website stating otherwise. My advice is, be firm and let them know you are well aware of the other ticket options.

The 24 hour Hop on Hop off ticket sounds like a good idea, assuming you will be using the bus to get between all the attractions. In reality though, a lot of people use it to get to Pena Palace and then end up walking to Moorish Castle and the town center after that. Whether by choice, or because they get fed up waiting for the bus. In high season, by the time you finish with your first attraction and go to the bus stop, the lines are already extremely long and some buses come so full, they won’t even stop. You need to wait for the next bus, which might or might not have room.

Another option in Sintra is the Bus 435, which also goes from the train station to some lesser known attractions, ending its run back at the train station. These are the stops:

• National Palace
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Seteais Palace
• Monseratte Palace

Ticket options and prices are the same as for Bus 434.

Taxi/Uber/TukTuk

If you don’t want to deal with the crowded buses and all the hassle that comes with taking them, you can always opt for a taxi, Uber or a TukTuk service. It will definitely be a much more comfortable ride. And if you are traveling with a family or in a group, also cheaper than paying for the bus.

Lisbon to Sintra day trip – things to know before visiting Sintra

• Do not drive to Sintra! – Sintra’s roads are narrow, winding and navigating through them is difficult to say the least. Especially if you visit in high season. Not to mention finding a parking spot, which is nearly impossible.
• Get to Sintra early! – try to arrive before the first 434 bus leaves right before 9 am.
• Tourist bus 434 – this is the most popular way to get around Sintra and between all the major attractions. Geared specifically towards tourists, the bus does the loop with stops at all the major points of interest ( Sintra train station – Sintra Center – Castelo dos Mouros – Sintra Center – Sintra train station ).
• Make Pena Palace your first stop – this is the most popular out of all Sintra attractions, which means it gets really busy. To avoid the crowds, make Pena Palace your first stop of the day. You’ll get there right when it opens and you’ll be ahead of the biggest crowds. When done, you can hop on the 434 bus to go to the Moorish Castle or walk down. Walking seems to be easier, as by then the line for the bus will be long. Also, because of the one way circular loop the bus does, it will take you back to the train station first, before starting the loop again and heading to the Moorish Castle.
• Get a combined ticket – if you plan on visiting most of the attractions, it makes sense to get a combined ticket, versus buying tickets separately. You can save a little bit by combining tickets to 2 or more Sintra attractions, once you decide which ones interest you.

READ MORE : 3 days in Lisbon – best things to do on your first visit

Lisbon to Sintra day trip – Top things to do in Sintra, Portugal

Visit pena palace.

If you’ve ever seen images of Sintra, chances are, those were of Palácio Nacional da Pena, the colorful Palace perched up on the hill. With its bright colors and fairy tale like appearance, Pena Palace definitely stands out among all the other Sintra attractions. Although there’s much more to see in town, Pena Palace is the reason a lot of people decide to take the Sintra day trip.

Built in the 19th century by Ferdinand II, the Palace served as a summer residence for the Royal family for years. It’s location up on the hill of Sintra Mountains was one of the things he liked, since it offered prime views of the town and all the surroundings. You can spot many different architectural style: from Islamic and Moorish influences, to traditional Portuguese accents like Azulejos.

The Palace has plenty of towers and terraces from which you can enjoy amazing views of the town and surroundings. It was especially magical to be up there and experience the fog slowly clearing, revealing the view of the town below.

When buying Pena Palace tickets, you have a choice of a €20 ticket which gives you access to Pena Palace and the Park or a €10 ticket to the Park alone. However, with The Park alone ticket, you can also access the outside of the Palace, which includes all the terraces. If you do not particularly care about seeing the State Rooms, you can save a bit of money by buying the ticket for the Pena Park only.

You can purchase your tickets from the ticket office at the entrance or an automated machine. If you’d like to skip the ticket line, you can always buy your ticket online in advance here . Tickets to Pena Palace have now (in 2024) a scheduled date and time, so you can only enter at the time you chose when booking. Don’t be late, as you will be denied entry if you miss your time slot.

