How to get to Pena Palace in Sintra

There is no shortage of things to do, see and eat in Lisbon, but if you’re planning a trip to Lisbon I suggest adding on a day to your itinerary to make a visit to the Pena Palace in Sintra. It is known as Portugal’s answer to Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle, and having visited both castles I could see why. It is a fairy-tale castle that included all the unique architecture I love from Portugal- bright colours and patterned tiles on the outer-walls of buildings.

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon:

Lucky for travellers, getting to Sintra couldn’t be easier. There are direct trains that run every half hour from Lisbon’s central Rossio Station- the one right near Starbucks! The journey takes roughly 40 minutes and a round-trip ticket costs 4,50€.

From the bus station, you can walk to Pena Palace, but it was quite far so to save your legs and get more out of your day I suggest taking bus #434 for 6,90€ return.

When you’re finished with the palace, go to the exit and wait for the same bus number back to the train station. Trains appeared to come every 15-20 minutes for the return to Rossio Station, Lisbon.

About the Palace:

Once you are at the Palace there will be ticket booths to purchase the ticket type you would like. I purchased the Pena Palace and Park package, which cost 14€. There are other palaces to see around Sintra too, so you can buy an inclusive package with the other castles if this interests you.

I just opted to spend my day at the Pena Palace and the park, as I didn’t want to feel rushed racing around to multiple castles. I was by myself this day, so I could take all the time in the world taking pictures without anyone telling me to hurry up.

I spent an hour walking around and through the Palace, then I walked around the park. It doesn’t matter what order you do it in.