Sintra from Porto: train, journey time and is a day trip worth it?
Sintra is about 3 h 40 from Porto by train, with a change in Lisbon: there is no direct train. Allow about 2 h 40 from Porto Campanhã to Lisboa Oriente (Alfa Pendular or Intercidades, roughly one departure an hour), then about 40 to 47 minutes to Sintra. Porto–Lisbon tickets cost €14 to €40 depending on train and booking date (guides, October 2026). Our view: a day trip from Porto means 7 to 8 hours of transport for a few hours on site; it is better to spend a night in Lisbon or Sintra, or to book an excursion that leaves from Lisbon.
Highlights
Pena Palace
The red and yellow castle on the hilltop, the symbol of Sintra; the walk up from the centre is steep, and buses and tuk-tuks run. Book the ticket online, the queue at the gate can be long.
Quinta da Regaleira
A garden and neo-Manueline palace with an initiation well; visit slots fill up, so book at least the day before.
Sintra's historic centre
Lanes, pastry shops (travesseiros, queijadas) and the national palace, all on foot.
Practical info
Tips
- For a same-day return, take the first train of the morning and expect to get back late; it is a tough pace. The simplest plan from Porto: train to Lisbon, sleep there, then the suburban train to Sintra (a train every 20 minutes or so). Entry tickets (Pena, Regaleira) are bought online on the official sites, skipping the queue. Entry prices change: check them before you go. To compare with the capital, see Lisbon from Porto: train or excursion and Porto or Lisbon.
How to get there
CP train from Porto Campanhã to Lisboa Oriente (about 2 h 40), then the Sintra line to Sintra station (about 40 to 47 minutes). Coach is possible (Rede Expressos, about 4 h 15 to Portela de Sintra), but longer. Timetables and fares on cp.pt.
Opening hours
Nearby
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