Transfer Options from Lisbon Airport to Sintra
If you are flying to Lisbon, then the nearby Sintra should definitely be on your to-do list. Sintra is a picturesque town with an incomparable romantic character, which is even recognized by UNESCO as it is declared part of its cultural heritage. Thus, take the chance and visit the beautiful city or even spend some time there. If you want to get to know Sintra at the beginning of your journey, you can easily access it from the airport, either by a Lisbon airport taxi, car rental, or private airport transfer, or settle on the low-cost, yet not as convenient, bus and train.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 35€ | 35$ | 30 min |
| Bus + Train | 4.30€ | 4.30$ | 85 min |
| Metro + Train | 3.95€ | 3.95$ | 65 min |
Lisbon Airport to Sintra by Taxi
A Lisbon airport taxi is by far one of the most convenient options for your transfer from LIS Airport to Sintra. It is highly recommended if you are traveling with heavy luggage and children or simply if you had a long flight and you are eager to reach your destination. Why? Because:
- Taxis are always available at the taxi ranks located outside T1 and T2.
- They offer door-to-door service without in-between stops.
- They have enough storage space, and they charge the same amount no matter the size of your luggage as long as it can be put in the trunk.
Thus, if you are looking for a comfortable transfer, you should take one of the creamy-colored or black with mint-green roof taxis waiting outside the airport. Please note that the waiting line for a taxi can be long, especially during rush hours. If you find yourself in that situation, you should head to the Departure’s taxi rank and hire your cab there. In any case, you should never trust individual drivers but always go for an official taxi.
Despite being quite low-priced, Lisbon taxis charge according to Tariff 3 or 5 for intercity transfers. Thus, they are less affordable. Therefore, a LIS airport taxi will drive you to Sintra, 28km from Portela Airport, in approximately 30 minutes, under normal traffic conditions and will cost you 35€/35$, while night transfers or rides on weekends and public holidays cost 40€/40$. Extra fees may apply for luggage or pet transfer (1.60€/1.60$. However, you don’t have to pay for strollers, wheelchairs, or guide dogs.
Our Tip 1: Please keep in mind that Portuguese taxi drivers aren’t known for their English skills.
Our Tip 2: Lisbon Airport has only one Arrivals area, at T1. Thus, when landing at LIS (even at T2), you have to transfer to T1 and hire your taxi from the T1 taxi stand.
We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Lisbon Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.
- Local English-speaking drivers
- Flat, pre-paid fee
- Flight monitoring for delays
- 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation
LIS Airport to Sintra by Bus and Train
The cheapest alternative for airport transfers to Sintra is to combine the urban buses with the CP trains. Hence, you can take Bus 705 or Bus 744 from the bus stop located outside T1 Arrivals. The Bus Line 705 operates only during the weekdays, with a 15-minute frequency, from 06:40 am to 08:10 pm. On the other hand, Bus 744 runs from 06:20 am to 09:35 pm every 15-20 minutes. However, on Saturdays, its itineraries are rarer, and its operating hours are from 06:20 am to 09:25 pm. Finally, on Sundays, it runs from 07:10 am to 09:20 pm.
After hopping on either of the two buses, you’ll disembark, after a 10-20-minute ride (Bus 705 makes more intermediate stops), at the Oriente Station bus stop. From there, you can take a CP train to Sintra. CP trains depart every 10-20 minutes, from 00:08 am to 11:38 pm, and their trip to Sintra lasts around 47 minutes. Hence, your total journey shouldn’t exceed 85 minutes, including the waiting time.
As far as the ride’s fare is concerned, you have the following options:
- You can buy a bus ticket onboard, paying 2€/2$, or obtain a bus-metro ticket by the automatic machines or the ticket offices of the airport, priced at 1.65€/1.65$. Please note that the automatic machines accept cash up to 20€/20$. This ticket is valid for 60-minute public transfers around Lisbon. When reaching Oriente Station, you’ll have to buy a 2.30€/2.30$ train ticket, either from the automatic vendors or from the ticket kiosks. Online bookings don’t apply to urban routes. Thus, the total fare for your journey will be 4.30€/4.30$.
