How to Get to Sintra National Palace from Lisbon
The train from Lisbon Rossio: the default route
From Sintra station to the palace: a 3 to 5 minute walk
Driving and parking: not the smart choice
Stitching the day together: National Palace, Pena, Moorish Castle, return
Frequently asked
How long is the train from Lisbon to Sintra?
Roughly 40 minutes from Rossio station to Sintra, with departures every 20 minutes on weekdays.
Which Lisbon station should I leave from?
Rossio is the most central. Oriente, Entrecampos and Sete Rios are alternatives if you are staying nearer those neighbourhoods.
How far is the palace from Sintra train station?
Three to five minutes on foot, mostly downhill, through the historic centre. You can see the twin chimneys from the station approach.
Do I need to take a bus from the station?
No, not for the National Palace. Buses (the 434 in particular) are useful for reaching Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle on the hilltop.
Can I drive from Lisbon and park near the palace?
Driving is possible but strongly discouraged. Parking in the historic centre is severely limited, often impossible on weekends, and slower door-to-door than the train.
Are tuk-tuks worth the cost from the station?
Not for the National Palace itself — the walk is too short. Tuk-tuks become useful for the onward climb to Pena and the Moorish Castle.
Is the route suitable for travellers with mobility considerations?
The walk is short and on cobbles. Travellers with mobility needs may prefer a tuk-tuk or taxi from the station directly to the palace gate.
What is the cheapest way to get there?
The Linha de Sintra train from Rossio, paid via Viva Viagem card, then a free walk to the palace gate.
Can I combine the journey with Pena Palace in the same day?
Yes, and most visitors do. Start at the National Palace at opening, then take the 434 bus or a tuk-tuk up to Pena and the Moorish Castle for the middle of the day.