Opening hours :

• Pena Palace – 9.30 am – 6.30 pm ( last admission 5.30 pm )
• Park – 9 am – 7 pm ( last admission 6 pm for the Park )

Stroll through Parque de Pena

Once you are done walking trough the Palace, take some time to stroll through the adjacent park. The park is huge and it’s very easy to get lost in there, figuratively and literally.

As I already mentioned, with the Park ticket you are also able to access the terraces of the Palace.

The Castle of the Moors

By the time I was ready to move on from Pena Palace to the Castle of the Moors, the line at the 434 bus stop was LONG, so I chose to walk.

The castle dates back to 8 and 9th century, when a huge part of Portugal was occupied by Moors. It faced quite turbulent times once Christians took over, until Ferdinand II, who was very fond of the castle, decided to restore it. It’s been said, that he enjoyed looking at the castle while staying in Pena Palace up on the hill. There isn’t much left of the castle today, as mostly walls and towers remain.

If you are looking for spectacular views of Sintra, look no further than the top of the Castle of the Moors. The steep steps along the wall are definitely worth the climb, because the views of the town below are amazing. Looking to the other side, you can see Pena Palace perched up on Sintra Mountain. Some say, on a very clear day, you are able to see Lisbon from one of the view points.

You can buy your ticket at the entrance or if you’d like to avoid waiting in line, book it ahead of time. You can get your Castle of the Moors Fast Track Ticket here.

Opening hours: 9.30 am – 6 pm (last admission at 5.30 pm)

Entrance fee: €12

The town of Sintra

Once you’re done exploring the Castle of the Moors, hop on the 434 bus once again to head to Sintra’s town center. The center is just like the rest of the town, very charming and picturesque. It’s where you’ll find most of the restaurants, cafes and stores. After strolling through the cobble stone streets, which doesn’t take much time, stop at one of the restaurants for lunch.

A place I can definitely recommend for lunch is a little restaurant Tulhas, right off of one of the main cobble stone streets. It’s not big and can get quite busy, especially in high season, but I was able to score one of the outside tables. If you like seafood, you’ll be pleased, as there is plenty of it on the menu. After a delicious lunch of grilled sardines, I was offered a free sample of Ginjinha.

If you’ve never heard of Ginjinha, it’s a liquor made by infusing ginja berries in alcohol. It might not be as world famous as Port wine from Porto , but it is one of the most traditional Portuguese alcohols. It’s mostly popular in Lisbon and surrounding areas. In Lisbon especially, there are plenty of Ginjinha bars, one of the most popular being near Rossio Train station. Plenty of stores sell it too, if you want to take a bottle home.

Visit Palacio Nacional de Sintra

The National Palace of Sintra might not have the most impressive exterior, especially compared with the eye catching Pena Palace, but it’s well worth a visit. The beautiful interior definitely compensates for the rather simple look on the outside.

The Palace holds the title of the most lived in royal residence, as it’s been used by Portuguese nobility from the 15th through the end of 19th century.

Opening hours: 9:30 am – 6.30 pm (last admission at 6 pm)

Entrance fee : €13

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is a fairy like estate, considered by many to be the most beautiful sight in Sintra. It has a Palace with stunning exterior, beautiful grounds and gardens, tunnels and many hidden pathways.

One of the biggest attractions there is the Initiation Well. It’s an 88-foot deep well, supposedly built not to collect water, but for ceremonial purposes. When you visit, you can walk down the moss-covered spiral staircase all the way to a hidden tunnel. This is the most popular spot around the Quinta da Regaleira, so expect long lines. It’s best to go there first thing, as soon as you enter.

The admission ticket grants you access to the inside of the Palace as well, but it’s the exterior and the beautiful gardens, that are the highlight of the visit for many. This is a big site, so be sure to pick up the free map to help you navigate. You probably need a couple of hours to see it all.

