Sintra became the world's first center for Romantic architecture in the 19th century. Whimsical buildings like the Pena Palace now make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases some of the world's finest Romanticist architecture.
Is there a direct train from Porto to Sintra?
No, there isn't a direct train from Porto to Sintra. You need to take a train from Porto to one of Lisbon's main stations such as Oriente, Santa ApolĂłnia, or Entrecampos, and then transfer to a train going to Sintra. The changeover in Lisbon is straightforward, with frequent connections to Sintra.
How long does it take to get from Porto to Sintra?
The journey from Porto to Sintra takes approximately three and a half hours by car, depending on traffic, and about four to five hours if you go for public transport. When using public transport, the travel time includes transferring trains in Lisbon. The total duration can change based on connection times between trains in Lisbon and the chosen method of travel.
Is Sintra close to Porto or Lisbon?
Sintra is much closer to Lisbon than it is to Porto. It is located approximately 18 miles (30 km) to the west of Lisbon, and it's easily accessible by car, train, or bus, which makes it a popular day-trip destination. In contrast, Porto is about 206 miles (332 km) north of Sintra, making the journey significantly longer whether youâre traveling by car, train, or bus.
What is the best way to get from Porto to Sintra?
The best way to get from Porto to Sintra is with Daytrip's door-to-door private car service. This option saves you the most time and stress compared to driving or taking a bus, train, or plane. You can create a completely custom itinerary to explore Portugal on the way.
Can you just walk around Sintra?
Yes! Sintra is compact, so it's easily walkable (plus parking is limited)! Pena Palace is about a 45-minute hike from Sintra on the Villa Sassetti Trail, or you can take a taxi.
The west side of the Iberian peninsula can be discovered in many ways, but few of them are as rich as having a road trip from Porto to Sintra. What could be better than a comfortable and enriching ride to the smaller, calmer but equally charming (not to mention UNESCO-listed) town of Sintra after making the most of the lively Porto?
Your trip would begin with piercing through the city into the landscapes surrounding Porto and the Douro River. Carrying your port wine as a memento, youâll be watching vineyards and agricultural fields from your window. The distance between Porto and Sintra is around 206 miles (332 km), and your journey will last only around three hours, if you donât make stops youâll take along the way. But why would you miss the opportunity to explore more of Portugal?
Once you travel from Porto to Sintra, youâll quickly realize that this is a town worth staying, exploring, and enjoying for days. Its charm partly comes from being located within the foothills of Portugalâs Sintra Mountains, which bless Sintra with a pleasant microclimate, enveloped by deep, which always offers a retreat from the summer heat.
Sintra's 19th-century Romantic architecture, opulent palaces, historic estates, and well-cared-for gardens have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. all of which are set against the dense woodlands and mountain peaks.
The microclimate of Sintra means that it can often be cooler and more misty than neighboring areas. It gives the town and its surrounding forests an ethereal, almost mystical quality. This climate has nurtured such a green landscape that, combined with the architectural wonders, creates a fairytale ambiance that is unique to Sintra.
Speaking of architectural wonders, the Pena Palace which stands atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains, is a masterpiece of Romanticism. Youâll see such bright colors that are not typical for palaces at all, perfectly combined with ornate stonework. Your coming up here will be rewarded with astonishing views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean.
Just exploring the town of Sintra will be a delight alone to explore. Youâll walk through cobblestone streets, traditional shops, and cafes serving Portuguese delicacies like travesseiros _and _queijadas. Visiting the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which encloses the town and houses the Pena Palace, means hiking trails, picnic spots, and a feast for the eyes.
From Porto to Sintra: travel tips
Traveling from Porto to Sintra can be as smooth, fun, and comfortable as possible if you take a look at some of our travel tips!
If you are drivingâŠ
Get a Via Verde device so you can drive through Portugal's toll roads without stopping, especially on the A1 motorway from Porto to Sintra. This not only saves time but also simplifies your trip. Be mindful of the speed limits and traffic laws in Portugal and plan your parking in Sintra before you set off.
Start your trip early
To make the most of your visit to Sintra, start your journey from Porto early in the morning. Itâll help you avoid the peak traffic around Lisbon and youâll arrive in Sintra with enough time to explore before the afternoon crowds. An early start gives you a head start on both the road and the tourist influx.
Pack wisely
Portugal experiences more or less warm temperatures all year round. And especially if you are visiting during the hot summer months, pack enough water bottles with you. Have your preferred snacks ready to keep your energy level high. Dress in lightweight and airy clothes to be comfortable during the whole drive.
How to get from Porto to Sintra
There are several ways to travel from Porto to Sintra, including driving, taking a bus, train, flying, or having a door-to-door private car service like Daytrip at your service. Take a look at your options and pick the one thatâs the most convenient for you.