- Alternatively, you can purchase a 10.70€/10.70$ 24-h ticket, valid for bus, tram, subway, and CP trains.
Please keep in mind that apart from the on-bus tickets, all the other ticket types must be loaded into a rechargeable card, the strictly personal Viva-Viagem card, which costs 0.50€/0.50$ and is personal. However, as this card can be loaded with one type of ticket at a time, it should be empty before buying the train ticket.
- Your last option is to load your Viva-Viagem card with cash and charge it every time you use public transport (Zapping). In that case, the bus ticket costs 1.47€/1.47$, while the train fare is 1.95€/1.95$. Therefore, the total journey’s cost is 3.42€/3.42$ plus the Viva-Viagem’s price.
Our Tip 1: If you intend to do a lot of sightseeing, you can benefit from the Lisboa card’s privileges, such as free entrance or reduced prices to most of Lisbon attractions along with free public rides (including the CP trains).
Our Tip 2: The bus is free for children younger than 4 years old. On the other hand, children under 3 years old travel for free on CP trains, while 4-12 -year children and seniors more than 65 years of age pay half price.
Our Tip 3: Urban buses aren’t recommended if you carry lots of luggage, as you can only take onboard baggage measuring 50 x 40 x 20cm.
Lisbon Airport to Sintra by Metro and Train
When it comes to public transportation, the combination of the airport Red Metro Line and the CP trains is the most convenient way to reach Sintra. The airport metro arrives at Oriente Station in only 7 minutes and operates from 06:30 am to 01:00 am at 6-10-minute intervals. Hence, your total metro and train trip to Sintra should last 60-65 minutes.
The 1.65€/1.65$, 60-minute ticket, valid for bus, tram, and metro, is available for this transfer too, provided you have bought a 0.50€/0.50$ Viva-Viagem card. What’s more, if you plan to load the card with cash using the Zapping method, your subway ticket’s price is 1.47€/1.47$. On the other hand, the tickets for the CP Trains to Sintra are priced at 2.30€/2.30$. Therefore, the total journey will cost from 3.77€-3.95€/3.77$-3.95$. The 10.70€/10.70$ day card is also an option, as well as the Lisboa card.
Our Tip 1: Children up to 4 years old don’t have to pay for a metro ticket.
Our Tip 2: Metro tickets are available via the ticket offices and the automatic machines of the airport subway station.
Car Rental from Lisbon Airport to Sintra
If you want to fully explore Lisbon’s surroundings or schedule your trips at your own pace, nothing could be better suited for your liking than a Lisbon airport car rental. Examine all your options, given that many car rental providers are present at Portela Airport, and find the best value for money deal for your transfer. Thus, after picking up your Lisbon car hire, you can start your trip to Sintra. You’ll reach the E1 highway and continue to 2ª Circular and A37. Taking Exit A16 to Sintra Centro/Mafra/Ericeira, you’ll keep driving for 2.8km before exiting towards Sintra Centro/Colares. Finally, you’ll head to N249 leading to Sintra.
Private Airport Transfers from Lisbon Airport to Sintra
Why try to navigate through Lisbon Airport carrying your luggage, or squeeze yourself into the public transportation means and change lines to reach Sintra, when you can book a LIS airport private transfer and get to Sintra hassle-free? Plenty of private transfer companies operate at Portela Airport providing premium services and many side amenities. Do your picking and enjoy the ultimate transfer experience!
FAQs
How far is Lisbon Airport to Sintra?
Sintra is only 28km away from Lisbon Airport. Thus, a taxi ride from Portela Airport to the nearby popular town lasts 30 minutes, while the total train transfers last from 65 minutes to 85 minutes, depending on whether you take the bus or the metro from the airport to Oriente Station.
How do you get from Lisbon Airport to Sintra?
Transfers from Lisbon International Airport to Sintra are handled either by airport taxis and private transfers or via a combination of public transportation means. Hence, you can choose between the urban buses and the airport metro for your ride to Oriente Station, where you’ll take the CP train heading to Sintra.
How much is a taxi from Lisbon Airport to Sintra?
Lisbon taxis are metered, and they don’t offer set prices. In any case, you should expect to pay 35€/35$ during the day and 40€/40$ during nights or on weekends and public holidays.