While Quinta da Regaleira is one of the stops on 434 bus, it’s also a short walk away from the historic center of Sintra. I personally recommend taking the 15 minute or so walk and not bother with the bus.

Opening hours : January-April and October-December from 10 am-6pm (last entrance at 5.30 pm) and in high season from May-September from 10 am-7pm (last entrance at 5.30 pm)

Entrance fee : €12

Go from Sintra to Cabo da Roca

If you would like to combine your Lisbon to Sintra day trip with a visit to Cabo da Roca, this is pretty easy to do. A local bus 1253 (recent replacement for the 403 bus) does a circular route through Sintra with a stop at Cabo da Roca (directly in front of it). One way ticket costs €2,60 – paid directly to the driver.

If you are interested in doing this little side trip, check out Sintra to Cabo da Roca – how to visit on your own for more information.

Keep in mind though, if you would like to include Cabo da Roca in your day trip from Lisbon , you’ll have to give up one or two of the Sintra attractions (depending on your sightseeing pace). There’s simply not enough time in the day to do it all, even if you get to Sintra by 9 am. In my case, I had to skip Quinta de Regaleira, which gives me a reason to come back to Sintra.

Sintra day tours from Lisbon

Visiting Sintra on your own on a day trip from Lisbon is very easy and cheap. But if you are one of the people who don’t want to deal with trains, buses and all the logistics that go along with it, there are plenty of Sintra guided tours you can take from Lisbon. This Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour is highly rated and one of the top picks.

If you enjoyed this article, you can download it via the GPSmyCity app – it will give you access to the guide, you will be able to use, even if you’re offline. Download it  here .

READ NEXT :

• 3 days in Lisbon – best things to do on your first visit
• Sintra to Cabo da Roca – how to visit on your own
• 10 days in Portugal – the perfect itinerary by train

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50 walk away from burning double-decker bus on I-595 in Davie

By Mauricio Maldonado , Nikiya Carrero

Updated on: April 26, 2024 / 11:15 PM EDT / CBS Miami

MIAMI - About 50 people are lucky to be alive Friday afternoon after the double-decker bus they were in caught fire, shutting down the westbound lanes of I-595 in Davie.

It happened before 3 p.m. near Nob Hill Road. 

CBS News Miami's Nikiya Carrero interviewed two of the tourists who say they were headed to the Everglades, but they never made it.

Edward McElduff, visiting from the UK, said "It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I started thinking about my fiancé and my wedding that I got coming up. Sort of started accepting defeat."    McElduff, along with his colleagues, decided to take a break from the World Finance Forum and take a trip to see alligators when the unimaginable happened. 

Lewis Chandler, also visiting from the UK, said "It's just one of those things that would never happen or ever happen to you and then all of sudden you find yourself running off a bus on the freeway." 

The group got on the bus at 305 Lincoln Road on South Beach where Miami Tours is located. 

About 40 minutes into the drive, they noticed smoke. 

"Then, about 10 minutes later, we noticed we were being pulled over on the freeway. And it was at that moment we noticed something more serious was going on."

The group said the driver did not give them any instructions, so they took matters into their own hands. 

Calmly, exiting one by one, but the door on the bus was against the guard on the shoulder. 

"We had been pulled over so far that you had to climb over the shoulder to get out of the door," said Chandler.

Both men said they were two unsung heroes who assisted the entire group. 

No injuries were reported. 

Images from Chopper 4 showed a charred skeleton of a chartered bus on the emergency lane of an empty highway. 

It is not clear what may have started the fire. 

The bus was eventually towed away from the scene, as lanes started to reopen. 

Traffic was affected for miles. 

• South Florida
• Davie Police
• Breaking News
• Broward County

Mauricio has been a digital journalist in the South Florida area since 1997. In all that time, he has focused on writing mostly breaking local news, everything from baby ducks stuck in a drain to the hard-hitting news you enjoy reading about.

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