If you're planning a trip to Sintra, visiting Pena Palace is likely at the top of your list. Most travelers start their journey from Lisbon, as it's the most convenient route. Sintra is well connected by train, making it an easy and scenic day trip.
Once in Sintra, reaching Pena Palace requires a bit of planning since it's perched on a steep hill within the Sintra Mountains. Whether you prefer public transport, an Uber, or even hiking, here's a guide to help you easily reach this fairytale-like palace.
Where is Pena Palace located?
Located in the Sintra Mountains within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Pena Palace sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests, valleys, and even the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day.
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
How to reach Pena Palace
By train and bus
1. Lisbon to Sintra:
- Take the Sintra Line (CP) train from Oriente, Rossio, or Entrecampos stations. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
2. Sintra station to Pena Palace:
- Board Bus 434 (Scotturb) from Sintra station, which follows a loop stopping at Sintra Historic Center, Moorish Castle, and Pena Palace.
- The bus takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Pena Palace from the station.
🚨 Traveler Tip: While the 434 bus is a popular option, some visitors find it expensive (€15 per person for a day pass) and time-consuming, as it can take a while to board due to long lines. If you're in a group or only visiting a couple of palaces, taking Uber may be a faster and more cost-effective choice.
🚗 By Uber or taxi
- Taking an Uber or taxi from Sintra train station is a quick and comfortable option.
- The ride takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around €6-€10.
- Note that taxis/Ubers can only drop you near the palace gates—you’ll still need to walk uphill to the entrance.
🚨 Traveler Tip: Many visitors prefer using Uber instead of the 434 bus, as multiple Uber rides around Sintra can be cheaper and faster than the €15 bus day pass. Suggested Uber route:
- Uber from Sintra station to Pena Palace (~€6-7)
- Walk from Pena Palace to Moorish Castle
- Uber from Moorish Castle to Quinta da Regaleira or Sintra Town Center (~€4)
- Walk or Uber back to Sintra station (~€4-6)
Total cost for two people: ~€24-28 (vs. €30 for two bus passes)
🚗🅿️ By car
Driving Directions:
- If coming by car, Sintra is accessible via IC19 (from Lisbon), IC30 (from Mafra), or EN9 (from Cascais, via the A5).
- Important: Private vehicles are not allowed to drive up to Pena Palace. You must park in Sintra's historic center or at designated parking areas and take public transport.
Pena Palace parking – Where to park?
It's important to note that there is no on-site parking for visitors at Pena Palace. However, here are your best options:
Sintra Historic Center Parking:
- Several public parking areas are available in the town, from where you can take Bus 434 or hike up.
Peripheral Car Parks:
- P3 (Estacionamento Portela de Sintra) – A larger parking lot in Sintra, with public transport connections to the palace.
- P1 (Estacionamento Rio do Porto) – Another option with bus access.
Tip: Arrive early, as parking spots fill up fast, especially in peak tourist season.
On Foot – Can you walk to Pena Palace?
- Hiking is an option, but be prepared for a challenge.
- The walk from Sintra train station to Pena Palace is about 3 km (1.8 miles), but the path is steep, curvy, and can be exhausting.
- If you're up for an adventure, you can take one of these trails:
- Santa Maria Trail – 1.77 km, ~1-hour walk.
- Villa Sassetti Trail – 1.85 km, ~45-minute walk (the easiest option).
- Once inside the Pena Palace grounds, there’s still an additional uphill walk from the main gate to the palace itself.
Recommended tickets to Pena Palace
Frequently asked questions
The most convenient option is to take the Sintra Line train from Lisbon to Sintra, followed by Bus 434.
Alternatively, taking an Uber from Sintra train station is a quick and hassle-free choice.
No, Pena Palace does not have visitor parking.
You must park in Sintra’s historic center or designated lots and take public transport or hike.
About 3 km (~1.8 miles) from Sintra train station.
By bus or Uber, it takes 10-15 minutes.
Walking can take 45 minutes to an hour.
The Sintra Line train + Bus 434 is the most tourist-friendly and budget-conscious option.
For convenience, Uber from Sintra station is a great alternative.
Your ticket allows entry to the palace grounds anytime during the day, but you must enter the palace itself within your designated time slot. If you arrive late, you may need to go to the ticket counter to exchange your ticket for a later time, but entry is not guaranteed.
It’s best to plan ahead and arrive at the palace gates at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for the additional uphill walk to the entrance.
The best time to visit is early in the morning (9:30am - 11am) or late in the afternoon (after 3pm) to avoid crowds.
Midday (11am - 2pm) is the busiest, with long lines and heavy tourist traffic, especially during peak season.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and visiting during the off-season (October - March) offers a quieter experience.
For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting and fewer people in your shots.
