Insight: If you are considering a day trip to Sintra and Cascais, never try to combine them in a single day. Both towns need at least one day of sightseeing to fully appreciate, and two days could be easily spent in Sintra.
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The best way to get from Sintra to Cascais without a car is to line 1623 bus which takes 29 min and costs €2 - €4. How long does it take to get from Sintra to Cascais? The line 1623 bus from Av Álvaro Vasconcelos to Cascais takes 29 min including transfers and departs hourly.
While you can see the main highlights of Sintra in one day, we recommend at least two days in Sintra. This will allow you to see the most popular castles such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, or Quinta de Regaleira, but also explore the area deeper and visit some lesser-known gems such as Monserrate Palace.
The train from Lisbon to Sintra takes about 40 minutes from the Rossio Station and costs about 5€ for a round trip. Take the scenic train line from the Cais do Sodre Station to both destinations. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs under 2.50€. Take the 403 bus from either Cascais or Sintra.
Cascais to Sintra by Public transportThe rail route is impractical as requires two journeys; one from Cascais to Lisbon and a second from Lisbon to Sintra. The Cascais Sintra bus route is direct and is the recommended means of travel between the two tourist towns.
Yes, absolutely! Cascais is not only one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon, but it's a gorgeous, relaxed resort town in its own right. If you're looking for beautiful ocean views, a charming town center, and plenty of beaches, Cascais is absolutely worth visiting.
In Sintra, you can get around by walking, by bus, or by taxi. If you're just in Sintra for 24 hours, walking will take up too much time. With that amount of time, it's best to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, and then use Sintra's bus lines or taxis to get around.
An alternative option is to follow the Caminho de Santa Maria footpath, which leads uphill from the historic centre of Sintra to the Castelo dos Mouros and Pena Palace. Be warned, this is a very steep hill and a demanding 55-minute hike, which can be very tiring in the heat of summer.
Sintra is a charming destination in the Lisbon district of Portugal. The town is best known for its castles, palaces, and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Cascais prides itself - and rightly so. It currently has 16 museums, two urban parks and they can all be visited by foot. On the center there are old family houses transformed into museums, royal palaces, and buildings designed by Pritzker prize winnners and a cultural center with exhibitions.
Hidden among its majestic pine forest, you will discover whimsical palaces, extravagant villas and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. This variety of fascinating historic buildings and stunning natural scenery, makes Sintra an outstanding tourist destination.
24-hour unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with 360-degree panoramic views of Sintra. Access to 2 bus routes around Sintra, with stops near palaces, parks, and beaches. Create your own itinerary to explore the city and its popular attractions.
Don't be like me—wear sneakers, or at least sturdier sandals. Due to its altitude and location closer to the coast, Sintra is often chillier than Lisbon, which was definitely the case when we visited. I recommend dressing in layers, and bringing a light jacket or sweater.