You can visit Sintra without a tour and that's how many people will do it. But going from Lisbon to Sintra for the day does involve quite a few logistics, including the train to get there, the bus to get around, tickets at each sight – not to mention dealing with the crowds!

Yes, going to Sintra without a tour is not only possible but often preferred by travelers who want to explore at their own pace. In 2026, the best way to reach Sintra is by taking the dedicated train from the Rossio Station in central Lisbon, which takes about 40 minutes and costs less than €5. Once you arrive at the Sintra train station, you can use the 434 or 435 tourist buses to reach the major sites like the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira. Because Sintra is extremely popular and can become congested with traffic, taking the train avoids the parking nightmares that solo drivers face. The key to a successful "DIY" trip is to pre-book your timed entry tickets for the Pena Palace online weeks in advance; if you show up without a reservation, you will likely be turned away. Walking between the town center and Quinta da Regaleira is easy, but you will definitely want to use the bus or a local "Tuk-Tuk" for the steep climb up to the Pena Palace. Going without a tour gives you the freedom to spend hours in the gardens or skip sites that don't interest you.