Even if there are long queues at the train station or in Sintra town centre, the 434 bus is still your best option. The 434 bus service is designed for tourists, and the fares reflect this. The highly promoted 24-hour ticket costs €15, a single fare costs € 4.10, and the Pena Circuit Round Trip €7.60.

As of March 2026, the cost for the Sintra 434 "Pena Palace" Circuit bus is €8.40 for a hop-on, hop-off 24-hour ticket. This bus is operated by Scotturb and is the most popular way for tourists to travel from the Sintra railway station to the historic center, the Moorish Castle, and the hilltop Pena Palace. It is important to know that you can no longer buy a single-trip ticket just for one "up-hill" leg; the standard fare is the 24-hour circuit pass, which allows you to complete the full loop and stop at all the major landmarks along the way. You can purchase your ticket directly from the bus driver using cash (though exact change is appreciated) or a contactless payment card. For travelers looking for better value, the "Sintra Green Card" (€31) includes the 434 bus along with train travel from Lisbon and entry to several palaces. Because the walk from the station to Pena Palace is exceptionally steep and takes nearly an hour, the €8.40 bus fare is generally considered a "necessary" expense for most visitors to ensure they have enough time and energy to actually explore the palaces once they reach the summit.