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. There are two bus routes you'll use in Sintra.

In 2026, it is not only easy but actually highly recommended to get around Sintra without a car. The town's narrow, winding roads were never designed for modern traffic, and parking near major attractions like Pena Palace or the Moorish Castle is virtually non-existent and extremely expensive. For visitors, the 434 tourist bus (the "Circuito da Pena") is the most efficient method; it runs in a loop from the Sintra train station to the historic center and the hilltop palaces. There is also the 435 bus, which covers the Monserrate Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. For those who enjoy a challenge, many of the sites are walkable, though the climb to the top is very steep. In 2026, many travelers also use "Tuk-Tuks" or the historic Sintra Tram (which goes to the beach at Praia das Maçãs). By taking the train from Lisbon's Rossio Station (a 40-minute journey) and utilizing the local bus network, you avoid the infamous Sintra traffic jams and the "ZLT" (Zero Low Emission) restrictions that have been tightened in 2026 to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site's environment.