.png)
Nestled atop a stunning mountain ridge, Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle in Sintra are among Portugal’s must-see attractions. But due to their elevated location and steep terrain, you’ll need a plan to get there comfortably—unless you’re a seasoned hiker with time to spare! Here’s a visual and intuitive guide to visiting these iconic monuments, from transport tips to (Sintra hop-on hop-off tourist buses 434 and 435) to ticket options.
Getting to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle
🚍 Take Bus 434 from Sintra StationThe most convenient way to reach Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle is by taking Bus 434 operated by Scotturb. This bus departs from outside the Sintra train station, where you’ll see buses lined up parallel to the train tracks.
Why You Should Avoid Driving in Sintra
🚫 Driving in Sintra is NOT recommended
Limited Parking: There are very few parking spots near the town center or the attractions.
Narrow Roads: The roads are steep, narrow, and can be difficult to navigate, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area.
Traffic Jams: Sintra’s popularity means constant congestion, especially during the high season.
Instead, opt for public transport like Bus 434 to save yourself the stress of finding parking and maneuvering through the crowds.
Sintra Bus 434 Route Overview
The 434 bus conveniently loops around the main attractions in Sintra:
Sintra Estação (Sintra Train Station)
São Pedro de Sintra
Sintra Vila (National Palace)
Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace)
Important Note:Due to narrow, winding roads, the bus does not stop at the Moorish Castle on its way back from Pena Palace. Instead, it goes directly downhill to Sintra Vila and terminates at the station.
Pro Tip for Visiting Both Monuments:
First Stop: Get off at the Moorish Castle stop.
Walk to Pena Palace: After exploring the castle, enjoy a scenic 10-minute uphill walk to Pena Palace.
This route saves time and energy compared to waiting for another ride.
Sintra Bus 434 Schedule
🕒 Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Summer: 8:50am to 7:50pm.
Other seasons: 8:50am to 7:00pm.
🚏 Travel Time:
Sintra Station to Moorish Castle: ~15 minutes.
Sintra Station to Pena Palace (direct): ~20 minutes.
Avoid the Queues:
The 434 bus is very popular, with long lines forming even during the low season. To avoid the crowds, aim to arrive in Sintra by 9:00am and catch one of the early buses.
Sintra Bus 434 Ticket Information
💳 Ticket Types and Prices:
Round-Trip Ticket: €7.60 (Recommended) – Covers the journey to and from the attractions.
One-Way Ticket: €4.10 (Not recommended unless you’re prepared for a 1-hour downhill walk back to town).
Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket:
Combo Ticket: Train + Bus
If you’re starting from Lisbon, you can purchase a “Train & Bus” combo ticket:
Cost: €16.00
Inclusions:
Round-trip on the Lisbon-Sintra train line.
Unlimited rides on the yellow Carris Metropolitana buses in Sintra and Cascais on the same day.
Where to Buy: At the ticket counter at Lisbon’s train stations.
Why It’s Not So Popular:Many tourists prefer the Lisboa Card, which includes free, unlimited rides on trains between Lisbon-Sintra and Lisbon-Cascais, as well as free or discounted entry to many attractions.
Where to Buy Sintra Bus Tickets:
On the Bus: Regular bus tickets are purchased directly from the driver.
Online: For the 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off option, you can book online to skip the lines.
Bus 435 Route Overview
Bus 435 is a “hop-on, hop-off” route that takes you past four of Sintra’s most notable palaces:
Sintra National Palace
Palácio de Seteais
Palácio de Monserrate
Important Tip:
While the first three palaces are within walking distance, Monserrate Palace is located further away and requires transportation—Bus 435 is the best way to get there.
Sintra Bus 435 Tickets
💳 Ticket Price: €5.50
How It Works: The ticket is valid for the entire route, from the moment you board until the route is completed.
Where to Buy: Tickets can be purchased directly from the.
Note: The €5.50 ticket does not allow unlimited rides all day—it only covers one full trip around the route, with multiple stops allowed during that single circuit. For a 24 hour ticket see here.
Sintra Bus 435 Schedule
🕒 Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Summer (peak season): 9:30am to 7:50pm.
Off-season: 9:30am to 6:10pm.
Tips for Exploring Sintra by Bus 435:
Plan Ahead: Start your journey early to have plenty of time to visit multiple attractions.
Combine with Bus 434: If you’re visiting Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle first, you can catch Bus 435 afterward to explore more of Sintra.
Comfortable Footwear: You’ll be doing some walking at each palace, especially at Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate, known for their expansive gardens and trails.
Photo Stops: The views from the bus route are spectacular, so have your camera ready!
Additional Tips for a Smooth Trip:
Arrive Early: Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle are extremely popular. Getting an early start helps avoid long lines and large crowds.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing some walking, especially if you visit both monuments.
Pack Snacks & Water: Although there are cafes at the attractions, it’s always a good idea to have some refreshments with you.
Prepare for Weather Changes: The higher altitude means cooler temperatures and unpredictable weather.
In Summary:
To make the most of your visit:
Avoid driving in Sintra—opt for public transport instead.
Take Bus 434 from Sintra station.
Visit the Moorish Castle first, then walk up to Pena Palace.
For flexibility, consider the Hop-On Hop-Off 24-hour ticket or the Lisboa Card if traveling from Lisbon.
A visit to Sintra’s majestic palaces and castles is truly unforgettable, offering breathtaking views and a journey into Portugal’s rich history. Whether you choose to hike, ride, or take in the sights leisurely, these incredible landmarks are worth every moment of your time.
Bonus: Don’t miss the chance to explore Sintra Vila, the charming historic center of Sintra, with its quaint streets, local shops, and delicious pastries like travesseiros and queijadas!
Comments