How do you get from Lisbon to the beach?

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Lisbon to the other side and then the bus to Costa da Caparica. Here, there is a small train, Transpraia, which runs during the bathing season along the various beaches the length of the Fossil Cliffs, to Praia da Fonte da Telha.



Getting from Lisbon to the beach is remarkably easy due to the city's coastal location and efficient public transport. The most popular choice is the Cascais coastline, accessible via the "Linha de Cascais" train from Cais do Sodré station. The train runs every 20 minutes and reaches beautiful spots like Carcavelos (15-20 mins) or the scenic town of Cascais (40 mins). For a more rugged experience, you can cross the Tagus River to Costa da Caparica. In 2026, the best way is to take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (10 mins) and then catch a direct bus (like the 3011 or 3710) which takes about 35-50 minutes to reach the expansive sandy shores. Alternatively, those seeking the crystal-clear waters of Arrábida or Sesimbra typically require a car or a longer bus journey from Sete Rios station. For a quick "city beach" fix, even the local bus 728 can take you toward the riverside sands near Belém, though the Atlantic-facing beaches of Cascais and Caparica remain the gold standard for swimming and surfing.

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Praia do Tamariz, Estoril The beach is perfectly located in front of the train station just 40 minutes from Lisbon's downtown, making it the ideal beach day, without having to hire a car. The water here is calm and monitored by lifeguards during on-season, perfect for families with children.

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While Lisbon is the most expensive city to live in Portugal, it is quite affordable when compared to other countries in western Europe, although, what once was a cheap city has seen its prices creeping up. This said, the cost of living in Lisbon for international students and expats is usually still very affordable.

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Both of the country's major cities are considered coastal, but the answer to whether Porto or Lisbon is best for beaches is a little more complicated. On paper, Porto's beaches should beat Lisbon, as the northern city's upscale Foz do Douro district has its own stretches of golden sand.

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Top beaches include Praia da Prainha and Praia do Porto do Seixal, a gorgeous black sand beach surrounded by vibrant green mountains. Just remember to set aside time for exploring Madeira's natural swimming pools.

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The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered about 46 percent cheaper than in the United States. This, coupled with the country's excellent quality of life, beautiful beaches, stunning mountain ranges, reliable public transport, and rich history and culture, make it very easy to fall in love with Portugal.

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Price of train tickets from Lisbon to Cascais: €2.30 for a single ticket (four-zone fare), or FREE with the Lisboa Card. Frequency and Train Times: Every 12 minutes from 7am to 10am, then every 20 minutes until 5pm, then once again every 12 minutes until 8:30pm. After that, it's every 20 or 30 minutes.

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You can pay using the Viva Viagem card, which is super handy for all public transportation in Lisbon, or you can buy a 24-hour transport ticket, or you can simply pay cash as you board the bus. Most buses run until 11:00 PM, and there are even night buses that cover specific routes.

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