For the typical tourist, you do not need a car in Cascais. The town center is compact, charming, and highly walkable, with most major attractions, beaches, and the marina located within a 15-minute stroll of the train station. Cascais is connected to Lisbon by a scenic 40-minute coastal train that runs every 20 minutes, making it incredibly easy to visit without your own wheels. For exploring the nearby "wild" beaches like Praia do Guincho, you can use the affordable "MobiCascais" bike-sharing program or local buses (numbers 405 or 415). If you want to visit the fairytale palaces of Sintra, a direct bus (the 417 or 403) departs regularly from the terminal below the CascaisVilla mall. Driving in Cascais can actually be a hassle due to narrow cobblestone streets, limited and expensive parking, and heavy summer traffic. A car is only recommended if you plan to explore the deep inland regions of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park or travel to more remote parts of the Alentejo region.