Porto to Sintra by private car service
A private car transfer with Daytrip is by far the most convenient and comfortable option. Youâll avoid the stress of driving, finding parking, going through so many transfers, and carrying your luggage around. Instead, you can simply lean back and enjoy the route from Porto to Sintra.
Your English-speaking driver will pick you up, help you with your luggage, give you insightful tips about Portugal, wait for you while you explore the towns on the way, and leave you at your desired destination in Sintra.
Porto to Sintra by train
From Porto, take a train to Lisbon, namely Oriente, Santa ApolĂłnia, or Entrecampos stations, and then switch to a Sintra-bound train. The train ride from Porto to Lisbon takes around 2.5-3 hours. From Lisbon to Sintra, it's about 40 minutes. The combined train ticket cost varies but expect to pay around âŹ25 to âŹ40 one-way per person. Keep in mind that although trains are frequent, switching trains in Lisbon can be complicated.
Porto to Sintra by bus
There are direct bus services from Porto to Sintra. Flixbus and Rede Expressos operate between Porto and Sintra around three or four times a day. The bus ride can take 3.5-4.5 hours. Remember that bus trips are less comfortable than trains and car rides for long distances, but it's a viable budget option.
Porto to Sintra by plane
You can take a 45-minute flight from Porto to Lisbon. From there, you can either take a taxi or car service to Sintra or take the 783 or 744 public buses to the Estação Entrecampos train station. From here, there are trains to Sintra departing every 20 minutes.
If that sounds complicated, it is. And it doesn't even save you any time since you need to get to the airport 2 hours before your flight, whatever time it takes to get off the plane and get your luggage. It's also more expensive than just taking a private car the whole way.
Porto to Sintra by car
Driving from Porto to Sintra is one of the more flexible options you have. You can go through the A1 motorway, transitioning to the A8, and then the IC19 towards Sintra, which would be the most direct route. The drive itself would take approximately three to three and a half hours, without possible traffic jams and stops along the way. There will be tolls on the A1 and A8 motorways, so having Via Verde installed would save you time.
Things to do when you get to Sintra
Once you finally arrive from Porto to Sintra and its many wonders, youâll need several full days to make the most of this fairytale town. Making a to-do list always helps, so here are some of our top tips to inspire you!
Be blown away by Pena Palace
Pena Palace was originally a medieval monastery, but was ruined by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. In the 19th century, Ferdinand II purchased it and some of the surrounding estates, like the Moorish Castle, and transformed them into the things of wonder you see today. Pena Palaceâs hodgepodge of architectural styles, vibrant facades, and opulent interiors make it one of the finest examples of Romanticist architecture in the world, not to mention the centerpiece of Sintraâs UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Get tickets in advance!
Explore the Moorish Castle
Step back into the 8th century as you walk through the ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros. One of Sintra's UNESCO-listed monuments, this historic fortress offers stupendous views that stretch from the green hills of Sintra to the Atlantic coast from its hilltop perch. Wander around its ancient ramparts and battlements, and immerse yourself in the rich Moorish history that shaped the region.
Just a short walk from Sintraâs historic center rests the Quinta da Regaleira, yet another of Sintra's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is an estate under a Gothic spell, nothing like anything youâve seen before. It will captivate you with its Gothic façades, magical gardens, and mystical grottoes.
Venture into the Initiation Well, a symbol of rebirth, leading you through an underground labyrinth to come out transformed. The green gardens, hidden tunnels, and antique architecture make it a fascinating blend of history, mysticism, and nature.
When is the best time to visit Sintra
Sintra is beautiful and quite enchanting pretty much during every season. But spring is the best time to visit.
Plan your trip from Porto to Sintra during the spring months from March to May. The temperatures will be ideal for exploring Sintra, the gardens will be in bloom, and since you will be avoiding the peak travel times, youâll have a more relaxed and laid-back experience with fewer crowds.
Alternatively, visit in the fall months from September to November for a similar experience, except the gardens and forests will be changing color rather than blooming!
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Aveiro
Dubbed âthe Venice of Portugalâ because of its canals and gondola-like boats, visitors will find Aveiro has its own unique identity. The âVeniceâ of PortugalÂ
Coimbra
Halfway between Lisbon and Porto, this varied and captivating city has a long history and vibrant atmosphere built around the country's oldest university. Â The Medieval Capital of PortugalÂ
Obidos
Traditionally owned by the Queen of Portugal, every house in this hilltop town had to meet the royal aesthetic. The Town of QueensÂ
Alcobaca
This medieval city is inextricably linked to its UNESCO-protected Monastery. Monk MadeÂ
Nazare
This historic fishing village attracts beach-goers, culture-lovers, and surfers, who come to ride its record-breaking waves. A Real CatchÂ
Mafra National Palace
With a massive library, beautiful basilica, and luxurious apartments, it's easy to forget that this sumptuous Baroque complex was at its heart, a convent. Â The Promised PalaceÂ
