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The best way for getting around Sintra is on foot and by bus. The car is absolutely not recommended, especially in high season, due to the high number of visitors and the shortage of parking spaces.
Sintra is also served by a historic tramway that connects the city to Praia das Maçãs, the westernmost holiday resort in continental Europe. More info from this link.
GETTING AROUND SINTRA ON FOOT
For the historic center, and to visit a limited number of sites, you can easily move on foot. If you want to spend more than just a day visiting the city, even a long walk could be a good solution. Of course, a minimum of predisposition to trekking is to be taken into account. To reach, for example, Palacio da Pena or the Castle, you have to walk for at least an hour from the center, between more or less demanding climbs. The effort is rewarded by the splendid views and the walk in the woods.
Always keep a navigation app at hand that can always be a valuable ally if you have lost your way!
If you plan to visit Sintra in just one day, it is preferable to use the bus, and choose your itinerary carefully, so as not to waste too much time.
BUS
Photo ©, Antonio Vera
Scotturb is the Portuguese company that manages public transport in the municipalities of Cascais, Oeiras and Sintra. The means are undoubtedly modern and reliable and, above all, the cheapest solution to get around Sintra.
If you plan to visit the city in just one day, forget to walk as you would take away precious time to visit the best attractions. In this case, the best options are the 434 and 435 buses, which offer two interesting routes. Choose to use both if you intend to do a real “tour de force” around the city!
Line 434, called “Circuito da Pena”, connects Sintra Station, Palacio Nacional, Castelo dos Mouros and Palacio da Pena in a circular route. It is undoubtedly a line of incredible tourist interest.
Line 435, leaving from the station, crosses the Palacio Nacional, Quinta da Regaleira, Palácio de Seteais and Palacio de Monserrate.
Buses run from approximately 09:00 to 18:00. In summer, the lines are active until around 7:30 pm.
BUS SINTRA TICKETS
To travel on the vehicles, you can buy tickets directly on board the vehicles. Keep in mind that you pay only in cash and credit cards are not accepted on board.
The ticket for bus 435 (Villa Express 4 Palácios – Ida y Volta) costs €5.50 per person, and is valid for a round trip on the route.
The ticket for bus 434 (Circuito da Pena – Ida y Volta) costs €7.10 to travel all day (one way, €4.10).
With the Hop on hop off all Buses 24 hours ticket, you can hop on and off all day on all buses in Sintra. It costs €12.50 per person and can be purchased directly online.
If you are leaving from Lisbon, you can also opt for the combined ticket TRAIN & BUS which allows you to make unlimited trips for the whole day on Scotturb buses, and train transfers to/from Lisbon. It costs €16 and can be purchased directly at the station.